How to choose climbing holds
Selecting the best holds for your climbing gym requires rigour, creativity and technical knowledge.
With each product description, we've tried to make it easier for you to choose your climbing wall and guarantee you the best possible experience.
You can contact us at any time for advice from our experts. Their product knowledge and expertise can help you make the right choice. Our sales department is at your disposal.
Choosing a climbing hold according to your size
The size of climbing holds should be considered when designing your wall and selecting them. A variety of sizes is essential to create a challenging and progressive route, suitable for different levels of climber.
Volx offers climbing holds in all sizes, from the smallest to the largest: from size XS to size XXL.
Larger holds, with generous sizes, ‘big tubs’ or grips that are harder to hold, are increasingly popular. These products have become essential for organising climbing competitions. They are very stylish holds that will make climbers want to try out the route.
Smaller holds, such as ‘micro-rules’ or ‘micro-crougnes’, require greater precision and digital strength. These holds are ideal for refining climbing technique, developing finger strength and taking on more advanced challenges. Many very small holds are also used as footholds.
By incorporating a range of intermediate sizes, it is possible to create a fluid progression adapted to each climber. Medium-sized holds offer a compromise between the ease of use of large holds and the increased challenge of smaller holds.
Click here for our guide to climbing hold sizes.
Adapting the choice of hold to the indoor climbing discipline
The different indoor climbing disciplines, such as bouldering, route climbing and speed climbing, require holds with specific characteristics.
For bouldering, where the climbers are on short, intense routes, choose large holds with a variety of shapes and textures. This opens up design and visual routes that encourage dynamic movement, which is very fashionable at the moment.
When it comes to speed climbing, Volx is the only manufacturer to offer the official hold approved by the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing). Find the official speed hold here.
In speed climbing, a typical route is opened several times with the same handhold and the same foothold. The route must always be identical so that the results of the athletes and their progress can be compared. The current world record is 4'77 for a 15-metre ascent.
Finally, for route climbing, where the emphasis is on endurance and solving complex problems, choose holds that can be used for extended periods. A variety of shapes and sizes will be appreciated by climbers looking for multiple challenges, from small edges to large handholds. They'll be able to test their technique and strength and make progress.
Want to let yourself be guided? Choose a pack of holds for a selection of holds adapted to your desired level, combining all sizes of holds and types of grip.
Choosing holds according to the profile of the climbing wall
The characteristics of the wall, such as its slope, texture and configuration, have a direct influence on the type of socket to be fixed.
For vertical walls, offering a flat surface with little slope, there are many possible combinations. They are essentially based on the level of difficulty required.
For slabs, or walls with a positive incline, it's important to choose your foot holds carefully. They will be decisive in ensuring a good level of stability on the route.
On the other hand, for overhanging walls, where climbers are faced with increased resistance, choose holds with ergonomic shapes and aggressive textures, allowing safe holds and dynamic movements.
It's also important to consider the density of holds required, depending on the difficulty and intensity of the routes you want to climb. On a very dense wall, with lots of closely spaced holds, opt for medium to small holds, offering multiple possibilities for movement and combinations.
On the other hand, on a more airy wall with more widely spaced holds, we advise you to opt for larger holds, allowing climbers to visualise and plan their movements over greater distances.
If you're planning to invest in a new wall profile, you may want to consider wooden climbing walls first. By attaching them to your existing wall, you can modify its surface and create slopes or other types of incline. It's a great way to renew your climbing experience at a fraction of the cost!
Choosing climbing holds for beginners
Grips for beginners, and grips for children, should encourage the learning of basic techniques while offering comfort and safety.
Holds with simple, ergonomic shapes are ideal and an easy grip is preferable.
The more holds there are on a wall, the more route options there are. For example, a wall for beginners generally has a higher density of climbing holds.
The type of texture can also be important. Gripy surfaces make it easier to climb and stay on the wall, while minimising the risk of slipping and premature fatigue.
The different types of grip for climbing holds
At Volx, we focus on a very wide range of grips to strengthen challenges at all levels.
Pans : Pans are generous holds offering a wide, deep surface. Their shape makes them comfortable and easy to hold, ideal for beginners. They are often used for dynamic movements. They are also essential for creating accessible routes, particularly on overhanging profiles.
Arch holds : Arch holds are generally small grips held by the fingertips. They therefore require a lot of forearm strength to use.
Flat : Flat holds offer a smooth, shallow surface. They can be used for compression climbing in particular.
Rulers : Rulers are fine, precise holds. With their narrow surface, great precision is required to maintain the grip.
Holes : Holds with holes have cavities. Climbers often have to use specific locking methods (with a single finger = mono-finger, two fingers = bi-finger or three = tri-finger), to maintain the grip. It's an extra challenge for advanced climbers!
The main materials
At Volx, we work with different materials to offer a wide range of possibilities and designs.
Polyester (PE) : Polyester holds offer exceptional durability and wear resistance. This makes them ideal for high-traffic climbing gyms. They are also the least expensive type of hold.
Polyurethane (PU) : Polyurethane holds are known for their lightness. They don't chip or scratch. They also offer a wide variety of shapes and textures. Easy to maintain and impact resistant, they are also flexible and adaptable to any type of surface, even non-planar ones. On the other hand, polyurethane has the disadvantage of being more expensive than polyester and wears out more quickly.
Dual Texture : Dual texture climbing holds are made of polyurethane (PU). They have two distinct textures on the same hold. On the grip side, the surface is rough for grip, while on the other side it is smooth and shiny. This product is therefore more technical and requires greater precision when climbing.
Volxume : Based on the Dual Texture, Volx has developed the Volxume range. These are very large holds, macros, a hybrid product that combines the qualities of PU and Dual Texture.
Wood : At Volx, we use wood to create volumes in geometric shapes (triangles, cubes, hexagons, etc.). Wood requires regular maintenance to avoid deterioration due to humidity and wear.
The volumes add relief to the route or boulder. You can screw holds onto them using wood screws or surface inserts. Used wisely, they enrich the climbing experience and make movements more complex. A wide variety of volumes are available in our catalogue.
Fibreglass Fibreglass produces lightweight, abrasion-resistant items. This material is therefore particularly appreciated for large volumes and holds. However, the overall price is higher.
The fixing system
Fastening systems for climbing holds, such as the CHC (Hollow Hexagonal Clamp) and wood screws, provide solid, secure attachment of holds to the wooden panels of climbing walls. Inserts, on the other hand, are integrated into the panel and allow flexible positioning of the holds while ensuring maximum stability. These fixing methods guarantee reliable and durable installation of the holds.