This item is really good. The deep grooves really increase the friction and catches fall really well. I dont like rappelling or lowering people with the ropes through the deep grooves because the rope gets jerked alot. After the rope is set into the groove, it is a difficult to get it out of the groove smoothly to let the rope run. Maybe I just havent used it enough to get use to it.

This is the smoothest belay device i have been belayed on! Makes clipping really easy.

I'll give it a 3.5-4
Constructed well and pretty versitle. I have not tried it as a figure 8 but I am willing.
I bought it because I am using half ropes more and more.
the devise generates plenty of friction on the "U" shaped notches...it also sports a "V" notch which I am sure is like a break. I have had a crazy ride on a thin rope so I wanted a device that could generate more stopping power than an ATC...it does
I have not gotten use to the rigid stem. it may work a little better when coupled to a biner that is locked around your harness and not the belay loop.
It is a good piece but I feel the flow of an Atc is smoother. But again if you are using thin ropes.. this is the deal.

This device was great- It is smooth, small, and efficient. The only thing I like to use! I would highly recomend it!

It's not quite an ATC, not quite an 8 it's an SBG. I'm just going to sum up this up by saying jack of all trades master of none. I don't really like it but that's just my opinion. I guess it is better then then the first SBG.