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It’s no secret that the popularity of climbing is actively booming.<\/strong> Gyms are popping up like weeds, and crag parking lots resemble camper van dealerships. The allure of the sport is clear \u2014 climbing offers a rare combination of exercise and social interaction.<\/p>\n Once hooked on the activity, the hunger for personal progression grows quickly. It doesn\u2019t take long for an enthusiastic new climber to discover the hangboard.<\/p>\n The hangboard is a compact training tool used to strengthen the fingers. Climbers often mount them above a doorframe, immediately turning their kitchen into a mini gym.<\/p>\n With regular use, proper form, and an intentional training schedule, all of the hangboards on this list can help you shatter performance plateaus and improve as a climber.<\/p>\n For this review of the best hangboards of 2023, we tested over 10 boards over multiple seasons to determine the best of the best. We hung from our fingertips at the gym, at home, and at the crag \u2014 all in an effort to put together this list.<\/p>\n If you’re looking to begin finger strength training, you’ll likely want a board with large, comfortable, ergonomic holds. If you already have tendons of steel, you\u2019ll want a board well-matched to your advanced skill set and training goals. <\/p>\n For more help choosing, check out our comparison chart<\/strong><\/a>, buyer’s guide<\/strong><\/a>, and FAQ<\/a><\/strong> sections below.<\/p>\n Editor’s Note: We updated this article on September 20th, 2023, adding a new product and additional Buyer’s Guide information.<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAdvanced hold types including monos and 45-degree slopers for high-end training<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFriendly on the skin<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmall, compact, and easy to mount<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot ideal for beginner climbers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The design of the Beastmaker 2000<\/strong><\/a> ($115) was based on input from some of the world\u2019s strongest climbers. Because it was conceived by the pros, this board is not an ideal option for beginner finger training. Still, the Beastmaker is widely considered the gold standard of hangboards.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Although it’s packed with an impressive number of different grips, the total package is quite compact and fits nicely above most doorframes. Many van-dwelling climbers find it to be a great option for mounting to the van and training while on the go \u2014 just ask Alex Honnold<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Every hold on the Beastmaker 2000<\/strong><\/a> is shaped to minimize the likelihood of tweaking a finger. The grippy yet pleasant texture of the wood won\u2019t wreck your skin, and you won\u2019t find it overly slippery, either.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n With an emphasis on slopers and small to medium pockets, this is the ideal board for advanced climbers looking to target their weaknesses. The board comes with six screws for easy installation.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n For a slightly different variation, the Beastmaker 1000<\/strong><\/a> ($119) is also very popular.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFar more affordable than most other wood hangboards<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCompact size for easy mounting in tight spaces<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tApproachable design for beginner and intermediate climbers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSimple design lacks small holds and pinches<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot ideal for advanced climbers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Metolius Wood Grips II hangboard<\/strong><\/a> ($90) is one of the most affordable wood boards on the market. While wood boards usually come with a retail price of $100 or more, this board is approachable for the climber seeking to explore hangboarding on a tighter budget.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n With plenty of jugs and large edges for beginner and intermediate climbers to utilize, this board features a streamlined, symmetrical one-piece design. The top row features a pair of large jugs and two moderate-angle slopers.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The middle row includes an assortment of 1-inch-deep pockets and edges. The bottom row\u2019s holds are a bit more shallow at 0.75 inches deep.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Made of alder wood that’s a touch slicker than most hangboard surfaces, the Wood Grips II<\/strong><\/a> will challenge your contact strength. It works well as a training ground for slippery rock types like limestone or polished granite. For an entry-level hangboard that can effectively build foundational finger strength, this is a solid choice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat range of edge sizes for intermediate to advanced climbers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAllows user to train crimps, slopey crimps, pinches, and slopers all on the same board<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWell-placed screw holes allow for secure mounting<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLacks very thin edges and challenging slopers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The So iLL Iron Palm Training Board<\/strong> 2.0<\/a> ($99) is an excellent intermediate-level hangboard. It features a simple design and is available in either urethane or <\/strong>wood<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>($119).<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The edges on this board aren’t ultrathin, so it may not meet every training need for the elite climber. However, for those looking for a reliable hangboard with a variety of approachable edge widths and pinches, the Iron Palm is a sweet choice.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Shaped by legendary climbing hold shaper and pro climber Jason Kehl, the Iron Palm comes with some unique design flair. The urethane version is available in vibrant pink and seafoam color schemes. And a pair of ornate dragons adorn the largest edge on the board.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Another notable feature of this board is the pair of massively bulbous slopers that give the Iron Palm<\/a><\/strong> its name and unusual look. These slopers are formed to be positive enough for intermediate climbers to use, but they’re rounded enough to intentionally improve contract strength.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n If your project is located at a sloper-heavy crag like Maple Canyon or Horse Pens 40, this would be an ideal board to train on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Hangboard\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBeastmaker 2000\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t58 cm x 15 cm x 5.8 cm<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\u00a0Wood<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAdvanced and elite climbers looking to target weaknesses<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/beastmaker-hangboards.jpg\")
\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tAustin Beck-Doss<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tcheck price at amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Hangboard\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMetolius Wood Grips II\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t24" x 6.2"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlderwood<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUnknown<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEntry-level hangboard users<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/metolius-wood-grips-ii.jpg\")
\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tAustin Beck-Doss<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tcheck price at rei<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest for Intermediate and Advanced Climbers\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSo iLL Iron Palm Training Board\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t27" x 11.5" x 4"<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUrethane or wood<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIntermediate and advanced climbers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/so-ill-iron-palm-training-board.jpg\")
\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n\n\t\t\tCons\t\t<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n
\n\tAustin Beck-Doss<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tcheck price at rei<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tMost Versatile Hangboard\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTrango Rock Prodigy Training Center (RPTC)\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
\n\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t9.1\u201d x 12.1\u201d per side<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.93 lb. per side, 9.86 lb. total<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPolyester resin<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIntermediate and advanced climbers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/trango-rock-prodigy-training-center.jpg\")
\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n