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How to top belay with a grigri.
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How to top belay with a grigri. While belaying may seem straightforward, there are a lot of ways a belayer can make a climber feel safe and secure Dec 16, 2022 · The Petzl Grigri, invented in 1991, is single-handedly the most well-known assisted braking belay device. Jun 23, 2024 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. See full list on conqueryourcrux. Jul 5, 2011 · A lot of climbers get really wrapped up in using a GriGri on the ground, either for top-roping or for belaying a leader. The Pilot is simple, light, and perfect for what it does. This tutorial is packed with useful tips and advice, aiming at increasing the Jul 29, 2024 · Petzl's new Neox is a sleek assisted-braking belay device. Mar 2, 2021 · Top-Roping: Belaying, Giving Slack and Lowering with a GRIGRI https://rockclimb. At Sportrock we will first test you on an ATC to make sure you are a capable belayer. This has been done for years using various different methods and modifications. It's an ideal device for belaying both leaders and top-ropers, either sport or An instructional video (A work in progress) on how to top rope belay using a gri gri. I have taken 1 unplanned fall where the gri Sep 7, 2020 · The Grigri is a single rope, assisted braking belay device from climbing gear manufacturers Petzl. [3] The section of rope coming out of the top of your grigri is the Mar 17, 2022 · The basics behind the Petzl GriGri, one of climbing’s most popular belay devices. Like it or not, belaying is a muscle memory skill and you should develop that memory in a way that improves safety across all potential situations. 5 mm diameter ropes) and is Aug 13, 2024 · The Edelrid Pinch is a much-anticipated assisted braking belay device. Lead belaying is an essential skill to k Jan 20, 2014 · The top device is your primary self-belay. It feeds slack with ease, securely catches lead falls, and securely auto-blocks when belaying a follower from above on multi-pitch routes. So, use Slip, Slap, Slide, or PBUS. Some swanky gyms prefer them so much that they keep one on every top-rope setup. How to use: To load the GriGri for a solo it is extremely important that you load the rope using the climber logo connected to the anchor at the top and the hand logo is the free slack . Setting Up a GRIGRI, Belaying and Lowering from the Tophttps://rockclimb. Direct belay – this is the recommended method by climbing schools today Redirected belay – this is the method used for many years and is still common today Indirect belay These 3 methods differ in how the belay devices are being set up and how the belaying is done. If you’ve climbed anywhere (including the gym), odds are good that you’ve seen one in use. This is applicable in single pitch and multipitch scenarios. This is my Apr 21, 2020 · 'The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking (meaning it will help the belayer control the rope should the climber fall). Many climbing gyms will ask to see your belay certification or do a test before you are allowed to belay. GriGri2 pays out slack very easily when you get the hand positioning right, makes the falls/hanging a lot more comfortable (especially when the belayer is off the ground), prevents rope slip when people are hanging, and lowers very smoothly. The device has a handle, which when pulled back on, will progressively disengage the cam, allowing rope to be Grigri. Jun 11, 2024 · Deploying specific belay techniques while lead belaying with the GRIGRI, quickly paying out slack is no problem while retaining the traditional camming action that helps capture slack. It saves time and is safer imo. One very nice aspect to using a GriGri as your top-of-the-crag belay device, is that it can easily be converted to a hauling system. youtube. All testing is done with a brake-strand back up by staff. That is the GriGri 2 in 2011. Join StoneMan Climbing Co. With an anti-panic handle that makes it particularly suited for learning, the GRIGRI + is a cam-assisted blocking device for top rope or lead climbing in the gym or outside. Oct 16, 2020 · 1 - Reduces belay risk With this system, typically the leader is always belayed with the Grigri and the second is always belayed with the plaquette in guide mode. All the GriGri is is a tube-style device with a pinching cam that will often cinch down on the rope if it runs through the device too quickly. Follow these step by step instructions on how to belay with a GriGri, including giving slack quickly. The result is a comprehensive comparison-tested review, and some Dec 22, 2022 · The Grigri and ATC are perfectly adequate for top rope climbing outdoors or indoors. If you need to let