Why the Gri-Gri is the Best Belay Device for New Climbers

Posted on by Daniel

An original and unexplored topic!!

Maybe you’ve been to the climbing gym a few times, tried some top-rope climbing with your buddy’s belay device(s), and are now considering buying your own. Maybe your gym provides Gri-Gris, and you’re now ready to try outdoor rock climbing on your own. Whatever the reason, you’re considering buying a Gri-Gri. Here’s what you need to know:

Gri Gri Advantages

The Gri-Gri is the most popular belay device in modern climbing for a reason. It is simple, safe, and offers a greater margin for error than the older-style tube devices.

  1. Assisted Braking Mechanism: The GriGri features an assisted braking mechanism that helps catch the rope in the event of a sudden fall, even if the belayer is inattentive. This adds an extra layer of safety, making it easier for beginners to manage the rope and provide a more secure belay.
  2. Easy to Learn: The GriGri’s design simplifies the belaying process for beginners. The assisted braking system and the lowering lever allow for more controlled rope management, reducing the risk of mistakes that can occur with tube-style devices.
  3. Reduced Effort: Using a GriGri requires less physical effort from the belayer compared to traditional belay devices. This is especially helpful on hard routes where your climber will be hanging a lot – you don’t have to physically hold their weight the way yu do with an ATC.
  4. Top Rope Belaying: The GriGri is particularly well-suited for top rope belaying. It easily locks off when the climber is not moving, providing a comfortable rest position for both the climber and belayer. It also feeds slack in a smooth, intuitive way.
  5. Versatility: While the GriGri is commonly associated with indoor climbing, it is also suitable for outdoor lead climbing, rope solo, rappelling, and rope-access. Its versatility makes it a practical choice for climbers who want a belay device that can transition seamlessly between gym and crag, beginner and advanced contexts.
  6. Built-in Safety Features: The GriGri+ has additional safety features, such as an anti-panic handle that helps prevent the belayer from unintentionally jamming the camming mechanism open. This feature adds an extra layer of protection for beginners who are still developing their belaying skills.
  7. Durability: A properly used Gri-Gri will take many years to wear out. The aluminum lowering plate on the original Gri-Gri is usually the part which wears out first, but only after many, many lowers. On the Gri-Gri Plus, the lowering plate is steel, which means it will essentially last for a lifetime, unless you are frequently using the device in sandy or corrosive environments (a.k.a. desert or seaside climbing).

Disadvantages of the Petzl Gri-Gri

While the Petzl GriGri is a popular and widely used belay device with many advantages, it’s isn’t universally loved. Here are a few of the points en contra:

  1. Cost: The GriGri is generally more expensive compared to traditional tube-style belay devices (~$100 vs ~$25). The initial investment can be a factor for climbers on a tight budget.
  2. Weight: The GriGri is heavier than tuber devices. For climbers who prioritize minimizing weight, this might be a consideration, especially for alpine or multi-pitch climbing.
  3. Double Rope Compatibility: The GriGri only works with single ropes within a specific diameter range (that range depends on the model). While it works well with the most commonly used rope sizes, climbers with exceptionally thin single ropes may need to check compatibility, and climbers who want to use double ropes will need to use a different belay device.
  4. Dependency on Correct Technique: The GriGri relies on proper belaying technique for optimal performance. If the belayer does not use the device correctly, especially while lead-belaying, it may not provide the expected assisted braking function.
  5. Icy Ropes: The Gri-Gri is not advised for use in ice climbing. Ice on the rope can cause the auto-blocking feature to fail.

It’s essential for climbers to carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, receive proper training, and regularly inspect their equipment. While the GriGri is a widely trusted and versatile device, users should be aware of its limitations and use it within its intended applications and guidelines.