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Rock climbing is a fun, adventurous, and addictive activity that requires in-depth expertise. It can also be a dangerous activity without expert-approved gear or equipment. This post lists the best climbing holds for rock climbing enthusiasts. These holds can be attached to a blank wall so that adrenaline enthusiasts can practice the task at home. These holds are sturdy and can bear the average weight of an individual. There are also other benefits of purchasing these holds. You can create your recreational activity at home and gain a competitive edge. As it is your home wall, you get to decide the climbing path.
To purchase rock climbing holds, you should consider the material of the hold, durability, installation, and other features. In this post, we discuss the same along with our picks. We have also listed the pros and cons of each best-selling holder to help you decide better. However, ensure you also have other gear ready for the climbing.
Top Picks
11 Best Climbing Holds Of 2024
1. Best Unique Shapes:Metolius Pu Greatest Chips Screw On
Image: Metolius This pack by Metolius includes 40 colorful screw-on climbing holds, each with a unique shape, making it appear more interesting and appealing. These long-lasting multi-textured climbing holds are made of polyurethane resin and are easy to grip because of their surface. They can be attached to any wooden wall using wooden screws.
Pros
- Durable
- Come in various sizes
- Includes instructions
- Comes with self-drilling screws
Cons
- Might not be beginner-friendly
- Might be a little smaller than you expect
"Whether flat or steep walls, these holds have been ideal for them all. They were a little small to function as handholds, but adding grips solved that issue. Besides, their quality seems reliable."
2. Best For Balancing:Rocky Mountain Climbing Holds Climbing Gear Kids Large
Image: Rocky Mountain Climbing Gear These natural-looking t-nut-compatible climbing holds are what you need if you are not into bright colors. Not only do they look like real rocks, but they are also made using recycled materials. This means you and your kids can stay fit, have fun, be adventurous, and save the planet all at once. These competition climbing holds can be attached to trees as well–they provide a good balance to the climber without harming the natural landscape and the health of the tree. These holds come in various sizes and difficulty levels, making it a long term purchase that will give incredible value for years to come.
Pros
- Environment-friendly
- Heavy duty
- Provide secure grip
- Suitable for all ages
Cons
- New holds may smell of epoxy, however within 24 hours the odor goes away
"While installing them was straightforward, they had an overpowering epoxy smell that took some time to dissipate. Nevertheless, they have been durable enough to sustain the weight of adults and have transformed my wall into a climber’s retreat."
Did you know?3. Best Durable:Metolius Pu Mega Pack
Image: Metolius You can select from four mega packs of climbing holds based on your needs: 30, 40, 50, or 60. The megapack of 60 contains ten screw-on footholds, eight screw-on handholds, five screw-on modular climbing holds, ten micros, 12 bolt-on modulars, eight mini jugs, seven macros, and other accessories. Besides, these foot-friendly climbing holds are made of polyurethane resin, making them a durable option for beginners as well as climbers with in-depth expertise.
Pros
- Can be used by both adults and children
- Ideal starter kit for indoor climbing walls
- Bright solid colors
- Comes with bolts, T-nuts, and self-drilling screws
Cons
- Might need additional T-nuts
"The highlight of this climbing holds set has been the variety of sizes. They have also proven durable and require minimal retightning. The only drawback is that their colors look different than the images, but their resilience remains unmatched."
Metolius Pu Greatest Chips Screw On Best Unique Shapes | Rocky Mountain Climbing Holds Climbing Gear Kids Large Best For Balancing | Metolius Pu Mega Pack Best Durable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Multi-colour | - | One Color |
| Weight | 1.1 Pounds | - | 1.01 Pounds |
| Material | - | Polyester | - |
| Dimensions LxWxH | - | 24 x 8 x 8 inches | 15 x 13 x 15 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 30 | 278 | 6 |
| Price | $49.95 | $79.99 | $268.95 |
4. Best For Smooth Edges:Kinspory 20 Pig Nose Shape Rock Climbing Holds For Outdoor Wooden Play Set
Children need constant change and inspiration when it comes to their play activities. A great introduction to wall climbing can be made using this climbing hold set, that is created keeping in mind beginners as well as their adult companions. These colorful and durable beginner climbing holds made of plastic offer good comfort with smooth edges, giving the climber confidence to push their boundaries, gain niche mastery, and build their physical and mental strength. The set of 20 large ergonomic climbing holds also comes with two auxiliary handles for additional support.
