True to the motto "Safe on the mountain", we present belay devices for sport climbing. This time: the GriGri+ from Petzl.
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The GriGri+ from Petzl is the third evolution of the classic GriGri. It can undoubtedly be regarded as the benchmark on the belay device market. In addition to the conventional functions, the GriGri+ has an anti-panic function and two operating mechanisms. These allow you to switch between top-rope and lead climbing. This influences the response behavior of the clamping cam, which results in a faster response of the blocking function in top-rope mode.
Facts about the GriGri+
The GriGri+ is a semi-automatic belay device from Petzl. Toprope mode and the anti-panic function improve comfort when belaying, making the device particularly suitable for beginners. The GriGri+ can be used for single ropes with a diameter between 8.5 and 11 mm. The blocking mechanism works independently of the belay carabiner. However, a carabiner with a locking mechanism is required.
The partner check
The partner check before every start is an elementary safety standard. Both partners check five points: the rope knot, the locking mechanism of the carabiner, the function of the belay device due to jerky pulling, the harness buckles and - lastly - whether the end of the rope is tied off.
The GriGri+ during rope deployment
To release the rope, the guide hand pulls the rope out of the device while the braking hand pushes the rope into the belay device from below. Any excess slack rope is then immediately retracted and the braking hand slides back into the starting position.
The "braking hand principle"
The "brake hand principle" is fundamental - even with semi-automatic belay devices. The brake hand principle means that the belayer grips the brake rope with the brake hand in every phase of the belaying process.
Semi-automatic belay devices block automatically if the rope is jerked, e.g. in the event of a fall. The disadvantage of this desirable feature is that the device also blocks if the rope needs to be released quickly when an intermediate belay is attached. The so-called "gas mechanism method" enables the rope to be released quickly without blocking. The index finger of the braking hand is placed under the lip of the device, while the other fingers continue to grip the braking rope. The thumb now presses against the side of the clamping cam, preventing the device from blocking. However, the GriGri+ will still lock in the event of a fall.
The GriGri+ when lowering
When lowering, the brake hand secures the brake cable while the hand carefully pulls the release lever backwards with the index and middle finger. backwards. This slowly releases the clamping cam. The braking hand now the cable in a controlled manner and controls the release speed.
The anti-panic function
The anti-panic function prevents possible misuse when lowering. If the lowering lever is pulled back too far, there is practically no braking effect with the classic GriGris, while the GriGri+ blocks in this position of the lowering lever. If the anti-panic function is triggered, the release lever must first be returned to its original position before the release process can be restarted.
Important note
Caution! If the drain lever is pushed down even further the blocking mechanism is released again. A feature that useful when lowering lighter persons.
Top rope mode
As a further additional function, the GriGri+ offers the option of switching between lead and top-rope mode. In top-rope mode, the cam behaves much more sensitively and the device locks even with a low tensile load. This function can be useful for climbing courses or beginners.
When belaying in top rope mode, the braking hand pulls the braking rope out of the device in an arc while the guiding hand simultaneously guides the guiding rope to the belay device. The braking hand then slides back up the braking rope in the tunnel grip.
SicherAmBerg - the program
Under the overall project SicherAmBerg, the Austrian Alpine Club provides instructional videos on all relevant core Alpine Club sports such as ski touring, sport climbing, via ferrata and alpine climbing. But SicherAmBerg is not just about video tutorials. Rather, it is an overall concept consisting of high-quality publications, events, training courses and videos with the aim of increasing safety on the mountain or in the climbing gym.
If you would like to find out more about the various topics, you will find what you are lookingfor at www.alpenverein.at/sicheramberg.
