PETZL Gray GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay Device

Curated from 61 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 16, 2025

Product Image 1

PETZL Gray GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay Device

Brand: PETZL
Price: $95
Snoop Score:
1.0
Sentiment
0.0
Popularity
0.1
Technical
2.1
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Snoop's Take

The PETZL Gray GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay Device is designed for climbers seeking a reliable belaying experience. This device offers enhanced control while managing the rope, making it a popular choice among avid climbers. Consumer feedback highlights both benefits and drawbacks of the GRIGRI 3. Many users appreciate its usefulness for adjusting while belaying, stating that it allows for more control during climbs. However, some concerns are raised about its suitability for alpine environments, as one user noted, "In my naivete I bought a GriGri and then made the realization that those aren't recommended for Alpine work because of the moving parts." Additionally, the device is not recommended for use with thinner ropes, with comments suggesting alternatives for such conditions. In summary, while the PETZL GRIGRI 3 offers advantages for general climbing, it may not be the best option for alpine or technical routes due to its design limitations. Thus, it is recommended primarily for sport climbing rather than alpine use.

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Belaying like that is, however, pretty uncomfortable and she mostly belayed an also pregnant friend on toprope and tried to avoid lead belaying.

Positive Feedback

In my naivete I bought a GriGri and then made the realization that those aren't recommended for Alpine work because of the moving parts.

Negative Feedback
Product
1.0
PETZL Gray GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay Device
Buy on Amazon for $95
Beginner Belaying
2 / 10
Sport Climbing
1 / 10
Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing
1 / 10
Gym & Top-Rope Training
1 / 10
See how this compares to all Belay & Rappel Equipment

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Useful for adjusting while belaying
“Belaying like that is, however, pretty uncomfortable and she mostly belayed an also pregnant friend on toprope and tried to avoid lead belaying.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Not recommended for Alpine work due to moving parts
“In my naivete I bought a GriGri and then made the realization that those aren't recommended for Alpine work because of the moving parts.”➕
Not suitable for alpine work due to moving parts
“What’s on your harness for multi-pitch? And why? (everything but the pro) Hey trad community!”➕
“I'm a bit confused; an OMNI with the 8003 harness should have the carabiner aligned horizontally, ju”➕
Not suitable for 6mm rope
“Black diamond atc is rated for minimum 8.1mm, Petzl reverso for minimum 6.9mm... doesn't necessarily mean they won't help on a thinner rope but it might be sketchy.”➕
Not recommended for snow or icy conditions due to moving parts
“Even keep it racked for regular rock as a back up to my GriGri.”➕
Not suitable for technical alpine routes
“A gri gri is for climbing. I can’t imagine using it with frozen ropes effectively.”➕
Not suitable for thin ropes like 6mm
“My Petzl reverso works for rappelling with it if I use two carabiners (as Petzl recommends), but I know Mammut used to make a figure of 8 specifically for thin ropes.”➕
“there is a Edelrid micro jul and a bd atc guide specifically made for thin ropes.”➕
“I've also heard good things about the CRITR, though haven't tried them myself: https://www.canyoneeringusa.com/store/canyon-werks-critr2-rappel-device”➕
“MicroJul doesn't lock off in locking mode (not even a little) which kind of defeats the purpose.”➕
Heavier and bulkier compared to other devices
“Wouldn't that still turn the belay device 90°? I just like the biner being horizontal and the ATC vertical.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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BLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay DeviceBLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay Device$24
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AOKWIT Professional 25KN Rappel ATC Belay DeviceAOKWIT Professional 25KN Rappel ATC Belay Device$15
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Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay DeviceBlack Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device$24
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Petzl GRIGRI + Belay Device with Anti-Panic HandlePetzl GRIGRI + Belay Device with Anti-Panic Handle$89
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Black Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner PackageBlack Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner Package$39
6.2
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Black Diamond ATC-Guide Rapel/Belay DeviceBlack Diamond ATC-Guide Rapel/Belay Device$37
6.1
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YXGOOD 50KN Rescue Figure 8 DescenderYXGOOD 50KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender$16
6.1
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PETZL GRIGRI Belay DevicePETZL GRIGRI Belay Device$99
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4.6
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NewDoar Climbing Abseiling Belay DeviceNewDoar Climbing Abseiling Belay Device$13
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WILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay DeviceWILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay Device$12
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PETZL Gray GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay DevicePETZL Gray GRIGRI 3 Climbing Belay Device$95
1.0
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about caving and climbing gear suitability
“Would it be a bad idea to use this instead of buying caving-specific gear I'd likely not use again?”➕
“Check with them if that's the case, and maybe reassess if there is, you should definitely do a horizontal cave first!”➕
“my current gear is fine, but I wanted to hear a second point of view .... stuff like the meteors not being a great choice :)”➕
“most of the head protection you need in caves is from regularly bumping and scraping your head as you walk and crawl.”➕
Preference for figure-8 style devices for faster rappelling
“You can rap faster on the figure-8 style devices.”➕
Discussion about tie-in points for belaying
“Belay biners for use with full-body harness & preventing tri-loading”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussions about alternatives for rappelling on thin ropes
“Rappel Devices for 6mm Rope? What is/would be your preffered way to rappel on a 6mm rope like the petzl rad line?”➕
“Easy to tie, no fumbling with extra gear.”➕
“Main thing is to test these in a safe spot and making sure you have manageable friction before you’re hanging off a cliff.”➕
“Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide and two Petzl Attache carabiners works well”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussions about rope thickness for glacier travel
“6mm sounds awfully thin for a glacier rope, but sounds like the cool kids are doing that these days.”➕
“Atc guide alpine can handle 6mm rope”➕
“Light "backup" harness - Petzl Altitude vs Blue Ice Choucas”➕
“Gear needed for multi pitch and Rappelling”➕
Discussions on the necessity of gear for climbing
“I honestly don't think it's worth bringing specialist ascending kit, it adds weight and clutter to the harness, and I don't think it adds much real functionality.”➕
“That's way too much stuff.”➕
“Will not be leaving the ground without a camelback for future multi pitches.”➕
“I prefer a simpler approach.”➕
Discussions about alternatives to the GriGri for climbing and mountaineering
“My preference would be the DMM pivot. It’s the same device but lowers much easier while in guide mode.”➕
“I like my GriGri for more casual climbing, but the ATC style devices are more versatile and lightweight.”➕
“Having said that a BD ATC Guide would be fine for the more technical routes, same with a reverso.”➕
“I love my reverso. Probably the best all around option I’ve used.”➕
Discussion on the importance of gear in canyoneering
“But what are some reason to use / not use some assisted braking devices like a Grigri, or Mammut Smart 2.0 or Black Diamond ATC Pilot.”➕
Concerns about Petzl glove stock availability
“Whatever site I go on they are stating no stock.”➕
“Are they that good?”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Queries about carabiner alignment while belaying
“i watched a prego woman lead belay her husband next to my group in a full body harness with a similar hard point location as the Petzl 8003 during a multi pitch.”➕

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