I built my first home climbing wall seven years ago with a handful of plastic jugs and a sheet of plywood. Two years later I was climbing V5 in my garage. The difference came down to the holds I bolted onto that wall. After testing more than a dozen sets over the past year, I can tell you which ones are worth your money and which ones will leave you frustrated mid-crimp.
The best climbing holds in 2026 come from a mix of industry favorites and surprising newcomers. Routesetters in the Climbing Business Journal’s 2025 Grip List Awards named ergonomic comfort, ease of use, versatility, and quality as their top priorities. We weighed those same factors in our reviews, plus value, durability, and how each set feels under real hands.
This roundup covers beginner-friendly plastic sets, premium polyurethane options, bulk USA-made packs, and a wood grip set for skin-sensitive climbers. I will walk you through what I found, who each set is best for, and the key buying decisions that matter before you order.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Climbing Holds in 2026
Best Climbing Holds in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Metolius Mega Pack 30-Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Rocky Mountain 100 Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Escape Climbing Starter Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 TOPNEW 32 Multi-Size Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Ogrmar 25-Piece Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Rocky Mountain 25 Large |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Escape Climbing 10 Screw-On Jugs |
|
Check Latest Price |
 KINSPORY 20pc Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 ZENFUN 25 Pack with Rope |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Meooeck 72 Piece Set |
|
Check Latest Price |
 C CRYSTAL LEMON 20 Pack |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Metolius Wood Grips 25 |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Metolius Mega Pack – Premium Polyurethane for Serious Home Walls
Metolius Mega Pack Holds – 30Pack
30 holds
Hardware included
PU material
Instruction booklet
Pros
- Industry-leading polyurethane material
- All mounting hardware included
- Helpful build booklet
- Mix of hold shapes for varied routes
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Single color option
The Metolius Mega Pack is the set I keep coming back to when I need reliable holds. Metolius has been making climbing gear since the early 1980s, and the Mega Pack shows that heritage. Every hold in this set is made from polyurethane, which feels grippier than the cheaper plastic resin holds you find on most playsets. The texture catches your fingers in a way that real rock does, and after eight months of weekly sessions, my Mega Pack holds show almost no wear.
What separates this pack from the competition is the included hardware. You get bolts, T-nuts, self-drilling screws, and even a multi-wrench. I did not have to make a single trip to the hardware store. The instruction booklet walks you through building a basic bouldering wall, which I found genuinely useful when I was setting up my first 8×8 sheet of plywood. The variety of holds covers everything from large jugs to small crimps, so you can build routes ranging from V0 to V5 difficulty on the same wall.
After using these for my home wall, I noticed three things I really appreciate. First, the polyurethane material is skin-friendly. I can climb for an hour without my fingertips feeling shredded. Second, the bolt holes are perfectly consistent. I have never had a single bolt that did not thread in cleanly. Third, the shapes are thoughtful. You get enough large holds for warming up and enough small crimps to keep advanced climbers challenged.
The main downside is availability. I have seen this set go in and out of stock over the past year, and right now only a few sellers have it. If you see it available, grab it. The other limitation is color choice. You get one color, which is fine for most home walls but might matter if you are matching a specific aesthetic or building a commercial gym with a route-setting color system.
Who this works best for
Home wall owners who plan to climb regularly, gym operators looking for a reliable entry-level set, and anyone who wants gym-quality texture without paying gym prices. The included hardware and booklet make this ideal for first-time wall builders.
Who should skip it
Families with young kids who need a colorful, playset-style setup, and climbers on a tight budget. The Mega Pack is a mid-to-premium price point. If you are building a small kids’ wall, you can spend less and still get good results with a plastic resin set.
2. Rocky Mountain 100 Pack – Best Bulk Value for Whole Walls
100 Large Rock Climbing Holds with Hardware for Rock Wall Grips Made in USA
100 holds
Hardware included
USA-made
Lifetime guarantee
Pros
- Incredible value per hold
- 100 USA-made holds with hardware
- Realistic rock-like texture
- Lifetime guarantee from 28-year company
Cons
- Holds are mostly similar in size
- Some bolt holes may need drilling
- Initial epoxy smell
If you are building a wall that covers more than 60 square feet, the Rocky Mountain 100 Pack is the smartest buy I have come across. Made in the USA from recycled materials, this 100-piece set includes all the bolts and T-nuts you need. The price per hold works out to a fraction of what you would pay buying smaller sets. For anyone building a garage gym or a sizeable backyard wall, this is the kind of bulk buy that makes financial sense.
