Let’s Dive into Metolius Contact Training Board
The Metolius Contact Training Board is designed to bring the crag to your home, offering a diverse set of holds to help climbers of all levels improve their strength and technique. Metolius, a brand known for its quality climbing gear, has crafted this board to be both effective and skin-friendly. Its ergonomic design aims to reduce joint stress, making it a valuable tool for injury prevention and long-term training.
Living in a region with harsh winters that significantly limit outdoor climbing, I needed a reliable and versatile training solution I could use indoors. I was seeking a way to maintain and even improve my climbing strength and endurance during the off-season.
My initial impression upon unboxing the Metolius Contact Training Board was positive. The board felt solid and well-constructed, with a reassuring weight that indicated quality materials. The texture of the holds was noticeably less abrasive than some other boards I’ve used, which was a welcome sign.
Compared to the Tension Flash Board and the Beastmaker 2000, the Metolius Contact Training Board stood out due to its focus on ergonomic design and skin-friendliness. While the Tension Flash Board is excellent for overall finger strength and the Beastmaker 2000 is a beast for advanced climbers, the Metolius board appeared to offer a more balanced approach suitable for a wider range of skill levels. I felt the Metolius Contact Training Board offered a more versatile set of holds and a greater emphasis on injury prevention.
I was excited to start using the board and see if it could truly help me maintain and improve my climbing fitness during the winter months. The Metolius Contact Training Board promised a comprehensive training experience in a compact and user-friendly package.
Real-World Testing: Putting Metolius Contact Training Board to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Metolius Contact Training Board in my home gym, mounting it securely above my doorway. My first session involved experimenting with the various holds, from the jugs to the smaller pockets. The ergonomic design was immediately noticeable, as I felt less strain on my joints compared to some other training boards I’ve used.
I tested the board in a variety of conditions, including after a sweaty workout and with chalked-up hands. The fine-grained texture provided a good grip even when my hands were damp, preventing slippage and allowing me to focus on the exercises. It took a few sessions to familiarize myself with the different holds and find the right progression for my training routine, but the Metolius Contact Training Board was relatively easy to incorporate into my existing workout regimen.
The only issue I encountered during the initial use was a slight adjustment period for the smaller pockets, which required more finger strength than I initially anticipated. However, this served as a good motivator to work on that specific area of my climbing fitness.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Metolius Contact Training Board has proven to be a reliable and durable training tool. The holds have shown no signs of wear and tear, and the texture remains consistent even after repeated use with chalk. The board has maintained its structural integrity, showing no cracks or weaknesses.
Maintaining the Metolius Contact Training Board is simple; I occasionally wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove chalk buildup. Compared to previous experiences with other hangboards that became slippery or uncomfortable over time, the Metolius Contact Training Board has consistently delivered a comfortable and effective training experience. It has significantly outperformed my expectations and has helped me maintain and improve my climbing fitness throughout the off-season.
Breaking Down the Features of Metolius Contact Training Board
Specifications
- The Metolius Contact Training Board features 11 pockets (2, 3, and 4 fingers – from tips to 2nd joint). These pockets offer a variety of grip options for different finger strengths and training goals.
- It includes four central edges. These edges provide a classic hangboarding experience, allowing users to focus on finger strength and endurance.
- The board features top-mounted jugs, providing comfortable and secure holds for warm-ups and cool-downs. Jugs are essential for building overall upper body strength.
- It has both rounded and flat slopers. Slopers are challenging holds that require significant technique and body tension.
- The Metolius Contact Training Board is ergonomically curved for less joint stress and reduced injuries. This is important for long-term training and injury prevention.
- It is CAD/CAM designed, for perfect symmetry. Symmetry ensures balanced training and reduces the risk of imbalances.
- The board has a fine-grained texture is skin-friendly. This texture allows for longer training sessions without excessive skin wear.
- The Manufacturer is Metolius.
- The Metolius Contact Training Board has a Black/White Swirl color.
- It weighs 17 lb.
