What are climbing holds made from? Why do you need to know the difference? How will this effect the choice you make when purchasing climbing grips?
Let’s explore the evolution of grips, from it’s beginning to the options you now have available.
MATERIALS USED FOR CLIMBING HOLDS
ROCK AND STONE CLIMBING HOLDS
The earliest materials used for climbing holds were real rocks and stones that were cast into blocks made from concrete; later on rocks were drilled with holes could be attached to a climbing wall.
These holds made from rock, though realistic, were difficult to make. Stone is also heavy and polishes when you use them often.
WOODEN CLIMBING HOLDS
Wooden climbing holds were also used in the beginnings of the climbing hold industry and is still used today as it is a relatively cheap material. Making grips from wood is however time consuming. Wooden grips do also tend to weather and splinter with age making them unsafe for you to climb on.
POLYESTER RESIN
Polyester resin (PE) has been used since the 80’s and is an inexpensive, easy to cast thermo-plastic material. This was and still is a popular material used for grips but there are certain disadvantages. Polyester resin grips are brittle which means they are prone to breaking and cracking when you install them and over time.
POLYURETHANE RESIN
Polyurethane resin (PU) is the most widely used material for grips today especially in climbing gyms. The grips made from PU are lighter, more flexible and less prone to chipping or breaking than other materials. Polyurethane grips may more expensive than polyester resin grips but do last longer.
why is it important to know what climbing grips are made of?
It is important for you to know what climbing holds are made of for quality and safety purposes. Most importers supply climbing grips made of polypropylene (PP). Though cheap they degrade in strong UV conditions and high temperatures – they will become brittle, crack and break far quicker than PE and PU climbing grips.
Most climbing gyms and commercial facilities prefer to use polyurethane resin grips for their durability and strength as they will be used regularly. Due to the size of a climbing gym or commercial facility’s wall weight becomes a factor and polyurethane climbing grips are lighter.
For smaller projects such as at home climbing walls, bedrooms, recreational rooms and jungle gym areas many use polyester resin grips. These are more affordable. It is worth keeping in mind polyester grips usually need to be replaced more frequently than polyurethane.
Wooden holds are used indoors and more frequently used in countries with cooler and less harsh climates. Even though the material for wooden grips is cheap they are far more labour intensive. This makes them more expensive than using polurethane or polyester resin.
We supply locally made Polyester and Polyurethane resin climbing holds and grips. You have the option to choose according to your build or design specifications and needs.
You can purchase either online, by Whats App or book an appointment to come see the stock we have on hand.
We are based in Boksburg, Gauteng and we sell and courier to all regions in South Africa.
You can purchase our grips, holds and fittings on our ONLINE STORE: or you can call or Whats App Romaigne on 061 787 1431 or email info@intrepidtraders.co.za
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