Skip to Content

Gear : Reviews

Review by climbinwv (1)


Cinch Belay Device popular Average Rating = 4.24/5 Average Rating : 4.24/5

In: Gear: Essential Equipment: Belay Devices & Descenders

The Cinch/GriGri test 5 out of 5 stars

Review by: climbinwv, 2007-05-31


So my buddy Jessie and I each decided to add an "autolocker" to our gear rack. The main reason was that we both have spouses that were uncomfortable with using an atc to belay. He bought his GriGri off e-bay new for 70$. I bought my Cinch from the local gear shop (also 70$ b/c of the fact it was the new "redesigned" model). I am writing this review about 2 months after we first started using them. He struggled so much in the begining with his stupid GriGri that he went out and paid an extra 40$ for a Freino (a special biner with a wiregate spur on the back for added friction during lowering). I clip a standard biner into my leg loop and lower smooth as butter. He looks like at any moment he might fall over either because of the weight of the heavy ass thing or the awkwardness with which it feeds. The real test has been the ladies. My wife belays me with total confidence and ease, while his looks like she may shit her pants at any moment. Additionally, I have seen his GriGri slipping on a 10.5 rope and he didn't even notice it because of his overconfidence in his beloved GriGri. Knock on wood, my cinch has yet to slip even a hair. So here is the breakdown:
1. He spent $110...I spent $70
2. He is still mastering usage while I feel like I've been using it forever.
3. My wife can SAFELY belay me.....his can't
4. Cinch is 1/2 the weight and size.
5. My wife's boobs are bigger.

I WIN!!!!

Also, I have solo toproped with my Cinch. It Works. It is tricky to learn how to do and you need to be able to do some advanced rigging and improvise a chest harness that will work with the thing....but it works. Don't ask me for any tips as I don't wanna be responsible for any deaths, but there are some places out there where you can learn to solo toprope safely. Honestly, I feel safer on a Cinch solo route than with GriGri Goober belaying me.