REVIEW: PETZL GRIGRI 2 BELAY DEVICE

The Petzl GriGri 2 is one of the most trusted assisted-braking belay devices on the market. In this review, we examine its safety features, usability, and real-world performance.

The GriGri 2 is designed to provide added braking assistance, which is especially helpful during long belay sessions or when working routes. Its camming mechanism helps lock the rope if the climber falls, making it easier for the belayer to manage the load. The device works smoothly with most single ropes, especially in the 8.9–10.3mm range. Feeding rope can be slightly tricky at first, but with practice it becomes intuitive. It’s compact, lightweight, and has a durable aluminum body.

Although it’s not the best choice for trad or multi-pitch climbing due to its bulk, it’s perfect for sport and indoor use. Beginners should get proper instruction before using it, as misuse can create a false sense of security. Once mastered, it greatly reduces belay fatigue and enhances safety in most situations. Petzl has since released newer versions, but the GriGri 2 remains a popular and reliable tool. It’s a modern classic in sport climbing gear.