Wooden Hangboard vs. Plastic Hangboard: Which to choose? | Gripnatic

Choosing the right hangboard material is a critical in optimizing your climbing training. While both wooden hangboard and plastic (often resin) hangboards are popular choices, understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make the best decision for your needs.

The material affects your comfort, grip strength, and skin health, so take the time to understand which option suits you best. Let’s explore the differences between wood and plastic hangboards, and why wood might just be the better choice for most climbers.

Understanding the Differences Between Wooden Hangboards and Plastic Hangboards

What Is a Wooden Hangboard?

A Wooden hangboard, like Gripnatic’s FingerPeg 1.0, is crafted from high-quality natural materials. It is designed to offer a smooth surface that is gentle on your skin, providing comfort even during long or intense training sessions. Wooden hangboards also offer a minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing design, making them an attractive addition to any home climbing setup.

What Is a Plastic Hangboard?

Plastic hangboards are typically made from synthetic materials like resin or polyurethane. They offer a variety of hold shapes and are generally known for their durability. Plastic hangboards tend to be more resistant to outdoor conditions, making them a popular choice for climbers looking for an outdoor training solution. However, they often have a rougher texture, which can cause faster skin wear compared to wood.

Benefits of a Wooden Hangboard

Gentle on the Skin

One of the biggest advantages of a wooden hangboard is how gentle they are on your skin. Wood provides a smooth surface that reduces friction, making it easier to train for extended periods without excessive skin wear. This is particularly important for climbers who want to build endurance without damaging their fingertips. With a wooden hangboard like the Gripnatic FingerPeg 1.0, you can train longer and more comfortably, which is crucial for steady progress.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Another benefit of wood is its natural, elegant look. A Wooden hangboard like the one from Gripnatic blends seamlessly into any home, adding a touch of natural beauty to your climbing space. The neutral wood tones can make your training area look more inviting. Plastic hangboards often have a more industrial or bulky appearance that might not fit well in every environment.

Grip Feel

A Wooden hangboard provides a natural grip that feels comfortable and secure, especially for long training sessions. Unlike plastic, which can sometimes feel abrasive or slippery, wood offers a balance between smoothness and grip. This makes it ideal for beginners as well as experienced climbers who need to preserve their skin.

Drawbacks of a Wooden Hangboard

Limited Hold Variety

One potential drawback of a wooden hangboard is its simpler design. Wooden hangboards tend to offer fewer complex hold types compared to plastic hangboards. However, for most climbers—especially beginners and intermediate climbers—the variety provided by wood is more than sufficient. Tools like the Gripnatic FingerPeg 1.0 + Spherical Holds allow you to progress in your training without sacrificing comfort or skin health.

Higher Cost

A Wooden hangboard often comes with a higher price tag due to the quality of materials and craftsmanship involved. While this can be a drawback for those looking for a more affordable option, the durability and comfort of wood make it a worthy investment for climbers serious about long-term training.

Benefits of a Plastic Hangboard

Variety in Holds

Plastic hangboards often come with a greater variety of hold types, including small crimps, slopers, and pinches, which can cater to more advanced climbers. These boards are known for offering intricate designs that allow for a wider range of grip positions. However, this variety often comes at the cost of skin comfort, as the rougher texture of plastic can cause more friction and skin wear.

Durability

Plastic hangboards are highly durable and resistant to outdoor conditions. They can withstand weather changes and rough use, making them a good option for climbers who want to set up an outdoor climbing station. However, the texture of plastic can sometimes lead to a slippery grip when your hands get sweaty, making it less consistent in humid conditions compared to wood.

Affordable Options

Plastic hangboards are typically more affordable, which makes them attractive to climbers on a budget. While price is certainly a consideration, it’s important to balance affordability with long-term comfort and performance. For climbers focused on consistent training and skin health, investing in a high-quality wooden hangboard, like Gripnatic’s FingerPeg 1.0, might offer better value over time.

Drawbacks of Plastic Hangboards

Rough on Skin

Plastic hangboards are known for being harder on the skin. The textured surfaces, while useful for grip, can lead to faster wear on your fingers, making it difficult to maintain a regular training routine. If you’re planning on training frequently, plastic’s rough texture may require more rest days to allow your skin to recover—something that isn’t as much of an issue with wood.

Plastic Can Feel Slippery

Plastic hangboards can sometimes feel slippery, especially in humid conditions or when your hands are sweaty. This can lead to a less secure grip during intense workouts, which can hinder progress. A  wooden hangboard, on the other hand, provides a more consistent grip under various conditions, ensuring safer and more effective training sessions.

So Which Hangboard Material is Best for You?

Choosing between wood hangboards and plastic hangboards depends on your training style and priorities. Wooden hangboards are perfect for climbers who value skin care, comfort, and aesthetics- ideal for indoor setups. Wood offers a smooth grip that’s gentle on the skin and durable enough for both beginner and advanced climbers. Options like the Gripnatic FingerPeg 1.0 and Climbing board FingerBoard 2.0 provide versatility for all levels.

Plastic hangboards are ideal for climbers needing intricate hold designs or setting up an outdoor training station. They offer more hold variety at a lower cost but are often rougher on the skin. However, plastic can become slippery during long sessions, making it less suitable for frequent indoor use.

Ultimately, for most climbers, wood stands out as the superior material for long-term, comfortable training. It offers durability, a natural feel, and a seamless fit in any indoor space.