Petzl Grigri Belay Device

We’ve read the reviews across the web for the Petzl Grigri Belay Device and summarize the results below:

Universal Ranking

PeakScore: 89 (out of 100)
User Rating: 4.7 stars 
Expert Rating: 3.8 stars

Number of Ratings Reviewed: 35

Pros & Cons

Reasons to buy:

User Reviews

  • The cam tension is greater than previous models, allowing for greater control.
  • Able to feed rope to a lead easier and more efficiently.
  • Don’t have to press down on the cam with your fingers as often, allowing for easier use.
  • Smooth and easy to get a wide range of different-width ropes through quickly.
  • Able to pull the rope with less effort required.
  • Controlled and safe when lowering due to adjustments and the safety lock.
  • Great for single-pitch sport climbing due to safety features and ease of use.
  • Provides extra safety when falling due to the catch.
  • Lightweight and efficiently-sized.
  • Almost no reports of slippage, even with ropes of less than 9.5mm.

Expert Reviews

  • A top belay device in this space.
  • One of the most reliable options due to reputation and performance ability.
  • Little grip on the brake hand is needed to assist with tension to lock the cam, allowing for ease of use for any level.
  • Once the rope is locked, no grip strength is required for the rope to stay in the locked position.
  • The rope runs very easily and runs smoothly.
  • Re-formulated to accommodate ultra-skinny ropes.
  • The clipping eye has been made slightly bigger to work with bigger lockers.

Reasons NOT to buy:

User Reviews

  • Didn’t make the face plate out of stainless steel like other models.
  • Giving slack is easy, but requires some practice to learn.
  • Tendency to lock up when feeding slack if the user is not doing it slowly and calmly.
  • The color is not accurate on the site vs. in person.

Expert Reviews

  • Must keep a hand on the brake end of the rope during lowering to ensure safety.
  • Takes some practice to get used to a smooth lowering, and ensuring it doesn’t get too far open and prevents sudden catching.
  • Not the most efficient method of feeding the rope when compared to other models, due to the brake cam having to lock open.

Summary:

The Petzl Grigri Belay Device is one of the most reliable and safe choices on the market today, with the safety lock allowing beginners and experts alike to efficiently use this belay device. The ease in feeding the rope through, after taking some getting used to, makes this a top choice in today’s climbing world.

Multimedia:

Note: User and expert rankings were reviewed across the web. Some expert reviews include these: 1, 2.