Grigri vs Grigri+
If you’ve ever wondered “should I buy a Grigri+” or “what’s the difference between the Grigri and the Grigri+,” this post is for you. Petzl offers two versions of the Grigri: the base version (Grigri 3 at the time of this post) and the Grigri+. The Grigri+ has all the features of the base version plus a few more.
Grigri+ Features
Toprope mode. The Grigri+ has a selector for choosing between the device’s normal behavior, and a toprope-specific mode. In this mode, the device’s cam will engage at lower levels of friction, causing it to lock more easily…such as if a novice belayer accidentally wasn’t holding the rope. It also makes taking in slack easier, but makes giving slack (such as in lead climbing) more difficult.
Anti-panic handle. The rate of descent with a Grigri or Grigri+ is controlled by how far the device’s brake lever is opened. If the lever is opened all the way, the climber can descend very fast, especially if they are heavier. The anti-panic handle guards against this by halting the descent if the handle is pulled too far.
Steel lowering plate. The rounded edge that the rope runs over is made of steel, causing it to wear less quickly with repeated use
Is the Grigri+ worth it?
While the added functionality of the Grigri+ may make it seem like an obvious choice over the regular Grigri, many climbers prefer the regular Grigri.
If you do a mix of lead climbing and toprope, remembering to toggle the mode selector dial can be annoying, and if you forget you will most likely short rope your partner when they’re leading.
Similarly, the anti-panic handle can be a nuisance for situations where you want to fully open the brake lever, for instance while belaying lighter climbers, or when belaying in a climbing gym’s high-friction toprope setup. It’s also worth noting that the anti-panic feature can be overcome simply by continuing to pull the lever even further. To an extent, this mitigates the “light climber” issue, but also means the anti-panic isn’t foolproof.
Finally, the Grigri+ weighs about 15% more than the Grigri (200g vs 175g). Not a big deal for cragging, but a consideration if you’re taking it on long multipitch outings.
Verdict
The Grigri+ is aimed at new belayers or rock climbing guides who may be less confident in the belay technique of their partner. It could also make sense if you want a belay device that will last you for 7 to 10 years of heavy use, due to the steel plate. For most climbers, the regular Grigri will be a very safe device, and it may even be frustrating switching from a Grigri to a Grigri+ due to the differences in behavior.
