PETZL GRIGRI+ Belay Device

Curated from 137 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 24, 2025

PETZL GRIGRI+ Belay Device

Brand: PETZL
Price: $90
Snoop Score:
8.2
Sentiment
6.9
Popularity
8.2
Technical
8.3

Snoop's Take

The PETZL GRIGRI+ Belay Device is designed for climbers seeking a safe and efficient belaying experience, whether they are beginners or experienced users. With features like a cam-assisted blocking mechanism and an anti-panic handle, this device ensures effective rope control and enhances safety during climbs. Users have reported a positive experience with the GRIGRI+, noting that it is "better for lead belay" and provides a more enjoyable experience compared to traditional systems, although some have raised concerns about potential slippage during lowering and its weight for specific climbing scenarios. Overall, the PETZL GRIGRI+ is highly recommended for those looking for a reliable belay device, particularly for lead climbing and top belaying. While it may present some challenges in specific conditions, the general consensus among climbers is that its advantages outweigh the drawbacks, making it a solid choice for climbers of varying skill levels.

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Better for lead belay.

Positive Feedback

A post from a local guide noted an issue where the device can slip suddenly in the moment when lowering and your climber begins to touch the ground, slightly releasing the device.

Negative Feedback
Product
8.2
PETZL GRIGRI+ Belay Device
Beginner Belaying
10 / 10
Sport Climbing
9 / 10
Trad & Multi-Pitch Climbing
8 / 10
Gym & Top-Rope Training
9 / 10
See how this compares to all Belay & Rappel Equipment