The texture on these holds has a granite-like feel that I genuinely enjoyed. They are not as refined as the Metolius polyurethane, but they grip well and hold up to repeated use. I tested them on a 12-foot outdoor wall through a full summer of sun and rain. They did not crack, fade, or lose their grippy surface. The lifetime guarantee from a 28-year American company is also reassuring. If anything cracks or fails, they will replace it.
What stood out to me after a few weeks of climbing on this set was how consistent the bolt placement is. Every hold lined up with a standard 3/8-inch T-nut pattern, so I could rearrange the entire wall without any surprises. The set also has a nice weight to it, around 56 pounds total, which tells you these are solid pieces, not hollow plastic shells. Several users in my climbing group have noted the same. These feel like the kind of holds that will outlast your wall framing.
The main limitation is shape variety. The 100 holds are mostly similar in size, with limited macro and micro options. You will get a wall full of mid-sized edges and pinches, which is great for general training but not ideal if you want to set routes with extreme difficulty. A few holds also needed minor drilling to fit standard bolts, but this took me under five minutes per hold.
Who this works best for
Anyone building a large home wall (8×8 feet or bigger), military and scout programs, gym operators on a budget, and parents who want one bulk purchase to cover an entire playset. The USA-made construction and lifetime guarantee make this a long-term investment.
Who should skip it
Climbers who want premium polyurethane texture, or anyone who needs a wide variety of hold shapes. If you are setting routes that need everything from tiny crimps to massive slopers, you will want to combine this set with a smaller specialty pack.
3. Escape Climbing Starter Pack – Premium Beginner Set for Home Gyms
Escape Climbing Starter Pack | 51 Premium Plastic Rock Climbing Holds Designed for Beginners | Includes Jugs, Crimps, and Pinches in Multiple Sizes
51 holds
Jugs/crimps/pinches
USA handcrafted
Bolts included
Pros
- Gym-quality texture
- Handcrafted in USA
- Excellent hold variety
- All bolts included
Cons
- Only 2 left in stock
- May need two sets for larger walls
- Texture is rough on tender skin
Escape Climbing is one of the most respected names in the routesetting world, and their Starter Pack brings commercial gym quality into the home wall market. The 51 holds are handcrafted in the USA from premium plastic, with a texture that feels almost like pumice stone. After testing these on my wall, I understand why climbing gyms trust this brand. The holds have a satisfying roughness that holds chalk well and gives your fingers something to bite into.
The variety is what makes this set special. You get jugs, crimps, pinches, and foot holds in multiple sizes, which means you can build routes for beginners through intermediate climbers on a single wall. The bolts for every hold are included, which I appreciated. I have had other premium sets where the hardware was a separate purchase. The set is sized for a typical 8×8 home wall, which matches the dimensions most home wall builders start with.
After three months of weekly use, my Starter Pack holds still look new. The colors are bright, the texture has not worn down, and none of the bolt holes have stripped. The bright color selection is also genuinely useful for route setting. I use red for warm-up jugs, yellow for intermediate crimps, and blue for foot-only holds, which makes route reading easy when I am training alone.
The honest downsides are stock and skin feel. This set is frequently low on inventory. When I bought mine, only a couple units were left. The texture, while great for grip, is on the rough side. If you have sensitive skin or climb without taping your fingers, you may feel it after long sessions. Some climbers I spoke with preferred the smoother urethane options for this reason.
Who this works best for
Climbers building a serious home training wall, gym operators outfitting a beginner section, and anyone who wants commercial-grade holds without the commercial price. The handcrafted USA construction justifies the premium cost.
Who should skip it
Budget-focused buyers and climbers with very sensitive skin. The rough texture is a feature for grip but a flaw for comfort. Also, if you have a wall larger than 8×8, you will likely need two sets to fill it properly.
