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This is a review of the GRIGRI+, all comments are the experience of the reviewer and do not constitute instruction on how to use it. Refer to the accompanying instruction booklet carefully before use.
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+ Top Rope Mode
The most significant internal upgrade is the transition to the new ASSIST+ system for top roping.
ASSIST+ ‘pre-activates’ the camming mechanism. This is done by clicking the button on the lever side of the device. It takes some practice to do this after reading the instruction manual, but it soon becomes straight forward. From my experience, once I had fed the rope in, I lifted the cam lever and that allowed the button to be clicked upwards and then I closed the device and clipped into my belay loop.
While taking in slack during top roping in ASSIST+ mode, the rope glides through with minimal friction, but as the cam is already in effect ‘activated’ it virtually eliminates the creep sometimes felt in standard devices, making this a ‘take in the rope’ mode and 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 and helping to prevent users from paying out slack accidentally.
It is interesting to see in the instructions, that PETZL now issue a safety hazard triangle for completely letting go of the rope in ASSIST+ mode and not the usual danger of death triangle.
Use as a ‘normal’ GRIGRI
It can still be used as a standard GRIGRI for lead climbing and cosmetically it looks and feels the same with identical compatibility for 8.5 to 11 mm single ropes. In testing it has worked perfectly well for lead climbing both indoors and out and with the added bonus of an always on anti panic. Using the GRIGRI+ for leading and quickly paying out slack, it works the same as all other GRIGRI models with the thumbing method recommended by Petzl, by placing your thumb on the handle when rapid rope feeding is required while keeping control of the brake side of the rope. With my 8.9mm rope it fed through fine without having to do this most of the time. 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 some added safety options.The GRIGRI+ does require a little investment in time using it 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.
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.
Updated Anti-Panic.
The anti-panic feature on GRIGRI+ now provides improved safety as it can’t be overridden (on the original GRIGRI+ it was possible to override anti panic by continuing to pull the lever). 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 familiarise yourself and other users with how to handle it correctly and safely.
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 the 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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