The GRIGRI's self-braking function helps the belayer catch and hold a climber, making it great for working routes. Works equally well for lead climbing and toproping. Ergonomic design makes for smooth, controllable lowers. Also great for rappelling on single ropes & perfect for setting and cleaning routes.
Self-braking system: if the rope suddenly comes under tension (e.g. in a fall), the cam pivots to pinch the rope, thus helping the belayer stop the climber's fall.
Usage is similar to that of conventional belay devices;
- giving/taking slack is done by using both hands to slide the rope through the device
- falls are held by holding the free end of the rope with the brake hand
- for lowering and rappelling, the rate of descent is controlled by the hand holding the free end of the rope (the rope is released with the handle)
For use on single ropes from 10-12 mm
Video - Belaying the leader with a GriGri (sound)