In a climbing utopia, one would be able to climb every day on all different types of rocks/holds. Unfortunately, in today’s world, we are lucky to get on any real rocks more than once a week or so. In comes the Hangboard!
The climbing hangboard is a climber’s best friend when it comes to developing power and stamina. The best hangboard will come with multiple different types of holds with varying levels of difficulty. This will let you train on crimps, slopers, and pinches.
The main qualities to look for when choosing the best hangboard for you is:
- Material (wood or synthetic rock)
- Variety of holds
- Mounting options
- Price
Getting the right balance in your hangboard can be a bit tricky.
You have to determine what you want to get the hangboard for in the first place.
- Are you trying to just get a quick home workout?
- Are you trying to push your limits?
- Do you want it to be portable?
- Do you want to be nice to your fingertips?
- Are you looking for a specific grip for training?
All these are valid questions we searching for the best climbing hangboard.
Material of Hangboard
The main two options when it comes to hangboard material are Wood and Plastic.
Wood hangboard will typically be gentler on your skin so this is a good option if you want to add training to your outdoor climbing routine.
Also, hangboards made of wood will have a much better fit and finish then its plastic counterparts due to the manufacturing process (wood must be milled where plastic is molded).
On the other hand, plastic (or synthetic rock) hangboards tend to have much better grip then wooden ones. This is good for training on sloping holds. Plastic hangboards will also have more intricate details due to manufacturing capabilities.
TIP: Wooden hangboards can often be used without chalk. This makes them a great option for inside mounting.
Variety of Climbing Holds
Getting a good variety of holds with your hangboard is the whole point in getting one in the first place. At a minimum, the best hangboards will have a jug, a crimp, and a sloper.
Some hangboards are designed specifically to training just pinch grip or slopers. These are more specialized and should be used more as a complement to your regular hangboard.
Beware, some hangboards come without a jug. This is ok for the more advanced climbers but it is suggested that the more novice climbers stay away from these boards.
Mounting Options
Where do you plan on putting the hangboard?
Most hangboards require being mounted to a vertical wall. At home, this is often best over a doorway. This Guide will help you with almost any of the hangboards listed below.
However, there are some other options when it comes to mounting a hangboard. This often involves hanging from a bar or mounting to a doorway using an additional apparatus.
Also, if you are a renter you might need to consider mounting without drilling holes.
Price
This goes without saying but some of these hangboards can cost a lot of money that some of us just simply don’t have to spend.
Make should you look for the best quality in your price range!
Top 5 – Best Climbing Hangboards
#1 Metolius Simulator 3D Training Board
The Simulator 3D also incorporates slopers into the design making it best for all types of training. This hangboard also has a middle set of holds letting you train imbalanced strength.
It also doesn’t hurt that it would be the perfect addition to any bedroom decor.
#2 Beastmaker 1000
The jugs on the 1000 are possibly the most comfortable holds on the planet.
Beastmaker’s wooden holds are so comfortable on the skin you can easily do a workout after spending a weekend at Jtree, seriously!
#3 Iron Palm Hangboard by So iLL
This wild hangboard was designed by Jason Kehl to be the best hangboard trainer for slopers and pinches. So Ill did a great job at making this vision into a reality.
The Iron Palm also comes with a variety of edges to help you train that crimp strength.
If you are looking for a more specific grip trainer than look no further, you found it!
#4 Metolius Rock Rings 3D
The Rock Rings are the perfect hangboard for someone wanted to get a good quality training solution on a budget.
For less than half the price of all the previously mentioned hangboards, you can get a set of portable Rock Rings.
If you are looking to mount these indoors then try using THIS.
#5 Trango Rock Prodigy Training Center
Trango offers a complete training system for all your climbing needs.
This one comes in at over $100 so if you have the dough then you can’t go wrong!
Final Thoughts
Make sure you read our Training Guide and our Hangboard Workout Routine.
Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Keep Crushing!
Owner and Operator of Every Last Rock. He is dedicated to spreading the Stoke about all things climbing. Often found Bouldering around the US and obsessively training.