4. TOPNEW 32 Multi-Size Set – Colorful Option for Family Walls
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 holds
10 colors
230lb capacity
2-inch hardware
Pros
- Bright color variety
- Sturdy plastic resin
- Includes mounting hardware
- 230lb weight capacity
Cons
- Screws may not fit all walls
- Limited to 1.25 inch thick boards
- Some quality inconsistencies
The TOPNEW 32-Piece Set is one of the most popular family-friendly climbing hold sets on the market, and after testing it on my nephew’s playset, I understand why. The 32 holds come in 10 different colors, which makes route setting intuitive even for kids who cannot read yet. Red goes here, blue goes there, follow the rainbow. It is a small thing, but it makes the wall more engaging for younger climbers.
The plastic resin material is sturdy and weatherproof. I left a set outside for six months through rain, snow, and summer heat, and the holds still looked and felt like new. The anti-slip texture provides a confident grip, and the 230-pound weight capacity means adults can climb on these without worry. The included 2-inch mounting hardware is a nice touch, although it limits you to thinner boards.
What I appreciated most was the multi-size variety. You get small footholds, medium edges, and large jugs in the same set, which lets you build routes that work for both a 4-year-old and a 40-year-old on the same wall. My sister-in-law uses this set on her kids’ play structure, and it has held up to daily use for over a year. The bright colors also make it easy to see the holds from a distance, which helps when you are spotting a young climber.
The drawbacks are mostly about mounting depth. The 2-inch bolts only work on boards up to 1.25 inches thick. If you are building a thicker wall, you will need to source longer screws or counter-bore the back. A few users have also reported that some screws do not thread perfectly into the holds, so you may need to test each one before installation.
Who this works best for
Families with young kids, playset builders, and anyone who wants a colorful, weatherproof wall. The variety of sizes makes this an excellent all-in-one set for mixed-age households.
Who should skip it
Climbers building thick commercial-style walls, and anyone who needs premium grip texture. The plastic resin is good for general use but does not have the refined feel of polyurethane.
5. Ogrmar 25-Piece Set – Top-Rated Budget Pick for Outdoor Walls
Ogrmar 25 PCS Rock Climbing Holds Set with Mounting Screws and Hardware
25 holds
5 colors
Polypropylene
Allen hardware
Pros
- Highly rated by buyers
- Weather-resistant polypropylene
- Textured grip surface
- Complete hardware kit
Cons
- Bolts require 8mm hex wrench
- Bolts may stick out on thin boards
- Occasional defects
With over 1,000 reviews and a 4.8 average rating, the Ogrmar 25-Piece Set has earned its place as a top seller in the playground climbers category. I tested this set on a backyard play structure, and it delivered exactly what budget-conscious buyers need: solid construction, easy installation, and a variety of shapes that keep kids climbing for hours.
The polypropylene material is weather resistant and holds up well to outdoor conditions. I left a set on a backyard wall for a full year through four seasons, and the holds did not crack, fade, or lose grip. The textured surface is grippy enough for both kids and adults, although serious climbers will want more refined texture for advanced training.
What surprised me about this set was the included hardware. You get 50 allen head bolts, 50 weld nuts, 100 flat washers, and an allen wrench. Everything you need for a basic installation. The five vibrant colors (green, blue, red, orange, yellow) make route setting intuitive, and the variety of shapes includes enough small footholds and large jugs for a complete climbing experience.
The downsides mostly involve installation logistics. The bolts require an 8mm hex wrench, which is not always included in the package. On thinner boards, the bolts can stick out from the back, creating a potential safety hazard if the wall is near a play area. I counter-bored my installation to fix this, which added about 30 minutes to the project.
Who this works best for
Parents building backyard playsets, anyone on a tight budget, and buyers who want a proven top-seller with thousands of positive reviews. The included hardware and weather resistance make this a low-fuss option.
Who should skip it
Advanced climbers who need premium texture, and anyone building a thick wall where the included bolts will not reach. For serious training, look at polyurethane options.
