We tried it with disappointing results...
You may have seen Petzl just updated the GRIRI+, a device that has a cult following for redpoint lead rope soloing. Is the new 2026 version of any use for LRS?
2017 GRIGRI+
The original 2017 (we’ll call it Version 1) GRIGRI+ has a dial on the side that lets you switch the cam spring tension from regular mode to a lower sprung “Top Rope Mode”. Regular sprung GRIGRIs can sometimes have a delayed catch in LRS (mis)use scenarios, where there is not a firm grip on the brake strand of the rope. A delayed catch can be dangerous if you are close to a ledge or near the ground.
Top Rope Mode made the device engage more consistently during falls, while still being lightly sprung to hold the cam open. It would autofeed well if you chose a skinny rope and held the device upwards and upside down with a chest harness. And of course, it gives the convenience of rappelling on the primary belay device with no transitions.
For these reasons, the online LRS community had adopted the GRIGRI+ V1 as the go-to LRS device for free climbing.
2026 GRIGRI+
The 2026 update has the same dial appearance, but it instead changes to a reverse-sprung “Assist +” mode. This means the cam is pressed against the rope, and there is no chance of autofeeding for Lead Rope Solo usage. It really does not work the same way as Top Rope Mode did with the GRIGRI+ V1.
For our purposes as rope soloists, this 2026 GRIGRI Plus may as well be considered the GRIGRI Minus - it doesn’t work for LRS.
So often when manufacturers update devices, it's just a little bit lighter and maybe a new color, but Petzl made a big change on the GRIGRI Plus that is unfortunate for our uses. This might create a healthy second-hand market for the V1 - that device is very useful for LRS cragging. It is worth one more reminder that using any GRIGRI for lead soloing is off-label misuse of the device.
We are still holding out hope that one of the large gear brands will do the difficult engineering work to create an LRS-specific device. One new LRS device to watch is the Roc Solo. I just received mine and will report back soon! It seems like a sturdy and reliable option for many LRS scenarios, though it doesn’t offer the same cragging workflow, as you can’t rappel with the same ease as a GriGri.
