Lowering with a grigri. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here.

Lowering with a grigri This technique is a bit less common, and it has a few pros and cons, see below. Newer climbers might buy the Plus as the safer option, but if they are already used to lowering with a standard GriGri, you’ll be better off with that one. Lower down the opposite side of the rope. This could be due to lowering a heavy partner, skinny rope, slippery rope sheath, wet/icy rope, cold hands, gloves, or some combination of the above. All you need to get mult-pitching! The U-bend of the GriGri is rounder, so lowering a climber requires way more hand strength/friction applied to the break strand. Aug 13, 2024 · The Edelrid Pinch is a much-anticipated assisted braking belay device. (price does not matter in this discussion) I'm mainly concerned about the cam engaging too often when lowering or due to rope drag which could get frustrating. The most common accident with other Grigri’s is on lowering. Here are three ways to lower your climber with a plaquette or guide style device. Pros Good failsafe when lowering Easy… Jul 12, 2006 · Before lowering the climber I run the dead rope over the raised section of the GriGri (like normal) then clip the dead rope into the snapgate before lowering off like normal. Repelling is a means of lowering a person from an anchor to the ground using a rope and belay device. It can be used with all single ropes (optimized for 8. Grab the black lever and pull it back gently with your left hand which Dec 5, 2024 · Differences Compared to the Standard GriGri The GriGri+ was developed to address a couple of the GriGri 's shortcomings for newer belayers. video ---------- Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of content), the program is designed to Jan 28, 2019 · David Dentry wrote: Why in the world would anyone use a Guide ATC when a GriGri is SO MUCH EASIER! Yes, it's heavier, but unless that's a big concern what other reason would someone use a Guide ATC over a GriGri? Just a quick note here: lowering with the GriGri in "guide mode" might not be as trivial as just opening the lever. 3mm. I have lots of belay experience with regular grigri's and ATC's but I want to get my own grigri. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional instruction under the supervision of a qualified rock climbing instructor or guide. Commonly experienced when lowering light climbers, the stopping mechanism engaged when lowering because of a lack of weight put on the device by the overhanging nature of the rock, thus Want to multi-pitch climb with your GriGri? How to, and the do's and don'ts, right here. And ensure the device isn't lodged against the rock so nothing get's pinned from moving. Dec 22, 2022 · Top Rope Climbing and Belaying The Grigri and ATC are perfectly adequate for top rope climbing outdoors or indoors. Use the hand that you aren’t using to hold the braking side of the rope to pull back on the grigri’s quick release handle until you feel resistance. org/hardiseasy to get a 30-day free trial + the first 200 Nov 21, 2025 · Check my full step-by-step guide on How to Rappel with a GriGri Belay Device, the holy grail of belay devices. Happy viewing. From your own posts: took his hand off for a second bad belay, the end, device does not matter one bit. This isn’t meant to be a comprehensive list of lowers and all of their intricacies. Guide Mode is an auto-locking belay technique for climbing. Belaying with the GRIGRI The belay technique to be used is very similar to the generic belay technique, but has a few specifics. 5 mm diameter ropes) and is suited for intensive use. Oct 4, 2024 · A GriGri needs a well stacked rope to feed smoothly, so organise the rope before the leader sets off, particularly on hanging belays—a long hanging rope makes feeding the rope very tricky. more. The technique described here is the only one that Petzl recommends. You will also find examples of belaying errors to avoid. Jun 5, 2025 · Pull the release handle and feed the rope through the grigri to lower a climber. Other features include a 3-to-1 “progressive control” mechanism when lowering the climber. Both are valid. However, the May 20, 2020 · The best carabiner for the Grigri can prevent dangerous situations when belaying and rappelling. May 1, 2024 · The newest GriGri model is a little more straightforward than the GriGri+. In exchange, it is lighter, easier to anticipate what it will do, and 50% cheaper. The Petzl GriGri is an assisted-braking belay device. This video shows how to belay and lower from the top using a grigri when rock climbing. Then, redirect the brake stand into another carabiner (non-locking is fine) ensuring it runs over the smooth flange. 