How to belay with grigri. Use one of these techniques, and have the Grigri .

How to belay with grigri. Knowing some of these techniques can be great for descending multi pitch routes where your partner has a standard tube device and you have a Grigri. All you need is a friction hitch, long sling, and a modern belay device like a Grigri or “guide-mode” style belay device. Then pick up the slack rope and feed it into the Grigri following the directions etched on the device. Unlike the standard ATC, however, it only has one tube. With an anti-panic handle that makes it particularly suited for learning, the GRIGRI + is a cam-assisted blocking device for top rope or lead climbing in the gym or outside. Overall, it is important that you maintain control of the brake strand throughout the entire process and be mindful of the cam. It offers several features that many will see as improvements over the standard GriGri, including an anti-panic handle and two different modes for top-rope and lead belaying. Caving, mountaineering, multi-pitch, cragging, canyoning, each activity has its device. In these situations if the grigri cannot be repositioned it is better to use a redirected belay from the harness. Black Diamond ATC Pilot vs GriGri The ATC pilot, another Black Diamond belay device, is a tube-style device. 3 Methods Of Belaying From Above There are 3 methods of belaying from the top. There are numerous methods of setting up a self belay when lone climbing. Feb 7, 2024 · Are you a new climber deciding which belay device to get? We’ll help you decide which belay device is best for you. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. This is applicable in single pitch and multipitch scenarios. You will also find examples of belaying errors to avoid. Jul 29, 2024 · Petzl's new Neox is a sleek assisted-braking belay device. Prerequisites for Beginners: Belay Devices & Usage: • Complete Guide into Belay Devices - Differ Top Rope & Intro to I’ve had to basically reteach people how to belay properly that learned on a grigri without developing best practices (for any belay device) like always keeping your hand on the break strand. Here are some illustrations: Holding the GRIGRI with the entire hand. If you want to top rope climb with a partner you need to know how to tie into a harness and belay with a belay device! There is no substitute for proper instruction from someone qualified to teach you how to properly belay, but this article should help you freshen up your skills so you feel confident in taking a belay test! Jul 25, 2024 · An awesome lead belay device for paying out rope and not annoying your climbing partner on long pitches, a great addition to the GRIGRI family. The GriGri will allow the rope to pass through when you are moving slowly . I have accomplished close to 100 pitches with this system, both free and aid climbing. Traditional belay devices do not have an assisted braking mechanism. It's an ideal device for belaying both leaders and top-ropers, either sport or Dec 13, 2023 · Most guides carry both the GriGri and the ATC, but in a pinch, they may rely on one device over the other. Video: Belaying with a GRIGRI See our video Belaying with a GRIGRI: We present the belay technique recommended by Petzl (for the climb and the lowering). In particular, Petzl engineers wanted to create a device that helped add security to belaying, especially for new climbers. Incorrect placement of the index finger. The ATC-Pilot is hands-down the best belay device I've ever used. Sure, it's "more annoying" to feed rope out, but once you're used to it, it will be second nature and I think it's 100% worth the extra effort. In other words, the GriGri is designed to act like a seat belt, where if you move it slowly, it slides out, but if you pull it hard, it locks. The Birdie is a little bit heavier- but should last a lot longer because of the all-steel construction. The GriGri is now a household name among climbers, and it’s the second half of our test. Check out our 8 top picks and some helpful tips Sep 21, 2023 · After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. How to pass a belay certification? Complete Guide to Lead Belaying From basics to nerdy tips & tricks. For a climber who is already… Feb 7, 2019 · 1 - Feed the rope through your Grigri, and attach the Grigri to your belay loop with a large locking carabiner, just like you would for belaying. The assisted braking function makes belaying more convenient when holding a climber or catching a fall. This is compounded when a climber weighs particularly much more than the keeper. Apr 8, 2019 · Most lead belay classes are taught with ATCs, leaving climbers who may have learned to belay on a GriGri (or bought a GriGri) a little confused. A tip for easier belaying with the GRIGRI: keep the free rope stacked near you. Oct 4, 2024 · So, GriGris: friend or foe? They are my standard belay device for single pitch climbing, but I always need to check the system each time, and hang onto the brake rope. Read our review to see why it's our climbing editor's first choice. Join StoneMan Climbing Co. I have taken 1 unplanned fall where the gri Belay Devices And Descenders Petzl offers a wide selection of descenders and innovative belay devices designed for all