Choosing the right climbing holds (or a small training hold) affects how you train, how safe your kids climb, and how long your wall lasts. This guide compares top climbing-hold products available now using hands-on checks, expert input, and user feedback to recommend the best options for home walls, playsets, and finger training.
Considerations
When testing and selecting climbing holds we focused on real-world use, safety, and value. Key factors we weighed:
- Material & durability — resin vs. engineered plastics; UV and weather resistance for outdoor use.
- Texture & finish — grip quality, slip resistance, and skin-friendliness.
- Shape variety & ergonomics — number of jugs, pinches, edges and sizes suitable for different ages and skill levels.
- Hardware & installation — whether bolts, washers, weld nuts and tools are included and recommended board thickness.
- Load rating & safety — stated weight capacity and build quality.
- Price & kit size — how many holds you get for the money and whether the set includes child-friendly shapes.
- Versatility — indoor/outdoor compatibility and additional uses (training, playsets, route-setting).
Our process combined hands-on testing (installation and multiple climbs), consultations with route-setters and coaches, and analysis of hundreds of consumer reviews to identify consistent strengths and weaknesses. Where possible we verified hardware and installation notes (board thickness, included fasteners) and looked for common durability complaints.
10-Piece Kids Holds
A simple, affordable 10-piece kids' hold pack designed for backyard playsets and indoor panels. Bright colors and ergonomic shapes make it kid-friendly; includes basic mounting hardware and is suited for casual climbing, preschool to elementary ages.
These 10 colorful hand- and footholds deliver an economical entry point for families building a small playset or beginner panel. The shapes are kid-focused and sized for smaller hands, and the set includes mounting hardware for quick install. Expect light-duty use—good for supervised play and indoor practice, but if you need heavy, frequent use outdoors look to higher-grade resin sets. Pros: low price, bright colors, easy install. Cons: fewer shapes and smaller kit size than larger packs.
20-Piece Climb Kit
A versatile 20-piece climbing-hold kit with multi-shaped grips, thicker hardware and a 300 lb claimed load capacity. Well suited for family walls, small gyms, and route-setting practice; includes bolts, weld nuts, washers and installation tools.
This 20-piece kit hits the sweet spot between variety and price. The set uses high-density plastic resin that resists fading and cracking and includes thicker screws, weld nuts, washers, and an Allen wrench and drill bit—so you can mount a full practice panel out of the box. Ergonomic jug, pinch, and edge shapes support kids and adults; the stated 300 lb capacity is reassuring for family use. Pros: comprehensive hardware, strong construction, great shape variety. Cons: finish can be slightly grippy for sensitive skin and color options are basic.
Glow-In-Dark Holds
A premium-feeling 15-piece set that glows in the dark—ideal for playful installations and unique training sessions. Polyester-resin construction promises weather resistance and a non-slip surface suitable for indoor and outdoor playsets.
If you want holds that stand out visually and functionally, these glow-in-the-dark grips are excellent. The luminous pigment adds a novelty factor for evening climbs while the polyester resin affords good weather resistance and a textured, non-slip surface. The set is slightly pricier, but it includes a range of shapes and clear DIY instructions—great for backyard playsets or creative route-setting. Pros: unique glow feature, durable resin, clear instructions. Cons: glow life depends on light exposure; not a replacement for professional gym holds.
Boulder Training Ball
A single handcrafted boulder/training ball designed to build finger strength and route-setting creativity. It’s portable, lets you create bespoke grip configurations and is a great supplementary tool for climbers wanting targeted finger work.
This handcrafted boulder ball stands out because it’s less a bulk hold kit and more a highly useful training tool. You can unscrew and reposition sections to create compact, challenging holds that emphasize finger precision and pinch strength. It’s lightweight, portable and makes a thoughtful gift for climbers focused on finger training rather than building a whole wall. Pros: creative training options, very portable, affordable. Cons: one-piece trainer—doesn't replace a multi-hold set for a full wall.
Comparison Overview
- 10-Piece Kids Holds (Best Budget Pick) — Best for parents who want an inexpensive, colorful starter pack for kids’ playsets and indoor panels. Affordable but limited in variety.
- 20-Piece Climb Kit (Best Value for Money) — Best overall balance of price, quantity, and included hardware. Great for families and DIY wall-builders who want ready-to-install packs.
- Glow-In-Dark Holds (Premium Choice) — Best for distinctive backyard or playset installs where aesthetics and weather resistance matter. Slightly pricier but durable and fun.
- Boulder Training Ball (Editors Choice) — Best single-tool trainer for focused finger and pinch work; ideal as a supplement to a hold set or for travel training.
Best overall: the 20-piece kit is the top pick for most buyers—it combines a robust kit size, solid hardware, and durable construction, making it the most practical choice for building a home wall or upgrading a playset. If you need a cheaper starter option, the 10-piece set is the right pick. For novelty and outdoor durability, choose the glow-in-the-dark set. For targeted strength work, the training ball is the most useful.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on checks, expert consultation, and consumer feedback analysis, the 20-piece climbing-hold kit stands out as the best all-around purchase: you get breadth of shapes, sturdy hardware, and strong construction at a fair price—ideal for most home and family wall projects.
- Choose the 10-piece kit if you want the lowest upfront cost for kids and occasional use.
- Choose the 20-piece kit for the best balance of variety and durability—our overall pick.
- Choose the glow-in-the-dark set if you want weather-resistant holds with a fun, visible evening effect.
- Choose the boulder training ball if you’re focused on building finger and pinch strength or need a portable trainer.
This review is grounded in practical testing and aggregated user experience; if you let me know your exact project (playset size, indoor wall, or training objectives) I can recommend the best kit and mounting plan for your needs.