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. This is a quick tip, I've talked about Lowering a client or partner with a grigri from above requires directing the brake strand over the braking plate of the grigri and redirecting the strand back towards the direction of load. I know this from experience: I learned to lead belay on an ATC, and I loaded a GriGri backwards the first time I tried using one to lead belay (after a basic how-to weeks before). May 18, 2025 · Belay technique Because the Grigri can make it hard to quickly deliver slack to a leader, Petzl developed a recommended belay technique with the device, in which you keep the brake side of the rope in the crease of your brake hand, hook your pointer finger under the ridge of the lowering plate, and use your thumb to gently depress the cam/lever to stop it from engaging, allowing the rope to That method is safe and will work as long as the anchor is solid, but it wears on the anchor in the same way that lowering does. The original (discontinued) GriGri uses a 1-to-1 (no progressive Jan 16, 2020 · Lowering with a Grigri: A Semi-Automatic Belay Device Assisted breaking Reduces the chances of a fatal drop but NOT foolproof Wait for your “climber” to communicate with you that they’re ready to lower. Typically, the person being lowered is also the one controlling the gear and thus, how fast they lower off the rope. It feeds slack with ease, securely catches lead falls, and securely auto-blocks when belaying a follower from above on multi-pitch routes. Best of all, this device now accommodates ropes down to 8. For the belayer that wants versatility! With an anti-panic handle that makes it particularly suited for learning, the GRIGRI + is a cam-assisted blocking device for climbing in the gym or outside. ' So we put the Vergo assisted-braking belay to a first look test. Something happend and in the panic she pulled through on the lever, letting go of the rope with her other hand. 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. Includes belaying, lowering, a 3 to 1 pulley system for belay assists, rope management, and how Mar 25, 2019 · 3 - Redirected Grigri The redirected Grigri works on a similar principle to the redirected plate. With assisted braking for improved belaying comfort both in the gym and at the crag, the light and compact the Petzl GRIGRI belay device can be used with 8. Dec 6, 2018 · To lower, first have the climber lean back and engage the Grigri’s braking mechanism. May 18, 2017 · The GriGri2 requires some tension on the brake strand to provide a confident feeling while lowering. 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. So it requires a little time to adapt to. Jan 31, 2016 · The Eddy is the smoothest device we tested at lowering with large ropes (>10. On some beat up, stiff, static lines we tried rappelling, the Eddy was the only assisted locking device that actually allowed us to descend. Belaying a second from above with GRIGRI, GRIGRI + and NEOX GRIGRI, GRIGRI + and NEOX can be used for belaying the second from the belay station on multi-pitch routes. Mar 29, 2019 · With the rope through the anchor, tie in to one end of the rope, attach to the other side of the rope with your Grigri, and lower yourself. However, the Pivot is a tube-style device that can be used for double-rope repelling. All the reviews of it so far have been glowing and I feel like some reality needs to be injected into the discussion. Lower with smooth control. These devices have been getting lighter and hence, it makes more and more sense to use devices such as these for their ease of use. I've tried it with se Sep 21, 2023 · Other belay devices, like the Petzl GriGri, can also lower a follower with ease. . May 17, 2020 · I see a lot of people lowering with a grigri in improper or dangerous ways, this is how the AMGA recommends to lower with a grigri. However, we found that looping the brake strand through the spur changes the orientation of the rope exiting the ATC to a direction it is not designed for, and will likely wear through the side of the ATC very quickly if repeated often 2 days ago · Soloing with a modified Gri Gri - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. While many DCD options exist for managing these systems, versatility, low weight, and ease of use are key priorities in austere contexts. Jun 28, 2018 · However, when belaying and lowering on overhanging terrain the safety stopping mechanism added to the the Grigri + often interfered with lowering the belayer. See full list on publiclands. Aug 29, 2017 · The GriGri+ also accommodates a wider range of rope diameters: from 8. Jul 6, 2023 · But, lowering with a GriGri in a direct belay configuration requires an awkward manipulation of the GriGri 2 handle. I don't understand why anyone would ever do that. Ratchet method, Grigri method, redirected plate method. A GriGri 2 uses a 2-to-1 progressive control. 