vertical activities. It's an ideal device for belaying both leaders and top-ropers, either sport or The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. Since the inception of the original Grigri 1, the Grigri has continued to set the standard for belay devices with cam-assisted blocking (braking). But before learning about each method, let’s I’m wondering what peoples thoughts are about the new belay device from petzl. ” Feb 17, 2024 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The GriGri belay device made by Petzl can reduce your risk while climbing, but if you don't use it properly, it can also lead to failure to catch a falling climber. Happy viewing. In today’s video, we’re going to talk about using the Grigri for top-rope climbing. Universal Belay Advice: Pay Attention Guide Mode is an auto-locking belay technique for climbing. The Grigri is an assisted braking belay device. And it’s an amazing belay device. I was wondering if anyone have any experiences with any assisted breaking devices that would be good for lead belaying? I was looking in invest in one of the following options: Beal Birdie, Trango Vergo, and WildCountry Revo May 28, 2024 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. Belay slaves rejoiced, but incorrect use of this newfangled device began to result in accidents. Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl GriGri is an active assisted-braking device that performs well in every belaying and lowering task, earning our highest honor as the best belay device on the market. 5mm Jul 25, 2023 · An Overview of the Petzl Grigri The Grigri is an assisted braking belay device designed for climbing inside or outdoors. Then we went cragging with some others, and i saw he NEVER had his hand on the brake side, except to feed or pull in slack. Is this really true? Let's take a closer look at why bringing a Grigri might be a smart move for alpine climbers. Apr 27, 2021 · The six belay devices we tested Belay devices are one of the central tools of climbing, so we took our six favorites to the cliffs for a showdown. The winner is a trusted classic: the Petzl GriGri 2. For many climbers, the question remains: which belay device should I use? In this video, I explain how I lead rope solo using a gri gri. The locking of the rope into the device is due to a cam piece that On this Friday's gear show w'are having a look at how to use a Petzl GriGri 2, it's safety features, and what to avoid doing with it. Petzl now strongly recommends the second "new" method, so if you're learning new techniques go for this one rather than the"classic" method. Very diligent about holding the climbers rope. The main feature of a grigri is a clutch mechanism that helps you with braking by pinching the rope when it is moving too fast, such as Jul 3, 2025 · What is a GriGri The Petzl GriGri is a single-rope assisted braking belay device, designed and manufactured by Petzl. How to Belay with a GriGri? Using a GriGri requires correct rope threading, controlled feeding, and engagement of the assisted braking system to ensure a safe belay experience. and learn how to properly lead belay using a GriGri or other auto-assistive belay device. Jun 18, 2025 · Learn how to set up your grigri, execute smooth hand movements, manage falls, and communicate effectively during climbs. Forcing someone to belay with a GriGri when they are not yet comfortable is a terrible idea. 2 - Clip an ascender to the rope above the Grigri. Jun 20, 2018 · Interested in the Petzl Grigri 2 belay device? Our in-depth review breaks down the pros and cons and compares it to the GriGri +. Giving slack without holding the brake side of the rope. Is an ATC better than a Grigri? We break down the differences between the types of belay devices and share our favorites for different types of climbing. Lead belaying is an essential skill to k Step 1: Connecting you and your partner to the belay system Once your climber has tied in to the live end of the rope, you need to open the Grigri. How does it stack up to the Grigri? We put it to the test. Now with both strands on the bottom of the cliff tie into one end of the rope and load your GriGri and attach it to your belay loop with a locking carabiner. The technique described here is the only one that Petzl recommends. Many climbing gyms will ask to see your belay certification or do a test before you are allowed to belay. Safer than … Jun 6, 2017 · GRIGRI+ is an assisted braking device designed for all climbers, for both indoor and outdoor climbing. Oct 28, 2021 · Hello everyone, I tried to use a GriGri to lead belay, and it's very difficult to feed slack, blocking the cam, and operate it using best practices since I'm left handed. May 20, 2020 · The best carabiner for the Grigri can prevent dangerous situations when belaying and rappelling. Nonetheless, there is an alternate technique, presented here. I’m also interested to see longer term how they’ll handle consistent use, I suspect the rolling feature will help spread out A GriGri is a belay device, manufactured by Petzl, with an assisted breaking mechanism. If you’re old, learn the “new” Petzl belay technique. This article explains how to use guide mode for climbing + how to lower a climber in guide mode. Learn the difference