Since Petzl’s first generation of the GriGri was released in 1991, climbers have cherished its versatility and assisted braking ability. In some parts of the world, GriGris are so popular that all belay devices are called “GriGris.”

The Petzl Grigri+ Belay device with assisted braking, compatible with a broad range of single rope diameters, for both gym and crag: While the GriGri was among the first assisted braking belay devices on the climbing market, it now competes with a host of other devices made by various brands. To be clear, Petzl manufactures the only true GriGri — and that’s the product we are focusing on in this guide. placed after 3pm on a Friday or at a weekend or on a Bank Holiday will be processed on the next working day Hand motions are the same as with classic belay systems: both hands on the rope. A fall is stopped by tightening the hand on the free end of the ropeThis expanded range will allow for a safer belay while using popular skinny ropes such as the 8.5mm Beal Opera, 8.7mm Mammut Serenity, 8.9mm Edelrid Swift, 9.0mm Sterling Fusion Nano, 9.1mm Blue Water Icon, and 9.2mm Petzl Volta. You could buy a Plus for use in all these venues, but I’m not sure why you would.It doesn’t perform as well in as many settings as other devices, which means that it stays in the gear closet more often. Ease of Use Grabbing the climber’s rope in a fall. This reduces the pull on the device and prevents it from fully engaging. While we’re on the subject of lowering, the new cam geometry also makes lowering easier to modulate. Some climbers criticized the GriGri 2 for being too much of an on-off switch, without much sensitivity for controlling the lower.

This guy gets a lot of love and a lot of hate, but in reality it’s just about your experience level with assisted brake belay devices, specifically GRIGRIs. So here’s both perspectives on the unique (and rad) elements to the GRIGRI+: Climbers who belay both top rope and lead climbers and wish there was more variability in the cam engagement The Freino is designed for one specific purpose – making it easier to lower and rappel with the GriGri. The extra spur and wire gate on the side are for clipping the brake rope in to. This gives extra friction on lowering or rappelling whilst also stopping the GriGri from getting cross-loaded.The GriGri + had a mediocre score in this category. It will still work everywhere a GriGri 2 works, and that includes multi-pitch climbs. But in too many cases, it’s not the device we would reach for. In high-wear areas, Petzl added beefy stainless-steel plates. Where the GriGri 2 would develop grooves after extended use, the GriGri + is much more resistant to wear. hand motions are the same as with classic belay systems: both hands on the rope. A fall is stopped by tightening the hand on the free end of the rope The GriGri is an assisted braking device or ABD. In today’s climbing scene, ABDs are the go-to for most climbers. Many climbing gyms require visitors to use ABDs while belaying.

This is the category in which the GriGri + excelled, with a nearly perfect score. All the devices we tested are certified and safe if used properly, but the GriGri + goes above and beyond to ensure safety. It provides easy access for new belayers, and it makes every effort to prevent malfunction or misuse. Whenever possible, keep your partner within sight. If this isn’t possible, maintain communication via verbal commands. A belayer must make many split-second decisions when a climber falls to mitigate risk.anti-panic handle: if the user pulls too hard on the handle, the anti-panic function brakes and stops the descent Each generation of the Grigri has a lower limit for the rope diameter for which the cam will engage; the manufacturer recommends the Grigri 2 to be used only with 8.9 to 11 mm diameter ropes.

This device is not suitable for left-handed belay technique. There is a sharp edge on the side that will fray rope if used left-handed, but a smooth flange to protect the rope while belaying right-handed. However, there are special techniques that allow left-handed belayers to use this device, like reorienting it to face the other way. [5] The GriGri slides down the side of the carabiner and the carabiner becomes cross-loaded. When cross-loaded you are using the weakest strength points of the carabiner and are at most risk of the biner failing The GriGri + only represents a good value under certain circumstances. If you’re an extremely heavy user, the extra life in the steel plates might mean that you can go longer before replacing your device. And if you’re worried about safety, the device features could provide valuable ease of mind.Belayers should stand on stable ground and out of the way of all hazards and obstacles. While top rope belaying, belayers should stand roughly beneath the anchor at the top of the route.