Gear Review: Petzl GRIGRI+ Belay Device
Value Rating: 6
Durability Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 7
Location of Test: Smith Rock
Duration of Test: 2 days
Product Name: GriGri +
Product Brand: Petzl
Best Use: Sport climbing
200 grams
Available in grey, orange, and violet
The Full Review:
In the seemingly-endless quest to create the perfect belay device, Petzl redesigned their already fantastic Grigri 2 and made the Grigri +.
Ergonomically, the design is nearly the same as the GriGri 2. With the same rough shape, the two feel similar in hand. The GriGri + has a much smaller lip on the right side, making it quite difficult, if not impossible for people with hands as large as mine to hold the device by slipping a finger under that lip.
The two big features of this device are the anti-panic lever and the top-rope mode. Both features are aimed towards newer users and guides, and as an experienced user, I found them to be frustrating and unnecessary.
For guiding situations or a less-experienced belayer, the anti-panic lever would be nice. The basic idea is that if someone panics and yanks back on the handle as they lose control, the cam will re-engage, stopping the climber. For climbers in need of a device that will be used by less-experienced belayer, this feature is a great insurance policy. I found that it makes it harder to lower someone off this device, and does nothing to benefit the experienced user.
The other primary feature is the lead/top-rope mode. When switched into top rope mode, the cam becomes more sensitive and needs less friction to engage than when in lead mode. When I first started using this device I had hoped that they had lowered the sensitivity of the cam on lead mode while leaving it the same when in TR mode. However, I found the device just as frustrating to belay with as the GriGri 2 (which isn’t so hard once you get the hang of it).
This is a great device for the right user. For your experienced, recreation user, I think the extra 50 bucks and 30 grams probably isn’t worth it.
The Good
The new features do perform as advertised and are quite functional
The Bad:
Most of the new features are unnecessary for the average user and the device is significantly more expensive
The Bottom Line:
This device has some cool features that are great for belayers who need them
The Full Review:
In the seemingly-endless quest to create the perfect belay device, Petzl redesigned their already fantastic Grigri 2 and made the Grigri +.
Ergonomically, the design is nearly the same as the GriGri 2. With the same rough shape, the two feel similar in hand. The GriGri + has a much smaller lip on the right side, making it quite difficult, if not impossible for people with hands as large as mine to hold the device by slipping a finger under that lip.
The two big features of this device are the anti-panic lever and the top-rope mode. Both features are aimed towards newer users and guides, and as an experienced user, I found them to be frustrating and unnecessary.
For guiding situations or a less-experienced belayer, the anti-panic lever would be nice. The basic idea is that if someone panics and yanks back on the handle as they lose control, the cam will re-engage, stopping the climber. For climbers in need of a device that will be used by less-experienced belayer, this feature is a great insurance policy. I found that it makes it harder to lower someone off this device, and does nothing to benefit the experienced user.
The other primary feature is the lead/top-rope mode. When switched into top rope mode, the cam becomes more sensitive and needs less friction to engage than when in lead mode. When I first started using this device I had hoped that they had lowered the sensitivity of the cam on lead mode while leaving it the same when in TR mode. However, I found the device just as frustrating to belay with as the GriGri 2 (which isn’t so hard once you get the hang of it).
This is a great device for the right user. For your experienced, recreation user, I think the extra 50 bucks and 30 grams probably isn’t worth it.
The Good
The new features do perform as advertised and are quite functional
The Bad:
Most of the new features are unnecessary for the average user and the device is significantly more expensive
The Bottom Line:
This device has some cool features that are great for belayers who need them