gri gri

Question
So, would you use a gri gri to belay the second on a multi pitch route or on single pitch trad, belaying from teh top (if assume that u dont mind the extra gear/weight), or do you prefer a munter or tuber device?
I thought I liked the idea of teh security of teh device, then a friend told me he had an experience where his belayer couldnt hold his fall. (He tend to use thinner ropes, but swore it was within the 'approved' range)

?
Thanks.

Answer
Dear Mary---grigri's manufacturer specifically instructs climbers not to use the device for traditional climbing.

Grigris are designed for sport climbing. I find that when belaying from the top with a grigri, there is a tendancy for the device not to lock. Also, smaller diameter ropes, like 9.9mm clearly do not work optimally with a grigri.

For more on belay device choices, please see, my book, "Ultrasafe, A Guide to Safer Rock Climbing," available at Amazon.com.

Good Luck

George Allen