PETZL Grigri Plus Belay Device - AW19

Product Information

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. Climbers who belay both top rope and lead climbers and wish there was more variability in the cam engagement While the dominant hand lightly pushes rope through the GriGri, the nondominant hand pulls. The internal cam will not engage when the belayer uses this method with a light touch.

Will it make our lives 1.5 times better in the meantime? For the right buyer maybe, but for most, probably not. Best Uses 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. 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. 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]But from where we stand, the GriGri 2 does the job better and costs less. As a result, it’s hard to recommend the Plus from a value perspective. 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. 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. That anti-panic mode is nifty, but it can make lowering a real pain. If there’s any hint of rope drag, it’s easy to engage the feature accidentally, which jerks the climber to a halt. 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.

Best for climbers looking for extra safety via the anti-panic handle and toggle switch for different belay modes

What We Don’t Like

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 Anti-panic handle: if the user pulls too hard on the handle, the anti-panic function brakes and stops the descent Find sources: "Grigri"– news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR ( February 2013) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) 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 +. This is another category where the Plus had a middling score. It does get a few good marks for its easily modulated lowering speed and its dedicated belay modes.