Let’s Dive into Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk
The Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk offers an accessible entry point for anyone looking to build or expand their home climbing wall. Metolius is a well-respected name in the climbing world, known for durable and thoughtfully designed equipment, and this set promises a mix of holds to challenge climbers of varying skill levels. I’ve spent over a decade rigging climbing gyms and designing routes, and I’m always on the lookout for quality holds at a reasonable price point, especially for folks getting started.
I needed a set of holds to supplement a small training wall I was building in my garage to maintain strength during the off-season. Space was a premium, so versatility and variety in a small package were key considerations.
Unboxing the Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk, my initial impression was positive. The polyurethane material felt solid and durable, and the variety in shapes and sizes was immediately apparent. They felt grippy and well-textured, indicating good friction.
Compared to Atomik Climbing Holds’ introductory set, which tends to prioritize quantity over quality, and the more expensive but artistically designed holds from So iLL, the Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk seemed to strike a good balance. I was hoping for durability and usability rather than sheer volume of holds or artistic flair, and these appeared to deliver.
I was cautiously optimistic. The random nature of the set raised some concerns about potential imbalances in terms of difficulty or hold type, but I was eager to see how they performed once mounted on the wall.
Real-World Testing: Putting Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk to the Test
First Use Experience
The Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk was immediately put to use on my newly constructed garage wall, which features a variety of angles from vertical to slightly overhanging. I tested the holds in relatively dry conditions, though garage humidity can still be a factor. The initial session involved setting a few basic traversing routes and some more challenging problems incorporating the new holds.
The holds performed well in terms of grip. The texture provided excellent friction, even when my hands were slightly sweaty. The variety of shapes allowed for diverse movement, from pinches and crimps to slopers and jugs, even within the small set.
The only minor issue I noticed was the screw-on footholds being a little slicker than the larger handholds. This required slightly more precise footwork and a conscious effort to maintain contact.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of cracking, chipping, or significant wear on the holds themselves. The color hasn’t faded despite exposure to some sunlight through the garage door.
Cleaning has been a breeze. A simple scrub with a brush and some mild soap and water removes chalk build-up and keeps them feeling fresh.
Compared to some cheaper holds I’ve used in the past, which became slick and polished over time, the Metolius holds maintain their texture and grip. This is a significant advantage for long-term use.
Breaking Down the Features of Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk
Specifications
- The Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk includes 12 holds of varying types. The set contains 1 start/finish jug, 3 mods, 3 micros, 3 screw-on handholds, and 2 screw-on footholds.
- The holds are made of polyurethane. This material is known for its durability and resistance to wear.
- The set weighs approximately 5 lbs. This is a reasonable weight, indicating a substantial build without being overly heavy for mounting.
- The style is described as “Greatest Hits.” This suggests a curated selection of popular and versatile hold shapes.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the usability and longevity of the holds. Polyurethane ensures durability, and the varied shapes provide options for setting diverse routes. The weight is manageable for most home wall setups.
Performance & Functionality
The Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk performs its job admirably. The varied shapes and sizes allow for the creation of a wide range of climbing problems. The texture provides excellent grip and inspires confidence.
The start/finish jug is comfortable and easy to grab. The mods offer interesting intermediate holds, while the micros provide challenging crimps for more experienced climbers. The screw-on handholds are generally good, but the footholds could benefit from a slightly more aggressive texture.
Overall, the set exceeds expectations, particularly given the price point. It provides a solid foundation for a home climbing wall and offers enough variety to keep training interesting.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The polyurethane feels dense and durable. The holds are ergonomically shaped, making them comfortable to grip for extended periods.
The set is relatively user-friendly. While the random assortment means some creativity is required in route setting, the holds are generally easy to mount and use. There’s no significant learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience so far, the Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk should last for years with proper care. The polyurethane is highly resistant to wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple. Regular cleaning with a brush and mild soap and water is all that’s required to keep the holds in good condition.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk doesn’t come with any additional accessories beyond the 12 holds themselves. You’ll need to provide your own bolts and t-nuts for mounting.
The holds are compatible with standard t-nuts and bolts. This allows for easy integration with existing climbing walls and provides ample customization options in terms of placement and route setting. You can easily mix and match these holds with others from Metolius or other brands to expand your wall and create more varied climbing experiences.
Pros and Cons of Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk
Pros
- Excellent value for the price. The set provides a good balance of quality and affordability.
- Durable polyurethane construction. The holds are built to withstand years of use.
- Variety of shapes and sizes. The set allows for diverse route setting options.
- Good texture and grip. The holds provide excellent friction, even when hands are sweaty.
- Easy to clean and maintain. Simple cleaning keeps the holds in good condition.
Cons
- Screw-on footholds can be a little slick. The texture could be more aggressive.
- Random assortment may result in an imbalance of hold types. You may end up with more of one type than another, depending on the set you receive.
Who Should Buy Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk?
The Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk is perfect for beginner to intermediate climbers looking to build or expand a home climbing wall on a budget. It’s also a good option for experienced climbers looking to supplement their existing hold collection with some versatile and durable options.
Those who are looking for a highly specific set of holds with a particular aesthetic or difficulty level might want to skip this product and opt for a more curated selection. Someone who wants a complete set with a large variety of holds might also look for a larger set right from the get go.
Must-have accessories include appropriate bolts and t-nuts for mounting, as well as a good brush for cleaning. A comfortable crash pad is also essential for safety.
Conclusion on Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk
The Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk is a solid choice for anyone looking for an affordable and durable set of climbing holds. Metolius delivers a quality product that performs well and offers good value for the money.
The price is definitely justified, especially considering the durability and versatility of the holds. They stand up well to repeated use and offer a good range of options for route setting.
I would personally recommend this set to anyone starting out with a home climbing wall or looking to expand their existing collection. It’s a great way to get a taste of different hold types and improve your climbing skills. So, if you are ready to take the plunge, invest in the Metolius Bouldering Holds Set – 12 pk and start building your dream climbing wall today!