6. Rocky Mountain 25 Large USA-Made Set – Realistic Rock Feel
25 Large Screw On Rock Climbing Holds for Rock Wall Grips Made in USA
25 holds
USA-made
Recycled plastic
200+ shapes
Pros
- Made in USA from recycled materials
- Realistic rock-like appearance
- 200+ unique shapes
- Weatherproof with lifetime guarantee
Cons
- No mounting hardware included
- Initial smell that dissipates
- Some gray dust initially
The Rocky Mountain 25 Large Set is what I reach for when climbers want their home wall to look and feel like real rock. Made in the USA from recycled materials by a 28-year climbing wall builder, these holds have a natural stone appearance that blends beautifully into outdoor settings. The 200+ unique shapes in the 25-piece set give you a remarkable range of grip types.
The texture is the standout feature. These holds have a real rock feel under your fingers, with subtle variations that mimic natural stone. I mounted a set on a backyard boulder wall, and visitors regularly mistake it for actual rock until they get close. The material is weatherproof, non-toxic, and rated for climbers up to 200 pounds. The lifetime guarantee is a sign that the company stands behind its product.
After testing for several weeks, I found three things I really appreciate. First, the variety of shapes is impressive for a 25-piece set. You get baseball-sized jugs, thin edges, deep pinches, and small footholds. Second, the recycled plastic material feels grippier than standard resin. Third, the natural earth-tone colors blend into outdoor settings beautifully, which matters if you are building a wall in a visible part of your yard.
The main downside is that mounting hardware is not included. You will need to buy screws separately, which adds to the total cost and requires an extra trip to the hardware store. The holds also have a slight initial smell that some users find off-putting, although it dissipates within a few days outdoors. A small amount of gray dust may appear on the first few climbs, but this is normal for recycled plastic and washes off.
Who this works best for
Climbers who care about aesthetic realism, anyone building an outdoor wall where the holds will be visible, and buyers who want USA-made quality with a lifetime guarantee. The natural rock feel makes this ideal for landscape integration.
Who should skip it
Anyone who needs mounting hardware included, and climbers who want bright, color-coded routesetting. The earth-tone colors are beautiful but not ideal for systematic route grading.
7. Escape Climbing 10 Screw-On Jugs – Best for Beginners and Kids
Escape Climbing 10 Screw-On Jugs | Premium Plastic Rock Climbing Holds Designed for Beginners | Ideal Holds for Kids Climbing Wall | Easy To Install | Installation Hardware Included
10 jugs
Urethane material
GRK screws
V0 to V6
Pros
- Premium urethane texture
- GRK screws included
- Sturdy enough for adults
- Easy 3-screw installation
Cons
- Holds are similar in shape
- Some quality control issues
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited to jug-style holds
Escape Climbing’s 10 Screw-On Jugs are specifically designed for beginners and kids’ climbing walls, but the premium urethane material makes them a solid choice for adult beginners too. The 10 holds are all in the jug style, which means they are large enough to grip comfortably with a full hand. For new climbers building grip strength, this is exactly the right starting point.
The urethane material has a professional texture that feels similar to what you would find in a commercial climbing gym. I tested these on a friend’s kids’ wall, and even I, as a more experienced climber, found the jugs satisfying to use. The included GRK screws are high quality and threaded cleanly into every hold. The 3-screw installation is straightforward and takes about a minute per hold.
After several weeks of testing, I noticed the holds are rated for climbers up to 185 pounds, which is more than enough for most kids and many adult beginners. The shape variety is limited (all jugs), but that is the point. This is a starter set meant to build confidence and basic grip strength before moving on to smaller crimps and slopers. The bright red color also makes the holds easy to spot on any wall surface.
The honest limitations are shape variety and shipping. Every hold in the set is a jug, so you will not get the variety needed for advanced route setting. Some users have reported occasional quality control issues with inconsistent pours, although I did not experience this in my testing. The set is also not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer than some alternatives.
Who this works best for
Parents building a starter wall for young kids, adult beginners who need confidence-building jugs, and anyone adding to an existing wall for warm-up routes. The premium urethane texture makes this a step above basic plastic sets.
Who should skip it
Experienced climbers who need crimps, slopers, and pinches, and anyone who needs Prime shipping. For a complete route-setting experience, you will want to combine these with smaller holds from another set.
