Go Gr-9. Even if you plan to run doubles. The huge kick plate makes it easy to get into clips no matter what you're wearing. If you run doubles, you'll notice there is only one built in set of slots for straps. No biggie. Just lace the front straps over top of the clip bolts and you'll be good to go. Oh, the GR-9 strap holes are big. This allows straps to slide right through which is great for set up but lousy for use because the strap will move. The way to solve this is to put twist in the strap. Slide the strap through the first (entry) hole. Pull all the strap through you need to set up the strap correctly. Then, put a twist in strap on the inside of the entry hole (in other words, hold the strap and twist it 360 degrees) then slide it through the the exit hole. You'll see how the twist holds the strap in place. The front one is cool floating. I never have a problem loosening or tightening either.

Edit: GR-9's tend to come to us both lacking grease and too tight on the bearings. The first thing you should do is repack and adjust them. 15 minutes work for both. Easy.

Double edit: GR-9's have a hateful plastic cap over the bearings on the outside. If you are lucky, they'll pop right off for you with a thin, flat head screwdriver. If not, do what OFG does - drill a big, fat hole right in the center of it, pry it off and then before putting it back take a piece of aluminum foil, stuff it on the inside (not too much. Just enough for it to hold inside) and push it back on. Don't worry. It actually looks good.