2017 Belay Device Review: Petzl Grigri+

Based on the Grigri 2, this new version operate like its predecessor but features an anti-panic handle that, if the user pulls too far, automatically arrests the descent. This safety feature was incorporated to prevent the belayer from lowering the climber too quickly and pulling farther back on the handle instead of letting it go (which allows the cam to catch the rope). This new handle initially made lowering more complicated and jerky, but after testers learned how to use it, it worked well when the correct amount of pressure was applied. The device is ideal for toproping, as it captured progress well and felt extra safe for teaching new climbers how to belay. (The Grigri+ is not meant to replace the Grigri 2; instead, it should be considered a device geared toward beginner belayers.)