Petzl - Grigri - Belay device

Thought I'd just let everyone know, I was a bit confused with the description referencing Grigri 2 model which is actually an older model. However, Mischa at Alpinetrek has confirmed to me the Grigri for sale is actually the new Grigri 2019 model. (Thanks Mischa..!).

Works as intended. Has saved me a few times. Also worked fine rappelling. Great device for extra safety, especially for novice lead belayers. Occasionally catches when feeding out but entirely user technique dependant.

No device comes close to the well-established Petzl gri gri. If you in the market for an assisted braking device spend the extra money on the quality of Petzl and you won't regret it. I am a lightweight climber and when belaying heavier climbers I feel much more confident knowing the device will lock and catch a fall. Also helps when climbers hang for a long period of time as weight goes into your harness and not your arms. Lowering is also a breeze and makes lowering heavy climbers more controlled. Been using this product for over a year at least once a week both indoors and out and when looked after correctly still as smooth as the day I got it.

Seems to work just as well as my previous original grigri. Note, I have been dropped by inexperienced belayers using previous version, so do take care if you are new to this device!

The GriGri+ may look similar to the GriGri 2, but it's definitely a different beast. The innocuous dial on the side initiates a subtle but impressive shift in performance depending on whether you are belaying lead or top ropes. For advanced users this may not make a huge difference, but for a newer belayer this subtle change will make the learning curve a lot less steep.

Much more noticeable is the new safety lever - this clever bit of tech means there is no possibility of dropping the climber by accidentally pulling too hard; perfect for those learning how to use the device.

As usual from Petzl you can expect a reliable catch and a smooth lower, but the new design also makes rope feeding much smoother across the size ranges and allows for more 'fluid' rope movement. The reinforced steel plate along the right hand side offers increased durability and promises a longer term use.

With all this new technology comes a compromise - a noticeable increase in weight. Whilst not a massive increase, it is considerably more than the GriGri 2 and as such will be unlikely to find its way into the packs of climbers looking to cut down on weight.

For gym use and redpointing at sport crags, however, this device has definitely found it's niche.

--- review of an older model ---