PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device

Curated from 87 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 16, 2025

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PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device

Brand: PETZL
Price: $99
Snoop Score:
5.5
Sentiment
6.7
Popularity
4.5
Technical
3.6
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Snoop's Take

The PETZL GRIGRI is a cam-assisted belay device designed for sport, trad, and top-rope climbing, ensuring safety and ease of use for climbers of all levels. Users appreciate its compatibility with thinner ropes, ergonomic handle, and the assurance of assisted braking, with one climber noting, "GriGri when climber will be working a route. Also nice to give to beginners for its assisted braking." While some climbers find it a bit heavy and not ideal for icy conditions, the overall sentiment leans towards recommending the GRIGRI for its functionality and comfort, making it a solid choice in its category.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Belay & Rappel Equipment

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.

Positive Feedback

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.

Negative Feedback
Product
5.5
PETZL GRIGRI Belay Device
Buy on Amazon for $99
Beginner Belaying
9 / 10
Sport Climbing
10 / 10
Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing
8 / 10
Gym & Top-Rope Training
10 / 10
See how this compares to all Belay & Rappel Equipment

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Compatible with thin ropes
“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.”➕
“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.”➕
“MicroJul doesn't lock off in locking mode (not even a little) which kind of defeats the purpose.”➕
Comfortable for belaying
“The Petzl Connect Adjust - Everything you need to know // DAVE SEARLE”➕
D-shaped carabiners prevent cross-loading
“Opening it becomes second nature, but the specific motions required would be nearly impossible to create randomly in regular use.”➕
Ergonomic handle for easy operation
“use whatever you feel most confident and comfortable with.”➕
Simple to use for novice and expert climbers
“I have always used an ATC. I have tried a GriGri in the past and do not get on with it (partly because I am left-handed, and partly because I found the whole process very clunky and over-complicated compared to the simplicity of the ATC technique).”➕
Petzl GriGri preferred for beginners due to assisted braking
“GriGri when climber will be working a route. Also nice to give to beginners for its assisted braking.”➕
Works well with smaller ropes
“The Petzl device works much better on smaller ropes than the other two, and if you plan on doing any alpine climbing in the future, you're going to want that capability.”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Belay device considered too heavy for some climbers
“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.”➕
“There's smaller, lighter belay options with passive locking features.”➕
“Would it be a bad idea to use this instead of buying caving-specific gear I'd likely not use again?”➕
“a good rule of thumb is to treat anything not marketing for caving as disposable.”➕
Not suitable for icy conditions
“Even keep it racked for regular rock as a back up to my GriGri.”➕
“A gri gri is for climbing.”➕
Device may jam with debris in canyons
“Sand and other debris will wear on devices extremely quickly.”➕
“there is not a real good way to adjust friction while descending with a grigri.”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
PETZL GRIGRI+ Belay DevicePETZL GRIGRI+ Belay Device$90
8.2
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S.E.PEAK Climbing Double Stop DescenderS.E.PEAK Climbing Double Stop Descender$43
8.0
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EDELRID GigaJul Belay DeviceEDELRID GigaJul Belay Device$59
7.7
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Mammut Smart 2.0 Belay DeviceMammut Smart 2.0 Belay Device$39
7.5
DetailsBuy
Ito Rocky Climbing Stop Descender for RappellingIto Rocky Climbing Stop Descender for Rappelling$43
7.3
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BLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay DeviceBLACK DIAMOND ATC-XP Belay Device$24
7.2
DetailsBuy
AOKWIT Professional 25KN Rappel ATC Belay DeviceAOKWIT Professional 25KN Rappel ATC Belay Device$15
7.2
DetailsBuy
Black Diamond ATC-XP Belay DeviceBlack Diamond ATC-XP Belay Device$24
7.1
DetailsBuy
Petzl GRIGRI + Belay Device with Anti-Panic HandlePetzl GRIGRI + Belay Device with Anti-Panic Handle$89
6.8
DetailsBuy
Black Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner PackageBlack Diamond Big Air ATC XP Belay Device and Carabiner Package$39
6.2
DetailsBuy
Black Diamond ATC-Guide Rapel/Belay DeviceBlack Diamond ATC-Guide Rapel/Belay Device$37
6.1
DetailsBuy
YXGOOD 50KN Rescue Figure 8 DescenderYXGOOD 50KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender$16
6.1
DetailsBuy
PETZL GRIGRI Belay DevicePETZL GRIGRI Belay Device$99
5.5
DetailsBuy
Black Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel DeviceBlack Diamond Super 8 Belay Rappel Device$19
4.6
DetailsBuy
SOB Climbing Fall Protection Belay DeviceSOB Climbing Fall Protection Belay Device$16
3.0
DetailsBuy
NewDoar Climbing Abseiling Belay DeviceNewDoar Climbing Abseiling Belay Device$13
3.0
DetailsBuy
WILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay DeviceWILDKEN Professional Rappel ATC Belay Device$12
