![\"Strong](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/DSC05435-700x467-1.jpg\")
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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. The hangboard is a compact training tool used to strengthen the fingers. 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 2024, we tested over 11 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. Our testers include veteran climbers and training aficionados Matt Bento and Austin Beck-Doss, plus climber and strength coach Paul Mandell.<\/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. Whatever your finger fitness level, this guide will help you find the right hangboard. Check out our comparison chart<\/strong><\/a>, buyer’s guide<\/strong><\/a>, and price and value<\/a><\/strong> sections below.<\/p>\n Editor’s Note: This guide received a big refresher on September 18, 2024. The rock-solid Beastmaker 1000<\/strong><\/a> takes our best overall award, and we also got to test the Rock Prodigy Natural<\/strong><\/a>, which allows for on-the-fly width adjustment and has a unique selection of tapered edges and pockets. And for precise, isolated crimp strength training, check out the very portable Tension Block<\/a><\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tComfortable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSkin friendly<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWide variety of holds<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGood pockets<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGood spacing for 20mm edge<\/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\tSomewhat narrow<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLack of minimal edge holds<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n The Beastmaker 1000<\/strong><\/a> ($129) is one of the OG training boards, and we consider it to be the best all-around option due to its suitability as a training tool for both beginners and advanced climbers alike. Made of Tulipwood, the beastmaker offers a slew of hold options, including 45-degree slopers, multiple deep pockets, 20mm and 10mm edges, and a finely sanded, radiused design. This means that the edges are slightly smaller than described but also super comfortable.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Chances are that you’ve gripped the grabs on this board at a commercial gym at some point in your climbing career. It’s likely that someone you know and trust swears by this board, and our tester, strength coach Paul Mandell, has owned and trained on this board for years now – his philosophy being \u201cif it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The Beastmaker 1000 is especially effective as a training board for pockets, slopers, and the tried-and-tested maximum weight protocol, which calls for a 20mm edge. However, it may not be the best choice for a minimal edge protocol due to the lack of extremely small edges. This hangboard only offers 20mm and 10mm sizes, with no in-between sizes or micro edges like you would find on the Tension MKII.<\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/p>\n During testing, the warm-up jugs on this hangboard were the most comfortable of all the hangboards listed, and its width is generally sufficient for most users, although folks with broader shoulders might feel a little cramped, and as a bonus, the extra deep pockets make the Beastmaker a great option for rehabbing those pesky tweaks or tendon\/pully injuries.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n In the end, we had trouble finding fault with the Beastmaker 1000. Whether you\u2019re just starting out your training journey or you’re a seasoned dangle-board veteran, the Beastmaker 1000 provides an excellent selection of holds in a comfortable and compact package. What more do you need?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \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 has a streamlined, symmetrical one-piece design. The top row sports 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. If you like the layout of this board and don’t mind spending $20 more, the Wood Grips II Deluxe offers an additional smaller row of holds for advanced progression. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tComfortable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTons of edges in incremental steps<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGreat progression for small holds<\/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\tLacking in pockets and slopers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRadius edge might reduce stated edge depth<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPhone holder doesn't fit all phones<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n So, you want a really nice, really comfortable hangboard for your max weight or minimal edge protocols and you don’t care about training pockets or slopers? Then the Tension Grindstone MKII<\/a><\/strong> ($170) should be on your radar.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Made from poplar and designed around an asymmetric edge layout, the Grindstone offers a ton of different edges ranging from 50mm stepping down incrementally to a minuscule 8mm. Similar to the Beastmaker, the Grindstone has a radiused edge design to reduce the chance of finger tweaks. <\/p>\n However, during testing, our tester found himself wondering if that radius didn’t make the stated edge depth just a bit smaller. Between the slick finish and the rounded edge, the Grindstone is HARD to hang onto at your limit, likely due to the inability to rely on skin friction to keep you stuck.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Discerning climbers will notice that this board doesn’t feature pockets in the same way that boards like the Beastmaker and Metolius boards do. Indeed, the only thing resembling a pocket is the single 50mm jug edge in the center of the board which is much better suited as an introductory single-arm training edge than a pocket. Tension claims that users can train 3-finger drag, 2-finger pockets, and even monos on the standard edges, but with the largest edge being only 35mm, we mortals needed to rig a pulley system to make anything less than 3 fingers feasible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The jug along the top of the board is fairly comfortable, but much wider than other similar holds on other boards, which may not work with all hand shapes and sizes. In the center of the jug is a slot for your cellphone timer. If you have an old iPhone you\u2019re in luck, it\u2019ll fit just fine. If you have a different phone, you might as well find a secure spot for it someplace else.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n We liked this board \u2014 it’s comfortable, sleek, and offers a comprehensive selection of edges. However, it is not ideal for everyone and serves a more niche training population \u2014 folks interested in max hangs, minimum edge, or those of you who are breaking into single-arm training.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Best Hangboards of 2024<\/h2>\n
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\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 1000\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\t23" x 6\u201d<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTulipwood<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t22<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlmost anyone who trains on a hangboard<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t![\"Product](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/BestOverall_2024.png\")
\n\t\t![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Screen-Shot-2024-09-11-at-9.54.34-AM.png\")
<\/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\t$129 at REI<\/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\t18<\/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
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/metolius-wood-grips-ii.jpg\")
<\/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\t$90 at REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest for Advanced Climbers\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTension Grindstone MKII\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 7"x 3\u201d<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPoplar<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t15<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tExperience trainers looking for a niche board<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Screen-Shot-2024-09-11-at-10.20.01-AM.png\")
<\/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 Sage to Summit<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tMost Adjustable 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 Natural\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\t7.5" x 6" (each 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\tBeach 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\t16 (some edges are tapered)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMost climbers<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Screen-Shot-2024-09-11-at-11.34.03-AM.png\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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