Petzl GriGri Review 2019

An update on the GriGri 2, the newer GriGri has some redesigned features and is now designed for more ultralight and thin sport climbing ropes.

I’ve used a GriGri since they came out and I still have and use my original one, especially for my beefy climbing gym rope. Back in 2017 I reviewed and commented on the GriGri+ which is great for beginners or for toproping. I’ve been using it for a while for sport climbing outside and I finally got used to the failsafe locking. The GriGri 2 has been around for a while and 2018 has seen a few design tweaks as it would be difficult for a complete re-design on what must surely be one of the most iconic belay devices on the market.

The changes to the new Gri Gri are subtle but make for an improved belay experience.

The updates are quite subtle and do enhance the performance: the range has been increase to between 8.5 and 11mm sport ropes. To be honest unless your 11mm rope is new then you will not get the smooth lowering and paying out you would expect to get with a thinner rope (but at least lowering your mate down on his 80m 8.6mm rope is a less frightening affair than it used to be); the lowering action is now a little smoother with the uprated cam and you can see the difference with the older GriGri 2 model.

Also, the fold over edge has had a very subtle re-shaping with a very clever little cut out that means it offers a more comfortable finger position when holding the plate in position for lowering. Also, another subtle design feature is the where the handle meets the cam. This now has a very slight ergonomic dip to fit the ball of the thumb (I use this feature to keep the handle in place when paying out) – it’s very neat and subtle.

The redesigned plate means a better finger position when lowering and cam update means a smoother lower.

There is also a cut out on the plate which shaves a few grams of the weight (although the weight has increased slightly to 178g) and there is also a handy new area for marking your name on it by permanent marker or engraving.

Spot the difference. They are very subtle but useful tweaks. The GriGri 2 is now the GriGri. The new GriGri is the right hand one.

So, the 2018 updates are useful, the broader range of rope sizes is great and the up-rated cam does make a difference to the smooth action when lowering. The design tweaks on the plate fold over and handle are for aficionados and of course you should read all the documentation, watch the youtube videos and even practice using it if you are new to using a GriGri, and if you are thinking of upgrading from your original one this is well worth the money.

The new GriGri comes in three colour options. Steel, Gold and Aqua.

SRP: £65 and available from specialist retailers.

Disclaimer – CGR reviewers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers that accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item. The reviewer will often keep the sample after reviewing it for both hygiene and safety reasons and more often it’s in no fit state to return!