New to Moja Gear by user request, we’ve begun monthly giveaways of our favorite gear. Each giveaway will run for two weeks, and the winner will be notified and posted to this page.
Editor’s note: this giveaway has ended! The winner, R. Heath from Australia, has been contacted. Check back for our next giveaway, running about once per month.
About the prize
First came the original GRIGRI prototype, then the GRIGRIs 1 and 2, and now finally, Petzl’s 2017 GRIGRI + … the next iteration of what many climbers consider the world’s greatest belay device.
Four key benefits of Petzl’s GRIGRI +
Petzl’s all new GRIGRI + retains the same trusted structure and functionality as the GRIGRI 2, but with a few extra features for new and advanced climbers alike.
1. Anti-panic function
A key update to the GRIGRI structure is the addition of an anti-panic function in the handle, which causes the device to lock if a belayer pulls too hard on the handle while lowering a climber. This is particularly helpful when someone is new to using a GRIGRI and still gaining a feel for how the lowering mechanism works.
2. Steel wear plates for improved durability
New steel wear plates make this the most durable GRIGRI ever made. Avid outdoor climbers—especially those frequenting desert and gritty destinations—should weigh this as an important benefit over the GRIGRI 2.
3. Lead climbing and top rope climbing modes
The next major change is that that GRIGRI + features two modes of operation: a lead climbing mode and a top rope climbing mode. What exactly does that entail?
In lead mode, the spring tension will function like the current GRIGRI 2; smooth feeding with less braking on the rope.
Alternatively, top rope mode—which can be locked into place—offers a distinct spring tension that ensures locking on the rope, even with minimal rope tension. Essentially, this is a matter of how sensitive the GRIGRI is to braking on the rope and top rope mode—which offers higher sensitivity—helps to prevent extra slippage of the rope through the device.
4. Support for greater rope range
Particularly beneficial for skinny-roped sport climbing, the GRIGRI + supports an expanded rope diameter range: now catering to ropes from 8.5-11mm.
