If you're in Sydney, you can test them out at our demo night on Tuesday 1st Feb (run by Spelean). We'll also be selling them, getting stock next week some time, I'll keep you posted.
For those of you wondering, we have "unbanned" GriGris (old or new version) at Villawood for a trial period. All "assisted breaking" devices are allowed.
The idea is to give people a chance to use them, but we'll be strict on technique - we'll be insisting on either of Petzl's "approved" methods (see their website) or you'll be asked (nicely of course!) to use them properly or not at all. This goes for all belay devices - they must be used per the manufacturer's recommendations - including approved rope size.
Please don't have an accident using one, its going to make me look stupid for lifting the ban. That method of tugging on the rope before climbing is an excellent idea, I do it all the time to check my belayer has threaded the device OK, and we'll encourage people to do it, at least while they're at the gym.
My impression of the GriGri 2 in the 10 min I used one was that it feeds a bit better than the old one, and its lighter.
Mike/SICG Villawood |