Ever felt your fingers slip when you’re reaching for that next hold? It’s a common frustration for climbers, and often, the culprit lies in finger strength. If you’re looking to boost your grip and conquer those challenging routes, a hangboard might be your secret weapon. But navigating the world of hangboards can feel like staring at a blank cliff face – where do you even begin?
Choosing the right hangboard is tough because there are so many different types. Some have big, comfy edges, while others have tiny, painful pockets. You want one that helps you get stronger, not one that makes your fingers fall off before you even start training! This can lead to confusion and wasted money if you pick the wrong one.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what to look for in a hangboard. We’ll break down the different features and help you understand which ones will work best for your climbing goals. Get ready to stop guessing and start building the finger power you need to send your next project!
Our Top 5 Climbing Hangboard Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Climbing Hangboard Detailed Reviews
1. TWO STONES Climbing Hangboard Rock Climbing Training as Climbing Fingerboard with Jugs
Rating: 8.8/10
The TWO STONES Climbing Hangboard (CJ-HB2001) is a versatile training tool for climbers of all levels. It helps you build stronger fingers, arms, and core. You can hang it in a doorway for easy access to training sessions anytime.
What We Like:
- It has many different ways to grip. You can use the jugs, slopes, and pockets with different depths.
- It’s made from solid wood. This means it’s strong and won’t break easily.
- The wood is smooth and safe for your skin. It feels good on your fingers even when you hang for a long time.
- It works for both beginners and experienced climbers. You can do many different exercises with it.
- It’s easy to set up in a doorway with the included screws.
What Could Be Improved:
- If you want to hang it on a wall without studs, you’ll need to buy a backboard separately.
This hangboard offers a great way to improve your climbing strength at home. It’s a solid investment for any climber looking to get stronger.
2. Climbing Training Hold by Metolius
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to take your climbing to the next level? The Metolius Climbing Training Hold is your secret weapon. This hold is designed to help you build strength and improve your grip. It’s made with climbers in mind, so you can train harder and smarter.
What We Like:
- The curved design feels good on your hands. It helps prevent injuries.
- The texture is soft and won’t hurt your skin.
- It’s made with computer precision. This means every hold is exactly the same.
- You get a training guide and instructions. Mounting hardware is included too.
What Could Be Improved:
- The hold might be too easy for very advanced climbers.
- More variety in grip types could be offered.
This hold is a fantastic tool for any climber looking to boost their training. It offers a comfortable and effective way to get stronger.
3. Two Stones Portable Hangboard
Rating: 8.5/10
This Two Stones Portable Hangboard is a fantastic tool for any climber looking to strengthen their grip. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, this hangboard can help you improve your finger strength and endurance.
What We Like:
- It’s made from a strong, solid piece of wood, so it won’t break easily.
- It’s lightweight and small, making it super easy to take with you anywhere – to the gym, on a trip, or even just to your backyard.
- The edges are smooth and rounded, so it’s gentle on your skin, preventing painful cuts or scrapes.
- It has different kinds of finger pockets, so you can practice a variety of grips to build all-around finger strength.
- It’s great for everyone, from beginners who want to build a base to advanced climbers who want to push their limits.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s portable, it might be a bit too small for some people who prefer larger hangboards for different training styles.
- The variety of holds is good, but more advanced climbers might wish for even more challenging or unique pocket depths.
This hangboard is a solid, skin-friendly option for improving your climbing grip. It’s a thoughtful gift for any rock climbing enthusiast.
4. TWO STONES Rock Climbing Hangboard Rock Climbing Pull Up Bar with Phone Holder
Rating: 8.6/10
The TWO STONES Rock Climbing Hangboard Rock Climbing Pull Up Bar with Phone Holder is a fantastic tool for anyone serious about improving their climbing strength. It’s built with climbers of all levels in mind, offering a variety of ways to train your grip and pull-up power. Plus, it even includes a handy spot for your phone to keep your workout tunes or training apps close by.
What We Like:
- It has many different grips like jugs, slopes, and pockets of various depths, so you can train all sorts of finger strength.
- It works for both beginners and experienced climbers, letting you do many exercises like different kinds of hangs and pull-ups.
- The wood is smooth and feels good on your fingers, even during long workouts, thanks to rounded edges.
- It’s made from a single piece of wood, making it super strong and durable, without any weak spots from joining pieces.
- You can adjust the depth of some pockets with included rubber plates, which is great for customizing your training.
- The built-in phone holder is a thoughtful addition, keeping your phone at a good angle for easy viewing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instruction manual could be clearer about how to best use the adjustable depth feature for different exercises.
- While durable, the natural wood might show minor scuffs over time with very heavy use, which is typical for wooden hangboards.
