Petzl recently released the GriGri +, its newest assisted-braking belay device, continuing its longstanding tradition of innovation in climbing equipment. The GriGri + has remained much the same as its predecessors, with a few notable exceptions like the new anti-panic handle. Those familiar with the earlier GriGri models will have no trouble using the new model, despite a small learning curve surrounding the anti-panic handle.
First released in 1991, the original GriGri (which derives its name from an African good-luck charm) met the needs of climbing instructors who had the problem of monitoring multiple new students belaying simultaneously. The desire to increase safety and decrease accidents at these beginner cliffs drove Petzl to create a belay device that had assisted braking. The GriGri + continues in this tradition by adding features that specifically address issues faced by climbing instructors. Since it’s not called the GriGri 3, it seems the GriGri + isn’t meant to replace the GriGri (which is still available at retailers), but to be a slightly different tool made specifically for climbing instructors and beginner belayers.
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Differences between the GriGri 2 and the GriGri +
Let’s look at some of the differences between the GriGri + and the GriGri 2 in the chart below:
| Feature | GriGri | GriGri + |
| Price | $99.95 | $149.95 |
| Weight | 170 grams | 200 grams |
| Rope Size Compatibility | 8.9-11mm (optimal 9.4-10.3) | 8.5-11mm (optimal 8.9-10.5) |
New features
The new features of the GriGri + are 1. the ability to select different modes for top rope belaying versus lead climb belaying and 2. the anti-panic handle. Both are intended to make the GriGri + even safer and easier to use than older models. How well it accomplishes this is up for debate.
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Belay Mode Selection
The new belay mode selection feature increases the GriGri +’s versatility. There are two modes: top rope belay mode and lead climbing belay mode. In top rope mode the assisted braking feature engages easier, providing more help to the belayer as they take in slack. In lead climbing belay mode the assisted braking feature engages less, making it easier to give you slack for when the climber needs to clip protection. Testing it in the gym, you can immediately feel the difference in modes. Especially when trying to give out slack while lead belaying and the device is still in top rope mode. While changing between modes isn’t hard, it’s another thing to remember when switching between top roping and lead climbing. My guess is most lead climbers will end up just leaving it in lead mode since it doesn’t make a huge difference while top rope belaying.
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Anti-panic handle
The new feature that has been most publicized is the anti-panic handle. A recorded issue with the GriGri 2 in the past has been belayers pulling too hard on the brake lever, potentially sending the climber falling to the ground. Most users of a GriGri can’t imagine this happening, but even veteran users have fallen into this mistake. Last summer Ashima Shiraishi, one of the best female climbers in the world, had a 45-foot ground fall after her belayer pulled too hard on the brake handle of a GriGri. The new feature causes the handle to automatically brake if the user pulls too hard on it, protecting against a belayer “panicking” and gripping the handle while releasing the brake strand. This feature takes the most getting used to, as it’s surprisingly annoying at first if you’re already a GriGri 2 user. For those first learning to use an assisted braking device on the GriGri +, they’ll never know the difference and might like the feature as an extra safeguard. And it’ll be appreciated by climbing instructors who are teaching multiple beginners simultaneously, or for climbers who are lead climbing with a new belayer.
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Conclusion: good for some, not for everyone
If you already own a previous GriGri model and you’re mainly a recreational climber, the GriGri +, especially at $149.95, isn’t a must-buy item. But keeping up with the newest safety standards and equipment is always a good idea—for professional guides and instructors, the added anti-panic handle might be enough to warrant the purchase, especially if you can find a good deal. While the GriGri + has its obvious upsides, it was a smart call by Petzl to keep the GriGri in their product line, providing more options for different types of users.
What do you think? Will the new GriGri + be your good luck charm?
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