Pros
- Wear and tear-resistant
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor climbing walls as well as swing sets
- Product is non-toxic and tasteless
- Brightly colored rocks give a makeover to any dull space
- Ideal for 1.5-inch-thick plywood boards
Cons
- These climbing holds may suit walls that are not too thick.
"Setting these holds required patience, but they have been perfect for crafting a climbing wall in my kid's room. Its stainless steel hardware is also solid, and the lengthy handles are thoughtful. Overall, it's been excellent for encouraging physical activity."
5. Best For Outdoor Activity:Escape Climbing Starter Pack
Image: Escape Climbing Get this pack of 51 brightly colored plastic climbing holds suitable for your home or gym. The pack contains different sizes of lightweight yet durable swappable climbing holds, including jugs, crimps, and pinches that are textured for the convenience of the user so that they can easily hold on to them without fear. These climbing holds are suitable to use as a form of exercise or as a fun outdoor adventure activity.
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Easy to install
- Can easily fill a typical 8 x 8-inch wall
- Comes with mounting hardware
Cons
- Might not be wear-resistant
"These climbing holds offer a great mix of sizes, and the texture feels similar to a pumice stone. I would have preferred that the set came with the required installation hardware. Still, they are very sturdy and facilitate hours of climbing."
6. Best Easy To Install:Slothside Rock Climbing Holds
Image: Slothside Looking for widely tested and trusted equipment that can strengthen your body and improve your focus in an entertaining way? Get these easy-to-install and durable bolt-on climbing holds that are handmade with polyester resin. Various kinds of high-quality climbing holds are included in this package, such as jugs, crimps, pockets, slopers, and pinch climbing holds, to provide a challenging yet fun climbing experience to the user.
Pros
- Weather-resistant
- Easy-to-grip textured surface
- Ideal for both adults and children
- Holds up to 337 lb
Cons
- Might need additional tools
"Installing these climbing holds onto the walls of my home gym has added variety to my fitness routine. The included video guide turned the setup hassle-free, and diverse shapes offer a nice challenge. They are so fun that even my kids love climbing on them."
Quick tip7. Best Weather-Resistant:Squirrel Products Deluxe Rock Climbing Holds
Image: Squirrel Products Thanks to these cute climbing holds, you can now build a rock climbing wall on your own in your backyard. Children aged three years and above can use these holds to engage in a fun physical activity. These tried-and-tested holds are available in assorted shapes and colors. These weather-resistant climbing holds are made of plastic and have zinc-plated hardware for both outdoor and indoor use. The set includes 20 rock climbing holds of various shapes, washers, bolts, T-nuts, and instructions. You can arrange the holds in different ways to suit the difficulty level and experience.
Pros
- Help develop early flexibility, coordination, balance, strength, and endurance
- Screw-in plugs are available to cover the bolt and fill the holes
- Lightweight
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Hardware may not be rust-resistant
- Bolts could be short for some walls
"I got these holds to create a climbing wall for my son, but their build has proven strong enough to sustain my weight too. The set included some wrongly sized bolts, but besides that, everything from setting up and using these holds has been a breeze."
8. Best For Easy Climb:Escape Climbing 10 Screw-On Jugs
Image: Escape Climbing As the name suggests, this pack contains jugs that are an excellent place to start for learners and first time climbers. When placed horizontally, these plastic jug climbing holds look like an easy climb, which means even little children can try their tiny hands and feet on them. However, when placed at an angle, these jugs make the route harder, resulting in them being exciting for adults as well.
Pros
- Handcrafted
- Sturdy
- Can be used by people of all ages
- Not limited by the requirements of t-nut placement.
