Petzl GriGri + Review
Petzl recently released the GriGri +, its newest assisted-braking belay device, continuing its longstanding tradition of innovation in climbing equipment, . With a few notable exceptions, like the new anti-panic handle, the GriGri+ has remained much the same as its predecessors. Those familiar with the previous GriGri models will have no trouble using the new model, with only a small learning curve surrounding the aforementioned anti-panic handle.
First released in 1991, the original GriGri (deriving its name from a word meaning an African good luck charm) was meant to address the needs of climbing instructors who had the problem of monitoring multiple new students belaying simultaneously. The desire to increase safety and decrease accidents at these beginner cliffs drove Petzl to create a belay device that had assisted braking. The GriGri+ harks back to this original intent by adding features that specifically address issues faced by climbing instructors. Since it’s not called the GriGri 3 it seems the GriGri+ is not meant to replace the GriGri 2 (which is still available at retailers), but to be a slightly different tool, made specifically for climbing instructors and beginner belayers.
GriGri+/GriGri 2 Differences Overview
Let’s look at some of the differences between the GriGri+ and the GriGri2. First, while the GriGri 2 is $99.95, the GriGri+ is more expensive at $149.95. In terms of weight, the GriGri+ comes in at 200 grams, 30 grams heavier than the GriGri 2. Holding them in your hand the difference is negligible. The GriGri+, in my opinion, really just feels more “dense” or solid. But it also feels slightly smaller and more compact, largely because of the change in design of the wear plate. While the GriGri 2 has an aluminum lip that sticks out a half inch or so, the GriGri+ has a steel plate that barely protrudes at all from the body of the unit. This steel wear plate is designed, according to Petzl, for “great durability” and “intensive use”. And anyone who has used the GriGri 2 extensively knows that the aluminum lip quickly gets worn down, so the steel plate is a welcome change. In addition, while getting rid of the protruding lip, the GriGri+ has a smaller, smooth lip for your finger to rest under, making it much more comfortable to hold while lead belaying.
Rope Diameter Compatibility
The next major difference in the GriGri+ is the increased rope diameter compatibility. Let’s look at a chart from Petzl.com:
The GriGri+ is compatible with “all single ropes” and optimized for the wide range of 8.9 to 10.5mm diameter ropes, a significant increase from an optimized range of 9.4 to 10.3mm found with the GriGri 2. Essentially the GriGri+ can be used with any UIAA single rope diameter, making it incredibly versatile.
Belay Mode Selection
And the GriGir+’s versatility is further increased by the new belay mode selection feature. Choosing the tope rope mode makes for a more comfortable belay by facilitating taking up slack while lead belay mode facilitates giving out slack easily. Testing it in the gym, you can immediately feel the difference in modes, most significantly when trying to give out slack on lead while still in top rope mode. And while changing between modes is not hard, it is another thing to remember when switching between top roping and leading. My guess is most lead climbers will end up just leaving it in lead mode since it doesn’t make a huge difference while top rope belaying.
Anti-panic handle
The new feature that has been most publicized is the anti-panic handle. Essentially the feature causes the handle to automatically brake if the user pulls too hard on it, protecting against a new user “panicking” and gripping the handle while releasing the brake strand, causing the climber to quickly fall, potentially to the ground. It is the feature, in my opinion, that takes the most getting used to and at first is surprisingly annoying, particularly if you are already an avid GriGri user. For those first learning to use an assisted braking device on the GriGri+, they will never know the difference and in fact might appreciate the feature as an extra safeguard. But the other group that will appreciate the feature is climbing instructors who are teaching multiple beginners, or for guides who are leading with a new belayer under them. Like the original GriGri, this feature really is for the professional user working with students or clients.
Conclusion: GriGri+ Not for Everyone
The conclusion is really this: If you already own a previous GriGri model and you are mainly a recreational climber, the GriGri+, especially at $149.95, is probably not a need to buy item. For professional guides and instructors, the added anti-panic handle might be enough to warrant the purchase, especially if you can find a good deal. If anything, keeping up with the newest safety standards and equipment is always a good idea. So, while the GriGri+ has its obvious upsides, I think it was a smart call by Petzl to keep the GriGri 2 in their product line, providing more options for different types of users.
What do you think? Will the new GriGri+ be your good luck charm?
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