10 Best Climbing Fingerboards – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Trango Rock Prodigy is hands down one of the best over-all climbing fingerboards out in the market. It offers a wide variety of crimps and pockets to train different finger techniques and strength build-ups.

Each pocket and edge are made for different skill levels, which progressively gets shallower and challenging. This progressive collection of pockets also helps to track your improvements and advance to more challenging training accordingly.

The multiple sets of edges used in Trango Rock Prodigy steadily narrow down as you progress from right to left. Likewise, this model combines five pairs of pockets that serve different purposes for practicing different techniques.

Trango Rock Prodigy has a two-part design. This design offers you the flexibility to mount the two halves in the most suitable distance according to the size and shape of your body. This flexibility in design provides excellent alignment, improves body form, and significantly reduces the stress on your hands, elbows, and shoulders.

When it comes to versatility, there are not many fingerboards that come closer to Trango Rock Prodigy. Its multiple collections of pockets and edges make this product ideal for climbers of all levels. Whether you’re only getting started into fingerboards or you’re already working on intensive training, no other model works as conveniently as the Trango Rock Prodigy.

However, the most apparent downside to this climbing fingerboard is its burdensome mounting process. Not only does this model demand an extensive amount of effort while mounting, but it also requires ample space on the wall.

Metolius Simulator 3D is hands down the most sought-after climbing fingerboard in the market — and for all the right reasons. This model has gone through several alterations and updates over the years. With each update, this product has significantly improved its overall performance and ergonomics.

It includes a wide combination of edges and pockets to facilitate better grip progression and learning new techniques. The ergonomic design of the Metolius Simulator 3D not only provides comfort but also allows you to perform several workouts.

It consists of an overhanging design which reduces the stress in your elbows, forearms, and shoulders. It integrates four different sets of edges, which comes handy for practicing finger techniques. 

The edges have a downward curved design, which offers better support to the fingers and reduces stress. The variation edges are appropriate for multiple purposes, from general warm-ups to dedicated training sessions.

Although Metolius Simulator 3D is not the most compact fingerboard model, it combines a proper balance of edges and pockets to facilitate climbers with different skills. With this model, it is easy to measure your progression and push yourself to a more challenging grade.

If you’re looking for a decent climbing fingerboard at a reasonable price, Get Out! Rock Climbing Hanging Board is your best bet. Made out of the highly durable texture, this model provides excellent gripping and flexibility.

This fingerboard comes with multiple holds that mainly target finger strength, core strength, and upper body toning. It also offers a better clearance at forearm areas for comfort.

Not only that, the Get Out! Rock Climbing Hanging Board includes 14 different pockets of different widths and depths. This diverse variation in the pockets allows you to practice different training and also measure your performance.

The design is pretty sleek and ergonomic. The pull-up bar holds of this model are arranged systematically to taper downward and outward to reduce the possibilities of injuries. However, we recommend you to use chalk for better grip.

Along with the finger technique training, this fingerboard also comes handy for regular exercises. This product allows you to engage in eight different exercises to keep you fit and active.

Unlike most climbing fingerboards, the Get Out! Rock Climbing Hanging Board is simple and straightforward to install. The package comes with a detailed installation manual for your convenience.

Metolius Rock Rings 3D is one of the most versatile and convenient fingerboard models in the market. This portable product is a hybrid of a gymnastic ring, a pull-up bar, and a hangboard.

There is no doubt that the Rock Rings 3D is one of the most effective climbing-specific training accessories. It comes with two individual rock units that feature a large jug on the top, a four-finger edge, and a three-finger pocket.

With such variations, this model allows you to practice an extensive range of finger techniques. In addition to that, the single point suspension of the Rock Rings 3D provides the flexibility in movement and rotation.

The Rock Rings 3D are CNC milled, which provides excellent symmetry. Also, the textures of this model are fine-grained that provide proper friction and grip. It is also portable and can be mounted virtually anywhere you want — be it a tree, beam, or pull-up bars.

Rock Prodigy Forge is a newer model by Trango designed to improvise the Rock Prodigy Training Center. With this new model, the manufacturers intend to fill the void that was missing in the RO Training Center.

This fingerboard also features a two-part design allowing you the flexibility to mount the units in the most suitable position according to the shape of your body. It features a closed-crimp grip with thumb and index finger protection.

The two-piece design also allows you to customize the mount distance for different climbing training. This small accessory is excellent for improving finger, forearm, and hand strength.

While the Rock Prodigy Training Center was designed for every-level climbers, the Forge model is specially designed for advanced and professional climbers. The smooth texture of this fingerboard is rigorously designed to provide a solid grip.

The Rock Prodigy Forge also has improved edges and drafted pockets that are placed at a slight angle to ensure joint safety.

Beastmaker 1000 is certainly a top contender for the best all-round climbing fingerboards in the market. Even with the small dimension, this model offers a great variety of pockets and edges. The variety of grip allows you to practice multiple techniques and build your finger strength.

The compact and space-saving design of this fingerboard allows you to mount this product even in the tightest spaces. When it comes to texture, not many wooden fingerboards come close to that of the Beastmaker 1000. With such smooth texture, this fingerboard ensures less harm on your skin, fingertips, and hand. 