- The Area is 32.5 x 11 x 2.6 in / 82.5 x 27.9 x 6.6 cm.
- The board is for Adults.
These specifications matter because they contribute to the overall effectiveness and user-friendliness of the Metolius Contact Training Board. The variety of holds allows for targeted training of different muscle groups and finger strengths, while the ergonomic design and skin-friendly texture promote long-term use and injury prevention.
Performance & Functionality
The Metolius Contact Training Board excels at improving finger strength, endurance, and overall climbing fitness. The variety of holds allows for a wide range of exercises and training protocols, making it suitable for climbers of all levels. The Metolius Contact Training Board‘s ergonomic design reduces joint stress, allowing for longer training sessions and minimizing the risk of injury.
One of the strengths of the Metolius Contact Training Board is its versatility. The board’s ergonomic design is a significant advantage, making it more comfortable to use compared to other hangboards. The smaller pockets could be more challenging for beginners, and the board could benefit from included instructions or training guides.
The Metolius Contact Training Board meets and even exceeds my expectations. It has been a valuable tool in maintaining and improving my climbing fitness during the off-season.
Design & Ergonomics
The Metolius Contact Training Board has a solid build quality, utilizing durable materials that can withstand frequent use. The board feels sturdy and well-constructed, inspiring confidence in its long-term reliability. The ergonomic design ensures comfort during training sessions, reducing strain on the joints and allowing for longer workouts.
The Metolius Contact Training Board is user-friendly. While it may take some time to become familiar with the different holds and find the right training progression, the board is relatively easy to incorporate into an existing workout routine.
Durability & Maintenance
The Metolius Contact Training Board is built to last, utilizing high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. With proper care and maintenance, the board should provide years of reliable training. Maintaining the board is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove chalk buildup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Metolius Contact Training Board does not come with any additional accessories. However, it is compatible with standard mounting hardware, allowing users to securely attach it to a wall or doorway. There are no specific customization options for the Metolius Contact Training Board. It’s compatible with standard climbing chalk.
Pros and Cons of Metolius Contact Training Board
Pros
- Ergonomic design reduces joint stress. This makes the board more comfortable and safer to use for long training sessions.
- Skin-friendly texture allows for extended training without excessive wear. Climbers can focus on their workout without worrying about damaging their skin.
- Variety of holds caters to different skill levels and training goals. The board is suitable for beginners to advanced climbers, offering a wide range of exercises.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability. The board is built to withstand frequent use and will last for years with proper care.
- Relatively compact size makes it suitable for home use. The board can be easily mounted in a home gym or training space.
Cons
- Smaller pockets may be challenging for beginners.
- No included instructions or training guide.
Who Should Buy Metolius Contact Training Board?
The Metolius Contact Training Board is perfect for: climbers of all levels looking to improve their finger strength and endurance, individuals seeking a convenient and effective way to train at home, and anyone looking for a hangboard with an ergonomic design and skin-friendly texture. It is also beneficial for those who want to prevent injuries through controlled and balanced training.
Those who should skip this product: Individuals with extremely limited finger strength may find the smaller pockets too challenging initially. Also, those who prefer a more minimalist or specialized hangboard may find the variety of holds unnecessary.
A must-have accessory for the Metolius Contact Training Board is climbing chalk to improve grip and reduce slippage. Depending on the mounting location, additional hardware may be required to securely attach the board to a wall or doorway.
Conclusion on Metolius Contact Training Board
The Metolius Contact Training Board is a well-designed and versatile training tool that offers a comprehensive workout for climbers of all levels. Its ergonomic design, skin-friendly texture, and variety of holds make it a standout product in the hangboarding market. The price of $115.99 is justified by the board’s quality, durability, and effectiveness.
I would personally recommend the Metolius Contact Training Board to anyone looking to improve their climbing fitness at home. It is a valuable investment that will provide years of reliable training and help you reach your climbing goals.
Invest in your climbing future. Get your Metolius Contact Training Board today and start training like a pro!