PETZL Grigri Plus Belay Device - AW19

Product Information

While the GriGri 2 is rated for ropes from 8.9-11 mm, Petzl says that it functions best between the relatively narrow range of 9.4-10.3 mm. This is the category in which the GriGri + excelled, with a nearly perfect score. All the devices we tested are certified and safe if used properly, but the GriGri + goes above and beyond to ensure safety. It provides easy access for new belayers, and it makes every effort to prevent malfunction or misuse. Though this guide has a wealth of information on GriGris, it is not a comprehensive instruction manual. Using a GriGri safely requires in-person instruction from a qualified source and lots of hands-on practice. anti-panic handle: if the user pulls too hard on the handle, the anti-panic function brakes and stops the descent 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.

Petzl recommends the device for lead belaying and top-rope belaying, according to EN 15151 standard. [3]GriGris have a built-in plastic handle that allows for smooth and safe lowering. You should have verbal confirmation from a climber before lowering them whenever possible. The main argument in favor of the GriGri + is its fancy new safety features. The most notable of these are a new “anti-panic” lowering feature and the addition of a dedicated belay mode for top-roping. Best for climbers looking for extra safety via the anti-panic handle and toggle switch for different belay modes

The Petzl GRIGRI + (plus) is a versatile and durable, assisted breaking belay device suitable for all levels of climber, and for use with all single climbing ropes.This guy gets a lot of love and a lot of hate, but in reality it’s just about your experience level with assisted brake belay devices, specifically GRIGRIs. So here’s both perspectives on the unique (and rad) elements to the GRIGRI+: All of these carabiners will work with all of the different versions of the device. If you are using the older GriGri with a fairly thin rope, we’d suggest the Petzl Freino to help add friction when lowering and rappelling.

When setting up your belay device and climbing system, it is crucial to focus and move carefully. Make sure the GriGri attaches to the rope according to the diagram on the side of the device. Left to right – GriGri, GriGri 2, GriGri Plus, GriGri (2019) aka the Gri, GriGri, GriGri Plus, and the Threegri / GriGriGri GriGri Plus – Added an anti-panic function, top-rope/lead switch, plus a steel plate to reduce wear

Our Verdict

Belaying is all about attention. While using a GriGri, every climber holds the life of their partner in their hands. Over the years a great many manufacturers, Petzl included, have strived to make their equipment lighter and lighter, smaller and smaller. The plus side is that everything weighs a fraction of what it used to, which is great; the downside is that - in the case of some products - it has made them harder to use. I certainly found this to be the case with the transition from the original GRIGRI to the GRIGRI 2, where its smaller size seemed to have a detrimental impact on the functionality and it was more fiddly to use as a result. This is another category where the Plus had a middling score. It does get a few good marks for its easily modulated lowering speed and its dedicated belay modes.