Climbing holds are crucial for building finger strength and technique, and the right ones can transform your climbing. Our comprehensive guide reviews the top holds, comparing their designs, durability, and performance to help you choose the perfect set for your climbing style and goals.
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Reviews
The multi-colored climbing holds blend yellow, orange, green, red, and blue into an engaging color scheme that'll keep climbers of all ages entertained. Made from weather-resistant material that supports 440lbs per hold, these durable rocks feature textured surfaces designed for safe, comfortable grip. Each purchase comes with five sets of three differently shaped holds, measuring approximately 4.2 inches by 3.4 inches apiece. The included self-drilling nuts and bolts make installation quick and simple for both indoor and outdoor playgrounds or DIY climbing walls.
These Jumbos 5 climbing holds bring a touch of real rock to your wall, with ten durable pieces that grow with your skills. The set installs easily with included hardware, while the natural look and feel of the holds makes your workout session feel like an outdoor adventure.
This versatile climbing wall transforms your space into a real rock challenge, featuring a textured surface with fixed rock shapes and 250 preset hand holds. The color-coded Groperz system—ranging from green giants to red challenges—lets climbers of all skill levels test their skills on the 40-foot span. The built-in Red-Relief Line keeps everyone within a safe three-foot drop, while the wall's durable design can handle up to 10 simultaneous users.
Your kids will love the bright colors and fun shapes of these tree climbing holds, while their nimble fingers will appreciate the skin-friendly surface. Made to last in any weather, these durable climbing grips transform your backyard into an outdoor gym.
This colorful rock climbing set transforms any space into an adventurous playground. Kitted out with 20 plastic holds in five vibrant hues and two sturdy hand grips, it's designed to challenge both kids and adults. The durable, weather-resistant pieces feature textured surfaces that give climbers a secure grip, while the included 9.8-foot rope adds the perfect length for indoor or outdoor fun.
This safe kidz climbing set makes installation a breeze with its premium hardware and easy drill bit - perfect for adding some thrilling fun to your backyard adventure space. The 10 durable holds feature realistic rock shapes in bright, kid-friendly colors, while the corrosion-resistant bolts and specialized nuts ensure solid, stress-free mounting on standard deck lumber. Built tough enough for heavy use, these child-safe climbing elements transform any playset into a portable rock wall that's both fun and functional.
The ROCKSTAR Climbing Kit transforms your space into an indoor/outdoor adventure playground with its durable, weather-resistant climbing holds and secure knot rope system. The set includes everything from the climbing grips to mounting hardware, making it incredibly easy to install whether you're bolting to concrete or hanging from a tree. Best of all, the textured plastic holds provide a secure grip that kids—and even adults—can enjoy for daily play.
These red polyester resin holds from Nicros are expert-level climbers' challenges, with their shallow sloper slots forcing reliance on footwork over hand strength. The five-piece set comes with options for both flat head and socket cap screws, making them versatile additions to your route-building arsenal. At 8lbs per set, these southern Georgia sandstone replicas require precise technique and advanced skill to master.
Crafted from a solid piece of natural wood, this climbing hangboard features a variety of holds including flat and sloped surfaces, jugs, and finger pockets to challenge climbers of all skill levels. The smooth, rounded edges and careful craftsmanship ensure comfortable use during extended hangs and advanced exercises like L-hangs and front levers. The durable construction stands up to intense training sessions while the thoughtful design protects your skin from irritation.
These solid plastic rock climbing holds come in five distinct styles, providing plenty of variety for young climbers to develop their skills on your backyard wall. The zinc-plated mounting hardware ensures these durable pieces can weather outdoor use, while the included installation instructions make setting them up straightforward.
These colorful pig-shaped climbing holds add a fun twist to any outdoor playground set, with durable plastic construction and secure mounting. The included Allen wrench makes installation a breeze, and the set comes with everything needed for a reliable climbing challenge. Whether you're building a new play structure or enhancing an existing one, these versatile holds provide plenty of grip options for young climbers.
Made from recycled materials, these ten large jug-style screw-on climbing holds deliver durable performance in any weather. The nontoxic holds, available in over 200 unique shapes, provide a realistic texture that climbers of all ages will enjoy. At just 12 inches tall, these versatile holds are perfect for both home gyms and outdoor climbing areas.
These American-made climbing holds bring a rock-like authenticity to your outdoor gym, with their recycled material construction and lifetime guarantee. At just under 2 feet tall, they're a practical size for both kids and adults to use safely. The boyscouts and military-approved design means they'll hold up well through all weather conditions, whether you're climbing in the sun or rain.
These durable climbing holds, crafted from recycled materials, mimic the texture and feel of real rock. With 25 versatile pieces that fit together neatly in a compact storage box, they're perfect for home gyms or outdoor installations. The screw-on design makes them easy to install and transport, while the generous 1/4" screw holes ensure they stay secure during intense sessions.
These rock climbing holds provide a safe and engaging way for kids and adults to build their strength and confidence. Each durable plastic grip supports up to 230 lbs, while the nonskid surface ensures reliable traction whether you're setting up an indoor play wall or mounting the holds outdoors. The colorfully painted grips in three shapes make climbing fun while helping develop essential skills.
Crafted from solid pine wood in Vietnam, this premium fingerboard features rounded edges and an anti-slip surface for secure holds. The durable construction, featuring multiple grip positions including finger pockets and slopers, helps train both beginners and advanced climbers. The board's compact design, measuring just 21.7 inches long, makes it perfect for home gyms or travel.
