Wooden climbing holds: advantages and benefits

How many times have we had to end our training session because of that annoying burning sensation in our hands due to excessive skin consumption? If the answer is too many, fear not, we have the right solution for you!

In fact, we know that in climbing, in order to have fun and perform well, a crucial factor is the skin of the fingers; however, the vast majority of climbing holds in gyms are made of plastic, a truly abrasive material for our beloved fingertips (think, for example, of the pain of when we grab a volume and immediately our hand slips!).

To solve this dilemma, we at WHISE have designed climbing holds with a material that is as beautiful as it is innovative: wood!

But what are the advantages of using wooden sockets over their plastic counterparts? Let’s explore them together!

1) Gentle on the Skin

Wood has a smoother and less abrasive surface, reducing the risk of irritations, cuts and abrasions that can occur during prolonged training sessions.

This is a big advantage for us climbers, especially for those who want to train frequently without having to skip sessions due to pain or poor skin conditions on their hands.

2) More Physically Demanding

The surface of WHISE wooden holds is smooth but still provides a secure grip without being overly aggressive on the skin.

This encourages us to generate more strength to stay on, activating a greater number of muscle groups. The result is a more intense and complete workout compared to using plastic holds!

3) Low Chalk Consumption

WHISE wooden holds partially absorb chalk, reducing the need for frequent reapplication.

This means you use less chalk and produce less airborne dust, improving both grip safety and air quality in your training area.

4) Easy to Clean

Wood doesn’t accumulate dirt and dust the same way plastic does and can be easily cleaned with a brush and, if necessary, some 80-grit sandpaper. Plastic holds, on the other hand, often require large amounts of water to clean, making them less environmentally sustainable!

Additionally, wood has natural antibacterial properties that help keep the holds more hygienic over time. At WHISE, we recommend getting into the habit of brushing your wooden holds both before and after your training sessions to prolong their lifespan.

5) Sustainable

Most WHISE products are made from recycled FSC/PEFC–certified wood sourced from carpentry and sawmill offcuts. from production residues from carpentry and sawmills. In this way, we contribute to the reduction of felled trees and CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere. Conversely, the production of plastic sockets uses limited, non-renewable and more polluting resources.

At the end of their life cycle, our products can be used as a source of heat to heat the house or, after being disassembled, taken to an eco-centre for disposal.

6) Natural-looking

The natural and pleasant composition of wood lends a touch of harmony to the surroundings, creating a warmer and cosier ambience. This allows us, in an unconscious way, to connect with nature, generating a positive feeling throughout our workout!

Furthermore, wood tends to retain its beauty and vibrancy over time, while plastic can deteriorate and fade faster with heavy use.

Conclusion:

If we haven’t convinced you yet to switch to wooden holds, sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our upcoming events—and come test them yourself!

If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@wh-ise.it, or visit us on our Instagram page for more exciting content!

Happy climbing, alé!