Petzl GriGri

Designed for the experienced belayer, and much used by sport climbers, the Petzl GriGri is a single rope belay device with assisted braking designed for belaying both at the wall and at the sport crag. Compact and lightweight, it can be used with single ropes from 8.5mm to 11 mm but is optimised for those from 8.9mm to 10.5mm. The assisted braking function improves comfort while belaying, holding a climber or catching a fall. The design of the handled camming mechanism enables excellent descent control.

The 2019 GriGri adapts the body of the GriGri 2 to take the same updated cam as in the GriGri+ - this means it will handle a wider range of rope diameters.

• Belay device with assisted braking, compatible with a broad range of single rope diameters, for both wall and crag.
• Feeding slack and catching falls are done using standard belay techniques; always keep a hand on the brake-side of the rope.
• The assisted braking function is activated when a climber falls, the device pivots, the rope tightens and the cam pinches and blocks the rope. Holding the brake side of the rope helps engage the cam, therefore it is important to always hold the brake side of the rope.
• Rope installation diagram engraved on both the interior and exterior of the device.
• Exceptional comfort during descents.
• The ergonomic handle makes lowering easy.
• Smooth descent control is achieved by progressive action of the cam.
• Simple to use for belaying both lead or top-rope climbers.
• Optimally balanced design: lightweight, compact and durable.

Rope compatibility: 8.5mm - 11 mm, but optimised for those from 8.9mm - 10.5mm.

Weight: c 175g.

NB Designed for experienced belayers. Moving parts belay devices do need lubricating occasionally - don't let it get to a stage where it seizes up mid-use!

You might be wondering why Petzl have produced the Neox when they already have the GriGri.

Well, the GriGri is great for most users, especially for Brits who maybe spend a week or two sport climbing per year and the rest of the time are trad climbing on double ropes. Though not sold as a self locking device by Petzl, the GriGri effectively is, and this makes it safe to use by fairly inexperienced belayers as if "in doubt" it locks up. However this extra safety feature is a pain for regular sport climbers who are pushing the grades. When they need slack to clip a bolt, they want yards of it and quickly, so the last thing they need is a belay device that locks off suddenly - hence the Neox, which is aimed at experienced Sport and Competition climbers. This however does mean that the Neox is definitely not self locking in the same way that the GriGri is, and that a hand should be kept on the braking side rope at all times. Also, unlike the GriGri, the Neox is not suitable for indirect belaying, where the device is clipped to a bolt, rather than to your harness, something that is often done if the lead climber weighs a lot more than the belayer.

So, do consider the Neo if you are pushing the sport grades and you and your climbing partner are well used to using assisted braking belay devices.

But, do consider the GriGri if you are only an occasional sport climber and/or you are being belayed by an inexperienced second.