Metolius Campus Blocks Review

Let’s Talk About Metolius Campus Blocks

The Metolius Campus Blocks offer a streamlined and effective way to level up your climbing training, particularly if you’re looking to build finger strength and power. These are essentially scaled-down versions of campus rungs, perfect for incorporating into a home gym, system wall, or even a portable training setup. The Metolius brand is well-known for producing quality climbing gear, and these blocks looked like a convenient way to bring targeted training home.

I was looking for a way to improve my contact strength and explosive power without having to drive to the climbing gym multiple times a week. The flexibility of training at home, on my own schedule, was a huge draw. I wanted a tool that could help me overcome a plateau in my climbing and feel stronger on small crimps.

The blocks arrived in a simple package, and my initial impression was good. The wood felt smooth and well-shaped, and the pre-drilled holes were perfectly aligned. The included mounting hardware was a plus, saving me a trip to the hardware store.

Compared to other options like individual campus rungs or hangboards, the Metolius Campus Blocks stood out because of their screw-on design and the variety of sizes available. I considered purchasing a traditional campus board, but the size and permanent nature of that setup didn’t suit my current living situation. I felt the blocks would offer more flexibility and be easier to integrate into my existing home workout space.

I was excited to start using them, seeing a lot of potential for improving my climbing performance. I was particularly interested in seeing how the different sizes would challenge my fingers and forearms.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Metolius Campus Blocks to the Test

First Use Experience

I installed the Metolius Campus Blocks on a section of plywood in my garage, creating a small campus board setup. My first workout consisted of basic campus laddering and dead hangs, focusing on engaging my core and maintaining good form. The incut side of the blocks felt comfortable initially, but the smaller sizes quickly became challenging.

Testing was done in a relatively dry environment, but I did notice that sweaty hands could impact grip, especially on the flatter, more sloper-like sides of the blocks. Chalk became essential for maintaining a secure hold. It was immediately clear that consistent use of these blocks would require dedicated practice and a focus on technique.

The installation was straightforward, although I needed to ensure the plywood was thick enough to support my weight and the forces generated during campus training. I did not need much time to get used to the blocks, but my fingers needed some time to adapt to the smaller sizes. The transition from larger holds to the Small (19 mm) size was humbling!

The only initial issue was a slight concern about the durability of the wood over time, especially with repeated use and exposure to chalk. However, I made sure to purchase the correct screws needed to ensure a tight and lasting fit.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Metolius Campus Blocks have proven to be a valuable addition to my training regimen. I’ve noticed a definite improvement in my finger strength and contact strength, which translates directly to better performance on the rock.

The blocks are holding up well, with minimal signs of wear and tear. Regular cleaning with a brush helps to remove chalk buildup and maintain a good grip. It is also worth checking and tightening the screws from time to time.

Compared to my previous training methods, which primarily involved general strength training and climbing at the gym, the Metolius Campus Blocks offer a more targeted and effective approach to improving specific climbing skills. I find myself feeling more confident and powerful on small holds. The Metolius Campus Blocks has outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Metolius Campus Blocks

Specifications

The Metolius Campus Blocks are block-sized versions of the company’s popular campus rungs, designed for system walls, home woodies, or any place you need screw-on holds. Each block features a dual-sided design, offering both an incut side and a flat or sloper side for varied training. The Metolius blocks are pre-drilled for easy, screw-on installation, and the required mounting hardware is included.

The blocks are made from wood, offering a comfortable texture for endurance sessions. They are available in several sizes: Small (19 mm), Medium (25 mm), Large (32 mm), XL (34.9 mm), 2XL (44.4 mm), and 3XL (47.6 mm). They all measure 5″ (12.7 cm) in length. These specifications are important because they dictate the difficulty and type of training possible. Smaller sizes target finger strength, while larger sizes focus on overall grip and power.

Performance & Functionality

The Metolius Campus Blocks excel at their primary function: building finger strength and power for climbing. The different sizes allow for progressive training, gradually increasing the difficulty as your strength improves. The incut and sloper sides offer different grip challenges, promoting well-rounded development.

One strength is the convenience and flexibility of being able to train at home. A weakness would be that the smaller sizes may be too challenging for beginners, requiring a solid base of finger strength before they can be effectively used. These blocks exceeded my expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Metolius Campus Blocks feature a simple, functional design. The wood is smooth and comfortable to grip, and the rounded edges prevent unnecessary strain on the fingers. The screw-on design makes them easy to install and reposition as needed.

These are very user-friendly with a minimal learning curve. However, proper technique and controlled movements are essential to avoid injury.

Durability & Maintenance

The wood construction seems durable, but regular use will inevitably lead to some wear and tear. Regular cleaning with a brush is recommended to remove chalk buildup and maintain a good grip. Occasional tightening of the screws will ensure they remain securely mounted.

With proper care, the Metolius Campus Blocks should last for years. Repair would likely involve replacing the blocks if they become excessively worn or damaged.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Metolius Campus Blocks come with the necessary mounting hardware (screws). Customization primarily involves the arrangement and spacing of the blocks on your training wall.

It’s also possible to add other training tools like hangboards or pull-up bars to create a comprehensive home climbing gym. They are compatible with most standard plywood thicknesses used for building climbing walls.

Pros and Cons of Metolius Campus Blocks

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Who Should Buy Metolius Campus Blocks?

The Metolius Campus Blocks are perfect for intermediate to advanced climbers looking to improve their finger strength and power. These blocks are also a good fit for anyone who wants a convenient and flexible home training solution, especially if they have limited space for a full-sized campus board. These are also perfect for any climbers looking to overcome plateaus.

Beginner climbers with limited finger strength should skip this product and focus on building a solid foundation with easier exercises. Those who prefer structured gym workouts over home training may also find them less appealing.

Essential accessories include a good quality climbing chalk and a brush for cleaning the blocks. You may also consider adding a hangboard or pull-up bar to create a more comprehensive training setup.

Conclusion on Metolius Campus Blocks

The Metolius Campus Blocks are a highly effective and convenient tool for building finger strength and power for climbing. The dual-sided design and variety of sizes offer a progressive training approach, and the screw-on design makes them easy to install and reposition.

The price of $11.89 is justified given the quality of construction and the effectiveness of the blocks for targeted training. Although the smaller sizes may be too challenging for beginners, intermediate to advanced climbers will find them to be a valuable addition to their training regimen.

I would personally recommend the Metolius Campus Blocks to anyone looking to take their climbing to the next level. Build your home gym today!