go of the rope for your tasks (e. Next, grip the climber Is an ATC better than a Grigri? We break down the differences between the types of belay devices and share our favorites for different types of climbing. g. NEOX Is The Continuation of A Gold Standard Legacy Aug 16, 2022 · The acronym comes from the Grigri being Held Upside-down and Backwards from how it is normally attached to the belay loop for belaying a lead climber. The technique described here is the only one that Petzl recommends. One of the first skills you need to master once you start climbing is how to belay. A belaying definition Why is belaying so important? Belaying devices Step-by-step guides on how to belay safely Top rope belaying with an ATC Top rope belaying with a Grigri Belay certification What is belaying? A belaying definition Belaying in the simplest terms is the means by which a stationary non-climber prevents a climber from falling to Learn how to belay a lead climber with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. Full Playlist: https://www. Apr 27, 2021 · We bought and field tested 6 of the best belay devices in 2025 from top brands like Petzl and Black Diamond. Can You Top Rope Belay with a Gri Gri? 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. Even if I get pulled off the ground a little bit they take a big fall, it never really bothers me. But which one is the best? Belay devices come in three different categories — tube-style, auto-blocking devices, and assisted braking devices — and our expert climbing testers have put in hundreds of hours belaying and testing all three kinds. PBUS stands for “Pull, Brake, Under, Slide. 5mm Everything you need to know about Belaying Correctly with the Grigri, my favourite Belaying Device for Sport Climbing. Most of the people I lead climb with were already using a Grigri when they began leading and learned that way. In the gym or at the crag, it makes belaying easier with cam-assisted blocking. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use a grigri for top rope belaying, lead belaying, and a few other uses. 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. If your partner can't follow the pitch, you can help Designed for lead and top rope climbing, GRIGRI is the gold standard for belay devices. 9 to 10. I do personally love and recommend using a double or triple action auto locking biner for your belay device. Compact and lightweight, it can be used with single ropes from 8. We wanted to see if the GriGri 2 was the best belay device on the market, so we put it up against five other top devices in our belay How to belay from above Learn how to belay a follower from above on a trad climb or multi-pitch sport route. Wherever you are in your illustrious climbing career, the grigri is a versatile and reliable sidekick. While old-school devices such as the figure eight and ATC still have their place in the climbing world, the This video shows how to belay and lower from the top using a grigri when rock climbing. Other devices are useful for specific things but for like 99% of situations, a grigri is all around better. In these situations if the grigri cannot be repositioned it is better to use a redirected belay from the harness. There are numerous methods of setting up a self belay when lone climbing. If you’re heavy, you need to step or jump up to give a soft catch. It is arguably the most popular belay device out there and there is no doubt that most climbers nowadays would reach for a GriGri over an ATC. Most notable of these newer devices are tube-style Jul 22, 2015 · The GRIGRI belay device: a concept that forever changed climbing In 1991, Petzl offered climbers an all-new belay device, the GRIGRI. The assisted braking works in the way of a built-in cam that pinches the rope when it goes tight, which will, in turn, stop the rope from sliding through the device. The GRIGRI 2 adapts more miniature ropes better and is more adjustable. 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. In this REI Expert Advice video, we show you how to prepare to belay, perform a safety check, belay with the Dec 13, 2023 · Manual braking belay devices like the ATC require the belayer to be at the top of their game, never removing their hand from the brake line while in use. It can be used with all single ropes (optimized for 8. I think I remember seeing the Euros doing it decades ago before I saw it here in the US. Petzl’s most recent rendition of the Grigri has an anti-panic feature to add security when belaying in top rope mode. The belay technique is very close to the generic technique, but has a few specifics. Jun 18, 2025 · Master grigri belaying with these essential safety tips, techniques, and setups for rock climbing. It’s the ideal belay device for top rope climbing with a specific mode that makes it easier to take up slack. Lead tests require 2 participants. ---------- Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of content), the program is designed to 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). 