Rock climbing is a challenging activity and it can take lots of practice and experience to tackle difficult climbs. Developing the skills needed is something that happens over time as climbers gain confidence and build their strength. One way they do this is to train out of season so that they are on form for when climbing season begins again. There are a variety of products that can help climbers to train, and one of these is a climbing hangboard, also known as a rock climbing fingerboard. There are lots of hangboards on the market and these vary greatly in terms of the materials, the design, the features and the price. Some hangboards are suitable for beginners while others are better suited to experienced climbers. The reviews followed by a buying guide will help you to identify the best hangboard for you.
Page Contents
- Best Hangboards Reviews
- 1. Metolius Simulator 3D
- 2. Project by Metolius
- 3. TRANGO Rock Prodigy Training Center Hangboard
- 4. Metolius Rock Rings 3D
- 5. Problemsolver Training Hangboard and Boardbag
- 6. Metolius Contact Training Board
- 7. Blank Slate Climbing The Kraken Hangboard
- 8. Metolius Wood Grips Compact II Training Board
- 9. So iLL Iron Palm Hangboard
- 10. Beastmaker 2000
- 11. Get Out! Climbing Training Board and Wall Mount Hardware
- 12. Moon Climbing Fingerboard
- 13. Yaniro Power Hangboard by Atomik Climbing Holds
- 14. The Black Peacemaker Hangboard
- 15. Escape Climbing Unlimited Hangboard
- Considerations Before Buying The Best Climbing Hangboards
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
Best Hangboards Reviews
To simplify the process of comparing top hangboards on the market now, here are reviews of 15 of the best hangboards available.
1. Metolius Simulator 3D
Metolius is one of the leading brands in rock climbing products, so it is little wonder that this is considered the best rock climbing training board by many climbing enthusiasts. It is a sturdy and durable hangboard that is made of resin and has a textured surface that gives climbers a good grip while they train. Measuring 28-inches by 8.75-inches, this hangboard is CAD/CAM designed and manufactured using precision CNC milled technology. This means this climbing training board has perfect symmetry. It is ergonomically designed so that the holds are arranged along a broad arc. This arch is tapered both downward and outward to give better forearm clearance and to prevent scraping your arms during holds. The hangboard comes with the hardware you need for installation and full instructions for mounting at home. There is also an excellent training guide that offers guidance for beginners on how to use the product for training and to strengthen their fingers. It is available in five color options, so you can choose one that coordinates with the room where you will mount the hangboard.
Key Features:
- Perfect symmetry
- Durable material
- Good grip
- Color options
- Instruction, hardware, and training guide included
2. Project by Metolius
Another great product from Metolius is their Project climbing training board. To give this climbing fingerboard perfect symmetry, it is precision CNC milled. This also gives it a fine texture, which is both good for grip while still being comfortable for your hands. The arched climbing fingerboard has a tapered shape that gives your forearms good clearance and reduces the risk of you scraping your arms during training. The hangboard measures 24.5-inches by six inches and has holds that are evenly spread across the arc of the board. This allows you to try many different workout routines during your training. The board comes with hardware for you to install the hangboard and comprehensive instructions are included to simplify the installation process. There is also a training guide included that is suitable for both beginners and experts. This hangboard is available in three color options; blue, green, or black and white.
Key Features:
- Tapered shape for forearm clearance
- Fingerboard with perfect symmetry
- Textured for grip and comfort
- Instructions and training guide included
- Comes with mounting hardware
3. TRANGO Rock Prodigy Training Center Hangboard
In terms of the workouts it offers, this is possibly the best hangboard on the market now. It is a two-piece hangboard that helps climbers to build their finger strength and precision. Climbers can practice two, three, or four-finger holds using this product. The grooves differ in depth, so there are both deep and shallow sections. There are also crimp grips, pinch grips and variable edge rails that promote precise and repeatable finger placement. These features mean that there is no part of the hand that will not get a workout when using this rock climbing hangboard and there are over 30 finger placement positions. The sloper, pinch, and jug have a double texture for a stable grip, while the positive surfaces have a single texture to minimize skin abrasion. The non-hold areas are smooth, and this protects the inactive fingers. The ergonomic two-piece design allows climbers to fix the parts to their wall at the perfect distance apart to mimic their shoulder width. This means the hangboard is joint-friendly and reduces the risk of injury during a workout. Made from polyurethane, this hangboard comes with the mounting hardware you need to get started.
