Reviewed: Will the New Petzl Neox Replace the Beloved GriGri?

The flip side to a faster-feeding device is that the Neox lets a little more rope through in a fall—not a huge amount, but usually about 6 to 12 inches. Friends and I noticed this right away with the prototypes, and I’ve confirmed this by using the Grigri and the Neox in the same day. The upside is that the Neox gives a softer catch, and, in a trad-climbing setting, will likely exert less force on your top piece, helping to avoid the dreaded gear-ripper; the downside is that, close to the ground, you’ll need to be more heads-up. And if weight in your pack is a concern, then perhaps those extra two ounces will matter, though I actually preferred the Neox’s extra heft and longer lowering handle.