How to lead belay with grigri. How does it stack up to the Grigri? We put it to the test.
How to lead belay with grigri All of these modes allow for a nearly endless number of options when lead belaying, belaying the second, or rappelling, making this the most versatile device we have used. The belay technique is very close to the generic technique, but has a few specifics. We cover gear, setup, safety, communication and technique. Jan 16, 2020 · Belay Certification Test Tips If lead climbing is available at your gym, be sure to ask if you’ll need to know how to catch a lead fall as a part of the belay certification test. Since the inception of the original Grigri 1, the Grigri has continued to set the standard for belay devices with cam-assisted blocking (braking). You will also find examples of belaying errors to avoid. Hello and welcome to my first instructable. You can also check out Petzl Sport’s video instructions to get an idea of how a GriGri works ("how to belay the leader" nad "how to belay with a GriGri". Using a grigri as your belay device greatly simplifies a number of self-rescue scenarios. How well it accomplishes this is up for debate. It feeds slack with ease, securely catches lead falls, and securely auto-blocks when belaying a follower from above on multi-pitch routes. Belaying is one of the most important skills a climber must be mastered. The technique for belaying a leader with an assisted braking device, like the GRIGRI + and GRIGRI 2, is very similar to that of using a tubular device but with a few specific maneuvers. Failure reports are rare, and the failure modes can be managed for LRS Jun 19, 2023 · Here’s what I think: The standard GriGri is the best fit for most climbers. A long tether gives the belayer room to move. While climbing 1. Most of the people I lead climb with were already using a Grigri when they began leading and learned that way. 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. This technique works equally well for the Gri Gri 2 device. Make sure the carabiner is locked and the GriGri’s orientation is correct (lever on the left, plate on the right). Nonetheless, there is an alternate technique, presented here. How does it work? How is the rope inserted? How do brake hand and guide hand work together for taking up or paying out rope? Dec 15, 2021 · Exactly how to belay from above with a grigri, atc, mega jul, cordelette anchors and more. Once you’ve mastered the art of top roping, it’s time to learn how to lead belay. Belaying the leader dynamically With the GRIGRI, the movement of the belayer enables dynamic belaying. This has been done for years using various different methods and modifications. Lead belaying is an essential skill to k Jul 25, 2023 · An Overview of the Petzl Grigri The Grigri is an assisted braking belay device designed for climbing inside or outdoors. All you need to get mult-pitching! 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. 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. Aug 29, 2021 · How do you lead GRIGRI plus belay? Do you need a GRIGRI to belay? A GriGri can generally handle a top belay just as efficiently as an ATC-Guide, and simul-rapping is an option when necessary. Learn the difference between the Grigri and the Grigri+. Read More: Yosemite Valley Guide: Everything You Need Apr 26, 2022 · Understand the differences between all Belaying Devices and Learn how to use any of them Safely and Efficiently. In my experience, the ATC-Guide still wins out as a multipitch device based on simplicity and familiarity. Overall, it is important that you maintain control of the brake strand throughout the entire process and be mindful of the cam. Includes belaying, lowering, a 3 to 1 pulley system for belay assists, rope management, and how 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. How does it work? How is the rope inserted? How do brake hand and guide hand work together for taking up or paying out rope? May 5, 2025 · The Petzl Neox is a game-changer for lead belaying. 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. I know climbers who use both successfully. Switching between the Jun 18, 2025 · Master grigri belaying with these essential safety tips, techniques, and setups for rock climbing. Dec 13, 2023 · The GriGri can also put a lot more weight on the rope: “For the general public…what they want to do is a [single rope] rappel, which puts four times the amount of weight on half as much rope,” said Delap. The result is a safer-feeling device In this video, I explain how I lead rope solo using a gri gri. This universal usage makes it the world's most tested belay device, catching falls at all angles, with cross loaded biners, with significant brake slack, and so on. The extra safety that Grigri provides wh Jun 5, 2025 · A grigri is a belaying device with an assisted braking mechanism that you can use for rock climbing. Learn how to belay a lead climber with instruction from the American Mountain Guides Association. 