Climbing holds are the foundation of any climbing wall, providing the necessary grips and challenges for climbers to test their skills and improve their technique. Whether you’re setting up a home climbing wall, a gym, or an outdoor training area, selecting the best climbing holds is crucial for a safe and enjoyable climbing experience. This article will explore the different types of climbing holds, their materials, shapes, and textures, and provide recommendations for the best climbing holds available on the market today.
Types of Climbing Holds
Climbing holds come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to simulate different types of rock features. Understanding the different types of holds is essential for creating a diverse and challenging climbing wall.
1. Jugs: These are large, easy-to-grip holds that are perfect for beginners or as rest points on more challenging routes. Jugs provide a secure grip, making them ideal for overhangs and roofs.
2. Crimps: Crimps are small, narrow holds that require strong fingers and precise technique. They are often used on vertical or slightly overhanging walls to add difficulty to a route.
3. Slopers: These holds are smooth and rounded, offering little to no positive edge for gripping. Slopers require open-hand strength and body tension, making them challenging even for experienced climbers.
4. Pinches: Pinches are holds that must be squeezed between the thumb and fingers. They come in various sizes and can be found on all angles of walls, offering a versatile challenge.
5. Pockets: Pockets are holds with one, two, or three holes for fingers. They can be shallow or deep, requiring climbers to use precise finger placement and strength.
6. Edges: Edges are thin, flat holds that can vary in width. They often require climbers to use the tips of their fingers and are commonly used to simulate real rock features.
7. Volumes: Volumes are large, three-dimensional shapes that can be bolted onto climbing walls to change the angle or add additional features. They can be used alone or in combination with other holds to create unique challenges.
8. Huecos: These are large, rounded holds that resemble the holes found in limestone rock formations. They provide a different type of challenge compared to other holds and are great for adding variety to a climbing wall.
Materials of Climbing Holds
The material of climbing holds affects their durability, texture, and overall feel. The most common materials used for climbing holds are resin, polyurethane, and wood.
1. Resin: Resin holds are known for their durability and affordability. They can be molded into a wide variety of shapes and textures, making them a popular choice for many climbers. However, they can be brittle and prone to chipping if not properly maintained.
2. Polyurethane: Polyurethane holds are lightweight, durable, and resistant to chipping. They offer a more consistent texture and are less likely to wear down over time. These holds are often used in commercial climbing gyms due to their longevity.
3. Wood: Wooden holds are smooth and skin-friendly, making them ideal for long training sessions. They provide a different texture and feel compared to synthetic holds, often requiring more friction-based techniques. Wooden holds are also eco-friendly and can be a great addition to any climbing wall.
Shapes and Textures
The shape and texture of climbing holds play a significant role in the difficulty and style of climbing routes. Holds can have a variety of textures, from smooth and slick to rough and gritty, each providing a unique challenge.
1. Smooth Holds: Smooth holds are often used on slopers and volumes, requiring climbers to rely on body tension and friction rather than grip strength. They can be particularly challenging on overhanging walls.
2. Rough Holds: Rough holds provide more friction, making them easier to grip. They are commonly used for jugs, crimps, and pinches, offering a more secure feel for climbers.
3. Dual Texture: Dual texture holds combine smooth and rough surfaces, creating specific grip zones. These holds can be used to force specific movements or techniques, adding an extra layer of complexity to routes.
SEE ALSO: IS MOUNTAIN CLIMBING AN EXTREME SPORT?
Best Climbing Holds on the Market
Now that we have a good understanding of the different types of climbing holds, their materials, and textures, let’s explore some of the best climbing holds available today. These recommendations are based on durability, versatility, and overall quality.
1. Metolius Foundation Holds Set: Metolius is a well-known brand in the climbing industry, and their Foundation Holds Set is perfect for beginners and advanced climbers alike. The set includes a variety of holds, from jugs to crimps, made from durable resin. They offer a great texture and are designed to last.
2. So iLL Iron Palm Hangboard: While technically a training board, the So iLL Iron Palm Hangboard features a variety of slopers, crimps, and pockets, making it an excellent addition to any home wall. Made from polyurethane, it provides a consistent texture and durability.
3. Rocky Mountain Climbing Gear Atomik Holds: Atomik offers a wide range of climbing holds in various shapes and sizes. Their sets are perfect for creating diverse routes on any climbing wall. Made from polyurethane, these holds are lightweight and durable, with excellent texture.
4. PU Board Hold Set by Escape Climbing: Escape Climbing’s PU Board Hold Set includes a mix of jugs, slopers, and pinches, made from high-quality polyurethane. The holds are designed to be skin-friendly and durable, making them ideal for long training sessions.
5. Tension Climbing Wooden Holds: For those who prefer wooden holds, Tension Climbing offers a variety of shapes and sizes, from crimps to slopers. These holds provide a smooth texture, requiring more precise technique and grip strength.
6. eGrips Sandstone Series: eGrips is known for their realistic rock texture, and the Sandstone Series is no exception. These holds are made from polyurethane and offer a unique feel, simulating natural sandstone rock features.
7. Kilter Board Holds: The Kilter Board system includes a variety of holds with unique shapes and textures. Made from polyurethane, these holds are durable and designed to create challenging and dynamic routes.
Setting Up Your Climbing Wall
When setting up your climbing wall, it’s essential to consider the variety and placement of holds to create a balanced and challenging environment. Here are some tips for setting up your climbing wall:
1. Variety is Key: Include a mix of hold types, from jugs to crimps, to provide different challenges and prevent monotony. A diverse range of holds will help improve various climbing techniques and strengths.
2. Proper Spacing: Ensure that holds are spaced appropriately to allow for comfortable and safe movements. Avoid clustering holds too closely together, as this can limit the potential for route setting.
3. Route Setting: Experiment with different routes and problems to keep your climbing wall interesting. Set routes with varying difficulty levels to cater to climbers of all skill levels.
4. Safety First: Ensure that your climbing wall is securely mounted and that all holds are tightly fastened. Regularly inspect your holds for any signs of wear or damage and replace them as needed.
5. Maintenance: Clean your holds regularly to maintain their texture and grip. Dirty or greasy holds can become slippery and dangerous. Use a brush and mild soap to clean the holds, and allow them to dry completely before reattaching them to the wall.
Conclusion
Choosing the best climbing holds for your wall involves considering the types of holds, their materials, shapes, and textures. Whether you’re setting up a home climbing wall or a commercial gym, having a diverse selection of high-quality holds will provide a safe, challenging, and enjoyable climbing experience. Brands like Metolius, So iLL, Atomik, Escape Climbing, Tension Climbing, eGrips, and Kilter Board offer some of the best climbing holds on the market, each with their unique features and benefits. By investing in quality holds and maintaining your climbing wall, you can create an excellent training environment that will help you and others improve their climbing skills and enjoy the sport to its fullest.