5mm, keeping pace with the skinniest single rope on the market. Yes, this is a bad belayer all around. Sep 13, 2018 · Learn how to belay or lower your climber from above using a Grigri, with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. Even when lowering a climber only 30 feet, the device was noticeably warm/hot. Pull the belay strand up against the leg loop biner. The + also has a stainless steel insert that runs over the lowering bar, enhancing the durability in a high-wear area Setting Up a GRIGRI, Belaying and Lowering from the Top https://rockclimb. You can somewhat control the rate by right hand position but also with how much you are pulling the lever back. Feb 9, 2020 · Lowering a climber from the top with a grigri is similar to using an ATC, but you have to fully open the grigri lever, while keeping the brake hand in brake position. Beginner climbers may prefer the new Grigri + because of its anti-panic handle. Every time you use a rope different from your usual rope, be careful and take the time to become accustomed to belaying or lowering with this rope. Grigri's are solid for belaying from above. A grigri style of device is easier when dealing with counterbalance rappels because you don't need a third hand. If I am out with an atc I use the usual method. In fact, I have had more issues trying to get it to stop catching (like letting me lower someone The easiest way to lower with the mega jul looks a lot like lowering with the grigri, where the brake strand of the rope slides through the right hand while the left hand rotates the release lever. For example, if you want to lower your climber very quickly, it’s very quick. Follow these step by step instructions on how to belay with a GriGri, including giving slack quickly. If you have an ATC and he wants to use his GriGri, you can have him rap first on a single strand fixed to the anchor with a figure 8. You get used to lowering with the grigri, but it is counter-intuitive at first to control the speed entirely with the lever - squeezing with your hand to slow down your climber can give you rope burn. Just make sure to redirect the brake strand for extra friction when lowering. #learntoclimb#rockcl Introduction This study intended to determine the applicability of the Petzl Grigri as a descent control device (DCD) in rope rescue systems for mountain, backcountry, remote, and/or tactical environments. Feeding Slack Feeding slack with the Eddy is both better and worse than with the GriGri. It How to Belay with a Grigri is one of the most important skills you should learn for climbing, even top-rope climbing. Then when you rappel, you can undo the figure 8, then rap with your ATC as normal. Reliability of Assisted Braking Function: Does the Assisted Braking Function perform reliably in the widest range of conditions and circumstances? Look dude, when it comes down to it, a grigri is just a fancy tubular device, they can and have failed; bad belay technique with a grigri is just as dangerous as it is with a tubular device. Rappeling on a grigri would be to clove hitch a biner so it blocks the anchor at the middle. “ The GriGri cinches down tight, making it easy to belay my partner when they're hanging all over their project, ” one tester said. Dec 13, 2023 · Antin noted that there are additional high-stress areas in which the GriGri excels: “The GriGri offers faster change of modalities. 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. Apr 18, 2020 · Learn how to belay and lower using the Petzl Grigri from the top of a climb. Oct 1, 2020 · Grigri + has annoying autolock while lowering/rapping. Aug 14, 2018 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The Grigri is an assisted braking belay device. Slide the free end of the rope so that it’s now on top of the beveled lip of the Grigri. Even people who have safely used the GriGri since last century have occasionally gone into “GriGri Lock”, grabbing the cam open in a surprise fall. May 13, 2025 · This Petzl GriGri review is for all the climbers around the world looking for an assisted braking belay device and have not yet tried the GriGri. READ MORE HERE. Jun 19, 2023 · The GriGri Plus comes with a learning curve and its anti-panic function doesn’t mix well with thick gym ropes, so therefore is not something I would recommend. Reply “lowering”. Dec 30, 2019 · When top rope belaying with a Grigri or similar auto locking belay device, you may find you need extra friction when lowering. The anti-panic handle and the toggle switch between top-rope and lead modes, which add security to the climber, are only present on the +. It's an ideal device for belaying both leaders and top-ropers, either sport or Jul 25, 2023 · Lowering with a Grigri from the top is significantly less convoluted than lowering with a tube-style device in guide mode. It is meant to be an overview and general resource. 