This hangboard is a solid choice for building finger and upper body strength. It offers a lot of training options in one well-made package.
5. 3D Climbing Simulator Training Hold by Metolius
Rating: 8.5/10
The Metolius 3D Climbing Simulator Training Hold is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to get stronger for climbing. It’s designed to feel good on your skin while you train. This hold helps you build strength and technique right at home.
What We Like:
- The fine-grained contact texture feels smooth, so it’s gentle on your skin during long training sessions.
- It’s made with a CAD/CAM master for precise symmetry, meaning both sides are exactly the same, which is great for balanced training.
- You get a training guide and detailed instructions to help you make the most of it.
- All the mounting hardware you need is included, making setup easy.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the training guide is helpful, some beginners might want even more advanced exercises.
- The hold is very durable, but for those who want a wide variety of grip types, they might need to purchase multiple holds.
This training hold offers a great way to improve your climbing strength. It’s well-made and comes with everything you need to start training effectively.
Your Guide to Picking the Best Climbing Hangboard
Ready to get stronger fingers for climbing? A hangboard is your secret weapon! It’s a board with different grips, or “holds,” you use to train your finger strength. This guide will help you choose the perfect one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a hangboard, keep these important things in mind:
Variety of Holds
- Different Sizes: You want holds that are big, medium, and small. This helps you train all your finger muscles.
- Types of Grips: Look for crimps (small edges), pockets (holes for your fingers), and jugs (big, easy grips).
- Slopers: These are rounded holds that are harder to grip. They build a different kind of strength.
A good hangboard has a mix of these so you can do many different exercises.
Material Matters
The stuff a hangboard is made of changes how it feels and how long it lasts.
- Wood: Wood is great for beginners. It’s easier on your skin and gives you a better grip. It feels natural.
- Plastic: Plastic hangboards are tougher and can last a long time. They might be harder on your skin at first. Some plastic is textured to feel more like rock.
- Composite: Some boards use a mix of materials. These can offer the best of both worlds, like good grip and durability.
Wood is often the best choice if you’re new to hangboarding.
What Makes a Hangboard Great (or Not So Great)
A few things make one hangboard better than another.
Quality Boosters
- Smooth Edges: The edges of the holds should be smooth. Rough edges can hurt your skin.
- Good Texture: A slight texture on the holds helps you grip better. Too much texture can feel rough.
- Solid Construction: The board should feel strong and not bend when you hang on it.
Quality Reducers
- Sharp Edges: If the holds have sharp corners, they can cut your skin.
- Slippery Surface: A board that’s too smooth makes it hard to hang on.
Check reviews to see what other people say about the quality.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use a hangboard and how it feels is super important.
Who Uses Hangboards?
- Climbers: All climbers, from beginners to pros, use hangboards.
- Indoor Climbers: People who climb at gyms often use them to train when they can’t get outside.
- Outdoor Climbers: Climbers who go to real rock faces use them to get ready for tough climbs.
How to Use Them
You hang on the holds for a set amount of time. Then you rest. You do this several times. It’s a great way to build finger strength and endurance. You can do different exercises to target different finger muscles.
A hangboard is a fantastic tool for anyone who wants to improve their climbing. Choose one with a good variety of holds, made from a material you like, and that feels good to use. Happy hanging!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for?
A: You should look for a variety of holds, including different sizes and types like crimps, pockets, jugs, and slopers.
Q: What materials are hangboards usually made from?
A: Hangboards are commonly made from wood, plastic, or a mix of materials called composite.
Q: Does the material of the hangboard affect its quality?
A: Yes, wood is often easier on the skin and feels natural, while plastic can be more durable. The texture of the material also affects grip and quality.
Q: What makes a hangboard high quality?
A: High-quality hangboards have smooth edges, a good texture for grip, and solid construction that doesn’t bend.
Q: What makes a hangboard low quality?
A: Low-quality hangboards might have sharp edges that can hurt your skin or a surface that is too slippery.
Q: Who typically uses a climbing hangboard?
A: Climbers of all levels, both indoor and outdoor climbers, use hangboards to train.
Q: What is the main purpose of using a hangboard?
A: The main purpose is to build finger strength and endurance for climbing.
Q: Are hangboards good for beginners?
A: Yes, hangboards can be very beneficial for beginners, especially those made of wood, as they are gentler on the skin.
Q: How often should I use a hangboard?
A: It’s best to start slowly, maybe once or twice a week, and listen to your body. Overtraining can lead to injuries.
Q: Can I install a hangboard myself?
A: Yes, most hangboards come with instructions for mounting them on a wall or doorframe. Make sure it’s securely attached.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!