Its above-average number of pockets and edges, although limited, offers the perfect combination for climbers to experiment with different techniques. It comes with a standalone edge in the center and three sets of four-finger edges on the side.

Such diversity makes the Beastmaker 1000 the most favorable choice for mid-range climbers ranging from 5.10 to 5.13 difficulty levels. While the selection of the holds in this product would make any climber fawn over, the holds are slightly closer, reducing flexibility.

However, the trade-off is still reasonable considering its performance and space-saving design. With a compact size, sleek design, high performance, and excellent progression, this model is undoubtedly the most versatile climbing fingerboard in the market today.

The Metolius Project is one of the least expensive climbing fingerboards out there. Even though the price tag is considerably less, the manufacturers have not compromised on its quality and performance. Although it is not the best fingerboard on the market, the low expenses make it an excellent option for climbers who are not willing to break the bank.

The Metolius Project has the most compact design for a fingerboard. It does not require a lot of space to mount the fingerboard. However, it has a lack of variations when it comes to edges of pockets. It has a limited collection of pockets and edges, which is ideal for entry-level to mid-level climbers.

It includes two primary edges, both located in the dead center. The location of two edges is truly a let down; it restricts your hands close together. The restriction adds an extra strain on your elbows and shoulders and makes it slightly uncomfortable to use. Along with two edges, it includes four additional pockets. It has two 2-finger pockets and two 3-finger pockets with a proper depth for warm-ups.

When it comes to texture, the Metolius Project offers above-average performance. This model is made with old polyester resin and finished with a fine-grained texture. The texture of the Metolius Project is slightly skin-friendly compared to similar models.  

The Metolius Projects is the most straightforward fingerboard model to mount on the wall. All you have to do is drill the eight screws, and you’re good to go. The smaller size also comes handy if you mount it in a small space.

Just as its name implies, the Beastmaker 2000 is an absolute beast of a fingerboard, designed for well-experienced climbers. It comes with tremendously intense holds and has some of the most challenging grips for a fingerboard.

However, this model is not made for beginners or intermediate climbers. If you’re already nailing advanced routes like 5.13, this fingerboard might be the right option for you.

It comes with two sets of 4-finger edges, which serve as the warm-up hold for the Beastmaker 2000. These 4-finger edges, located in the center of the board, are more-or-less designed for one-armed lock-offs. 

However, it comes with a large number of pockets with multiple depths and angles. Although there are two different three-finger pockets in the Beastmaker 2000, this board is not built to use it as a pair. They are not lined most symmetrically and are designed to be used individually.

The three pairs of slopers are ridiculously brutal. Even the mid-level sloper is inclined at 33-degree, which most climbers will find difficult to nail. The most-challenging sloper is 42-degree steep, which is almost impossible to climb even for experienced climbers.

The Beastmaker 2000 is simply the best when it comes to texture. This climbing board is made up of sturdy wood material and has an extremely smooth finishing.

Even with the complicated holds and grips, the Beastmaker 2000 is one of the most compact fingerboards. And, as a result, this climbing fingerboard is extremely easy to mount. With such a small size, this board fits above almost any doorways.

While the pockets and edges are the foundations of any climbing fingerboard, the Iron Palm begs to differ. Instead, this model has largely focused on exceptional slopers and pinches.

The unique feature of this fingerboard is the two huge balls located at the top corners. These rounded balls are slightly flat on top and sloping to the sides. This unique structure allows the proper grip for the workout while improving your grip strength.

When it comes to pinches, no other climbing fingerboard can match this product. The two sets of pinches in the Iron Palm can either be used independently or combined to create a third pitch. These combinations are excellent for fine-tuning your climbing skills as well as building strength.

At first glance, this model might seem simplistic, but the four edges along with the slopers and pinches, this fingerboard is extremely versatile. The four edges are uniquely-shaped, with each offering a different shape and angle. The edges also offer an excellent progression considering other similar products.

However, the size of the Iron Palm is considerably large, which means you will require ample space to mount this product. Mounting this product is much easier and quicker. The only challenge with mounting is finding a large space.

The Metolius Wood Grip Compact II combines an aesthetic look, solid texture, and a great selection of holds. Made out of alder wood, the texture of the product is skin-friendly and offers an excellent grip.

Although smaller in size, the Compact II has a decent combination of edges and pockets. It features two stand-alone 4-finger edges and a couple of pairs of 4-finger edges in the center. Likewise, it combines two sets of 3-finger pocket and 2-finger pockets, respectively. The pockets are well-rounded on the edges to provide extra protection to your fingers.

It also combines a couple of sets of slopers with an excellent balance of subtle and challenging arches. Made of alder wood, the Compact II features a solid texture. The holds are comfortable and skin-friendly. However, the wooden construction might be a disadvantage for chalk users. As the excessive use of chalk can make the fingerboards gummy and greasy.

This fingerboard includes a compact and space-saving design. Therefore, it is much easier to mount. It can be installed in almost any doorways or even squeezed in the basements.

When it comes to price, Compact II is not the most expensive model in the market, nor the cheapest. The price of this product lies somewhere in the middle-ground! Therefore, this mode is ideal for those who do not have large spaces and are tight on budget. At this price range, this fingerboard offers a significant amount of holds and facilitates excellent progression.