5mm to 11mm, where the GriGri 2 works best on ropes 9. Two ways to descend with the Grigri. In the gym or at the crag, it makes belaying easier with cam-assisted blocking. When comparing the Grigri 2 to its predecessor the pros are: -Smoother lowering. How does it work? How is the rope inserted? How do brake hand and guide hand work together for taking up or p This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is NOT a substitute for professional instruction under the supervision of a qual Dec 12, 2022 · Lowering with Petzl GriGri - Expert Tips and Techniques Learn how to properly lower and belay using the Petzl GriGri with step-by-step instructions from Practi Bolts. Designed for lead and top rope climbing, GRIGRI is the gold standard for belay devices. The two devices are remarkably similar, though each has distinct differences. Read our review to see why it's our climbing editor's first choice. To save some of the furious fingers that may start sending emails and criticisms towards me please read the following. Get the normal grigri. Mar 17, 2022 · The basics behind the Petzl GriGri, one of climbing's most popular belay devices. One lowering, one rappelling. Physics and Experiments demonstrating GriGri slipping in No-Hands Belay. That’s because the handled camming mechanism can easily unblock the rope. This is a review of tools/techniques for lowering a climber from the top of a, top managed top-rope climb. Head to https://brilliant. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Check out our 8 top picks and some helpful tips Mar 23, 2016 · With the GRIGRI 1, the lowering function was essentially “On/Off”– the climber would either be stationary, or lowering at full speed. Pull the side with the biner. May 11, 2017 · A major addition to the iconic Petzl GriGri belay range. 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. Sep 20, 2016 · One, because the steel cam is exposed, versus being encased in the device like with the GriGri, it gets hot while lowering. Take the belay strand of the rope and clip it through the biner. I will sometimes be climbing with less experienced people. 5 mm). When lowering with a grigri you do let the rope slide through your right hand. 5-11mm dynamic single rope diameters. If you want a feature-stacked GriGri, the Plus is the clear choice. In these environments, equipment selection is Everything you need to know about Belaying Correctly with the Grigri, my favourite Belaying Device for Sport Climbing. #belay # You also describe self lowering - not rappeling on a grigri. Dec 15, 2021 · Exactly how to belay from above with a grigri, atc, mega jul, cordelette anchors and more. Belay slaves rejoiced, but incorrect use of this newfangled device began to result in accidents. Open the gri gri fully. GRIGRI + is an assisted braking device designed for all climbers, for both indoor and outdoor climbing. ---------- Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of content), the program is designed to AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Erik Kramer-Webb shares his top tips on top-belaying with a GriGri. However, if I don't have a belay glove, I will stick with the grigri (I have received some nice burns lowering too quickly with an ATC and no glove). You can totally top rope belay with a grigri! In fact, a grigri is often considered to be a safe option for climbers who are just starting to learn to belay, especially for when the climber is climbing up. May 5, 2025 · The lowering lever now has a bit more resistance, making it slightly harder to open fully. It has no switchable modes, no steel lowering plate, and no anti-panic feature. Better because you can pull the rope through the device faster than the with Lowering with a GriGri from the Top of a Climb Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. I've never not had my hand on the brake strand. With the grigri you have to use both hands to lower, one on the device, and one on the rope. The Birdie is a little bit heavier- but should last a lot longer because