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Effective for lead belaying
Better for lead belay.
This product is "#3 in climbing ropes".
Rewards for completed challenges are only awarded after rebooting the game.
Positive user experience during demos
I know some people at my local gym who tested one a few months back when Petzl brought one for demoing.
Enjoyable for top belaying
I find it much more enjoyable than a plate in guide mode.
Grigri is effective for belaying
I am passionately team Grigri, and many of the people who I climb with are too.
I use this carabiner, or something similar. I like it, and there are other options that will do the same thing.
if your climber hangs a lot, get a Grigri.
Once you develop some muscle memory to feed out slack you won't notice the difference:)
User-friendly once accustomed
Honestly, I think people who say that it is "annoying" haven't even tried for more than thirty seconds.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Potential slipping issue during lowering
A post from a local guide noted an issue where the device can slip suddenly in the moment when lowering and your climber begins to touch the ground, slightly releasing the device.
Potential slippage before locking
I can see myself using it on multi trad if it locks in as good as the grigri, the little slippage before locking is good for gears.
On the matter of fixed-point belay, guides from AMGA, IFMGA, ACMG (Canadian), ENSA (French guide school) and DAV (German) has recommended munter hitch or tube style device, and recommended against the use of Grigri bc of less rope slippage, and potential increased force on the top placement.
Grigri considered too heavy or unnecessary by some
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.
I would at least ditch the gloves, quicklink, and the grigri.
Potential safety concerns with device performance
Hmm dunno man might wanna back that up. I’ve personally dropped 17 people while belaying with this.
Rappelling With Assisted Brake Devices? I know there are great rappelling devices like the Petzl Pirana, Sterling ATS, and CRITR2 due to being able to add various friction.
With this device, you are relying on mechanical components that you cannot regularly(easily) inspect, and bringing them into canyons can cause lots of wear quickly with sandstone and other sediment.
Grigri may jam with debris in wet canyons
I like the modified figure 8 styles mainly because they don't mind a little debris on the rope.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on belay device preferences among guides
Rope slippage has been proven to reduce force, a lot. It's common knowledge.
Discussion on climbing gear preferences and essentials
It’s a lot of “bring a few lockers and non-lockers, anchor material, depending…” kind of thing usually without any exact number of items and some nebulous “why”.
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.
I prefer a simpler approach. The vast majority of the time, I do not use cordellettes or extend my rappel.
Gloves * I don't own any actually waterproof climbing gloves and typically just alternate between Mountain Hardware Route Setter Alpine work gloves and super minimal ski touring gloves.
Comments on the aesthetics and condition of the device
Idk, it just looks a little too....new. It's missing some grit, maybe try sanding a little off?
Discussion on suitability of gear for caving
Thing is, I don't cave, and really just have climbing/mountaineering gear.
Check with them if that's the case, and maybe reassess if there is, you should definitely do a horizontal cave first!
There's one optional rappel but we can skip that section.
a good rule of thumb is to treat anything not marketing for caving as disposable.
Discussion on suitability of Grigri for rappelling
But I need someone to recommend me something else as well.
I like my GriGri for more casual climbing, but the ATC style devices are more versatile and lightweight.
Helpful for crevasse rescue to rappel down to help a badly stuck victim.
Discussion on suitability of Grigri for canyoning
You don’t want an auto-lock for the same reason you don’t use a prussik back-up while abbing.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on gear recommendations for rappelling and multipitch climbing
Gear needed for multi pitch and Rappelling Hello climbers, What gear does each climber need when mu
\#1 most important piece of gear for multipitching/rappelling is someone who knows what they are doi
I just need myself, my wisdom and the ol hip belay.
Do single pitch rappelling first. If you want to do multi pitch, then you should buy the atc guide o
Discussion on rappel devices for 6mm rope
Rappel Devices for 6mm Rope? What is/would be your preffered way to rappel on a 6mm rope like the petzl rad line?
Besides the hardware recommendations, Super Munter is my preference for 8mm and under.
Edelrid mago 8 and grivel scream are the only devices I am familiar of actually being rated for such skinny ropes.
Black Diamond ATC Alpine Guide and two Petzl Attache carabiners works well
Discussion about versatility of belay devices
I decided to go with the Grigri after all, and maybe invest in the Jul2 or something later on once I'm more comfortable with lead and want to be more versatile depending on the preference of the climber I'm belaying.
Discussion on alternative rappel devices for thin ropes
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.
Second vote for Munter or Supermunter, thinnest rope I've rappelled on is an 8mm static.
I've rapped on 6 mm cord with plenty of friction settings left to add.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Consideration of weight and clutter in climbing harness
I tend to go lighter but only been doing up to 3 pitches.
Discussion on upgrading to a higher-end model
Nice you upgraded to the Ferrari of Grigri’s. Just clip it to your harness for some drip while flashing some gumbies project.
Curiosity about new Grigri model
It will be as smooth if not even more smooth to feed rope than an atc due to its "pulley".
Do you know when the new GriGri will come out?
Discussion on necessary training for climbing gear usage
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.
Recommendations for climbing gear alternatives
Consider a figure 8 style device with some sort of way to control friction and lock off on rappel.
Get an ATS not an ATC for canyoneering.
Consideration of equipment needs for various climbing scenarios
Spoc is pretty much the same thing as a micro traxion, but way cheaper.
Discussion on preferences for climbing gear in mountaineering
Even keep it racked for regular rock as a back up to my GriGri.
My preference would be the DMM pivot. It’s the same device but lowers much easier while in guide mode.
Having said that a BD ATC Guide would be fine for the more technical routes, same with a reverso.
A gri gri is for climbing. I can’t imagine using it with frozen ropes effectively.
Discussion about the Petzl headlamp availability
Prices do not include shipping or fees.
Where's the Petzl headlamp?

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion on suitability of Grigri for glacier work
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 auto belay device removal and safety
The use of auto belays has been a hotly debated topic in the indoor climbing industry for the last 10 years.
Risk mitigation is important, but it is possible to mitigate risk without handicapping solo climbers.
Seeing from a distance that someone isn’t clipped in is easy enough.
I will note that Vertical World is INCREASING their number of auto belays. I was at their north loc
Humorous commentary on climbing gear and social dynamics
Just free solo stop spending money on gear or acting like you have friends to climb with
Discussion on safety inspections for climbing gear
Looks very safe OP, well done.
Concern over potential damage to the belay device
Holy fuck you clearly dropped that last device and gave it MICROFRACTURES

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