Brand: Petzl
Category: Belay & Rappel Devices
Recommended by Andy Scott, Owner/Lead Guide at Small Cliffs Guiding — Northeast US
The GRIGRI by Petzl is an innovative belay device designed for climbers seeking enhanced safety and control during their ascents. Its unique assisted braking mechanism provides a reliable and smooth experience, making it an essential tool for both beginners and experienced climbers. 1. Assisted braking technology ensures smooth and secure handling of the rope, reducing the risk of falls. 2. Compatible with a wide range of rope diameters (8.5 to 11 mm), offering versatility for various climbing styles. 3. Durable construction made from high-quality aluminum and reinforced with a stainless steel wear plate for longevity. 4. Ergonomic design allows for easy one-handed operation, enhancing user comfort and efficiency. 5. Lightweight at just 200 grams, making it easy to carry on any climbing adventure. 6. Designed for both top-rope and lead climbing, catering to diverse climbing scenarios. 7. Features a large opening for easy rope installation and removal, streamlining the belaying process. The GRIGRI is ideal for sport climbing, indoor climbing gyms, and outdoor rock climbing, providing climbers with the confidence they need to focus on their ascent. It performs best in environments where safety and control are paramount, making it suitable for climbers of all skill levels. Whether you're a novice learning the ropes or an experienced climber tackling challenging routes, the GRIGRI excels in providing reliable support during critical moments. Its lightweight design also makes it a perfect companion for multi-pitch climbs and long days on the rock.
Price: $104.95
- Who it's for
- Climbers at any level doing single-pitch sport, gym, trad, or multi-pitch who want an assisted-braking device as their primary belay tool. Guides and frequent crag climbers who belay in varied conditions will get the most out of it.
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently call it the de facto standard assisted-braking device, praising its versatility across lead, top-rope, rappel, and self-rescue. Several hosts prefer it over the GriGri+ for general use, though beginners are pointed toward the GriGri+ for its toprope mode and anti-panic lever.
- Worth noting
- Brake hand discipline is still required — one host explicitly flags it. Hosts also mention the GriGri+ and the newer Neox as alternatives worth considering depending on experience level and goals.
Andy Scott's review
The Grigri is the go to assisted belay device. Belay, rappel, self rescue, this device does it all and does it well.
Recommended by Andy Scott, Owner/Lead Guide at Small Cliffs Guiding
Frequently asked questions
Who is the GRIGRI for?
Climbers at any level doing single-pitch sport, gym, trad, or multi-pitch who want an assisted-braking device as their primary belay tool. Guides and frequent crag climbers who belay in varied conditions will get the most out of it.
What do experts say about the GRIGRI?
Hosts consistently call it the de facto standard assisted-braking device, praising its versatility across lead, top-rope, rappel, and self-rescue. Several hosts prefer it over the GriGri+ for general use, though beginners are pointed toward the GriGri+ for its toprope mode and anti-panic lever.
What should you know before buying the GRIGRI?
Brake hand discipline is still required — one host explicitly flags it. Hosts also mention the GriGri+ and the newer Neox as alternatives worth considering depending on experience level and goals.
What does Andy Scott say about the GRIGRI?
The Grigri is the go to assisted belay device. Belay, rappel, self rescue, this device does it all and does it well.
Why does Andy Scott recommend Petzl?
Andy Scott recommends the Petzl GRIGRI for belay & rappel devices. The Grigri is the go to assisted belay device. Belay, rappel, self rescue, this device does it all and does it well.
Is the GRIGRI a good belay & rappel device?
Yes — Andy Scott recommends the GRIGRI by Petzl as their belay & rappel devices pick. The Grigri is the go to assisted belay device. Belay, rappel, self rescue, this device does it all and does it well.
More from Andy Scott's My First List
View Andy Scott's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
22 experts recommend the Petzl GRIGRI.
Laurel Walker, Mountain Athlete, Guide, Coach
My go-to for sport climbing.
Recommended in Climbing and Mountaineering
Cora Hanson, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
My go-to belay device from top roping to lead climbing. The GRIGRI is the gold standard when it comes to belaying because of its assisted braking technology and its compact, lightweight design.
