So I'm contemplating buying a new belay device. I have recently found myself becoming a belay slave...not sure how it happened though. Anyway, I've used a GriGri a handful of times, but wanted to know if the Trango Cinch is better/cooler or if there is something else I should look at.

I read the review on here of the Cinch, and it sounds good. Its also nice that the Cinch is ~$20 less than the Gri. I am by no means an expert with the GriGri, so it won't hurt to learn a new device. Thoughts? I'll want to use this device soley for cragging, single pitch sport, and TR'ing with the family members who don't/won't lead.

Thanks,

J

The "Cinch" is friggin' great. Though I usually carry both devices, just in case.

I personally like the grigri more than the cinch. Sometimes the cinch just um... cinches up too tight and it's harder to lower or rap with.

-Tristan

The Cinch is much lighter, is able to handle smaller diameter ropes, and doesn't cost as much the Gri-gri. It is not as smooth as the Gri-gri for lowering though and is harder to pull rope through when a climber is leading or yarding. So it depends on what type of climbing you are going to do, multi pitch crusty trad epics where you are using it to pull up numerous partners, the Cinch would be a better buy, but if you hanging out underneath horizontal jug-a-thon projects with a bunch of sportos with a lot "takes" and "yarding" then the Gri-gri is the way to go. Hopes this help.....I used both I perfer the Gri-gri but both work very well.

While I've heard that the 1st generation of Cinches had problems with lowering, I have a newer model and I haven't used a grigri since! The Cinch feeds rope like a dream and the brake hand doesn't come off to dish out a bunch of slack. Factor in that it is rated to use with thinner cords and you've got a winner. Get it. I respectfully disagree with Bird- Works great for sport-wankery!

jfox,

If you are not planning on using your belay device for something other than regular ole belaying why even mess with it?

I purchased a GriGri last year because an AMGA course I took required it, reason being its utility in rescue situations etc. This thing is a mini-tank on your harness (225 grams). Think about it this way:

1 GriGri = 700 calories in 7 packets of GU gel (enough for you and your buddies)
1 GriGri = 5 wiregate biners + 3 standard sized prussiks (thats enough to make a 5:1 hauling system)

My advice would be to just use a munter hitch on the lightest locking biner of your choice. Learn how to belay using a munter hitch and how to tie it up (so your hands are free).

Next time you are hiking uphill to your favorite crag with a bag full of trad gear, you'll be glad you didn't bring an extra 225 grams.

Regularly belaying with a munter, especially top roped climbing will twist the S*^&t out of your rope. Probably not the best advice.
GriGri are wonderful provided they are used correctly. They are NOT a hands free device. In addition they can, as mentioned, greatly simplify rescue work.

Dropping 225 grams on your way to climb with the fam/friends who only TR probably isn't a huge concern. Toss in the "tank" and have fun.

1 GriGri = 1/2 a Fat Tire. Yummy.

I have both. The Cinch is much better for leading, top roping, lowering, bringing up seconds, and it's WAY lighter.

having just got off a long sport climbing trip, and having learned how to use a cinch on this trip, I have to say that I personally much prefer the cinch. There was much 'projecting' on this trip, and cinch's performed just as well as grigri's for this. I find it quite simple to unlock the cinch if it does get locked while feeding slack. It is no problem to yard out tons of slack (easier than the grigri in my opinion) if you hold the cinch as per the diagrams/figures found in the packaging. It is also a bit more intuitive for me to use, I love it. It's my first Autolocking belay device and it took me no time to be both competent and comfortable with it. It's also lighter, less bulky, and 20 bucks cheaper than a grigri.

just my two cents,
rob

I've been messing around with a Hewbolt lately. So far I'm happy with it.

Sounds like the Cinch V2.0 may be the way to go. Like I mentioned, I mainly want it for belay slave duties at single pitch sport/TR area's. I have an ATC Guide that I've used for years, and will continue to use, for multipitch, alpine, ice routes, rappelling etc. I know how to, and have belayed on multi-pitch routes with a Munter Hitch, I wouldn't want to be doing that all day at a sport crag though, so no thanks Ali! I don't mind a little extra weight when I'm only going to be lugging some draws, rope and biners around.

I'll head over to Bent Gate next week and play with a Cinch. Thanks for all the helpful responses!

Also, Mal Daly (owner of Trango) posted videos on YouTube showing proper Cinch technique. They're worth watching and show the nuances of the device.

:

Well sheeat...neither Bent Gate nor REI sell the Cinch...guess I'll have to try Neptude's or Mountain Gear.

Why not get it from another local store and a site sponsor?

http://www.wildernessexchangeunlimited.com/product_detail.cf>>>>>

Oh yeah, thanks Doug! I keep forgetting about WildyX.

Anyone have familiarity with the Fader's SUM?

See here.

http://storrick.cnchost.com/VerticalDevicesPage/Belay/LeverB>>>>>

well i actually have a story about a cinch :)....i was belaying one of my friends on his project route when he said "take" and we took a little rest.... after he decided to keep going he got to the crux but i wasn't able to "uncinch" the cinch... short roped him REAL bad.... i felt horrible and he was angry....now what i have to say about that... the cinch is AWESOME for feeding rope... I've had a climber go to clip when i wasn't ready and they pulled rope through my cinch with ease.... i would say... if your climbing with a 10.1 or higher then use a gri gri...if you prefer a smaller diameter like a 9.8 or 9.5 i would use the cinch.... BUT! and this is a big butt :)... i would DEFINATELY find someone who has used a cinch a lot and have them teach you some tricks with it... cuz it does take some getting used to and can be a little tricky as my story above entails:)... so to conclude.... use a gri gri if the rope diameter entails... but be very careful when learning how to use it and don't belay any one on projects till you are really proficient

I hated belaying my kids with a grigri. I am the designated belay slave and climber taxi for my kids and always hated lead belaying with the gri gri. I switched to an atc which was ok until my son almost decked leading in the gym and I wanted an autoblock device.(he was ok) Our gri gri got lost and I debated between replacing it or buying a cinch. Buying the cinch was the best decision I have ever made. I love my bright green cinch! Feeds like a dream catches quick (even when a fall happens while feeding!) and once you watch the video and get comfortable it is great!

Difficult to rope solo with a Cinch as compared to a GriGri