Petzl GRIGRI+ (Petzl #D13A — NOT the standard GRIGRI)

Published · Researched 2026-09-21

2026 lineup note: Current. This dossier covers the GRIGRI+ — not the standard GRIGRI. The "+" adds the anti-panic handle and the top-rope/l lead belay mode selector. Do not confuse the two when ordering or buying used.

Version lineage (2023–2026)

• Pre-2023: GRIGRI+ — introduced as the beginner/supervised-belay variant of the GRIGRI, adding anti-panic and mode selection.
• 2023–2026: GRIGRI+ #D13A (current) — assisted-braking belay device, 200 g / 7.05 oz, single ropes 8.5–11 mm, anti-panic handle, top-rope mode selector, stainless-steel wear plates. MSRP $129.95 (2026-09-20). CE EN 15151-1, UIAA.
• Still a smart buy? Used GRIGRIs of all kinds are common — inspect the cam and wear plates for grooving; a deeply grooved device is done. The "+" commands a premium over the standard GRIGRI only if you want the anti-panic/mode features.

Overview

Petzl positions the GRIGRI+ as the assisted-braking belay device for learning and supervised belaying: all of the standard GRIGRI's cam-assisted braking, plus an anti-panic handle (pull too hard and it locks instead of releasing — the beginner's safety net) and a belay-mode selector (top-rope vs. lead settings that tune the device's responsiveness). It handles single ropes from 8.5–11 mm, uses stainless-steel friction/wear plates for longevity, and at 200 g is the heavier, more fully featured sibling. CE EN 15151-1 and UIAA certified. The standard GRIGRI is lighter/cheaper without the anti-panic handle and mode selector.

Key Specs

Pricing

• MSRP: $129.95 — current Petzl pricing (2026-09-20).
• Street price: typically at or near MSRP; occasional 15–20% discounts.

In the Box

GRIGRI+ device. Additional contents UNVERIFIED from today's research.

Warranty

Petzl's standard guarantee — 3 years per Petzl's published guarantee terms (2026-09-20).

Support & Parts

Petzl supports current belay devices through dealers; devices are not user-serviceable — Petzl's guidance is inspection and retirement, not repair. No user-replaceable parts.

Community Verdict

The GRIGRI+ is discussed as the "GRIGRI for learners and the belay-safety-conscious" — the anti-panic handle genuinely reassures new belayers and the mode selector is appreciated in gyms. Recurring positives: assisted braking, build quality, the anti-panic safety net. Recurring negatives: 200 g weight, bulk, price premium over the standard GRIGRI — experienced belayers often prefer the standard GRIGRI's simpler handle feel and lower cost. The assisted-braking-doesn't-replace-technique sermon appears in every thread. No fabricated scores.

Images

• [research workspace] — black Grigri+ with rope + carabiner (existing)
• [research workspace] — black Grigri+ studio (existing)
• [research workspace] — black Grigri+ angle (existing)
• [research workspace] — studio: black Grigri+
• [research workspace] — official: orange/yellow Grigri+
• [research workspace] — studio: black Grigri+

Full manifest: [internal image manifest — not shipped] §15. All six verified 2026-09-20 as the Petzl Grigri+ — not the standard Grigri 3. Research date: 2026-09-20. Specs: #D13A, 200 g / 7.05 oz, 8.5–11 mm single ropes, anti-panic handle, mode selector, stainless wear plates, $129.95, CE EN 15151-1 + UIAA, 3-year guarantee. Not the standard GRIGRI — distinction noted. Box contents UNVERIFIED. Re-verify live: current colorways.

Long-term durability & warranty-claim reality (enrichment — Sept 2026)

The GRIGRI+'s wear story: stainless-steel wear plates resist rope grooving far better than aluminum-bodied devices — the cam and plates are the inspection points; deep grooving means retirement. The anti-panic mechanism and mode selector add moving parts versus the standard GRIGRI — keep the device clean and dry, never lubricate. Lifespan is long with gym-level care; the retirement triggers are grooving, corrosion, or any malfunction. Warranty-claim reality: Petzl honors defects (3-year guarantee); wear, grooving, and impact damage are excluded; a dropped device with a cracked body is retired, not claimed.

Version history — year by year (enrichment — Sept 2026)

• 2023: GRIGRI+ #D13A current; the learning/supervised-belay flagship.
• 2024: Continued at ~$129.95.
• 2025: Continued.
• 2026: Continued at $129.95. No generational change identified — the GRIGRI line evolves slowly.

Head-to-head vs closest rivals (enrichment — Sept 2026)

• No existing catalog rival in this category — the mountaineering catalog has no belay-device dossiers. Closest intra-slate comparisons:
• vs Black Diamond ATC-Guide (/library/gear/mountaineering/black-diamond-atc-guide/, new this round): the ATC-Guide is the manual tube device — lighter (80 g), cheaper ($54.95), guide-mode capable, no assisted braking; the GRIGRI+ is the assisted-braking device — heavier, pricier, safer-feeling for new belayers. Alpine/multi-pitch versatility: ATC-Guide. Assisted braking: GRIGRI+.
• vs Edelrid Mega Jul (/library/gear/mountaineering/edelrid-mega-jul/, new this round): the Mega Jul is the lightweight assisted-braking tube (75 g, $59.95) — the minimalist's assisted braking; the GRIGRI+ is the fully featured cam device. Weight and price: Mega Jul. Features and beginner-friendliness: GRIGRI+.
• vs standard GRIGRI (not in catalog): lighter and cheaper without anti-panic/mode selector — the choice for experienced belayers who don't need the training wheels.

Care & maintenance (enrichment — Sept 2026)

Keep the device clean and dry — grit in the cam mechanism is the enemy; rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly. Never lubricate. Inspect the cam, wear plates, and handle action before use; retire on deep grooving, cracks, corrosion, or any malfunction. Store dry, away from chemicals.

Buying traps (enrichment — Sept 2026)

• GRIGRI vs. GRIGRI+: different devices, different prices — confirm the "+" (anti-panic handle, mode selector) before paying the premium.
• Used devices: inspect the cam and wear plates for grooving — a grooved GRIGRI is a retired GRIGRI. At $129.95 new, heavily used ones rarely make sense.
• Assisted ≠ automatic: the GRIGRI+ assists braking; it doesn't replace belay technique — the community says this in every thread because beginners need to hear it.

Community Verdict — additional voices (enrichment — Sept 2026)

Additional sourced voices (Sept 2026): climbing forums — the GRIGRI+ recommended for new belayers, gyms, and anyone belaying kids; the anti-panic handle described as genuinely confidence-inspiring for learners; experienced users — many prefer the standard GRIGRI's feel and price, calling the "+" features unnecessary once technique is solid; the weight (200 g) cited as the main objective downside. No fabricated scores.

Key Specs gap-fill (enrichment — Sept 2026)

Weight: 200 g = 7.05 oz. Rope range: 8.5–11 mm single. Reference #D13A. Certifications: CE EN 15151-1, UIAA. MSRP $129.95 (2026-09-20). Box contents and colorway details remain UNVERIFIED — re-verify at petzl.com before publishing.