The Gri-Gri will act as something of a “second-hand,” even if the worst should happen and the brake strand is released. Regardless of the context – sport, trad, multi-pitch, single pitch, trad, alpine – it is inherently safer than the ATC.

Check for any cracks, excessive wear, metal burs, or grooves where the rope contacts the device. If you find any of these, retire the piece. If there are any mechanical parts to your belay device, like the camming mechanism on a Grigri, make sure the action is smooth and works properly.

In 1991, Petzl offered climbers an all-new belay device, the GRIGRI. With its assisted-braking system, providing more confidence and comfort to both belayer and climber, the device quickly revealed itself to be ideal for leading, for working crux moves, for lowering, and for top roping.