The 8 Best Hangboards

This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Hangboards allow people to develop their grip strength from the comfort of their own home, rather than having to make a trip to the crags or a climbing gym every time they want a quick workout. They are generally made from wood or resin, with each material being beneficial for different reasons. On this list you'll find models suited to both beginner and advanced climbers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Hangboards allow people to develop their grip strength from the comfort of their own home, rather than having to make a trip to the crags or a climbing gym every time they want a quick workout. They are generally made from wood or resin, with each material being beneficial for different reasons. On this list you'll find models suited to both beginner and advanced climbers. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Metolius Simulator 3D

The Metolius Simulator 3D (appx. $79) offers you about 20 handholds that range from barely a fingertip to full grips, allowing you to increase the difficulty as your skills improve. Its arcing and downward sloping design makes it very ergonomic, minimizing the chance of injury.

Feels practically indestructible
Quickly builds hand strength
Includes mounting hardware

2. Metolius Rock Rings

The Metolius Rock Rings (about $30) are affordable and portable, making them a great accessory to take along to the gym or anywhere else you might have a point to hang them, such as a tree limb in a park. Since they rotate freely, they put very little stress on the shoulders.

Two- three- and four-finger grips
Just the right amount of friction
Come with the ropes attached

3. Escape Climbing Unlimited

The Escape Climbing Unlimited (around $99) has a very smooth surface that won't tear up your hands, even if you are a newbie and haven't yet built up calluses. The design allows you to choose where to do your monos, rather than having the spacing dictated for you.

Handcrafted in minnesota
Made from long-lasting baltic birch
Can target a variety of muscles

4. Atomik 3-Row

The Atomik 3-Row (around $120) offers both horizontal and vertical handholds, which few other models do. In addition, it has two bolt hangers that you can use to attach bombs and other grip strengtheners. This one is best for intermediate and advanced climbers.

Holds are the same distance apart
Multiple full finger placements
More expensive than most

5. Trango Rock Prodigy Center

The Trango Rock Prodigy Center (about $130) has a helpful multitextured design. All of the non-grip areas are smooth, to protect inactive fingers, while the positive surfaces are slightly coarse to provide you with a better friction hold, and the sloper and jug are a bit rougher still.

Allows for versatile training
Lets you set the width yourself
Lasts a long time if mounted outside

6. Trango Rock Prodigy Forge

The Trango Rock Prodigy Forge (about $119) has shallow pockets and steep slopes that provide a nice challenge to intermediate and advanced climbers. Newbies may find it too difficult to use, though, and would be better off choosing another model.

Dedicated closed-crimp grips
Doesn't require much space
Some feel it is too smooth

7. Ucraft Rock Climbing Evo

The Ucraft Rock Climbing Evo (around $95) are good to take with you when traveling, since they easily fit in a gym bag or carry-on luggage, and can be hung in seconds anywhere there is a sturdy post.They weigh just one pound and are gentle on the skin.

Can also be used for leg workouts
Each hold has a different depth
Seem rather overpriced

8. Metolius Wood Grips

The Metolius Wood Grips (appx. $74) is available in a compact or deluxe model, both of which include mounting hardware and are crafted from sturdy elm. They each also come with detailed instructions and a training guide to help you get the most out of them.

Wide assortment of holds
Suitable for practicing pull-ups
Texture could be smoother

Last updated by Brett Dvoretz

A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.

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