How to Choose Belay Devices
Petzl GRIGRI Belay Device
$99.95
Members get an est. $9.99 in rewards
With assisted braking for improved belaying comfort both in the gym and at the crag, the light and compact the Petzl GRIGRI belay device can be used with 8.5-11mm dynamic single rope diameters.
- Designed for experienced belayers, the assisted braking function activates when a climber falls; the device pivots, the rope tightens and the cam pinches to block the rope
- Always catch falls and feed slack using standard belay techniques, keeping a hand on the brake side of the rope to help engage the cam
- Balanced design is optimized for 8.9-10.5 mm rope diameters and is simple to use for belaying both lead or top-rope climbers
- Rope installation diagram is engraved on both the interior and exterior of the device
- Camming mechanism enables exceptional descent control when lowering
- Ergonomic handle and progressive cam action allow you to easily lower a climber with smooth descent control
- Durably constructed with aluminum side plates, stainless-steel cam and friction plate and a reinforced nylon handle
- Certified to CE EN 15151-1 and UIAA standards
Imported.
View all Petzl Belay and Rappel Devices| Best Use | Climbing |
|---|---|
| Assisted Braking | Yes |
| Suitable for Belaying | Yes |
| Suitable for Rappelling | Yes |
| Fits Rope Sizes | 8.5-11mm, single |
| Weight | 175 grams |
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Most Helpful Favorable Review
Safety gear return to REI is destroyed.
Nick1 year ago
If you're buying a Grigri you're probably already a climber and know what you're looking for. My review is not about the Grigri, which are great, but more about Rei's policy on any type gear that is used for protection. This includes climbing ropes, harnesses, any type of repelling device. Along with it's such as helmets climbing or bike. I think it's important to know that anything returned gets destroyed. Whether it was used or not. If you're going to buy more than one item to see which fits please go into their store and try them on and look at the gear. If it has been shipped to your house or you take it off property and return it, all safety gear is destroyed. You will not find this on their website or when you buy safety gear.
Nick
82 people found this review helpful
Most Helpful Critical Review
NOT FOR NEW LEAD CLIMBERS
cvcastillo133 years ago
TLDR; If new to lead climbing, consider buying the GriGri + blay device (vs the GriGri Blay Device) to avoid risking dropping your climber.
I am new to lead climbing, so needing to buy equipment, I saw the reviews for this device and intuitively thought, oh, this is the one (experienced climbers did their homework and have sounded in). Well, my logic there was faulty. I should have purchased a GriGri with blay device, which is the same to the ones used for top roping at my gym (It has an emergency brake lock). Unfortunately, myself and my climbing partner found this out the hard way. As we were testing for lead, and I was letting my climbing partner down, the 70 lb weight difference between him and I caused me letting him down to prove very difficult. I essentially pulled a little too much on the release lever which caused him to come down 25ft on to the (luckily!) padded gym floors. This device DID NOT have the emergency braking I was used to. I know that in part I was at fault for underestimating HOW different it would be testing with someone 70 lbs heavier than me and also being inexperienced with lead blaying. However, due to that, I have to say PLEASE CONSIDER BUYING A GRIGRI WITH BLAY DEVICE IF YOU ARE NEW. I understand seasoned climbers being fine with this one, but they have gained that experience over months and years. I wish I had seen a review cautioning new climbers to consider the grigri with blay device. Luckily both myself and my climbing partner (brother) are okay, and only suffered minor muscular injuries but it was a very scary experience. I am a 30 year old female physician who has been athletic all my life and despite learning the intro to lead climbing, practicing, and a little natural intellect- I still "messed up" and could have really hurt my brother and myself. I know that as beginners we are most prone to making "learners mistakes". However, sometimes accidents just occur and I think this a good to have equipment that may "back you up" incase things go south. I really felt the need to share this cautionary tale as I did not find this in other reviews. The device itself is good- if you are experienced. I will be returning it and purchasing the Gri Gri+ Belay Device.
cvcastillo13
Turlock, California
25 people found this review helpful
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Frank C
Colorado Springs, CO
Excellent belay device!
4 years ago
I’ve been climbing a little over a year And I have been using an ATC up to this point. A more experienced climber friend recommended the switch. I’ll also be teaching my oldest son to belay soon and the grigri was recommended for that. Belaying with the grigri feels very similar to the ATC. The biggest difference is in lead belaying — if you don’t anticipate the climber clipping it’s easy to activate the brake. I watched several videos about grigri belay technique. There are quite of few ways you can interact the device in a way that is unsafe for the climber. Be sure to research how to hold it and use it before you go on belay!
Age:35–44
Used for::Sport Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
Nick
Safety gear return to REI is destroyed.
1 year ago
If you're buying a Grigri you're probably already a climber and know what you're looking for. My review is not about the Grigri, which are great, but more about Rei's policy on any type gear that is used for protection. This includes climbing ropes, harnesses, any type of repelling device. Along with it's such as helmets climbing or bike. I think it's important to know that anything returned gets destroyed. Whether it was used or not. If you're going to buy more than one item to see which fits please go into their store and try them on and look at the gear. If it has been shipped to your house or you take it off property and return it, all safety gear is destroyed. You will not find this on their website or when you buy safety gear.
