The most obvious physical attribute of the Beal Birdie is the compact size. The Birdie is quite a bit smaller than a GRIGRI. The unit feels very solid, and the all-metal construction bolsters this feel. Additionally, the Birdie weighs over an ounce more than the GRIGRI, again adding to the dense in-hand feel.
The device looks very much like a GRIGRI internally; a small cam under spring tension rotates with rope friction to pinch the cord. The metal release lever also visually functions like the GRIGRI, providing the leverage to overcome the camming action for lowering