In reply to forrestpock:
> Hello,
> I am looking for views form climbers and instructors about using Petzl Gri-gri for lead belaying.
> Its highlighted recently that Gri-gri is a safer device than any ATC friction type devises and should be used more often to avoid serious accidents due to human error and distraction.
Could you please point out where this has been highlighted. Do you have any verifiable source or are you doing what we in the trade call "making it up"
> Do you think that good old Stich Plate kind of devises are getting outdated and not safe enough to belay at climbing centers with out higher risks of an accident, usually involving experienced climbers?
No. I think there is a place for assisted braking devices and I often use one myself. For lead belaying they are, IMHO, a pain to pay out quickly and smoothly. ATC devices (note the 'c', not an 's') are safe for ALL climbers, whether experienced or not, assuming a modicum of attention is being paid by the belayer.
> Remember:
> Its is about general use of gri-gri for Lead belaying at artificial climbing walls.
And, for general use lead belaying, an ATC type (other friction devices are available) is simpler, cheaper, smoother and lighter.
For top rope belaying I don't mind either and for self belaying then, obviously, an assisted device wins.
Post edited at 19:00