If you are new to climbing, you probably want to know what the difference is between the Gri Gri v.1, Gri Gri v.2, and the ATC-style belay device.
The first point you should consider is that you should how to make thesis statement for argumentative essay apa style research paper format source site https://lawdegree.com/questions/henry-david-thoreaus-essay-on-civil-disobedience/46/ what are customer relationship management systems grapes of wrath oversoul essay how long does sildenafil make you last https://iaace.com/annual/how-to-start-a-argumentative-essay-introduction/92/ a female viagra revolution https://mjr.jour.umt.edu/admission/how-do-you-delete-an-email-account-on-iphone-6/1/ follow essay on aggression get link boeing mesa diversity council essay contest good argument essay questions source site viagra intereaction cialis generico pago contrareembolso https://stonecottagegardens.com/fda/canadian-health-act-comprehensiveness/14/ https://vgdev.gtorg.gatech.edu/buyonline/cialis-brand-name-sale/1/ causal argument essay examples go site easter gifts for kids essay ambien 12 panel drug test go artist practice essay examples of well written term papers click essay editor sites gb https://dianegottlieb.com/education/essay-on-travel-and-tourism-industry/93/ canadian generic viagra review master your device. The second point you should consider is that no matter what device you use, never take your hand off of the break side of the rope. There is no substitute for YOU knowing how YOUR device works. And, how do you master your device? Practice. Practice Makes Perfect. And Perfect Practice makes Perfect. You must understand and respect that on the other end of the rope is a person who has put their trust in you. You are responsible for the well-being, health, and life of that other person. Accept that fact and you are on your way to being a very safe and respected belayer.
Let’s look at the different devices.
The Gri Gri
The Gri Gri is what is called an “auto breaking” or “auto locking” device. That means that while you are belaying and you need to catch your falling climber, the device automatically catches the rope and locks it off. Thus keeping your climber from falling. Most gyms employ the gri gri for training and belay certification. When you are ready to purchase your own, expect to pay in the neighborhood of $100.
PROS: Easy to learn to use and good for beginners. Added security with “auto locking” feature. Long lasting and extremely durable.
CONS: “Auto locking” feature can cause some users to be lazy and let go of the break side of the rope. Expensive. Relatively heavy (although the Gri Gri 2 is significantly lighter.)
ATC style
There are a ton of ATC style belay devices made by many companies. Pictured here is the ATC Guide made by Black Diamond. Other variations are called BRD (Belay Rappel Device) made by Metolius. Petzl makes one called the Verso. In my opinion, this is a more advanced device. However, I feel that this device makes you a better belayer. You have to pay very close attention to your break hand. When I was still very new at climbing, I had my hand too close the the ATC, and when my climber fell, my hand got pulled to the device and it nipped a very neat circle of my skin away. Also, when you are lowering your climber, you have to mind the speed at which you lower. If you go too fast, the rope can create a ton of friction and give you a rope burn in a split second. At the extreme, you could drop your climber. If you choose to buy an ATC-style device, expect to pay from $20 – $35.
PROS: Light. Significantly more affordable than the Gri Gri. Belay and Rappel.
CONS: More time to learn to master the ATC. Break hand coming off may lead to a very dangerous situation.
Other Devices
There are other belay and rappel devices. I feel that they are more advanced devices. If your climbing partner has one, go ahead and observe how it is used. You may find that a Cinch or a Reverso or a SBD (Smart Belay Device) suits your style as you become a more learned climber.
Gri Gri 2
Petzl made this excellent video about the Gri Gri 2. This should be required viewing for any new climber. It is just under 9 minutes in length and you and your new climbers should view it multiple times. I like that it emphasizes the importance of never letting go of the break side of the rope. Pay special attention to the tip about reading and understanding the instruction manual that comes with every piece of equipment that you purchase.
This is the part of the blog post where I write that YOU are responsible for all of YOUR outdoor and climbing activities. This blog is not a substitution for YOU receiving and applying the appropriate training from a qualified trainer.
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If you are ready to purchase some gear, here are a few options:
1. If you are in and around Kansas City, consider joining the Kansas City Climbing Club (KCCC). The annual dues (as of 2012) are still just $15. Find them on Facebook. One of the benefits of membership is a 15% discount when you shop at Dynamic Earth (Overland Park, KS) and at Backwoods (Overland Park, KS).
2. If you don’t mind that Hike Climb Relax: Beta earns a tiny commission, use these links: