Best Hangboards of 2023

Reasons to Buy

• Great for hardcore and beginner climbers
• Solid build quality
• Versatile hold variety
• Excellent value for the price
• Comfortable texture

Reasons to Avoid

• Not the best for portable training
• Mounting can be a bit tricky
• Bigger than some competitors

The Important Specs

• Material: Poplar hardwood
• Dimensions: 24' x 8.5' x 2.5'
• Hold Variety: 6 sets of symmetric holds
• Mounting Hardware: Included

Review Roundup

Tension Climbing's Grindstone is a handcrafted masterpiece that has left many climbers buzzing with excitement. The attention to detail is evident, offering a perfect balance between design aesthetics and functional efficiency.

Ergonomically sculpted from fine grained tulipwood, this hangboard stands out not just for its polished appearance, but its user-friendly build as well. Users report that the textures on the Grindstone are kind to their skin, which is a significant advantage over abrasive models that can be harsh on the hands.

Adored by both novice and experienced climbers, the Grindstone offers a variety of grip positions. Climbers appreciate the range of options from easy jugs for those building up grip strength, to narrower crimps and pockets for increasing finger strength and precision. This feature has been widely appraised for its versatility, catering to a variety of strength levels and training goals.

However, despite the fact that it's a marvel to look at and use, a few customers have noted that the Grindstone can be a challenge to mount. It might require additional tools to affix securely and safely onto your wall. For a product in this price range, this has caused a bit of disappointment amongst some users.

In terms of durability, the Grindstone seems to stand the test of time. Users have reported that it can withstand long periods of heavy use without any noticeable wear and tear. This makes it a worthy investment for climbers who truly want to take their indoor training to another level.

Based on customer feedback, it's clear that the Tension Climbing Grindstone sits significantly above the competition in both the aesthetic and functionality realms. While it may require a bit more setup effort, users have repeatedly stated that the benefits it provides far outweigh this minor inconvenience.

Reasons to Buy

• Variety of holds for diverse training
• Compact and aesthetically pleasing design
• Wooden material gentle on skin and more environmentally sustainable

Reasons to Avoid

• Prone to slippage if not mounted correctly
• Might not suit beginners due to smaller holds

The Important Specs

• Material: Fine textured wood
• Dimensions: 23x6x2 inches
• Hold Types: Jugs, slopers, pockets of various depths
• Installation: Wall mounting kit included

Review Roundup

The Beastmaker 1000 has made quite a splash among climbing enthusiasts. Rated high for both usability and durability, this hangboard stands out in its category. Shipped straight from the UK, its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Primarily crafted from sustainable wood, it has gently curved slants and a smooth, polished look that appeals to the eye.

Taking a closer look, the Beastmaker 1000 offers a variety of holds, including – but not limited to - jugs, slopers, and crimps. This makes it ideal for all climbers, regardless of their skill level. Despite some saying it may lack in the number of pockets, it makes up for it with the diversity of challenges it offers.

Ease of installation is a recurring highlight in buyer reviews. With clear instructions provided, the Beastmaker 1000 is known for being as easy to install as it is to use, a big plus for beginners. The board is compact, only 23” by 6”, fitting conveniently on most walls.

Feedback from the users emphasizes the superior quality of the board. Many applaud the excellent craftsmanship, smooth finish and the board's ability to resist wear and tear. The material is easy on the hands, yet provides a good grip, which ensures a safe, satisfying climbing experience.

While the Beastmaker 1000 comes with its own training app, some users have reported it as tricky to initially navigate. However, once mastered, it is declared invaluable. The app features pre-set workout routines and allows customization, aiding climbers to improve their strength and endurance.

Price-wise, the Beastmaker 1000 is considered worth the investment by most who have bought it. Although not the cheapest option on the market, the solid build, variety of holds, and the supplemented app seems to have convinced many that it’s worth the extra dollar.

Reasons to Buy

• Diverse range of grips
• Made of premium wood
• Excellent for developing finger strength
• Easy installation process

Reasons to Avoid

• Might be challenging for beginners
• Higher price compared to other models

The Important Specs

• Material: Ash hardwood
• Mounting: Freestanding or wall-mounted
• Dimensions: 70x15x4 cm
• Included Grips: Jugs, half-jugs, crimps, and two-finger pockets

Review Roundup

The Lattice Training Triple Rung has proven to be a standout amongst hangboards for its impeccable design, durability and most importantly, its function. This fingerboard is a great tool for pumping up your strength and endurance game. It offers a variety of grip positions making your training versatile and progressive.

The Triple Rung is thoughtfully crafted to be used by climbers of all levels. Beginner or elite, this hangboard is well-suited for everyone to boost their climbing performance. Its holds have three different sizes which can challenge any climber according to their comfort and skill level. The fact that it's an ideal fit for all skill levels is a strong reflection of the effort the company put into creating a quality, one-size-fits-all product.

In terms of material and durability, the Lattice Training Triple Rung is solidly built. Many buyers have spoken highly of its grandeur and stated that it feels resilient and sturdy, not cheap or flimsy. Crafted using sustainable tulip wood, it adds not only an aesthetic feel but also ensures a smooth and comfortable grip. It's all about the small details that make a big difference and this hangboard does justice to that theory.

When it comes to installation, users have had a love-hate relationship with the process. Some have raved about the easy and quick setup, while others have found it a little challenging. However, the company does provide clear instructions and once its up, it remains stable and secure. If you're someone who likes a bit of DIY challenge, this might just add to the fun.

Lastly, considering the price, many would argue that it's a bit steep. However, considering the features, material, and overall user experience, most of the customers expressed that it's a worthy investment for their indoor climbing training. Stepping up your climbing game comes at a cost and as per the feedback from the users, it's a price worth paying for the value you get.

Reasons to Buy

• Very affordable price
• Offers ample hold variety
• Good quality material
• Designed for simplicity
• Easy installation process
• Durable despite budget-friendly tag

Reasons to Avoid

• Not as visually appealing as some high-end models
• May require additional mounting equipment
• Limited edge variety compared to premium hangboards

The Important Specs

• Material: Polyurethane resin
• Mounting: Can be installed on any secure wall
• Dimensions: 24" x 6" x 2.5"
• Hold Types: Four-finger jugs, three-finger pockets, and two-finger pockets

Review Roundup

Let's kick off with the Metolius Prime Rib hangboard. This handy climbing contraption is a great choice for those on a budget, but don't let its economical price fool you. It's robust, stylish, and has a purposeful design that could make many higher-end boards blush.

The Prime Rib features three different sizes of holds, including jugs, slopers, and pockets. This gives a broad range of training options, fantastic for beginners all the way through to seasoned climbers wanting to keep their fingers in fighting form while off the rock.

Online users often rave about the texture of the Prime Rib. It's a comfortable, grippy but not overly aggressive surface, which helps sustain long training sessions without leaving your fingers feeling like you've gone ten rounds with a cheese grater.

It’s remarkably compact and lightweight, too. As some users have pointed out, this makes it perfect for pinchy apartments or travelying to keep your grip game strong on the go. Just sling it in a bag and fix it up at your next destination. Easy!

On the more critical side, there has been some grumbling online about the lack of more challenging holds, like smaller edges or pinches, which might limit progression for more experienced climbers. You could argue you get what you pay for - this is a budget model after all - but next-level climbers may find the challenge wanes after some time.

Another point to note is the mounting. It comes with comprehensive, simple instructions that most users find easy to follow, but it does need to be screw-mounted, which could potentially leave marks in your wall. A couple of critics say they also had some trouble aligning the holes, so handling with extra care while mounting could avoid a frustrating experience.

In conclusion, the Metolius Prime Rib offers superb value for money. It's a cracking all-rounder - versatile and robust, it's a crowd-pleaser for climbers hunting for a budget-friendly option. On the other hand, if you’re a grizzled veteran looking for a true finger-mangler, you may want to shell out a bit more and look elsewhere.

Reasons to Buy

• Great for portable training
• Innovative design for a variety of holds
• Perfect for training on the go

Reasons to Avoid

• Not ideal for beginner climbers
• May be difficult to mount without proper tools

The Important Specs

• Hold Type: Edges, slopers, and pinches
• Materials: Aerospace-grade aluminum
• Dimensions: 6" x 2.25" x 3.25"
• Color Options: Black, Silver, Red

Review Roundup

The Tension Climbing The Block takes portable hangboarding to a whole new level. It's a user-friendly solution for climbers who want to train on the go. Whether you're off on a road trip or simply want to build up your finger strength at home, this product is certainly worth considering.

In terms of the design, The Block sports a minimalist style, but don't be fooled - it's packed with multiple edge sizes, a sloper, and a jug. This means you can practice a variety of grips, making it versatile for climbers of different skill levels.

A standout feature of this hangboard has to be its portability. Made of wood, The Block is lightweight yet sturdy. It's compact enough to fit into your backpack, so it won't be a burden on your travels. You can easily hook it up anywhere there's a sturdy bar or tree branch.

This hangboard also gets a lot of praise for its comfortable feel. The skin-friendly wood finish prevents unnecessary strain and skin injuries while climbing. People who have bought this product especially love the fact that they can do prolonged training sessions without damaging their skin.

Although many user reviews speak highly of The Block's design and functionality, some buyers have highlighted a potential downfall. They claim that the lack of pocket holds limits their training options. While this is a downside, this minimalistic hangboard is not really designed to be a complete training solution, but more of a supplemental training tool when a full hangboard is not available.

Despite some limitations, The Tension Climbing The Block proves to be a favorite among portable hangboards. Its minimalist design, positional versatility, and skin-friendly material seem to make it a popular choice for climbers who are constantly on the move.

Reasons to Buy

• Impressive variety of holds
• Durable and sturdy construction
• Good for advanced training

Reasons to Avoid

• Complex installation process
• May be a bit intimidating for beginners

The Important Specs

• Material: Polyurethane Resins
• Hold Type: Jugs, Slopers, Pockets, and Edges
• Dimensions: 26 x 9 x 2 inches
• Intended Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Review Roundup

If you're hitting a wall in your climbing progression, the Trango Rock Prodigy Training Center could be your ticket to a higher grade. It's one of the heavyweights in the field of hangboards and for good reason: it packs a dizzying variety of holds into its thermally-molded frame, making it an excellent choice for aficionados who crave diversity in their training regimen.

One of the unique selling points of the Rock Prodigy is the split design. Gone are the days where one, uniform setup dictated your hand position. This design affords climbers the freedom to adjust the width between the two halves, allowing you to dial in comfort depending on your shoulder width and personal preference.

Trango's Rock Prodigy takes hangboard ergonomics up a notch with its precise, two-piece design. The gradual, sloping holds have been thoughtfully designed to minimize injury risk, allowing you to log more training hours with less stress on your fingers.

Buyer reviews of the Trango Rock Prodigy are overwhelmingly positive. The common thread among comments? Diversity of grip positions. Users rave about the multiple grip and pocket options which allow for focused training on just about every aspect of hand and finger strength. From monos to sloping pinch grips, the Rock Prodigy has got it all covered.

As with any training equipment, the Rock Prodigy isn't without its drawbacks. Several users have mentioned that there’s a learning curve to unlocking its full potential. This is because the segmented design and numerous hold options may seem overwhelming at first. Users emphasize the importance of not pushing too hard in the beginning and following a systematic training plan to avoid potential injuries.

Others point to the setup as a potential downside. The two-piece system calls for careful installation - you'll need to ensure the units are hung perfectly parallel. If not, the ergonomic benefits the design promises might go down the drain. However, once you overcome the setup hurdle, the tradeoff in customizability and ergonomic comfort seems to be well-worth it.

Finally, while not a household name like other established brands, Trango's reputation in the climbing world is rock solid. The quality of the design and build of the Rock Prodigy is repeatedly praised. Users felt they got a great deal, saying that the board provides a lot of bang for the buck, considering the variety it has on offer.