of the all-steel construction. It's impossible to use a grigri for everything, so you have to get used to using an atc at some point. The belay technique is very close to the generic technique, but has a few specifics. But if you’re familiar with the old GriGri and just want a simple device, the standard Mar 1, 2011 · I've gotten to use my Grigri2 a bit and have formed a few opinions about it. If the belayer pulls too hard on the handle while lowering their climber, the anti-panic function will trigger and stop the descent. com Aug 25, 2017 · Clip a biner into your leg loop on the belay side. The technique described here is the only one that Petzl The girl had been lowering him with a petzl Grigri 1. Repelling is most often used in canyoneering as well as outdoor climbing. One crafty way to do this is to redirect the brake strand through a second locking carabiner clipped to your belay loop Mar 1, 2012 · I’ve talked to prominent guides who even advocate carrying multiple devices, such as the GriGri, for multiple clients because it makes many tasks easier, such as lowering, raising and a whole host of tricks. This tutorial is packed with useful tips and advice, aiming at increasing the 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). How does it stack up to the Grigri? We put it to the test. This will require you to reverse your grip on the belay strand. Nov 22, 2023 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. The brake strand must be redirected through some higher component of the anchor to provide adequate lowering friction. This is applicable in single pitch and multipitch scenarios. Petzl Mar 2, 2021 · Top-Roping: Belaying, Giving Slack and Lowering with a GRIGRI https://rockclimb. 9 to 10. Learn how to belay or lower your climber from above using a Grigri, with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. Feb 21, 2019 · After two recalls, Trango re-released what it calls 'the world's most ergonomic belay device. The GriGri+ provides a much smoother descent without this tension on the brake strand and the rate of lowering is easily controlled through just the handle. After years of R&D, Petzl’s engineers created a pin in the handle and a wave shape in the body, so that when the body is completely closed, the pin rides along the wave shape, levering the cam open. This article explains how to use guide mode for climbing + how to lower a climber in guide mode. Any variation in lowering force (climber bouncing, going over edges, etc. Why would you use a different technique with a grigri? But no, it has never not caught a fall. Feb 10, 2011 · The Pretenders Grigri Although it's not meant for rope soloing, the Petzl Grigri is by far the most popular rope soloing device, probably due as much to its low price as well as peoples experience with it, rather then its safety record. The lever can help with the lowering, but the brake hand primarily controls the speed of the descent as the rope feeds through the grigri. The extra safety that Grigri provides wh Jul 29, 2024 · Petzl's new Neox is a sleek assisted-braking belay device. To lower someone on a grigri, you pull back on the black lever on the side of the device to release the locking mechanism inside the device. Oct 15, 2017 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. ) will move the rope and pull on the GriGri causing the relative position of the GriGri body to your hand gripping the cam lever to change. edit: Adding this link. I might switch to guide tube (I usually carry one as a backup and rappel device) for a tandem rap on lower pitches, but a munter on an HMS will serve the same function in a pinch. Apr 17, 2017 · Rope texture, sheath treatment on new ropes, humidity, wear and tear, and freezing all play a key role in how your GRIGRI functions when belaying or lowering. Mar 7, 2023 · GRIGRI + Belay device with cam-assisted blocking and anti-panic handle, particularly suitable for learning and intensive use. If I am out with a grigri I use this method. I will make some personal Jan 8, 2019 · Lowering a climber using an ATC: The Frieno is designed to be used with a GriGri to add friction while lowering, but also works with a single rope and an ATC. 4 to 10. The selector knob allows the user to choose between two belay modes: top Sep 14, 2020 · Why Is The Grigri Plus The Best Belay Device For Beginners Over a Standard Grigri? The Grigri Plus is the best beginner belay device because it adds a couple of extra features. I climb a lot with people who are already experienced with regular grigri. smafc ugcx vailb zvistoc rkbpq ivhjlwc gqfcge knasny onsasl xtyohi ajqxx gde uzhmvih tnu rafuir