PETZL Grigri Plus Belay Device - AW19

Product Information

Consider if you need a multi-purpose carabiner. A dedicated carabiner for belaying is normal and recommended. However, you might consider one that works well with other belay devices or can be used in emergencies While old-school devices such as the figure eight and ATC still have their place in the climbing world, the GriGri reigns supreme. 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 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.

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. 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. 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 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

The GriGri is an assisted braking device or ABD. In today’s climbing scene, ABDs are the go-to for most climbers. Many climbing gyms require visitors to use ABDs while belaying. 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?This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The GriGri 2 is far from the lightest device on the market (it’s over 100 grams heavier than devices like the Mega Jul). The Plus adds another 30 grams, which is around the weight of a wiregate carabiner.

GriGri Plus – Added an anti-panic function, top-rope/lead switch, plus a steel plate to reduce wear 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. All in all, you can’t go wrong with these GRIGRIs (or any, for that matter). More suited for beginner belayers, the GRIGRI+ has some extra safety and redundancies to keep you and your climbing partners happy. A more advanced belay device, the new GRIGRI has got you covered and will allow you to belay your best belay. Petzl recommends the device for lead belaying and top-rope belaying, according to EN 15151 standard. [3]This is the one design feature we felt that Petzl botched. The GriGri 2 has a large curved tab down the length of the face-plate, which allows the device to rest on the index finger of the belayer’s right hand.