5-11mm dynamic single rope diameters. The ATC is a dynamic belay device. Join StoneMan Climbing Co. On a multi-pitch route, this movement is limited by the risk of hitting the belay station. I have taken 1 unplanned fall where the gri Jul 29, 2024 · Petzl's new Neox is a sleek assisted-braking belay device. How does it stack up to the Grigri? We put it to the test. 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. Aug 13, 2024 · The initial feeling of belaying both on lead and top-rope climbing with the Edelrid Pinch was similar to a GRIGRI, outside of a few advantageous differences. The Grigri makes belaying easier and safer thanks to the cam-assisted braking mechanism. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use a grigri for top rope belaying, lead belaying, and a few other uses. 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). For a climber who is already familiar with using classic Mar 17, 2022 · The basics behind the Petzl GriGri, one of climbing's most popular belay devices. But it can be an appealing belay device because it offers a smoother, faster descent. The main feature of a grigri is a clutch mechanism that helps you with braking by pinching the rope when it is moving too fast, such as during a fall. While still holding the rope in the brake position, you press the thumb of your brake hand to the base of the grigri lever. Learn to belay a lead climber, including how it differs from top-rope belaying. How to Belay Using the NEOX Normal sound of the NEOX when taking up slack NEOX, ideal for lead belaying The new features of the GriGri + are 1. The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. It includes all of the design and safety features of the standard GriGri, plus it adds a low-friction wheel that makes it super easy to feed out slack. Belayers can now use a standard belay technique to give rope to the leader without having to defeat the cam that pinches the rope in the event of a fall. Belaying with the GRIGRI The belay technique to be used is very similar to the generic belay technique, but has a few specifics. The device can be used with a wide range of rope diameters, from 8. Both are intended to make the GriGri + even safer and easier to use than older models. Apr 8, 2019 · We can safely say the GriGri is the best belay device for indoor rock climbing. It also allows rappelling in both standard and auto-blocking modes. 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. The ergonomic handle allows you to A GRIGRI is a great choice for belaying a lead climber, but the technique is slightly more complicated than belaying with a more traditional tubular-style device like an ATC. The Petzl GriGri is an assisted-braking belay device. In the gym or at the crag, it makes belaying easier with cam-assisted blocking. In this instruc… Lead belaying with a GRIGRI requires a little getting used to if you originally learned with an ATC. Roped Solo (lead) Climbing With Grigri: WARNING: Climbing is inherently dangerous! Climbing solo is even more dangerous, follow this instructable at your own risk. The technique described here is the only one that Petzl AMGA Certified Rock Instructor Erik Kramer-Webb shares his top tips on top-belaying with a GriGri. and learn how to properly lead belay using a GriGri or other auto-assistive belay device. I have accomplished close to 100 pitches with this system, both free and aid climbing. 00:00 Intro02:07 Tube Style Devices06:00 Assi Jul 11, 2025 · We test climbing belay devices for all types of climbing. I’ve also seen a TR belayer let their climber deck with a grigri. The most common and popular assisted braking device is Petzle’s grigri. 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. However, when you decide you want to advance from top-rope rock climbing to lead climbing, things get a little more complicated. For a climber who is already familiar with using classic devices, it takes a little time to adjust. It's an ideal device for belaying both leaders and top-ropers, either sport or Sep 7, 2020 · The Grigri is a single rope, assisted braking belay device from climbing gear manufacturers Petzl. The technique described here is the only one that Petzl recommends. I think I remember seeing the Euros doing it decades ago before I saw it here in the US. Walk into your lead-belay class confident in your understanding of the basics, starting with this coverage of the following: Rope Prep for Lead Belaying How To Lead Belay Additional Safety Considerations Rope Prep for Lead Belaying Before you start lead belaying, do these three things to set yourself up for success. Oct 5, 2024 · The Grigri, Grigri + and Neox belay devices from Petzl can be used to secure a person in lead and second climbing on multi-pitch routes. This tutorial is packed with useful tips and advice, aiming at increasing the 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. . Note that belaying a lead climber is quite different between a tubular and a brake-assist device, so you need to learn and master the technique for your device. the ability to select different modes for top rope belaying versus lead climb belaying