Petzl GriGri or GriGri + (Current and Old) Comparison
Petzl GriGri is one of the most commonly used stabilizers. Climbing gyms love the GriGri, and climbers and climbers feel confident playing the GriGri, whether on the rock or indoors. Its safety features are simply unmatched.
But now there are two devices on the market: Petzl GriGri (2019) and GriGri+, this article will help you choose between them.
What is Petzl GriGri?
The Petzl GriGri is a camera stabilizer which essentially means the GriGri will brake if a climber starts to fall. Obviously, this doesn’t mean that the Stand has to be careless with its brake hand, but it does mean that if the Stand makes a mistake (due to negligence or an accident, such as a stone falling on its head), the GriGri stops. . Power cable.
This feature makes GriGri a safer option than unsupported braking devices. The downside is that the GriGri is more expensive and heavier than other stabilizers on the market.
The Petzl GriGri currently on the market is simply advertised as “GriGri”, it was actually released in 2019 and should not be confused with its predecessors, the GriGri 2 and the original GriGri.
What is Petzl GriGri+?
The Petzl GriGri+ has the same features as the original GriGri, but adds two additional features, hence the “+” in its name.
The first added feature is that the GriGri+ has an anti-panic function on the handle. If someone lowers the climber too quickly, the GriGri locks and stops the descent. This feature was primarily designed with the new layers in mind to prevent them from knocking the climber over too quickly.
The second feature is a switch that allows the harness to switch between a top rope attachment and a leash attachment. When the switch is on the top chain, the camera will be held tighter than when switched to leader mode. This makes it easier to uninstall games during installation.
What is Best? GriGri vs GriGri+
On paper, GriGri Plus seems like an obvious choice. This is safer for new insurers and makes it easier for them to fill the gap they have accumulated as a primary insurer.
But in reality, everything is not so simple. You’ll see more GriGri in the wild than with GriGri+, and here’s why.
The panic button that comes with the GriGri+ is really difficult to master. It will fail when you think it shouldn’t, and if it happens frequently you will become irritated very quickly.
Panic mode is particularly annoying on sports ropes, where they often get stuck for no apparent reason. Additionally, this belay device is difficult for lighter climbers to use because it will constantly jam, thinking you are lowering them too quickly.
So, even though the GriGri+ is safer, it can be quite disappointing if you are already used to the classic GriGri.
GriGri
Best price
Less weight
Braking with camera
Without installation guide/key
Without anti-panic system on the handle (ideal for experienced operators)
GriGri+
More expensive
Heavier than the standard GriGri.
Braking with camera
Manual switch/belay
Anti-panic system on the handle (good for beginners)
Final Thoughts
The Petzl GriGri is widely considered one of the best gimbals on the market because it is beginner-friendly and has exceptional safety features thanks to its cam-braking system. You definitely can’t go wrong with a GriGri.
But by reading this article, you’ve probably already decided that you need one and just want to know whether you should go with GriGri or GriGri Plus.
That’s what I think:
The standard GriGri is best suited for most climbers. It’s affordable, lighter, and does a great job tying both the top rope and leader. The GriGri Plus requires a learning curve and the panic function doesn’t work well with thick gymnastics ropes, so I wouldn’t recommend it. Beginner climbers may want to purchase the Plus as a safer option, but if you’re already used to rappelling with a standard GriGri, you’ll be better off.
For experienced climbers, changing reel or leader makes little difference in my opinion, and the advantages do not outweigh the disadvantages of having an overly sensitive anti-panic system.