2.8
DetailsBuy
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.
Preference for different types of belay devices for specific uses
“Rapping on 6mm cord is not easy or comfortable and you don't want to find out that you can't rap an overhung face 3 raps in.”➕
“It's made from Dynema, stupid light (161gram) and awesome for glacier travel.”➕
“I would go with a Choucas Light, Camp Alp, Edelrid Loopo Light or Mammut Eiger Speed.”➕
“If you want to do multi pitch, then you should buy the atc guide or the petzl pivot or something you can use to belay from above.”➕
Discussion on appropriate devices for 6mm 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”➕
Preference for different types of belay devices
“Get a couple small lightweight locking biners.”➕
“Get an ATS not an ATC for canyoneering.”➕
Discussion of different belay devices for various purposes
“I have a Gri Gri, multiple ATC tube style devices and use the giga jul like 90+ percent of the time.”➕
“I'd say for $50 the ATC Pilot is worth it. I use it very regularly both top rope and lead belaying and love it.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on minimalist gear choices for climbing
“What’s on your harness for multi-pitch? And why? (everything but the pro) Hey trad community! As a ”➕
“Beyond belay+anchor+rap+PAS materials, the only time I'm bringing anything else is on a 4+ pitch route (water bottle clipped to my harness, plus a little food in the follower's pack if it's >=200m long), or an alpine trad route (add a tiny multi-knife and 20' of cord in the follower's pack).”➕
“Will not be leaving the ground without a camelback for future multi pitches.”➕
“I prefer a simpler approach. The vast majority of the time, I do not use cordellettes or extend my rappel. One belay device and an extra locker is plenty.”➕
Discussion on speed of rappelling with different devices
“In a powerful waterfall you need to be able to rap fast and fluidly.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on appropriate rope sizes for climbing and glacier travel
“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.”➕
“those 6mm cords are hyper static and should never be used for climbing - only glacier travel and rappelling.”➕
“A grigri can be a nice part of a rescue kit though, because of the release.”➕
“I think the most common glacier ropes are 8-9mm.”➕
Discussion on appropriate equipment training
“Pretty sure it’s gonna be one of those hobbies where I’m always wanting/needing something, or some shiny thing is always begging to come home with me.”➕
“If you don't know what equipment you need, then you should take a Canyoneering course 1st.”➕
“Training and education.”➕
Comparison of various climbing gear options
“Spoc is pretty much the same thing as a micro traxion, but way cheaper.”➕
“All the geometry-assisted devices (Jul 2, Smart, Pilot) all work and handle similarly; if one feels intuitive to you they all will.”➕
Discussion on the best belay devices for mountaineering
“What belay/rappel devices do you recommend for mountaineering? What brand in particular.”➕
“My preference would be the DMM pivot. It’s the same device but lowers much easier while in guide mode.”➕
“Others have their preferences for similar designs from other brands, but I am pretty confident more mountains have been climbed with the ATC guide than any other.”➕
“Having said that a BD ATC Guide would be fine for the more technical routes, same with a reverso.”➕
Preference for various types of carabiners for specific uses
“Does it need a clip or something to stay upright?”➕
“People use every carabiner under the sun, you'll see about a million different responses here with all sorts of features and gimmicks.”➕
Discussion on preferences for assisted braking devices
“I like that it is made out of steel. Longer life span and no black aluminium dust on my rope.”➕
Discussion about the shortage of Petzl belay gloves and stock issues.
“Whatever site I go on they are stating no stock.”➕
“Are they that good?”➕
Discussion on preferring different belay devices for specific situations
“What belay device do you use? In what situation do you prefer one or another? Why is it better in th”➕
“* Mammut-smart (inexpensive but good assisted breaking device for single rope)”➕
“ATC-XP and Gri-Gri 2 I switch regularly, so I don't get used to one device in particular (nothing w”➕
Discussion on preferences for belay devices
“I'm looking at buying my first belay device after having climbed indoors for a year and going outside a few times and using other people's gear.”➕
“The Reverso 3 and the ATC Guide are pretty much interchangeable in my mind.”➕
“The downside to the smart is that you need to have a huge belay biner.”➕
“I'm still leaning toward getting the Smart first, since other than occasions when autoblocking is necessary the ATC will belay the same as a guide.”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Preference for assisted braking devices for safety
“Personally I prefer people to belay me with some sort of assisted braking belay device. It's just a bit safer.”➕
Discussion on tie-in methods and safety in belaying
“Belay biners for use with full-body harness & preventing tri-loading”➕
“congratulations(?)”➕
“Wouldn't that still turn the belay device 90°? I just like the biner being horizontal and the ATC vertical.”➕
“Belaying like that is, however, pretty uncomfortable and she mostly belayed an also pregnant friend on toprope and tried to avoid lead belaying.”➕

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