Parents will love how these colorful pig-shaped climbing holds transform any space into a mini-adventure playground. Made specifically for young climbers with their specially shaped handles and sturdy construction, kids can practice essential motor skills while having fun. The clever design includes everything needed for easy installation, from the climbing pieces to the precise drilling bits, making it simple to create a safe, entertaining workout station at home or in the park.
These rock climbing holds combine durability with an inviting texture that grips just right, whether you're testing your limits on an indoor wall or pushing through a challenging outdoor route. Made from weather-resistant plastic that holds up to all kinds of conditions, each piece is thoughtfully designed to support both kids learning to climb and adults looking to improve their technique. The practical dimensions make them ideal for creating versatile climbing routes that challenge beginners while providing ample room for advanced moves.
These Diff-Tex crimps pack quite a challenge, with their textured edges designed to promote proper full crimp technique. The smooth front face prevents lazy thumb catches, forcing you to engage your full hand strength. Each set comes with 10 socket head cap screw bolts for mounting.
These brown polyester resin handholds combine practical design with appealing aesthetics, making them a popular choice for intermediate climbers. The capscrew bolt system provides secure installation, while the medium-sized holds offer a balance of challenge and usability.
For building a functional home climbing wall, the Metolius 30-piece hold set delivers quality gear at a practical price point. The mixed collection of foot and hand holds provides ample variety for developing climbers, though some users suggest supplementing with additional jugs for steeper walls. The durable polyurethane construction withstands regular use, though a few reported quality control issues with chipping and texture inconsistencies.
These climbing holds feature a carefully designed selection of slopes, jugs, and pinches that help develop versatile grip strength. The solid wood construction, free from chips and splices, provides a durable surface that's easier on the hands thanks to its smooth, polished finish. Installation is a breeze with pre-drilled holes and included mounting screws, making these holds perfect for both serious climbers and recreational users looking to improve their technique.
These large climbing holds pack a serious outdoor-ready punch, with their recycled material construction standing up to whatever Mother Nature throws their way. The realistic rock-like texture adds an extra layer of challenge, while the American-made durability gives you peace of mind for your next big climb. With a lifetime guarantee backing them up, these holds are built to last through countless sessions at the gym, on your scout troop's wall, or on military operations.
Buyer's Guide
Climbing holds are essential pieces of gear that determine the difficulty and style of climbs. Understanding the different types of holds and their characteristics will help you choose the right equipment for your training and climbing goals.
Hold Types
Climbing holds come in various shapes and sizes, each designed to challenge different aspects of your climbing technique. Common types include crimpers, underclingsWith their sharp edges, slopers requiring open-hand grip strength, and jugs offering secure overhand positions. Understanding these basic categories will help you select holds that match your skill level and specific training needs.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of climbing holds significantly impact their difficulty and the type of grip they promote. Smaller holds with less material require more finger strength and precision, while larger holds with more surface area distribute the load across your hand and forearm. Consider your hand size and strength when choosing holds to ensure proper technique and prevent injury.
Material and Construction
Climbing holds are typically made from materials like polyethylene, aluminum, or magnesium, with different properties affecting their durability and grip characteristics. Polyethylene holds provide consistent grip but may wear down over time, while metal holds offer superior longevity but can be heavier and louder to use. Consider your training frequency and preferred climbing style when selecting material type.
Climbing System Compatibility
Before purchasing climbing holds, ensure they are compatible with your existing climbing system. Different systems require specific mounting patterns, and some holds may not be suitable for traditional or sport climbing applications. Verify mounting requirements and compatible systems to avoid compatibility issues in your training routine.
FAQ
What are climbing holds?
Climbing holds are specialty grips engineered to challenge climbers in various ways. They come in different shapes, sizes, and textures to test strength, technique, and finger sensitivity.
These artificial holds are fixed to climbing walls and used in indoor gyms and outdoor routes, allowing climbers to practice specific movements and sequences.
How do climbing holds differ from traditional rock features?
Climbing holds are standardized for consistent difficulty across different venues, whereas natural rock features vary in shape, grip quality, and texture.
Artificial holds can create specific training environments (power, technique, endurance) that may be difficult or impossible to replicate on natural terrain.
What are the main hold types?
The most common types are crimps (narrowest points for finger tips), undercling pockets (angled handholds), and crabs (horizontal cracks), though there are hundreds of variations.
Manufacturers classify holds using color codes (green for undercling pockets, blue for crimps, etc. ) and shape codes (0-5 for finger pockets, A-D for crabs) to indicate difficulty and shape parameters.
What materials are climbing holds made from?
The primary materials are plastic, aluminum, and wood, each offering different durability, weight, and texture options.
Some indoor gyms use concrete blocks and resin casts, while outdoor installations may use epoxy-coated natural rock features for added grip.
How are climbing holds rated?
Indoor holds use color-coded systems where greens represent undercling pockets, blues crimps, yellows edge holds, and white slopers, with additional grades inside (green 1-10, blue A-E).
Outdoor traditional routes use letter grades (A-V) to indicate difficulty, with additional descriptors for sharp angles, small holds, or difficult sequences.
What maintenance do climbing holds require?
Climbing holds need regular cleaning with soap and water to prevent contamination from oils and bacteria, especially in shared indoor gyms.
Professional inspection and replacement are necessary when holds show excessive wear, cracks, or lose their original texture, typically every 3-5 years depending on use frequency.
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