The GriGri + has replaced the curved tab with a blunt nub at the near end of the face-plate. The nub isn’t curved, which means that the device can’t rest freely on the index finger — it must be held in place with the thumb. 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 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. The Petzl GRIGRI is an assisted braking belay device that's durable, compact and light, ideal for indoor wall climbing and sport climbing. While old-school devices such as the figure eight and ATC still have their place in the climbing world, the GriGri reigns supreme. Since the introduction of the original GriGri, Petzl has released a series of updated models. The GriGri 2 came out in 2011, followed by the GriGri+ in 2017, and the GriGri in 2019. Each model is slightly different, though they all primarily function in the same way. 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.

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. We will not be held liable for any consequential loss caused by late or failed deliveries. Timed deliveries / Saturday & Sunday deliveries 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. Many climbers mistake the term “assisted braking” with “automatic braking.” The GriGri is not an automatic braking device. Like nonassisted braking devices, users must always keep a hand on the braking stand of the rope while using a GriGri, per Petzl’s specifications. The Petzl GriGri still requires the brake hand to remain on the brake strand. How to Use a GriGri The feature counteracts a natural problem of the GriGri 2: the instinct in stressful situations is to clench rather than release, which can lead to a dropped climber. For beginning belayers, the anti-panic catch is an easy way to ensure safety.

My inner mathematician got SO excited when Petzl suggested that I do (as a follow-up to my GRIGRI 2 review) a comparison review of the GRIGRI+ and the new GRIGRI (the third one). Comparison = excel chart. And I excel at excel. Also, thanks Petzl for coming through on my deep down wish that I couldn’t fit in A Climber’s Christmas II. Sometimes, with the old GRIGRIs, the rope could escape the device when the cam was pulled up too high. Now, there’s a small stopper such that no matter how hard your partner whipped, that rope is not coming out of your belay device. Wahoo! Lots of people hesitate on GRIGRIs because they’re afraid of short-roping their buddies on lead. I’ll always tell you it’s just a matter of practice and learning the ins and outs of the device, but even I will admit that sometimes the feeding can get a tad stiff on the earlier GRIGRIs. The new GRIGRI, however, feeds out rope like your partners’ lives depended on it (almost as if they were to, oh I don’t know, high-clip excessively…even though high-clipping is the best…). Never fear short-roping again!The release of the Petzl Grigri in 1991 marked a major step in the evolution of belay devices: Here was a device that assisted significantly in catching a fall, and also allowed a belayer to hold and lower his partner with little effort. Belay slaves rejoiced, but incorrect use of this newfangled device began to result in accidents. Petzl has made an effort to educate users, but the bad habits of devotees are difficult to break, and with the release of the Grigri 2 in 2011, it’s more important than ever to learn (and teach) proper techniques for this ubiquitous device. 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 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 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 The GriGri 2 is great in most conditions. The GriGri 2 allows climbers to skip the extra bells and whistles that add weight, bulk, and manufacturing dollars to the GriGri +.

On multi-pitch outings, we like a more streamlined (and lighter) device. For sport cragging, the GriGri 2 is much more convenient to use. The rotating internal cam makes the GriGri an “assisted braking” device; (photo/Alexandru Nika) What Is a GriGri?

I didn’t have any 9.0 mm ropes on hand to test side by side, but on my 9.5 mm the GriGri + was slightly easier to control while lowering. With how skinny modern sport ropes are becoming, the extra versatility is welcome.

This is really helpful for skinny ropes and/or where the climber is heavier than the belayer. In those situations, it can be hard to get control when lowering. This is really helpful when using the first-generation GriGri with modern thin ropes, or with a GriGri Plus where lowering control is finer. Still great with the 2019 and 2 versions.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 Petzl GRIGRI + is an assisted braking device designed for all climbers, for both indoor and outdoor climbing. It can be used with all single ropes (optimized for 8.9 to 10.5 mm diameter ropes) and is suited for intensive use. The reduction handle offers exceptional descent control. Two usage modes to choose from, depending on need: top-rope belay or lead belay. The top-rope belay mode and the anti-panic handle make for a more comfortable belay, making the GRIGRI + particularly suitable for learning. 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 I wouldn’t call the GriGri 2 a lightweight, and it takes a good deal of use to wear one out. But those who need a belay to device to weather intensive use and abuse (guides, for example) will appreciate the extra mileage. The 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.