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Building on the legacy of the original 2017 GRIGRI+, the 2026 Updated GRIGRI+ reflects nearly a decade of refinement. While the original was a revelation for guided groups and beginners, this latest evolution focuses on precision, weight reduction, and technical versatility without losing the “failsafe” DNA that made the device iconic.
The Gold Standard for Safety
The GRIGRI range now has a good spread of models to choose from, you have the standard GRIGRI, the NEOX and for beginners or climbing instructors you have the GRIGRI+. The orginal 2017 GRIGRI+ was a great device and the new 2026 version adds some significant upgrades to make it one of the safest assisted braking devices on the market. For those new to this type of belay device, maybe you’ve been using a standard belay device and you are looking to upgrade, this should definitely consider this upgrade. I’ve been testing out all season and I’ve been impressed at how versatile it is.
New Feature: ASSIST+ Mode
The most significant internal upgrade is the transition from what was a “Top Rope Mode” to the new ASSIST+ system. This is the most significant upgrade to the device and tranforms it into a great top roping device.
The Mechanism: using an improved tension system, ASSIST+ pre-activates the camming mechanism. When taking in slack during top roping, the rope glides through with minimal friction, but the cam remains “alert.” It virtually eliminates the “back-feeding” creep often seen in standard devices, ensuring the rope locks instantly the moment the climber weights the system. For instructors and parents, this provides an even higher margin of safety by ensuring there is almost zero “drop” before the device engages. The GRIGRI+ does require a little investment in time using and training yourself in how it works – especially when lowering as the lever can feel a little sensitive and ‘click out’. A little practice will pay dividends and in no time you will be lowering partners smoothly.
It can still be used as a standard GRIGRI for lead climbing and cosmetically it looks the same. In testing it has worked perfectly well for lead climbing both indoors and out and with a little practice the anti panic handle works smoothly (as stated above). You just have to be gentle with it – which is no bad thing! I’ve been using it in this way all season as I am an experienced GRIGRI user. For outdoor use I’ve been using with my triple rated 8.9mm rope – it has worked perfectly with this rope. For indoor climbing my rope is slightly thicker – about 10mm, this is a little less smooth than my outdoor rope but has still worked well. If you are an outdoor or experienced climber but you have climbing children or climb with beginners then the GRIGRI+ is definitely worth having as it does everything a standard GRIGRI will do but with added safety options.
Although I don’t do much (if any) jugging these days I could see the ASSIST+ function being useful as an extra safety feature for this activity. This together with a standard jumar would work well – I would have been glad of this when I worked as a climber instructor for teaching lead climbing.
Anti-Panic.
The anti-panic feature in the new ASSIST+ now provides improved safety as it is now pretty much impossible to override. When used in this mode, that means that the user cannot accidentally release the cam with the handle. This is a major step forward and offers great piece of mind when, for example, someone is being belayed by a beginner. It is super important, however, to read the instruction manual carefully and I would always recommend that any belayer is taught to keep their hands on both ends of the rope. It is interesting to see, in the instructions, that PETZL now issue a safety hazard triangle for letting go of the rope in ASSIST+ mode and not the danger of death triangle. It’s still best to have both hands on each side of the GRIGRI+ and take plenty of time to learn how to use the device correctly – especially if you are new to GRIGRIs.
Sustainability and minor tweaks.
The sleeve is now the standard aluminium sleeve, the steel wear plate has been removed to give the GRIGRI+ the same look as the GRIGRI and NEOX.
Eco-Design: In a nod to modern manufacturing, the ergonomic handle and all plastic components are now made from recycled nylon, maintaining durability while reducing the carbon footprint of your rack.
Final Verdict
The 2026 update makes the GRIGRI+ feel less like a “beginner’s only” tool and more like a high-performance safety device. Whether you are a guide managing groups or a sport climber who wants a device that handles like a GRIGRI 2 but offers the security of an anti-panic handle, the new GRIGRI+ is the most complete belay tool PETZL has ever produced.
The PETZL GRIGRI+ comes in three colour choices. The SRP is £110 and it can be purchased from specialist retailers.
Disclosure – CGR reviewers and writers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising or link to affiliate sales. We are a bunch of keen climbers and travellers who accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item.
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