Grigri safety

[Beacher]

Recent, near fatal, GriGri educational vid. I know the context is different than our usage since this guy was rock climbing and had a belayer but the takeaways could save a life for anyone using a GriGri (or any similar mechanical device).

"I had a near fatal incident - grigri slipping"

 

[Loopwing]

Thanks man, just bought a gri gri and will take this into account.

 

[BTaylor]

Think I will just stick with my friction hitches.

 

[Loopwing]

Yeah, but my 250+lb @$$ just locks hitches down so hard. I like a nice smooth rappel.

 

[BTaylor]

Yeah, but my 250+lb @$$ just locks hitches down so hard. I like a nice smooth rappel.

I could see that being an issue. Not sure how many of the different hitch options you have tried but it might be something to play with after season. At the end of the day, use what works best for you and that you have confidence in.

 

[Apex7]

Was that a GRIGRI PLUS or just the GRIGRI ? Was it in top rope mode or lead rope mode. I been using a GRIGRI PLUS without any issues and it is always has a backup.

 

[Beacher]

Was that a GRIGRI PLUS or just the GRIGRI ? Was it in top rope mode or lead rope mode. I been using a GRIGRI PLUS without any issues and it is always has a backup.

Unfortunately, he didn't say. But I think the takeaways apply to both models and settings. Never treat the grigri as a hands free device and know how a smaller/larger diameter rope than ideal will negatively impact its function.

Out of curiosity are you using lead or top rope mode?

 

[Apex7]

I use it in top rope mode and it's backed up by a hollow block. I have both the GRIGRI PLUS and the Madrock and the GRIGRI is a lot smoother and also has the safety panic feature.

 

[TommyDee]

I use it in top rope mode and it's backed up by a hollow block. I have both the GRIGRI PLUS and the Madrock and the GRIGRI is a lot smoother and also has the safety panic feature.

I use it in top rope mode and it's backed up by a hollow block. I have both the GRIGRI PLUS and the Madrock and the GRIGRI is a lot smoother and also has the safety panic feature.

are you hunting with it still engaged and backed up with hollowblock? My first year with the grigri, i only use it on SRT, and with me being clumsy, i find myself transitioning to a tether most hunts so i don’t knock my release up against the grigri. I love the grigri and very comfy with it having belayed my daughter in the gym with it….but i need to figure out how to safely silence that thing.

 

[Loopwing]

I am going to climb on my Kong and then switch to the gri gri just to rappel.i switch to a figure 8 now, but I like the simplicity of stopping without double wrapping the 8.

 

[phatkaw]

^^^ Heeheehee

 

[Loopwing]

Yeah I know, I will probably go back to the simple 8, but had to try out a new toy.

 

[Apex7]

are you hunting with it still engaged and backed up with hollowblock? My first year with the grigri, i only use it on SRT, and with me being clumsy, i find myself transitioning to a tether most hunts so i don’t knock my release up against the grigri. I love the grigri and very comfy with it having belayed my daughter in the gym with it….but i need to figure out how to safely silence that thing.

Yes I hunt with it on my rappel rope and my rappel rope is my tether and yes it is backed up with a hollow block while hunting. I also use a triangle quick leak.

 

[98XJRC]

I use the standard GriGri to one stick, hunt and then also rappel with. However I found this piece of information this year on Petzl's site and use it while climbing and hunting. It's resolved the issues I had prior with the GriGri opening and not locking up quick enough when trying to climb or maneuver in a tree.

Tying off the GRIGRI to have your hands free

I will also add after watching the video it appears to me more as user error then device failure. Watching how the held the tail end of the rope would allow the rope to continue to feed. I don't believe the GriGri was designed to lock without resistance on the tail end.