PETZL Grigri Plus Belay Device - AW19

Product Information

On multi-pitch outings, we like a more streamlined (and lighter) device. For sport cragging, the GriGri 2 is much more convenient to use. Like all belay devices, the Grigri is used with climbing harnesses and climbing ropesto create a safe and efficient climbing system. Of course, when lead climbing or top-roping, the belayer must property load the climbing rope through the GriGri before anyone leaves the ground. When setting up your belay device and climbing system, it is crucial to focus and move carefully. Make sure the GriGri attaches to the rope according to the diagram on the side of the device. 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. For users, it is important to note each GriGri model is only compatible with a specific range of rope diameters. The newest model can accommodate single dynamic ropes between 8.5 and 11 mm. How Does the GriGri Work?

anti-panic handle: if the user pulls too hard on the handle, the anti-panic function brakes and stops the descentThe bottom wire gate means the carabiner won’t flip upside down. The bump on the right side prevents cross-loading easily. This really is a great design that works perfectly for belaying with a GriGri and avoiding any issues. Because of the smaller size (97 x 66mm), it might not fit a very wide belay loop.

While lead climbing, belayers should stand beneath the first bolt or piece of climber protection. In lead falls, the forces generated can pull the belayer toward the first clipped bolt or piece of gear. Be sure that the path between the belayer and this fixed point is safe and clear. 3. Never Take Your Hand Off the Braking Strand The main argument in favor of the GriGri + is its fancy new safety features. The most notable of these are a new “anti-panic” lowering feature and the addition of a dedicated belay mode for top-roping. All of these carabiners will work with all of the different versions of the device. If you are using the older GriGri with a fairly thin rope, we’d suggest the Petzl Freino to help add friction when lowering and rappelling. 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. The total range of the GriGri + isn’t all that much wider — now extending down to 8.5 mm — but it has been optimized for ropes between 8.9-10.5 mm.

The best Petzl GriGri to buy?

This device has just one place for installing rope and it can't be used in climbing with half rope. 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.

GriGris have a built-in plastic handle that allows for smooth and safe lowering. You should have verbal confirmation from a climber before lowering them whenever possible. Climbers who don’t feel like the extra features of the GriGri + are worth the extra weight and bulk (and price) The Petzl GRIGRI + (plus) is a versatile and durable, assisted breaking belay device suitable for all levels of climber, and for use with all single climbing ropes. Will it make our lives 1.5 times better in the meantime? For the right buyer maybe, but for most, probably not. Best Uses

Our Verdict

Though this guide has a wealth of information on GriGris, it is not a comprehensive instruction manual. Using a GriGri safely requires in-person instruction from a qualified source and lots of hands-on practice. As a sidenote, the GriGri + seems like a real win for gyms that like to keep GriGri’s pre-rigged at each rope as many of the improvements are based on wear and safety. Over the years a great many manufacturers, Petzl included, have strived to make their equipment lighter and lighter, smaller and smaller. The plus side is that everything weighs a fraction of what it used to, which is great; the downside is that - in the case of some products - it has made them harder to use. I certainly found this to be the case with the transition from the original GRIGRI to the GRIGRI 2, where its smaller size seemed to have a detrimental impact on the functionality and it was more fiddly to use as a result. These are worthy traits — basic safety improvements are the core of climbing technology. Even though we didn’t love all aspects of the device, the innovative features are impressive. Versatility If your belay fundamentals are strong enough that you’re investing in an assisted-braking device, you should know enough to stay safe with a GriGri 2. And unless you’re working with new climbers on a day-to-day basis, the hassle and weight are a high price to pay for the extra safety and durability.