Key Features:
- Many workout options
- Variable depths
- Multiple textures
- Joint-friendly and reduces the risk of injury
- Mounting hardware included
4. Metolius Rock Rings 3D
If you want a portable training option and not a hangboard that is a permanent fixture in your home, then the Metolius Rock Rings 3D is a good option. This portable training device has two independent units, each of which is flexible with a single-point suspension. This allows for rotation of your joints and reduces the risk of injury while training. They have perfect symmetry, thanks to the CAD/CAM design. There are three groves on the fingerboard of different sizes, and these allow you to practice two, three, and four finger holds. They have a fine texture which gives those using them a good grip without being too abrasive on their skin. The rock rings come with comprehensive instructions on how to hang and use them. Although they are potable, it is possible to mount them as a permanent fixture, and there are instructions if this is your preferred option. They also come with a complete training guide with workout suggestions and there are three color options available.
Key Features:
- Options to use for portable training or a permanent fixture
- Reduces the risk of injury
- Good symmetry
- Comes with instructions and training guide
5. Problemsolver Training Hangboard and Boardbag
The Problemsolver Training Hangboard is a wooden hangboard that is made from lightweight plywood. Intended for indoor use only, this hangboard is part of an add-on system that climbers can use to build a space with training products that allow them to practice different workouts, build their strength, and perfect new holds. This is one of the cheapest hangboards available now, and it comes with two pieces of three-millimeter inserts so that you can adjust the depth of the edge. The hangboard comes with a simple cord for easy mounting and it is compatible with the boulder trainer app for iOS and Android. It comes with a handmade board bag that is made from 100% cotton and has a paracord drawstring. This is ideal for storing your hangboard when it is not in use and for transporting it with you to different locations to train.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and portable
- Comes with a storage bag
- Compatible with a boulder training app
- Affordable option
- Easy to mount
6. Metolius Contact Training Board
This is one of the larger hangboards by Metolius as it measures 32.5-inches by 11 inches and is 2.625-inches thick. The greater surface area allows for more diversity of holds and workouts as the ergonomic pinches have variable depths. This means you will get a full workout of your fingers, arms, and shoulders. The CAD/CAM design gives this hangboard perfect symmetry and the fine grain texture is good for grip but won’t cause abrasions. The training board is also designed in such a way that the forearms have good clearance from the board and there is a lower risk of injury. Some of the features of this fingerboard include 11 pockets, four central edges with some shallow and some deep, two types of slopers, and top mounted pull-up jugs. The hangboard comes with mounting hardware and instructions for mounting. It also comes with a comprehensive training guide to get you started with your training.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design
- 11 pockets
- Mounting hardware and instructions
- Training guide included
- Good symmetry
7. Blank Slate Climbing The Kraken Hangboard
Intended as an add-on for the Blank Slate Climbing Trainer, The Kraken is easily attached with the two sturdy bolts supplied. However, you can also use is separately by mounting it on a wall or above a doorway.It differs in shape from the more common arched hangboards, as this training board has ball-shaped mounds at either end of the board for different holds. The whole hangboard is textured for excellent grip and along the top of the hangboard are raised bumpy areas for different textures. There are six pockets of different sizes and with different edge depths.Overall, it will give you a decent workout and help you to build strength in both your fingers and your arms. This is a heavier hangboard at 5.8 pounds and it measures 23-inches by 8.5-inches. The size and weight of this hangboard mean it is a sturdy item.