Cons
- May not be ideal for dry walls at home
"In addition to being easy to install, their versatile shapes keep them from becoming boring. They also have the right texture and sturdiness to suit different setups and weights. The similarity in size was a minor drawback, but overall, they have been worthwhile."
9. Best Weatherproof:SSBRIGHT Sets Of 25 Multicolored Kids & Adults Large Rock Climbing Holds
Are you building a wall that will work for both, your kids as well as you and your friends with in-depth expertise? This set of 25 climbing holds is a great starter pack that also offers maximum impact. These dynamic climbing holds are weatherproof and can also hold up to 440lb of weight, which means everyone can take advantage of this set, irrespective of their age and size. None of the pieces have sharp edges making it safe for children and their sensitive skin.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Multi-colored
- Easy installation
- Made using BPA-free poly resin plastic.
Cons
- May not be suited for narrow walls
10. Best Comfort Grip:C Crystal Lemon Textured Rock Climbing Holds For Kids
Build a climbing wall for your children using these sturdy and bright comfort-grip climbing holds. The set includes ten pieces, with each hold manufactured keeping in mind that even children might grip onto them. Children who start climbing early build better muscle and core strength and it goes a long way as far as overall development is concerned. While they are made for kids, these bolts do not compromise with durability and quality.
Pros
- Non-toxic
- Multicolored
- Easy to install
Cons
- May not be suited for outdoor use
"The vibrant colors of these holds have made my children's climbing wall look lively. They are not like the professional ones but have remained stable once installed. Plus, the firm build assures me that they will last long."
11. Best For Beginners:Atomik Climbing Holds 21 Classic Pack Bolt Ons
Image: Atomik Climbing Holds Assorted climbing holds in earthy tones, including ones that look like real rocks, make up this 21-piece indoor and outdoor hold set. This pack comes with an equal number of zinc nuts, because of which installation is a breezy affair. You don’t need to worry about training level when using these holds, so much so that you can climb using tennis shoes as well. The difficulty level of these holds depends on the route you set and the angle of your wall, making it an all-time favorite for custom use. So, use them as advanced climbing holds or let them ease you into this activity as a first-timer.
Pros
- Unbreakable polyurethane
- Suitable for basement walls
- Can be used by all age groups
- Includes a wide variety of shapes
Cons
- May be a little small for adult hands
"Although smaller than expected, these holds serve well as crimps and foot holds. Installing them on the walls of my home gym was also a breeze, and the plastic build has remained crack-free despite being used for months."
How To Choose The Right Climbing Holds?
Here are a few important points to consider when choosing climbing holds.
- Right size: It is important to be well aware of who is using the rocky mountain climbing holds in your home, before purchasing climbing hold sets. Children need smaller holds with better grip, and possibly a larger number of them so they have support at every short distance. Adults experienced with climbing holds, on the other hand, need specific shapes such as slopers, crimps, jugs, and hollow-back climbing holds, based on their preference and wall shape.
- Texture: Boiling down to personal preference, textures can be smooth or rough, or sometimes in between. A good idea is to test both smooth and uneven holds on public climbing walls and determine which finish works best for you. This way you end up with holds that are suited to your climbing style.
- Comfort: Possibly one of the most important factors, if you don’t have comfort you will not have a good climb, or any climb at all. Like personalities, everyone has different types of grips and climbing styles. An acceptable match are holds that offer you good balance and great footholds, so you can literally achieve higher levels in your climb.
- Versatility: A versatile hold is one that gives you more utility in a single piece, than multiple pieces would. This means you must look for climbing hold sets that not only come with large, matchable pieces but also have sections that can offer more than one grip individually. In simple words, if you can turn around a hold, and change the way the indentation feels, you gain multiple climbing courses at the price of one.
- Footprint: You want to be certain about the wall space you have, indoor or outdoor, and how much variety you want from the hold sets you purchase. Larger pieces will mean less space for multiple smaller holds, as a result of which you will end up with a monotonous and tame climbing route setting. Smaller-sized or mini climbing holds give you an opportunity to train yourself in simple as well as harder routes.They also fill the wall up and excite your senses with new climbs each time.