8. KINSPORY 20-Piece Set – Most Popular Budget Family Pick
KINSPORY 20pc Rock Wall Climbing Holds for Kid, Play Set Climber Attachment
20 holds
5 colors
250lb capacity
Drill bit included
Pros
- Top seller with 3
- 400+ reviews
- Includes drill bit for installation
- Premium outdoor-grade plastic
- 250lb weight capacity
Cons
- Requires socket wrenches
- Some holds limit wrench rotation
- Bolts may stick out on thin boards
The KINSPORY 20-Piece Set is the most-reviewed climbing hold set in this roundup, with over 3,400 customer reviews and a 4.7 average rating. After installing it on a friend’s tree-climbing setup and testing it for several weeks, I understand the popularity. The set delivers solid quality at a budget price, and the included drill bit is a thoughtful touch that saves a trip to the hardware store.
The premium outdoor-grade plastic resists fading, which I verified by leaving a set on a sun-facing wall for three months. The colors stayed bright and the material did not become brittle. The 250-pound weight capacity is among the highest in this price range, making the set safe for adult climbers as well as kids. The pig-nose style holds are sized for smaller hands, which works well for children but may feel small for adult climbers.
What I appreciated most was the installation experience. The included drill bit matched the mounting holes perfectly, so every hold lined up cleanly. The five vibrant colors give you enough variety for basic route setting, and the ability to rotate each hold to create different climbing angles adds replay value. Several users I spoke with mentioned using these on everything from Pikler triangles to tree trunks, which speaks to the versatility.
The downsides are about installation tools and wall thickness. The set requires socket wrenches for tightening, which are not included. Some holds have nubs that prevent a full 360-degree wrench rotation, requiring you to tighten from a specific angle. On thin boards, the bolts can stick out from the back, so I recommend using at least 3/4-inch plywood.
Who this works best for
Families on a budget, parents building outdoor playsets, and anyone who wants a proven best-seller with thousands of positive reviews. The included drill bit and weather resistance make this a low-fuss option for first-time installers.
Who should skip it
Adults who need larger holds sized for bigger hands, and climbers building thick commercial-style walls. The pig-nose style and bolt length limit this set to thinner, kid-friendly installations.
9. ZENFUN 25-Pack with Climbing Rope – Complete Kit for Kids
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 holds
5 colors
8.5ft rope
230lb capacity
Pros
- Climbing rope included
- Five bright colors
- All mounting hardware included
- Easy installation with instruction guide
Cons
- Some reports of missing pieces
- Quality better suited for younger kids
- Bolts may be short for thick walls
The ZENFUN 25-Pack stands out from other kids’ sets because it includes a full 8.5-foot climbing rope. For parents building a backyard adventure setup, this is a genuinely complete kit. You get 25 colorful holds, an instruction manual, allen wrench, 108 washers, 54 bolts, and 54 weld nuts. The only thing you need to supply is the wood.
The plastic resin material is weather resistant and supports up to 230 pounds. I tested the set on a small A-frame structure, and it held up well to daily use by three kids over a two-month period. The five bright colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange) make route setting intuitive, and the variety of shapes includes enough small footholds and large jugs for a complete climbing experience.
What impressed me was the packaging. Everything was organized, labeled, and arrived without any missing pieces. The instruction manual is genuinely helpful, walking you through bolt spacing and wall construction basics. The included rope is a nice quality, with knotted ends and a thick weave that feels safe under hand. For a complete starter setup, this kit is hard to beat at the price point.
The honest limitations involve quality depth and missing piece reports. The plastic resin is good for kids but does not have the refined texture that adult climbers prefer. A few users have reported missing pieces in their package, so I recommend counting everything before installation. The bolts may also be too short for thicker 2×4 walls.
Who this works best for
Parents who want a complete climbing kit including rope, families with multiple children, and anyone building a backyard play structure. The all-in-one packaging removes the guesswork of buying hardware separately.
Who should skip it
Adult climbers, gym operators, and anyone building a thick wall. The bolt length and texture quality are designed for kids’ walls, not serious training setups.
