Climbing holds: PE or PU?

In the world of climbing, the choice of materials for holds is crucial. Whether you're an opener, a keen climber, a gym manager or just curious, understanding the differences between polyester (PE) and polyurethane (PU) will help you make the best choice for your needs. Here's an overview to enlighten you.

Polyester (PE)

Advantages :

Affordable: PE is generally less expensive than PU, making it an economical option for climbing gyms.
Rock feel: PE holds offer a texture closer to that of natural rock, which many climbers appreciate.
Durability: PE holds are renowned for their durability, making them ideal for intensive use.

Disadvantages:

Fragile assembly and disassembly: PE sockets are more prone to breakage when handled frequently.
Considerable weight: PE is heavier than PU, which is a disadvantage for bulky holds, making them harder to install for openers.

Polyuréthane (PU)

Advantages :

Lightweight and flexible: PU is significantly lighter and more resistant to impact and deformation than PE, making it easier to assemble and dismantle.
Creation of technical shapes: Its flexibility means you can design innovative and complex holds, particularly in dual texture, bringing more variety to openings and a new approach to indoor climbing.

Disadvantages:

Higher cost: PU is generally 40% to 60% more expensive than PE, representing a greater investment for climbing gyms.
Faster grain wear: PU holds tend to lose their grippy texture more quickly, requiring more frequent replacement or maintenance.
More ‘plastic’ feel: Some climbers prefer the feel of PE, which is closer to natural rock.

Environmental impact

A crucial aspect to consider is the ecological impact of the materials. PU, although lighter and more flexible, is around twice as polluting as PE. At a time when sustainability and environmental responsibility are top priorities, this factor should not be overlooked.

At Volx, we are committed to finding solutions that are more respectful of the environment. That's why we've developed eco-materials technology, incorporating more than 20% recycled materials in our PE sockets. We also founded Eco-clim'in, a company dedicated to retexturing sockets. Rather than throwing away used sockets, Eco-clim'in gives them a new lease of life by adding grain, thereby reducing waste and extending their lifespan.

VolXume: The best of both worlds

To meet the varied needs of climbers and open up new possibilities in terms of creating holds, we have developed VolXume technology. This material combines the lightness and flexibility of PU with the durability and rock feel of PE. What's more, these holds are retexturable, eliminating the need to throw them away when they wear out, contributing to more responsible and sustainable climbing.

Do you prefer PE or PU?

With the boom in indoor climbing, PU is gaining in popularity in Europe, particularly for competitions and bouldering. Its flexibility makes it possible to create holds with complex shapes, offering openers greater diversity for bouldering and routes. However, for those looking for affordability, a close-to-rock feel and increased durability, PE remains a wise choice.

And for the best of both worlds? VolXume technology, of course! Make the choice that's right for you and join us in our commitment to innovative and responsible climbing.