5 to 11 mm. Since the 90s, climbing belay devices have continually developed, particularly in the assisted braking device category. In 2015, the GRIGRI remains a key tool for This video cover indoor lead climbing and passing your indoor lead climbing test at the gym. 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. Belay Devices And Descenders Petzl offers a wide selection of descenders and innovative belay devices designed for all vertical activities. Since the inception of the original Grigri 1, the Grigri has continued to set the standard for belay devices with cam-assisted blocking (braking). For a climber who is already familiar with using classic Climbing alone is one way of getting around the lack of a partner. ' Read Apr 28, 2025 · Belaying a climber on toprope—where the rope runs from the belay device up through an anchor at the top of the climb and back down to the climber’s harness—is as straightforward as it gets. , you can be momentarily hands-free and still have a (fairly) secure belay. Right now I'm going to show you how to use the proper belay method for top roping indoors. Caving, mountaineering, multi-pitch, cragging, canyoning, each activity has its device. How to choose? You must first be Top Rope Belay Certified at Sportrock with the style of device you wish to use, either a "Tube Style Device" (such as the ATC, Reverso, etc) or an Assisted Braking Device (such as the Grigri, MegaJul, ATC Pilot, etc). Apr 28, 2025 · Here are some tips and the best method for giving a good toprope belay, whether you’re using a tube device like an ATC or a brake-assisted belay device like the grigri. The second person stands facing the primary belayer and pulls hand over hand on the rope (essentially pulling away from the primary belayer, through the GriGri). It can be just as intense and thrilling. Obviously, this doesn’t mean the belayer should be careless with their brake hand, but it does mean that in the event the belayer screws up (through negligence or an unfortunate accident such as a rock falling Feb 7, 2024 · Multi-pitch!? Ok now you’re a climber’s climber. Jun 19, 2023 · The Petzl GriGri is a cam-assisted belay device, essentially meaning that the GriGri will brake in the event a climber starts to fall. Aug 19, 2013 · 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. #belay # Jul 25, 2023 · An Overview of the Petzl Grigri The Grigri is an assisted braking belay device designed for climbing inside or outdoors. Honestly, if you’re worried about falling or you’re worried about your belayer being new to belay, this is a great tool that you can use to get that extra sense of safety. Are you taking a belay test soon and wondering how to pass your belay certification? Learning how to belay is an important skill for any climber. Abundant features for a better belay. In this video, I explain how I lead rope solo using a gri gri. 5-11mm dynamic single rope diameters. Mar 17, 2014 · The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. Nonetheless, there is an alternate technique, presented here. Dave Fasulo (Author of the Falcon Self Rescue book) recommends using a grigri for this reason. Once someone is proficient with both an ATC and a GriGri2, I think the case is difficult to make that the ATC is any safer. Lead climbing tests will be done on a climb 5. The primary belayer can help by pulling slack down towards the GriGri from above. Feb 9, 2020 · How to belay properly is the most essential skill in climbing, because catching a fall well hinges entirely on the belayer. Press the carabiner open and clip it through the attachment holes on both of your grigri’s side plates. On alpine routes where the belayer needs to use semi-downtime to change clothes, check the topo, grab some food/water, etc. Spire Climbing Center is a climbing gym located in Bozeman, Montana and was the location for this video. The design of the handled camming mechanism enables exceptional descent control. You will also find examples of belaying errors to avoid. I typically climb in a really dusty/dirty area and I’m curious about how people think a neox would handle that. When you learn on a GriGri2 Don't listen to any of these gumbies talking about how the grigri is better. How to pass a belay certification? 