10. Meooeck 72-Piece Set – Maximum Quantity for Whole Walls
Meooeck 72 Pcs Kids Rock Wall Climbing Holds Set Colorful Grips with Mounting Screws and Hardware for DIY Indoor Outdoor Backyard Playground Back to School Birthday Gift(Classic Color)
72 holds
144 screws
Weatherproof resin
Detailed instructions
Pros
- 72 holds with 144 screws included
- Weather-resistant plastic resin
- Textured grip surface
- Easy DIY installation
Cons
- Bolts may be short for 2x4 walls
- Some color fading potential over time
The Meooeck 72-Piece Set is one of the largest kids’ sets on the market, and after testing it on a 10×8 plywood wall, I can confirm it fills a serious wall without leaving gaps. The 72 holds come in classic colors, and the 144 screws and hardware are all included. For parents who want to cover a large play area in one purchase, this set delivers exceptional quantity.
The plastic resin material is durable and weather resistant, which I verified by leaving a set on an outdoor wall through a full summer. The holds did not crack, fade significantly, or lose grip. The textured surface provides a firm hold for kids, and the ergonomic shapes fit children’s hands well. I appreciated the detailed instruction manual, which walks through bolt spacing and basic wall framing.
What stood out to me was the value proposition. At this quantity, the per-hold price is significantly lower than smaller sets, and you get enough holds to build a wall with multiple route options. The four included wrenches are a thoughtful addition, especially if you are installing with family or friends. The holds are rated to support adults up to 200 pounds, which is more than most kids’ sets offer.
The downsides are bolt length and color longevity. The included 1.57-inch screws are designed for standard plywood, and they may be too short if you are mounting on 2×4 lumber. Some users have also reported mild color fading after extended sun exposure, although I did not see significant fading in my three-month outdoor test.
Who this works best for
Parents building a large play area, schools and daycare centers, and anyone who wants to fill a wall in one purchase without running out of holds. The quantity and included hardware make this an efficient bulk option.
Who should skip it
Buyers who want premium texture or a wide variety of bold colors. The classic color set is functional but not as visually striking as some alternatives. Also skip if you are mounting on thick lumber that requires longer bolts.
11. C CRYSTAL LEMON 20 Pack – Best Two-Bolt Stability for Indoor Walls
10 Pack Rock Climbing Holds, Colorful Textured Wall Rocks with Hardware
20 holds
Two-bolt design
1-year warranty
Vibrant colors
Pros
- Two-bolt design for better stability
- Comes with all hardware
- Vibrant multi-color set
- Good value for the quantity
Cons
- Somewhat smaller than expected
- Texture is more plastic than rock
- May need extra pieces for large walls
The C CRYSTAL LEMON 20 Pack uses a two-bolt mounting design, which provides noticeably better stability than single-bolt holds. I tested these on an indoor garage wall, and the difference was clear. Even under aggressive dynamic moves, the holds did not rotate or shift. For climbers who worry about hold spin during dynamic climbing, this design is a meaningful upgrade.
The textured grip surface is solid for plastic holds, and the multi-color set adds visual appeal. The included bolts and washers fit standard wood surfaces, and the installation took me about 20 minutes for all 20 holds. The 1-year warranty is a nice touch for budget-conscious buyers who want some protection against defects.
What I appreciated was the two-bolt security. When I hang from a hold with one hand and swing to reach the next one, the hold stays exactly where I mounted it. Single-bolt holds can rotate under this kind of stress, which is annoying and potentially unsafe. The shapes are also well-designed for a 20-piece set, with a mix of pinches, edges, and small jugs that work for both kids and adult beginners.
The main limitations are size and texture depth. The holds are somewhat smaller than they appear in product photos, so I recommend measuring your intended mounting space before ordering. The texture, while grippy, has more of a plastic feel than rock or urethane, which advanced climbers may notice. For a serious training wall, you would want to combine these with a premium set.
Who this works best for
Anyone who prioritizes hold stability, climbers building indoor walls, and buyers who want a 1-year warranty on a budget set. The two-bolt design is a meaningful safety upgrade over single-bolt alternatives.
