Petzl GriGri+

Belay devices can be cheap—but this is not one of those belay devices. However, for a premium price, Petzl’s GriGri+ is an easy-to-use option that is reliable and well-suited for the needs of both beginners and advanced climbers alike. 

Modernized from its beloved predecessors, the updated GriGri+ can be used with all single ropes ranging from 8.5 to 11mm, it’s built with a bombproof stainless steel plate, and it sports an “anti-panic handle.” Essentially, this handle allows the belayer to control the speed of the descent—ease it back and the climber begins to descend slowly, crank it further and they speed up, and if you ever pull too hard, the mechanism actually catches, locks, and the descent comes to an abrupt halt. 

Our favorite aspect of the GriGri+ and the reason we’ve included it in this buyer’s guide for beginner climbers is that it has two modes: top rope and lead. The top rope mode is awesome for learning to belay, as it helps take up slack. When you start dabbling with sport climbing, lead mode is just a quick switch away. 

Bottom line: Belay devices vary in price for a reason—the GriGri+ is a top-of-the-line option that helps instill confidence in belayers, whether they’re beginners or advanced climbers.