Grigri Vs Belay Device

The grigri remains our favorite belay device for experienced climbers and is one of the highest scorers in our comparison rating scale.

Grigri vs belay device.

The cam assisted blocking function makes belaying more convenient when a climber is working a route or when catching a fall. Anti panic handle stop and the ability to change between top rope and lead belay mode. This device is ideal for use while cragging either sport or trad or at the gym. The price of the new 2019 grigri will be 10 compared to the grigri 2 but it ll still be 40 cheaper than the grigri.

A grigri might seem safer than a traditional atc device but that s only the case if your belayer is familiar with the system. Belay device with cam assisted blocking and anti panic handle particularly suitable for learners and for intensive use grigri is a belay device with assisted blocking and an anti panic handle. The grigri still has a learning curve for feeding slack and developing muscle memory for this requires practice. Petzl grigri is best if you want extra safety features.

What s more studies have proven that the atc offers a better catch. With my grigri 2 i would have to jump up and pull down to get enough leverage to tighten the slack when belaying but with the updated grigri i can pull the rope through with less effort. Belay device with cam assisted blocking designed for all users the grigri is a belay device with assisted blocking for belaying both in the gym and at the crag. The grigri released in 1991 and named after an african good luck charm was a revolutionary moment a belay device with a cam that would actively lock during a fall.

Either way you should always work with a belayer who is familiar with your current device. It is also now recommended for use on ropes as thin as 8 5mm. This updated gri gri is much smother and easier to get a wider range of ropes through. After belaying with the 2019 version i knew i had to exchange my grigri 2.

The grigri weighs 7 1 ounces only one ounce more than the grigri. Tube style belay devices are much simpler in this respect and that is why they scored higher for this category. It is almost exactly the same size and shape.