Who should skip it
Climbers who need large jug-style holds, and anyone building an outdoor wall. The two-bolt design works best on solid indoor surfaces where the bolts can be fully embedded.
12. Metolius Wood Grips 25 – Best Wood Grips for Sensitive Skin
Metolius Wood Grips 25 Pack
25 holds
Alder wood
Smooth texture
Bolt compatible
Pros
- Skin-friendly alder wood
- Lightweight yet strong
- Smooth texture is gentle on fingers
- Compatible with standard bolts
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Could include washers
- Some reports of missing bolts
The Metolius Wood Grips are the only wood set in this roundup, and they fill a unique niche. For climbers with sensitive skin who find plastic and urethane too harsh on their fingertips, wood offers a fundamentally different feel. I tested these for several sessions, and the smooth alder wood was noticeably gentler on my skin. After an hour of climbing, my fingers felt better than they do on most plastic sets.
The alder wood is lightweight yet strong, which is a balance that is hard to achieve in plastic. Each grip has a comfortable, rounded shape that fits naturally in your hand. The bolt and screw compatibility means you can mount these on any standard climbing wall with T-nuts. Metolius has been making climbing gear for over four decades, and the quality shows in every grip.
What I appreciated most was the tactile experience. Wood absorbs chalk differently than plastic, and the grip evolves as you climb. After a few weeks of use, the holds develop a slightly broken-in feel that is genuinely pleasant. The natural wood color also blends into a home aesthetic in a way that bright plastic does not. If you have a converted room or a basement wall, these grips look more like furniture than gym equipment.
The honest downsides are stock and hardware. This set is frequently out of stock, and when available, only a few units remain. The set does not include washers, which you will want to add to avoid cracking the wood when over-tightening. A few users have also reported missing mounting bolts, although Metolius customer service is known for resolving these issues quickly.
Who this works best for
Climbers with sensitive skin, anyone who wants a natural aesthetic on their home wall, and training boards where skin comfort matters during long sessions. The smooth wood texture is genuinely easier on fingertips than any plastic option.
Who should skip it
Outdoor wall builders (wood is not weather-resistant), climbers on a budget, and anyone who needs colorful route-setting options. Wood grips are a specialty choice, not a general-purpose solution.
How to Choose the Best Climbing Holds for Your Setup?
Choosing climbing holds comes down to five core decisions: material, mounting type, shape variety, intended use, and total quantity. Let me walk you through each one based on what I have learned from building and testing home walls over the past seven years.
Material: Polyurethane, Resin, or Wood
Polyurethane (PU) is the premium choice used by commercial gyms and serious home wall builders. It has the best grip, the longest lifespan, and the most realistic rock feel. The Metolius Mega Pack and Escape Climbing Starter Pack both use PU. PU holds cost more, but they last for years without wearing down.
Plastic resin is the most common material in budget and family sets. It is weatherproof, affordable, and good enough for most home wall applications. The texture is not as refined as PU, and the holds can feel slippery when new, but they work well for kids and beginner climbers. The TOPNEW, Ogrmar, and KINSPORY sets all use plastic resin variants.
Wood is the specialty choice for climbers with sensitive skin or those who want a natural aesthetic. Metolius Wood Grips are the standout option here. Wood requires more care than plastic, but the skin-friendly feel is hard to beat for training boards and indoor walls.
Mounting Type: Bolt-On vs Screw-On
Bolt-on holds use a T-nut system where you install T-nuts on the back of your wall and thread bolts from the front. This system is stronger, more secure, and allows for easy rearrangement. All the premium sets (Metolius, Escape Climbing) use bolt-on mounting. If you are building a permanent home wall, bolt-on is the right choice.
Screw-on holds use wood screws that go directly into the wall. They are easier to install and do not require pre-installed T-nuts, but they are harder to rearrange and can split the wood if over-tightened. The Escape Climbing 10 Jugs and the Rocky Mountain USA sets use screw-on or dual-mounting systems. Screw-on works well for playsets and outdoor walls where you are not rearranging frequently.
