Petzl Neox Review – A Smoother Alternative to the GriGri?

I think Petzl has designed a great product with the Neox. The hard part of reviewing it has been trying to figure out who it’s best suited for. I’ve heard some people claim the Neox is a device for only experienced climbers and belayers, which I find a bit puzzling. I think most belayers who’ve spent enough time using a GriGri and mastered the ‘thumb press’ technique are comfortable enough doing it quickly that they rarely short-rope their climber. Climbers who use skinny ropes (≤9.1mm) also won’t feel as much of a need for the Neox, since skinny ropes tend to run quite smoothly through a GriGri. I see the Neox being more appealing (and useful) for belayers who aren’t fluent with the GriGri ‘thumb press’ technique, but value its features as a cam-assisted device, or for those who use thicker ropes that tend to be a bit ‘sticky’ with a GriGri. Overall the Neox is a great device that does what it says on the packet. My only real complaints were the clacking noises it can make, and the fact that it’s more expensive than a GriGri but less versatile.