The 5 Best grigri Belay devices (2023 reviews)

Petzl makes beautiful and feature-packed device with classic and higher-grade materials. The top rope belay mode makes taking in slack easier and long belay sessions more comfortable. It is compatible with 8.5 to 11 mm dynamic single ropes and optimized for those 8.9 to 10.5 mm. The cam in the device automatically cinches down to arrest the rope. It allows the user to choose between two belay modes.

It is easy to belay and switch between the systems without confusion. Unless you get your hand movement down perfectly, the locking mechanism will engage when feeding out rope rapidly. It is great for newer belayers and partners with large weight differences.

Why We Like This:

Compatible with 8.5 to 11 mm dynamic single ropes
One of the new comers and featured product

Best Runner up: Petzl grigri Belay Device

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We are personally inclined towards petzl grigri belay device, it is not so pricy, but it overachieves its purpose and outstanding in important aspects. It is great for top ropers who plan on lead climbing. It comes with an anti-panic handle that makes it particularly suited for learning, the grigri + is a cam-assisted blocking device for climbing in the gym or outside. It can be used on all single ropes (8.5 to 11 mm in diameter) and optimized for 8.9 to 10.5 mm diameters.

The two settings are great for basically just if you are starting out using it for only top roping and does a fine job at gripping the rope. It is useful mostly for climbing outdoors or for "bring your own belay device" gyms. It comes with plus, as you move the lever towards you, the rope is initially released with less and less braking, but if you pull the handle all the way towards you, you hear sort of a click and the device will lock again. It allows the user to choose between two belay modes.

Why We Like This:

Easy to use and is very safe
Adjustable locking force, anti-panic release, steel edge for wear
Fantastic belay device when weight is behind it

Best For catching lead: Edelrid abseil Device

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The edelrid abseil device is capable of outshining several other device featured in this list in overall features for the price point. The proper belay technique is slightly different from an ATC or other belay device and needs to be learned before use. It is used to ascend/capture progress in self-rescue systems. It autobelays/autoblocks so you can briefly remove your brake hand. The force of the rope will overpower your thumb easily on this device, and you'll be caught quickly and safely. It gets really hot if you feed the rope too quickly through it, like when you rappel.

It is lighter and less sticky than a grigri. The Locking feature is great (never miss grigri) and it's light.

Why We Like This:

Excellent for belaying lead climbers because feeding out line involves little resistance
Super lightweight, easy to use, and covers all the bases
Simpler, lighter, and cheaper than a grigri
Works just like an atc with a lot of added features

Best For lead: Edelrid grigri Belay Device

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If you often find yourself scrambling for convenient and suitable device, edelrid grigri belay device should be your first option for buying. Agrigri is great all around and so is any tubular style device (atc or similar) this device will get you through just about any situation. It is made of ultra-light aluminum, areas susceptible to abrasion made of robust stainless steel. It provides solid assisted braking and feeds smoothly in manual mode. It is used to lead belay with a megajul and carry a tube style device (atc with guide mode) to belay from the top and rappel. It is particularly light and simultaneously robust and abrasion resistant.

This device has normal tube mode ( m and assisted ( A), can take two ropes of a wide range, be used in guide mode atop, and used for normal or assisted rappels / abseils. It's a great choice for double rope systems.

Why We Like This:

Compact, but a bit heavy, and a design that's so-so
Would love an extra millimeter of room where the rope slides are
Can be used in guide mode
Paying out rope is so smooth and seamless especially in brake mode

Best For lead Climbing: Wild country grigri Belay Device

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Not everyone likes to purchase device for their daily purpose, but the wild country grigri belay device would be an anomoly. It feels like a really smooth tubular belay device. It's super smooth for both top rope or lead belaying. It has an intuitive belaying method, which requires no changes to standard belaying technique. It is bi-directional, and the locking function works regardless of the rope orientation. It can play out miles of slack in an instant with no notice.

There is no cam lever to worry about on the Revo. It has no need for a specific locking karabiner. It's very simple to use like an ATC, but has that backup safety measure just in case.

Why We Like This:

Incredibly smooth paying out slack for lead climbing
You can catch falls and lower using your normal good brake hand movements
Takes a bit of practice to lower heavy people
You throw rope as fast as you need to with no resistance