Move Over, GRIGRI — The Edelrid Pinch Is the New Belay Device in Town

The Edelrid Pinch is my new go-to belay device. Every assisted belay device has compromises, but the Pinch has the correct alchemy of characteristics for me. Admittedly, it also handles most closely to a GRIGRI, and adopted familiarity is a big plus. The Edelrid Pinch also connects directly to the belay loop, delivering advantages that vaulted the device to the top of my list.