Choosing climbing holds as a beginner can be confusing, especially when it comes to understanding the materials they’re made from. This listicle breaks down the most common materials used in beginner climbing holds, explaining their properties and benefits. Whether you’re setting up a home wall or starting at a gym, knowing what holds are made of will help you pick the right ones for your climbing journey.
Polyurethane (PU)
Polyurethane is currently the most popular material for beginner climbing holds due to its durability and versatility. It’s a synthetic polymer that can be molded into a wide variety of shapes and textures, offering excellent grip and a lightweight feel. PU holds are less brittle than older materials, making them safer and longer lasting for beginners who may drop or mishandle holds.
Polyester Resin
Polyester resin was once the standard for climbing holds before PU became dominant. It’s a hard, rigid plastic that can be cast into detailed shapes, but it tends to be heavier and more brittle than polyurethane. Many beginner holds made from polyester resin are rougher in texture, providing good friction, but they can chip or crack more easily under heavy use.
Wood
Wooden climbing holds are gaining popularity among beginners for their natural feel and sustainability. Typically made from hardwoods like maple or birch, these holds offer a smooth texture that’s easy on the skin and great for training grip strength without abrasive wear. Wood holds are also quieter and environmentally friendlier but require more maintenance to prevent splintering or warping.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass holds are less common for beginners but still used in some climbing gyms. They are made by layering fiberglass cloth with resin, creating a lightweight and strong hold. Fiberglass can mimic rock textures very well, offering realistic climbing experiences, but they tend to be more expensive and require careful installation.
Rubberized Holds
Rubberized climbing holds feature a soft, grippy coating over a solid core, often polyurethane or resin. These holds provide excellent friction and comfort, reducing finger strain for beginners. However, they wear out faster than hard plastic holds and can collect dirt and sweat, requiring regular cleaning to maintain grip.
Composite Materials
Some beginner holds use composites, combining materials like polyester resin with fiberglass or other fibers to improve strength and durability. These blends aim to offer the best of both worlds: the texture and grip of resin with the toughness of fiberglass reinforcement. Composite holds are often more resistant to cracking and chipping, making them a good investment for frequent use.
Concrete
Concrete holds are rarely used for beginners but worth mentioning due to their affordability and rugged texture. These holds are cast from cement mixtures and can be shaped into various forms. They provide excellent friction but are heavy and prone to chipping, so they require secure mounting and careful handling.
3D Printed Plastics
Emerging as a niche option, some beginner holds are now made using 3D printing with durable plastics like nylon or ABS. This allows for highly customizable shapes and textures, perfect for home walls or experimental training setups. While not yet widespread, 3D printed holds offer an innovative approach to beginner climbing gear.
Natural Stone Holds
Natural stone holds are actual rock pieces attached to climbing walls, favored for their authentic texture and challenge. For beginners, small, smooth stones can be used to develop grip and footwork skills. However, they are heavier, less uniform, and require careful mounting to ensure safety.
Foam Holds
Foam holds are soft, lightweight options often used for training or therapy rather than serious climbing. Made from dense polyurethane foam, they help beginners practice grip without risk of injury. While not suitable for full climbing routes, foam holds assist in finger strength development in a controlled environment.
How to Choose
When selecting beginner climbing holds, material durability and texture are paramount. Polyurethane holds generally provide the best combination of grip, weight, and longevity. Consider where the holds will be used—home walls may benefit from lighter, softer materials like wood or rubberized holds, while gyms need durable resin or composite options. Texture affects comfort and grip, so beginners should avoid overly abrasive holds to prevent skin damage. Also, check mounting compatibility with your wall system to ensure safety and ease of installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polyurethane holds better than resin for beginners?
Yes, polyurethane holds are more durable and less prone to chipping, making them ideal for beginner use.
Can I use wooden holds outdoors?
Wood holds can be used outdoors but require sealing and regular maintenance to protect against weather damage.
Why do some holds feel rougher than others?
Texture depends on the material and surface finish; resin and concrete holds tend to be rougher, offering more friction but potentially harder on skin.
Are rubberized holds durable enough for regular climbing?
Rubberized holds provide excellent grip but wear faster than hard plastics and are better suited for light use or training.
Is it safe to use natural stone holds indoors?
Yes, if properly mounted and inspected regularly, natural stone holds can be safe but require extra care due to irregular shapes.
Do foam holds help improve climbing skills?
Foam holds are primarily for grip training and rehabilitation, not actual climbing, but they can support finger strength development.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the materials that beginner climbing holds are made from can greatly enhance your climbing experience. Polyurethane remains the top choice for durability and grip, but wood and composites also offer compelling benefits depending on your needs. Always consider texture, weight, and mounting compatibility alongside material when choosing holds. With the right holds, beginners can develop confidence and skill safely while enjoying their climbs.
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