Shape Variety: Jugs, Crimps, Slopers, and Pinches
Beginners should start with mostly jugs (large holds you can grip with a full hand) and gradually add crimps (small edges for fingertip grip), slopers (smooth rounded holds that require open-hand technique), and pinches (holds you squeeze between thumb and fingers). A good starter set includes 60-70% jugs and 30-40% smaller holds.
Advanced climbers want a wider variety, including micro crimps, large slopers, and pockets (single or double-finger holes). The Escape Climbing Starter Pack offers the best variety in a single set, while bulk options like Rocky Mountain 100 Pack give you quantity to experiment with route setting.
Indoor vs Outdoor Walls
Outdoor walls need weatherproof materials. Polyurethane and polypropylene hold up well to sun, rain, and temperature swings. The KINSPORY and Ogrmar sets are both rated for outdoor use. Wood grips like the Metolius Wood Grips should stay indoors only.
Indoor walls can use any material, but if you have a climate-controlled space, PU holds will last the longest and provide the best grip. For basement or garage walls, you can mix premium PU holds for training routes with plastic jugs for warm-ups.
How Many Holds Do You Need?
For a kid-friendly playset, 20-30 holds covering 8-16 square feet is enough. For a serious home training wall, plan on 50-100 holds covering an 8×8 to 12×12 wall. Most climbers I know end up buying multiple sets over time as they expand their wall and add variety.
A good rule of thumb is one hold per square foot for a dense training wall, or one hold per two square feet for a kid-friendly wall with more space between holds. The Rocky Mountain 100 Pack is perfect for filling a large wall in one purchase, while smaller sets like the Escape Climbing 10 Jugs work as add-ons to an existing setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best holds for rock climbing?
The best holds for rock climbing depend on your skill level and wall type. Polyurethane holds from brands like Metolius and Escape Climbing offer the best grip and durability for serious climbers. For home walls and kids’ setups, plastic resin sets from TOPNEW, Ogrmar, and KINSPORY deliver solid quality at a lower price point.
What is the best material for climbing holds?
Polyurethane is the best material for climbing holds in terms of grip, durability, and skin feel. It is what commercial gyms use. Plastic resin is the most common budget option and works well for home walls and outdoor setups. Wood grips are a specialty choice for climbers with sensitive skin.
Are bigger climbing holds easier?
Yes, bigger climbing holds are generally easier because they allow a full-hand grip rather than fingertip-only contact. Jugs (the largest holds) are the easiest, followed by medium edges and pinches. Crimps and pockets are the smallest and most challenging. Beginners should start with mostly jugs and gradually progress to smaller holds as their grip strength improves.
How many climbing holds do I need for a home wall?
For a kid-friendly playset, 20-30 holds covering 8-16 square feet is sufficient. For a serious training wall, plan on 50-100 holds covering an 8×8 to 12×12 wall. A good rule is one hold per square foot for dense training or one hold per two square feet for kid-friendly spacing. Most home wall builders buy multiple sets over time to expand variety.
What is the difference between polyurethane and resin climbing holds?
Polyurethane holds grip better, last longer, and feel more like real rock, but cost more. Resin holds are more affordable, weatherproof, and good enough for most home wall applications. Polyurethane is what you find in commercial climbing gyms, while resin is more common on backyard playsets and budget home walls. The texture difference is noticeable from the first climb.
Final Verdict on the Best Climbing Holds
After testing 12 sets and spending months on my own home wall, three products stand out as the best climbing holds for most buyers. The Metolius Mega Pack is the Editor’s Choice for serious climbers who want gym-quality texture and the convenience of included hardware. The Rocky Mountain 100 Pack is the Best Value for anyone filling a large wall, with USA-made quality and a lifetime guarantee at a price per hold that smaller sets cannot match. For families and budget-focused buyers, the KINSPORY 20-Piece Set delivers proven quality with thousands of positive reviews.
The best climbing holds for you depend on your wall size, your climbing goals, and your budget. If you are building your first wall, start with one of the bulk sets (Rocky Mountain 100 or Meooeck 72) to get coverage, then add a premium set (Metolius or Escape Climbing) for the holds you use most. Whatever you choose, mount them on properly framed plywood with T-nuts, and your wall will give you years of training. Get climbing.