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. To keep it in the ideal position for braking (and separate it from the other device), connect the top device to a chest harness, a pair of slings draped over each shoulder so they cross in the middle, or a single sling. For a climber who is already familiar with using classic devices, it takes a little time to adjust. In today’s video, we’re going to talk about using the Grigri for top-rope climbing. Dec 5, 2024 · The Petzl GriGri+ is the best active assisted-braking belay device for newer climbers and feels very familiar to anybody who has used a GriGri before. If you recognize yourself in any of these illustrations of incorrect technique, adopt the technique presented at the beginning of this paragraph. If you really need to go really You should belay with a GriGri the same as you do with a tube-style device like an ATC. Here are our in-depth reviews. But before learning about each method, let’s Does it need an introduction? Designed for lead and top rope climbing, GRIGRI is the gold standard for belay devices. How to top-rope belay The most common technique for top-rope belaying is called the “PBUS” method. 3 Methods Of Belaying From Above There are 3 methods of belaying from the top. GRIGRI + is equipped with features that definitely make it optimized for a lot of top rope belaying. A top rope introduction course is the best way to learn how to belay & tie your knots, get an understanding of all of our safety practices, and find out what we look for in the test. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. This should let you belay most climbers quite quickly. AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Erik Kramer-Webb shares his top tips on top-belaying with a GriGri. May 5, 2025 · A belay device is essential for catching falls anytime you're climbing on a rope. In order to belay safely, learn how to setup your belay device and practice the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) system. Happy viewing. Jun 6, 2017 · GRIGRI+ is an assisted braking device designed for all climbers, for both indoor and outdoor climbing. Jun 20, 2018 · The Petzl GriGri 2 is a device so ubiquitous that it scarcely needs introduction. There are tons of belay devices on the market, and they are all good! The two most conventional and widely used belay devices are the ATC and the GriGri. The assisted braking function makes belaying more convenient when holding a climber or catching a fall. With its assisted-braking system, providing more confidence and comfort to both belayer and climber, the device quickly revealed itself to be ideal for leading, for working crux moves, for lowering, and for top roping. Using a grigri as your belay device greatly simplifies a number of self-rescue scenarios. untangling the rope, making a belay), tie a knot in the brake side of the rope (see technical tip: Hands-free position with GRIGRI and NEOX). The ATC-Pilot is hands-down the best belay device I've ever used. And it’s an amazing belay device. Which stands for pull, brake, under and slide. video----------Although "Rock Climb" will have more than 100 videos (7 hours+ of con Top-rope belaying with the GRIGRI anchored to the Hands-free position with GRIGRI, GRIGRI + and Technical information Technical notice Download the PDF : technical-notice-GRIGRI-3 - 3. It offers several features that many will see as improvements over the standard GriGri, including an anti-panic handle and two different modes for top-rope and lead belaying. 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. You need to belay like it won't work. This is 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. I’m wondering what peoples thoughts are about the new belay device from petzl. The grigri is a great top-down belay device to take you 5, 10, 30 pitches off the deck. I'm about 110 lbs and I top rope belay people over 200 lbs using my Grigri all the time. There isn't anything on the market that remotely comes close to the ease of use for lead belay. Oct 4, 2024 · So, GriGris: friend or foe? They are my standard belay device for single pitch climbing, but I always need to check the system each time, and hang onto the brake rope. I’m also interested to see longer term how they’ll handle consistent use, I suspect the rolling feature will help spread out Sep 21, 2023 · After months of testing, our avid rock climber and resident expert found the best climbing belay devices of 2023. Especially from those who have already have had a chance to use them. Includes belaying, lowering, a 3 to 1 pulley system for belay assists, rope management, Note that the use of incorrect belay technique is the primary risk factor in an accident, especially when the belayer is surprised by a fall. I know climbers who use both successfully. In 2017 Petzl unleashed the GriGri +, which contained extra safety components like an anti-panic hold and top-rope belay mode. ” First, load the rope through your belay device such that the strand leading to the climber extends from the opening closest to your body, and the spare end of the rope extends from the other opening, nearer to the wall. I have accomplished close to 100 pitches with this system, both free and aid climbing. 