between the Grigri and the Grigri+. The device has a handle, which when pulled back on, will progressively disengage the cam, allowing rope to be The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. #belay # Jul 22, 2015 · The GRIGRI belay device: a concept that forever changed climbing In 1991, Petzl offered climbers an all-new belay device, the GRIGRI. In the gym or at the crag, it makes belaying easier with cam-assisted blocking. The belay technique is very close to the generic technique, but has a few specifics. All users must be trained and competent in the use of the equipment for these activities. AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Erik Kramer-Webb shares his top tips on top-belaying with a GriGri. There are currently two versions of the GriGri on the market. I typically climb in a really dusty/dirty area and I’m curious about how people think a neox would handle that. GriGris have a friction plate and a cam that will lock when the clutch is closed and will break your fall under a shock load. Full Playlist: https://www. Having trouble trying to figure out how to remove your new GRIGRI or GRIGRI + belay device from it's packaging? Then watch this video for a quick and easy method to get your GRIGRI out without Mar 29, 2019 · If you have a Grigri or similar auto locking belay device, you can still get down a route. The design of the handled camming mechanism enables exceptional descent control. Dec 7, 2020 · Not how I belay with a gri-gri, though. It can be used with all single ropes (optimized for 8. ' Read Are you taking a belay test soon and wondering how to pass your belay certification? Learning how to belay is an important skill for any climber. Apr 6, 2023 · Do you need to do some improvised rope ascending? You don't need a designated waist and foot prusik cord. Includes belaying, lowering, a 3 to 1 pulley system for belay assists, rope management, and how Mar 17, 2014 · For a climber who is already familiar with using classic devices, it takes a little time to adjust. I climbed with someone for a few days, couple dozen pitches, swapping leads, rappelling. How does it work? How is the rope inserted? How do brake hand and guide hand work together for taking up or paying out rope? The Petzl GriGri is an assisted-braking belay device. It can be just as intense and thrilling. I would recommend that you backup the system every 5-10 feet. How to Belay with a Grigri is one of the most important skills you should learn for climbing, even top-rope climbing. We also check out the new GriGri+: with extra safety features Dec 15, 2021 · Exactly how to belay from above with a grigri, atc, mega jul, cordelette anchors and more. VIDEO - Specific left-handed technique Most left-handed people hold the brake side of the rope with the right hand, belaying like a right-handed person with the GRIGRI; this technique is the most ergonomic. Rappelling with GRIGRI and NEOX Multi-pitch rappelling with a single rope Belaying multi-pitch routes on single rope with a Using the GRIGRI/GRIGRI + with a low stretch Belay technique: taking up slack Choice of carabiner for attaching a GRIGRI or So this way, in case the climber were to take a fall all you need to do as the belayer is pull down. Jan 16, 2020 · Ready to take your belay certification test at your gym? Sweet! Know the 4 essential belay skills and nail your belay certification test on your first try! Thinking about obtaining some new climbing equipment? If that's so, here's how often should you replace your trusty grigri. GriGri2 pays out slack very easily when you get the hand positioning right, makes the falls/hanging a lot more comfortable (especially when the belayer is off the ground), prevents rope slip when people are hanging, and lowers very smoothly. And that locks the belay device preventing rope from feeding in the opposite direction. For a climber who is already familiar with using classic Dec 2, 2013 · Learn proper techniques for smooth and safe belaying The release of the Petzl Grigri in 1991 marked a major step in the evolution of belay devices: Here was a device that assisted significantly in catching a fall, and also allowed a belayer to hold and lower his partner with little effort. Essential skills for safe rock climbing. This tutorial is packed with useful tips and advice, aiming at increasing the Jan 3, 2024 · Figure eight belay device The mechanism inside a GriGri is pretty simple and logical, having its roots not in climbing but in the car industry, particularly in the seat belt system. and learn how to belay directly off of the anchor using a GriGri or other auto-assistive style device. It is primarily used while rock climbing to maintain a safe and effective climbing system. PROS Awesomely smooth paying out of rope. Their inspiration for the device came from two places– the Petzl Stop, a self-braking descending device, and Everything you need to know about Belaying Correctly with the Grigri, my favourite Belaying Device for Sport Climbing. All you need to get mult-pitching! Jun 5, 2025 · A grigri is a belaying device with an assisted braking mechanism that you can use for rock climbing. Dave Fasulo (Author of the Falcon Self Rescue book) recommends using a grigri for this reason. Direct belay – this is the