Key Features:
- Sturdy design
- Textured for good grip
- Compatible with the Blank Slate Climbing Trainer
- Good overall workout
8. Metolius Wood Grips Compact II Training Board
One of Metolius’ more basic designs, this compact wooden hangboard measures 24.5-inches by 5-125-inches. The lightweight design is intended for use on home walls and it comes with full mounting instructions so that you can quickly and easily mount the hangboard in your home. The natural wood look will look great in any room and will not clash like many brightly colored synthetic hangboards. The wood has a smooth texture that is kind to your skin and is unlikely to cause abrasions to your forearms. The design includes an assortment of edges, pockets, slopers, and edges. This meansthat you can customize your training routine to develop whatever holds you need and to build strength in the areas you need it the most. It has a rectangular design, rather than the arched shape of many products manufactured Metolius.
Key Features:
- Rectangular wooden hangboard
- Assorted features for full workout
- Smooth texture for less abrasion
- Compact design
- Aesthetically appealing
9. So iLL Iron Palm Hangboard
Designed by Jason Kehl, this hangboard has a contemporary look and is available in bright colors, such as lime green, or the standard black. The hangboard measures 27-inches by 11.5-inches and is four inches deep. It is made from ultra-bomber urethane, which is a durable and strong material. The features of this hangboard include big slopers, two pinches, and various edges. This means you can vary your climbing training program using a variety of workouts to strengthen different fingers or parts of your arms. It is also great for practicing and mastering new holds to develop your overall climbing skills. Those who have bought this product describe it as an excellent trainer board and say it gives you the ultimate workout. A single hangboard is ideally suited to mounting above a doorframe. However, you can buy several of these hangboards to create the perfect campus wall. Wherever you choose to position this hangboard, it is easy to mount.
Key Features:
- Cool design
- Easy to mountain
- Workout options
- Made from durable materials
- Various slopers, pinches, and edges
10. Beastmaker 2000
The Beastmaker 2000 is an awesome wooden fingerboard that will give climbers of all abilities an excellent workout. Although it is a simple design in natural wood, this belies the complexity of the features of this excellent hangboard. It has slopers at different angles, including 45-degree slopers, 35-degree slopers, and 20-degree slopers. There is a medium three finger socket, a smaller three finger socket, and a mouth jug. There are also big, little, and incut rungs, two big back pockets, sloping and one pad monos, and little and sloping two-finger pockets. This means that climbers have multiple hold and workout options that can improve your technique and strengthen your grip. As it is made from wood, it is superior to resin in terms of the natural grip and because it is kinder on your skin. The Beastmaker 2000 comes with the screws you need to easily install this rock climbing hangboard in your home.
Key Features:
- Wooden hangboard
- Multiple features
- Workout and hold options
- Skin-friendly
- Easy installation
11. Get Out! Climbing Training Board and Wall Mount Hardware
Measuring 21-inches by 8.5-inches, this hangboard has a tapered design from two-inches to one-inch depth. This means that your forearms have good clearance and will not suffer abrasions while training. You can hang this hangboard on any wall or doorframe as it comes with all the mounting hardware and full instructions for installation. It is designed to strengthen your grip, build core strength and tone your upper body. The board features 10 pockets with different widths and depths. You can practice holds with one, two, three, or four fingers using just the tips of your fingers or up to the second joint. You can master a variety of workouts using this board, and each will enhance your climbing skills. This hangboard has a sturdy design and the surfaces have a fine texture. The texture improves your grip and replicates the surface of real rocks. However, it is not so rough that it will cause abrasions.
Key Features:
- Textured surface for improved grip
- 10 pockets
- Tapered design
- Many workout options
- Durable materials
12. Moon Climbing Fingerboard
The ethos of Moon is less is more and this is reflected in the simplicity of their climbing fingerboard’s design. Despite the simplicity of the design, this hangboard has everything you need for all the different types of holds you need to practice and for full workouts. You can use this fingerboard for everything from in cut finger-jugs to half-joint fingers as it has pockets for two fingers through to four fingers plus two different types of slopers. Made from durable, synthetic materials, this hangboard iscompact, low-profile, and lightweight. It has six predrilled fixing points and comes with the necessary screws for easy installation in your home. The contemporary design of this hangboard has appealed to modern climbers, and those who have bought it are impressed by the workouts they can enjoy using this hangboard. It was also named as the Editor’s Choice in ‘Climbing’, a US magazine.