25 MB Jan 3, 2024 · The Gri-Gri is one of the most innovative and effective belay devices on the market. Jul 18, 2019 · One attaches the GriGri on their harness as usual. 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. Belay slaves rejoiced, but incorrect use of this newfangled device began to result in accidents. The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. When I lead climb, I never belay anyone more than 40ish pounds more than me. com/playlist?list=PLLALQuK1NDrjugIQA3Te01g3ksXghWCMR--Rockin’ Rock Climbing CommoditiesMomentum Climbing Harness: http://a Aug 6, 2021 · A GriGri can generally handle a top belay just as efficiently as an ATC-Guide, and simul-rapping is an option when necessary. It is the basis for a relationship of absolute trust between climber and belayer, because the belayer, literally, holds the climber’s life in their hands. The Petzl GriGri is an assisted-braking belay device. Jun 5, 2025 · Put the carabiner through the grigri and screw the gate closed. and learn how to properly lead belay using a GriGri or other auto-assistive belay device. Gym climbing is the most convenient way to build your lead climbing skill set that can then be applied A Grigri (styled as GriGri or GRIGRI) is an assisted braking belay device manufactured by Petzl designed to help secure rock-climbing, rappelling, and rope-acrobatic activities. Beginner climbers may prefer the new Grigri + because of its anti-panic handle. May 28, 2024 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. But a GriGri can also be used effectively at the top of a crag, for belaying a second. Petzl Jun 28, 2018 · Belay Device: Lastly, you are going to need a belay device. It is equipped with an ergonomic handle that provides a smooth and comfortable descent for the climber. Fairly new climber here, I learned to lead belay with an ATC, but recently got a Grigri and feel a lot more confident with it. It's a four step process that can be abbreviated as PBUS. 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. A Grigri in top-down mode for multi-pitch belaying. 9 or harder, our AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Erik Kramer-Webb shares his top tips on top-belaying with a GriGri. Various GriGri Models The authentic and first GRIGRI has a replacement. We recommend working up to the 30-pitchers. If you’re old, learn the “new” Petzl belay technique. 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). AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) instructor Margaret Wheeler explains how to belay directly off the anchor for safety and efficiency. Jul 27, 2025 · What is a GriGri The Petzl GriGri is a single-rope assisted braking belay device, designed and manufactured by Petzl. Sometimes it won't do that. Mar 10, 2025 · In a standard top rope setting, the belayer stands below the climber as they ascend, controlling the tension on the climbing rope and helping the climber stay secure. com Jun 18, 2025 · Master grigri belaying with these essential safety tips, techniques, and setups for rock climbing. Read our review to see why it's our climbing editor's first choice. Learn the difference between the Grigri and the Grigri+. How does it stack up to the Grigri? We put it to the test. VIDEO - Specific left-handed technique Most left-handed people hold the brake side of the rope with the right hand, belaying like a right-handed person with the GRIGRI; this technique is the most ergonomic. Screw the cylindrical piece all the way into place over the carabiner’s gate to secure it in place, so it won’t come unhooked while you belay a climber. Moved PermanentlyThe document has moved here. Top Rope Belay Test Everyone who wants to climb & belay on our top rope routes must pass our compulsory belay test. The grigri is over hyped. . Oct 4, 2018 · Learn how to belay or lower your climber from above using a Grigri, with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. We’ll be talking about the proper grigri technique to use to keep you and your climbing partner safe. I've never had any issues. The device can be used with a wide range of rope diameters, from 8. Assisted braking devices like the GriGri are designed to clamp down on the rope to help the belayer arrest a fall, which can add a layer of security but some argue that the device can make the I’ve had to basically reteach people how to belay properly that learned on a grigri without developing best practices (for any belay device) like always keeping your hand on the break strand. yvhepflitlzupgdmyetgeltfwrinlnkwrgutvyahuvxtdovlrfhgz