and 2. Petzl Everything you need to know about Belaying Correctly with the Grigri, my favourite Belaying Device for Sport Climbing. Make sure your rope is How to Belay with a Grigri is one of the most important skills you should learn for climbing, even top-rope climbing. So I think it’s good to learn the basics first rather than relying on the auto brake in case of a fall/etc. Solo Lead Belay Device of Choice: GriGri+ GriGri+ Benefits: GriGri’s are the ubiquitous belay device of choice for any serious sport (read: redpoint) climber. Direct Connection to Belay Loop Gerke shows is preferred method using a petzl grigri, petzl asap and petzl microtraxion, but he also shows a cheaper system using only the petzl grigri and backup knots. Feb 9, 2020 · To avoid this, there is a second way to lead-belay with a grigri. How To Belay With a GriGri Lead belaying with a GriGri is very similar to any other device, although it has some particularities. In order to pay out slack, you need to override the cam while still holding onto the brake strand. the anti-panic handle. Belay slaves rejoiced, but incorrect use of this newfangled device began to result in accidents. Jan 3, 2024 · 3) Attaching the GriGri to the Belay Loop Attach the GriGri to your harness’s belay loop using a locking carabiner. Verbally explain what you are doing every step of the way. 10 Extra: GriGri: • The Physics of GriGri | When does No-Hands Other Belay Devices: • When Assistance Fails!? The Grigri is an assisted braking belay device. 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. This video cover indoor lead climbing and passing your indoor lead climbing test at the gym. So it requires a little time to adapt to. The difference with lead belaying is that rather than pulling slack out of Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Be sure to take your time, and Top Rope & Intro to Belaying: • How to Belay - Top Rope | Ep. Dave Fasulo (Author of the Falcon Self Rescue book) recommends using a grigri for this reason. Mar 17, 2014 · The GRIGRI is a belay device with assisted braking. Gym climbing is the most convenient way to build your lead climbing skill set that can then be applied Nov 22, 2021 · Do you need a belay for lead climbing? Though a lead climber needs additional gear, like quickdraws and slings, your gear needs for lead belaying are the same as for top-rope belaying. For a climber who is already… Designed for lead and top rope climbing, GRIGRI is the gold standard for belay devices. However, since the GRIGRI is an assisted braking device, it can add a layer of security and can make aspects of lead belaying more efficient, so long as it's being used correctly. Happy viewing. Sep 5, 2012 · This video shows a demonstration of how to correctly lead belay with the "new" (now several years old) Gri Gri technique. 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. Dec 5, 2024 · The Edelrid Giga Jul combines assisted braking, standard tube-style use ("manual" mode), and auto-blocking all in one single device. I’ve had inexperienced belayers belay me using a grigri and they’ve short changed me on lead and caused me to fall. All belay devices are not created equal, so you need to learn the intricacies of the device or devices that you use before In these situations if the grigri cannot be repositioned it is better to use a redirected belay from the harness. Some people will say you should lead belay with an ATC, while others say it’s best to learn to lead belay with a GriGri. Find out how to pick the right one, use it safely, and keep it in top condition for your climbing trips. In this article, we explain how this works and what you need to pay attention to. 1. It’s more affordable, lighter in weight, and does an exceptional job at both top-rope and lead belaying. 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. I hope you will find it useful and not overly complicated to use. This informs the staff member who’s testing you that you know what you’re doing. Before top roping, lead climbing, or using the auto belay on your own, you must take and pass the required test or orientation first. Follow these step by step instructions on how to belay with a GriGri, including giving slack quickly. But how to catch a fall properly? The worldwide known climber, Chris Sharma, is givi Nov 27, 2025 · How to pay out rope while lead belaying on a GriGri Tai Poutini Polytechnic Outdoor Education 2 subscribers Subscribe Feb 20, 2023 · To learn and improve your belaying technique, you need practice and consistency (and possibly, starting off with a climbing course!). They’re in no way a fail safe. We’ll be talking about the proper grigri technique to use to keep you and your climbing partner safe. 5mm I have seen opinions on how the Grigri is annoying to feed rope out with, but that the over-engineering means that even if I get pulled into the wall while belaying a heavier climber, or hit with a falling rock or something while belaying outside, I have that extra layer of locking/safety that passive devices like the Jul2 might not.