Recommended in Sport Climbing
Ben Lim, AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Assistant Ski Guide, Apprentice Alpine Guide
We love a standard GRIGRI. I've tried basically every ABD on the market and continue to come back to old faithful here. I often bring this multi-pitch climbing too.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Essentials
Teddy Dondanville, AMGA Assistant Rock Guide & Certified Single Pitch Instructor
The Grigri is my primary mechanical-assisted braking device. I love it for lead belaying, belaying a single rope in "guide mode," and rappelling a single strand.
Recommended in Multi Pitch Kit
Great for lead, and toprope belays, the grigri offers extra security with it's assisted braking mechanism.
Recommended in Desert Rock
Ryan Harris, Mountain Guide and Ski Patroller
my go to device for lead belaying, and multi pitch climb. saves my elbows from wear and tear when I belay from the top
Recommended in Traditional rock climbing
Dan Morley, Rock Climbing Guide
The gold standard of belay devices and my personal recommendation.
Recommended in Personal Climbing Gear
There is a reason this device has been trusted for decades. It is awesome. If you are going to buy one of this style belay device, buy this one. The Grigri+ in my opinion is more complicated and difficult to learn how to use.
Recommended in Sport Climbing
Kate Sedrowski, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
The gold standard of assisted-braking belay devices, the Petzl Grigri is my belay device of choice in most situations, from the gym to sport cragging to trad multi-pitch. If you're a beginner looking for your first belay device, you can't go wrong with the Petzl Grigi (and I recommend it over the Grigri+).
Recommended in Essential Climbing Gear
The longtime standard assisted brake device continues to be my favorite.
Recommended in Sport Climbing
The OG grigri is a super versatile and effective device for top-down belaying and beyond. Very rarely leaves my harness.
Recommended in What's in Cal's Gunks bag?
Jarrod Blundy, Founder/Guide at Onward Mountain Guides
I carry one primarily for building/accessing anchors to rappel. They're also nice for top belaying a single follower on non-icy ropes in the winter.
Recommended in Ice Climbing Kit
Owen Duda, Climber, Guide, Craftsman, Writer
The classic ABD (assisted breaking device). Multifunctional, and lives on most modern day climbers harness.
Recommended in Starter Rock Package
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
This is the most common tool I use in my guiding. I'm almost never without a GriGri.
Recommended in Guide Kit
Brad Burns, PCGI Single Pitch Instructor, La Sportiva Athlete
Standardization in climbing is safety. If you're at the crag, look around, and almost every single party will be belaying with the GRIGRI. This device is THE standard for single pitch climbing. The device is incredibly safe, feeds rope smoothly, and lowers the climber well. I have even started using the GRIGRI as my primary multipitch belay device thanks to the ease of its progress-capture and the smoothness of taking in slack. For beginner climbers, look into the GRIGRI+ device, which has a toprope mode, and features a safety lever which works to prevent lowering a climber too fast.
Recommended in Crag Gear
Chris Johnson, Apprentice Climbing Guide, Professional Ski Patroller
The default assisted braking device. The GriGri is the new standard in belay devices. I'm partial to the GriGri vs the GriGri +, but either are solid.
Recommended in First Climbing Purchases
Joe Kalis, Oncology Pharmacist / Aspiring Guide
The workhorse assisted braking device. You'll find them everywhere for good reason! Multiple applications for cragging, sport climbing, rescue situations. I prefer mine for all of the above.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
Brent Smith, AMGA Rock Guide and Apprentice Alpine Guide
It's popular for good reason; this is the go to belay device for lead, top-rope, and top-belay.
Recommended in Multipitch Sport Climbing
The best assisted braking belay device. The original, the GOAT
Recommended in Rock Climbing
In my opinion this is simply the best assisted braking device out there. Once you learn how to use it to lead belay it performs so well. And I love how little friction it has for top belaying when climbing multi-pitch in a group of two.
Recommended in Rock Climbing Mentorship Program
My favorite cam-assisted belay device.
Recommended in Rock Climbing