- Fun factor: A personal climbing wall has many benefits and allows you to customize the wall. Purchasing indoor rock climbing holds that let you play with the route are definitely a big win.
- Price: You have already invested in preparing a climbing wall at home and finding climbing holds that will suit your budget is the next big mission. If you are new to buying personal climbing holds, it is important for you to know that some pieces may cost more than you imagined. A grand centerpiece shape may cost you more than building the wall, while compact climbing holds are much cheaper and probably what you need as a beginner.
- Type of training: Each type of hold is different, offers special functions, and most importantly focuses on different muscles and strength. Initially, it is best to procure a climbing hold set that has a good mix of hold types, so you can warm up every muscle you need to use for climbing. Once you know where your weakness lies, you can order holds that demand more work from your specific problem areas.
Matthew New, an adventurer, explorer, and founder of OffGridDestinations, says, “The right set of climbing holds can enhance your climbing experience and offer a full-body workout. When selecting climbing holds, consider factors like material quality, ease of installation, and suitability for the intended users–beginners or advanced climbers.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the different types of climbing holds?
The different names of climbing holds are established based on the ways a climber holds on when climbing. Here are some important ones.
- Crimp holds are spaces on which climbers can only hook their fingertips.
- Pocket climbing holds are small holes into which climbers can put their whole hands or fingers.
- Horn holds are protruding pieces that climbers can wrap their hands around.
- Bucket holds are open spaces you can get your whole hand around.
2. How many climbing holds do I need?
The number of holds you need depends on the wall size and your climbing experience. However, starting with smaller walls with multiple holds is recommended to prevent injuries in case of an accidental fall. It also enhances the climbing potential.
3. Should I brush climbing holds?
With constant use, a lot of dirt, debris, sweat, and other gunk can gather on the climbing holds. You can brush the holds before or while climbing the wall to remove excess dirt that may weaken your grip on the hold.
4. Is rock climbing hard for beginners?
As a learner, rock climbing is easy if you have a good instructor, you follow their instructions, trust their expertise, and start practicing on a beginner-grade wall.
5. Is rock climbing a good hobby?
Rock climbing, be it on indoor or outdoor walls, demands a high level of physical and mental endurance, making the climber stronger and fitter, providing them with better control and balance.
6. How should I learn to climb?
Aspiring climbers can start with introduction classes at their local climbing gym, observe the experts, and warm up on small obstacle courses to practice their grip.
Why Trust MomJunction?
We have curated a list of the best climbing holds that you can consider having a look at if you are planning to go rock climbing sometime. Our experienced writers and reviewers have compared multiple products by trusted brands to help you pick the best climbing holds. We have considered user reviews to offer you an unbiased opinion and included a buying guide for your convenience.
The Bottom Line
Experience the thrill of rock climbing at home or outdoors with these climbing holds and practice comfortably. Each set includes holds of various sizes, colors, and grips, and they come with screws and other installation tools required to install them. When selecting a climbing hold set, you should prioritize your comfort, including the hold’s size, texture, and load-bearing capacity. You can also consider environmentally-friendly and eco-friendly alternatives that are durable and long-lasting and offer a firm grip for security and support. We recommend the Kinspory 20 Pig Nose Shape Rock Climbing Holds for their ergonomic design and auxiliary handles, the SSBright Multicolored Rock Climbing Holds for their skin-friendly surface and ease of installation, and the Squirrel Products Kids Rock Climbing Holds for being lightweight yet sturdy.
Infographic: Why Should Your Child Indulge In Rock Wall Climbing?
Rock wall climbing is a recreational activity that mimics rock climbing in a safer and more controlled manner. It helps keep children physically active and reduces their screen time. Check out the following infographic to discover the benefits of letting your child indulge in rock wall climbing.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Factors influencing osteological changes in the hands and fingers of rock climbers.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2100343/
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