Key Features:
- Unique, simple, and contemporary design
- Durable materials
- Multiple workout options
- Easy installation
13. Yaniro Power Hangboard by Atomik Climbing Holds
Designed by Tony Yaniro almost 20 years ago, this is one of the most established products on the market and is a leading climbing board in the industry. The design incorporates the shape of your hands so that it gives an almost glove-like feel when using this fingerboard. Made from synthetic materials, it is lightly textured. This gives you a good grip when you are training but is not so textured that it is abrasive on your fingers and arms. The arched fingerboard has multiple pockets and edges for practicing various holds and this means you can practice a multitude of workouts using this product. It has six predrilled holes and comes with the hardware that is needed for quick and simple mounting in your home. It has a large surface area as the dimensions of this board are 31-inches by 10-inches. People who have bought this product for their home say that it is of comparable quality to the climbing equipment at their local gym or climbing training center.
Key Features:
- Lightly textured for grip
- Durable materials
- Easy to install
- Multiple holds and workout options
- Comfortable on your hands
14. The Black Peacemaker Hangboard
This hangboard is designed to attach to either the Blank Slate or the Blank Slate Slim using the two burly bolts provided. However, you can also use it as a hangboard on its own by mounting it on a stud wall or above a doorframe in your home. This is an easy process using the provided bolts. The features of this hangboard include a perfect sloper rail, two big jugs, an array of sweet pockets, crimp rows, and pinches of various sizes. Therefore, it gives climbers lots of options in their training regime. It is made from a durable resin that is textured to give you a good grip while practicing your holds and completing workouts. The measurements of this hangboard are approximately 27-inches by eight-inches and it is three inches thick. Climbers who have used this hangboard for training like the variety of workouts for which they can use this fingerboard.
Key Features:
- Variable options for training
- Durable resin material
- Good grip
- Easy to install
- Compatible with the Blank Slate and Blank Slate Slim
15. Escape Climbing Unlimited Hangboard
A high-quality product, this hangboard is manufactured from premium Baltic birch. This means it is a durable and long-lasting product. As it is made from wood, it is also easier on your skin that fingerboards made from synthetic materials while provided good natural grip.This is a handcrafted item that is made in the United States and assembled in St. Paul, Minnesota. It is a versatile hangboard that give lots of angles and widths that target different muscles and promote strength. The workouts that are possible using this hangboard vary in difficulty. Therefore, it is suitable for both beginners and advanced climbers. The dimensions of this hangboard are 23.5-inches by six-inches and measures 2.3-inches at the top, which is the widest part of the hangboard. It tapersfrom top to bottom so that there is good clearance for your forearms. The depth of the slots varies from 0.57-inches to 1.7-inches.
Key Features:
- Made from top-quality wood
- Good natural grip
- Many workout and hold options
- Varied slot depths
- Tapered design
Considerations Before Buying The Best Climbing Hangboards
There is an abundance of fantastic hangboards on the market. While this gives you plenty of choice, it can also make the decision of which to buy a difficult one. To find the right product for you, you will need to consider all the relevant factors and compare the products. To help you through this process, this buying guide outlines the factors you should consider when making your choice.
Materials
The type of material from which the rock climbing hangboard is made is the first factor to consider. Generally, there are three materials from which you can choose. These are:
- Wood- This has less friction, which makes wooden hangboards a little more challenging. The shapes available are limited and wood fingerboards don’t offer the same variety of workout as the alternatives. On the plus-side, they are skin-friendly.
- Polyester resin- This is a lightweight yet durable option. They come in various designs as this material is easy to shape. One of the main benefits of hangboards made from this material that there are many hold and workout options. A negative feature of these fingerboards is that they are not as skin-friendly as wooden hangboards.
- Polyurethane- This is a durable and lightweight option that does not chip. It also allows for a lot of different holds. Polyurethane has a lot more texture than wood and this is a good thing for some people and not for others. Beginners will find it easier to use while advanced climbers may not find it challenging enough.
Design
The design of the rock climbing hangboard can depend on the material and it is important for the following reasons:
- It will dictate the number of holds and workout options.
- The design can impact on how and where you can install the hangboard.