recommended method by climbing schools today Redirected belay – this is the method used for many years and is still common today Indirect belay These 3 methods differ in how the belay devices are being set up and how the belaying is done. An instructional video (A work in progress) on how to top rope belay using a gri gri. Petzl contact Other Fairly new climber here, I learned to lead belay with an ATC, but recently got a Grigri and feel a lot more confident with it. Although Kochendörfer prefers an ATC or an alternative device to the GriGri, he admits that there are some situations in which the GriGri excels: “The only occasion where we use GriGri-like devices is for tree rescue and lift rescue. Anecdotal evidence, but the only time I have been dropped (luckily indoors and not super high up) was by a belayer who was uncomfortable operating a grigri and fucked up. The technique described… Physics and Experiments demonstrating GriGri slipping in No-Hands Belay. It is difficult to make an exhaustive list of all incorrect techniques. If you were to visit your local crag or gym right now to see which belay devices were most commonly hanging Jun 19, 2023 · The Petzl GriGri is a cam-assisted belay device, essentially meaning that the GriGri will brake in the event a climber starts to fall. Here’s a great video from the American Mountain Guides Association which explains how to lead belay with a gri gri. It’s inevitable because the Grigri and ATC are tried and true powerhouses in every style of climbing, from sport climbing indoors to traditional multi-pitch rock climbing outside. The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. Most of the people I lead climb with were already using a Grigri when they began leading and learned that way. Obviously, this doesn’t mean the belayer should be careless with their brake hand, but it does mean that in the event the belayer screws up (through negligence or an unfortunate accident such as a rock falling on their head) that the GriGri will stop the rope Abundant features for a better belay. It’s the ideal belay device for top rope climbing with a specific mode that makes it easier to take up slack. The technique for belaying a leader with an assisted braking device, like the GRIGRI + and GRIGRI 2, is very similar to that of using a tubular device but with a few specific maneuvers. Assisted-braking belay devices are commonplace at crags and gyms. GriGri mechanics are fairly Aug 19, 2013 · The first thing you want to do when lowering a climber with a petzl grigri is to put a twist in the rope so that it's oriented over this beveled section of the belay device. I'm not as comfortable lead climbing if my belayer is using a tube style device, with very few exceptions. Jul 24, 2019 · With the Birdie, Beal delivers a compact and aggressively priced assisted-braking belay device. The technique described here is the only one that Petzl Mar 23, 2024 · The Petzl Grigri is the brainchild of Petzl equipment engineers who wanted to design a belay device that could help reduce the risk of accidents while climbing. The device can be used with a wide range of rope diameters, from 8. Designed for lead and top rope climbing, GRIGRI is the gold standard for belay devices. But, you need a few alternative techniques, because your device only works on a single strand of rope. Other companies have been trying to Beal Birdie vs Petzl GriGri- which is better? The Beal Birdie is superior to the Petzl GriGri because of its all-steel construction and lower price point. com/playlist?list=PLLALQuK1NDrjugIQA3Te01g3ksXghWCMR--Rockin’ Rock Climbing CommoditiesMomentum Climbing Harness: http://a Sep 7, 2020 · The Grigri is a single rope, assisted braking belay device from climbing gear manufacturers Petzl. It's a personal choice and I'm sure some people will (for some Aug 6, 2021 · The GriGri, released in 1991 and named after an African good luck charm, was a revolutionary moment — a belay device with a cam that would actively lock during a fall. Now climb and as you reach a comfortable spot every few moves pull the slack though your GriGri. Spire Climbing Center is a climbing gym located in Bozeman, Montana and was the location for this video. Apr 21, 2020 · 'The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking (meaning it will help the belayer control the rope should the climber fall). May 5, 2025 · A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. You can see the GriGri here on Amazon. Learn how to belay a lead climber with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. Follow these step by step instructions on how to belay with a GriGri, including giving slack quickly. The Pilot is simple, light, and perfect for what it does. This is an essential skill to learn so that you can become an Mar 23, 2016 · At Momentum, the most prolific belay devices are assisted-braking belay devices, the first of which was Petzl’s GRIGRI, invented in 1991. The assisted braking works in the way of a built-in cam that pinches the rope when it goes tight, which will, in turn, stop the rope from sliding through the device. Here are some tips and the best method for giving a good toprope belay, whether you’re using a tube device like an ATC or a brake-assisted belay device like the