Graham
Morrisville, NC
Safest belay device.
3 years ago
We started out several years ago using the basic Black Diamond ATC and then went to the ATC-XP as it added a bit more safety. When our gym mandated all leading climbing be done with GriGri or equivalent we decided to get one. We only used it for tope rope and loved it after a little getting used to it. Once we started lead climbing it is the only belay device we learned leading with. It takes some effort to lead with it and get used to feeding out slack. Once you get used to that you're good to go. The added level of safety in a GriGri over an ATC just can't be overstated or said enough. This is the best (safest) thing we have done for climbing. They are worth every penny.
Age:55–64
Used for::Gym Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
Roger
Mexico
The safest belay device
4 years ago
The sturdiest, safest and most intuitive belay device. Has held up very well to consistent use sport climbing outdoors and has never failed to perform its task as intended. This model, as opposed to the previous Grigri 2 and the Grigri+ feels like it is fine tuned for the perfect balance between locking instantly on a fall and allowing rope to be paid out quickly when lead belaying. My 9.8mm dynamic rope works perfectly, slightly flayed older ropes generate a bit more friction but still work. I have also used it to rappel on a fixed static rope and it has performed without any issues.
Age:18–24
Used for::Sport Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
TwillySpree
Chico, CA
So light!
5 years ago
I first started climbing indoors using the original Grigri, and after a few years off I am back in the game and bought myself this newer version. It works wonderfully. I thought the handle seemed a bit loose when I purchased it but after sending a video to Petzl they confirmed this is normal. I can't believe how light weight it is compared to the first Grigri. Also I recently used it with an 8.5mm static rope which is at the bottom end of it's suggested diameter range of ropes, and it worked perfectly. The price seems a little steep now since there are competitors on the market now for much less, but I am very satisfied with the ease of use and the support from Petzl.
Yes , I recommend this product
ash22
KY
It's gri gri!
3 years ago
It's a gri gri. I feel safe and secure and it's easy to use on top rope or giving slack when leading trad or sport. I got the red orange color for my boyfriend, he loved the color, and I have the grey.... and I love my color:) Not that those things really matter, but just an fyi. Sometimes a little dirt/sand can buildup, but it's super simple to just wipe out and it doesn't effect the efficacy of the device, you can just feel it when lowering or giving slack and you'll want to wipe it out. I don't see myself ever purchasing a different belay device.
Yes , I recommend this product
livhaus
Los Angeles, CA
The Perfect GRIGRI
2 years ago
I love my Pretzl GRIGRI. As a 5'4" woman who lead climbs with 6'+ guys, it saves my butt on a regular basis. I feel completely comfortable catching a whip with this, no matter what distractions are going on or how fast I need to react. It does take a bit of practice to learn how to feed the rope through smoothly for lead belaying but after a bit of practice it doesn't slow me down at all. I also feel much safer climbing with my belayer using an auto-locking belay device, and I've never had any issues with any Pretzel GRIGRI I've ever climbed with. I highly recommend it.
Age:25–34
Used for::Sport Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
georgeb
Gainesville, FL
More Cam Tension Than A GG2
6 years ago
If you have a GG2 and think it's unnecessary to upgrade to the new 2019 GriGri, then think again. The Cam tension is greater than on the GG2, meaning you can feed rope to a lead more easily and without the need to press down on the Cam with your fingers as often as with the GG2 or GG+. It's too bad they didn't m ake the flanged face plate out of stainless steel, but that would have meant perfection, complete indestructability and no need to ever replace it. Just buy one - Now!
Yes , I recommend this product
Big Tasty
Rochester, NY
Nice upgrade from my ATC
2 years ago
Upgraded from my ATC. Super easy to use and fairly idiot proof, which is good for my climbing partner.
Age:45–54
Used for::Gym Climbing
Yes , I recommend this product
Kaybr
Los Angeles, CA
Worthy upgrade to the GriGri 2
6 years ago
I first learned to belay on the OG GriGri and recently got back into climbing after an 8 year hiatus, so I wanted to get the latest GriGri for myself. I purchased the GriGri 2 just weeks before the release of this updated 2019 version. I was pretty happy with it until a month later when my climbing buddy got this one. After belaying with the 2019 version I knew I had to exchange my GriGri 2. This updated Gri Gri is much smother and easier to get a wider range of ropes through. With my GriGri 2 I would have to jump up and pull down to get enough leverage to tighten the slack when belaying, but with the updated GriGri I can pull the rope through with less effort. It also feels much more controlled and smooth when lowering. I dont lead climb, so I can attest to its usefulness there, but for top roping it seems to have taken all of the minor annoyances of the GriGri 2 and made a more perfected entry-level GriGri.
Yes , I recommend this product
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