- Some hangboards are straight and others are curved. There are also some that come in two pieces.
Features
There are also some other features to look out for when buying a hangboard:
- Easy attachment- Many hangboards come pre-drilled with holes so that you can hang your hangboard straight away. Some also come with the tools you need to attach them to the wall. The best hangboards are those that are predrilled and have everything you need to set up your hangboard.
- Instructions- Some hangboards come with instructions for how to use them and suggested workouts you can try. If you are an advanced climber with previous experience of using hangboards, then these instructions are unnecessary. On the other hand, beginner climbers who are new to using hangboards will find and instruction booklet a very useful feature.
Price
Like with any non-essential item, the price of a hangboard is one of the primary decision-making factors when choosing which to buy. In relation to the price of the hangboard, think about the following:
- The price of a hangboard is determined by the brand, the materials, the size, and where you buy the hangboard.
- Sometimes, the price does not reflect the quality as it is possible to get a good quality rock climbing training board relatively cheaply.
- Buying a hangboard online is often the better option. It means you can buy a hangboard for less than the same product would cost in a bricks and mortar store. It also means you can read the reviews and compare the products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Hangboards?
Hangboards are a popular training tool for climbers. You attach these fingerboards to the wall so that you can use them for practise. The purpose of a hangboard is to build strength in your fingers, as fingers play a vital role in climbing. They can also build strength in the arms and torso. A further benefit of using hangboards is they allow climbers to practice different holds and to perfect their technique.
Rock Rings vs. Hangboards
When it comes to climbing training equipment, a training hangboard is not the only option. Another option is rock rings and each of these training products has its own pros and cons. When deciding which is the best product for you, it is important to compare the advantages and disadvantages of each. Some important points relating to the differences between rope rings and hangboards are as follows:
- Cost- Rock rings are the cheaper option.
- Installation- If you choose to install rock rings, they are easier to mount than a hangboard.
- Portability- Most rock rings are portable, while a hangboard is fixed to a wall.
- Space- Rock rings take up less space than a hangboard, so they are the better option if you have limited space available.
- Workout options- It is in this category where a hangboard wins hands down. A training hangboard gives more workout options than rock rings and you can practice different finger placements while also building strength in your hands and fingers.
- Overall- If you are willing to pay a little extra and you have the space available, then a hangboard is the best option in terms of the workout options it gives you. However, if you are short of space or have a limited budget, then rock rings are a good alternative.
How and Where to Install Hangboards
Most hangboards come with full instructions for how to install them. Many also come with the hardware you need to mount the rock climbing hangboard on the wall and have predrilled holes. Therefore, mounting the hangboard is not a problem. The difficulty is finding the best spot for your training.
You need to find a spot that has plenty of room for you to move around it. It is also preferable if the wall is solid as this will take your weight the best. Alternatively, look for a stud wall that has the beams or posts located at the same distance apart as the predrilled holes in your hangboard.
If your stud walls do not have the same spacing as the pre drilled holes, you will need to add a piece of plywood over a small area of your wall and attach it securely to the studs. You can then mount the hangboard on to the plywood. Without the plywood, plasterboard will not hold your weight and you may cause damage to both yourself and your walls.
Final Verdict
Not only is there a vast array of products to choose between, but the hangboards available vary greatly in their style, design, ease of use, and design. Therefore, there are Hangboards available to suit everyone.
The overall best hangboard for rock climbing is the Metolius Simulator 3D. Made by the leading manufacturer in the rock climbing industry, this hangboard is a versatile choice that gives both beginners and experienced climbers a variety of workouts that will build their strength and allow them to perfect their technique during the off-season.
Another excellent option is the TRANGO Rock Prodigy Training Center Hangboard. This is one of the best hangboards in terms of the range of workouts it offers for climbers. The various depths and changes will offer different challenges and the overall design is intended to reduce stress on joints while also building strength.
If you have a limited budget, then a fantastic choice is the Problemsolver Training Hangboard and Boardbag. While this is an affordable option, it has a range of features that will appeal to climbers of all abilities and skill levels. This is also a good option if you prefer a wooden hangboard.
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