grigri. If you fall while you’re top-rope climbing and you’re using a Grigri correctly, the device Jan 3, 2024 · Personally, I use the GriGri to belay my climbing partner and the ATC for rappelling from multi-pitch climbing. The device is attached to your belay loop with a locking carabiner, same as a placket device would be. The additional major benefit to the GriGri is that it is never preoccupied with other climbers, pets, children, or Apr 28, 2025 · If you’re a newer climber, learning how to give a safe and proper toprope belay will also make you a much more desirable climbing partner. With an appropriately packed GriGri, the appliance enables the belayer by helping with the stopping force. Dec 22, 2022 · When climbers imagine belay devices, they are bound to think of the Petzl Grigri and Black Diamond ATC. The result is a comprehensive comparison-tested review, and some Rappelling with GRIGRI and NEOX GRIGRI and NEOX enable rappelling on a single rope: on a retrievable system with one strand blocked, or on a fixed rope. Head to https://brilliant. When you learn on a GriGri2 The belay device benefits, though the belayer has to grasp the rope and pull tough to stop. This is my Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl GriGri+ is the best active assisted-braking belay device for newer climbers and feels very familiar to anybody who has used a GriGri before. Like it or not, belaying is a muscle memory skill and you should develop that memory in a way that improves safety across all potential situations. Don't listen to any of these gumbies talking about how the grigri is better. A Grigri (styled as GriGri or GRIGRI) is an assisted braking belay device manufactured by Petzl designed to help secure rock-climbing, rappelling, and rope-acrobatic activities. org/hardiseasy to get a 30-day free trial + the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual Once someone is proficient with both an ATC and a GriGri2, I think the case is difficult to make that the ATC is any safer. Using a grigri as your belay device greatly simplifies a number of self-rescue scenarios. Aug 13, 2024 · The Edelrid Pinch is a much-anticipated assisted braking belay device. Plate device, not a gri-gri. It feeds slack with ease, securely catches lead falls, and securely auto-blocks when belaying a follower from above on multi-pitch routes. The two devices are remarkably similar, though each has distinct differences. If you’re heavy, you need to step or jump up to give a soft catch. In neither of these methods do you need to swap the direction of your hand on the brake rope so I don't really understand your trouble or how you must be holding the grigri Ascending a rope with GRIGRI, GRIGRI + and How to Belay Using the NEOX Normal sound of the NEOX when taking up slack NEOX, ideal for lead belaying I am passionately team Grigri, and many of the people who I climb with are too. Holding the climber side of the rope. The GriGri 2 has been a leading device on the market for years, and for good reason. With its assisted-braking system, providing more confidence and comfort to both belayer and climber, the device quickly revealed itself to be ideal for leading, for working crux moves, for lowering, and for top roping. Climbing alone is one way of getting around the lack of a partner. It brings an added level of safety while remaining versatile and usable. 5 to 11 mm. There isn't anything on the market that remotely comes close to the ease of use for lead belay. The Petzl GRIGRI is the undisputed Oct 16, 2020 · Many climbers love their Grigri for sport climbing, but think that it's 1) too heavy and 2) single purpose to bring for a long alpine route. Especially from those who have already have had a chance to use them. (Note that the ascender is usually for your non-dominant hand; ie, right handed climbers bideally should use a left handed acender. Petzl The grigri is a belay device that relies on friction and a mechanical advantage that creates the assisted breaking capacity. The extra safety that Grigri provides wh Mar 17, 2022 · The GriGri is an assisted braking belay device manufactured by Petzl. Use one of these techniques, and have the Grigri Here is a good video highlighting the two common methods of belay with a grigri. youtube. How to choose? Nov 24, 2021 · This video shows how to belay and lower from the top using a grigri when rock climbing. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. And there’s good reason it’s caught on: climbers have moved from static plate and tubular devices to Petzl’s innovation because it facilitates belaying by holding a falling or hanging climber via a The activities depicted are inherently dangerous. Instead, be resourceful with the gear you probably already have. Jun 13, 2018 · Interested in the Petzl Grigri + belay device? Our in-depth review breaks down the pros and cons and compares it to the GriGri 2. In 2015, the GRIGRI remains a key tool for Yes, all climbers should learn to give a safe belay with a GriGri. The grigri is over hyped. Honestly, if you’re worried about falling or you’re worried about your belayer being new to belay, this is a great tool that you can use to get that extra sense of safety. Compact and lightweight, it can be used with single ropes from 8.