In these times of worldwide pandemic, climbers are flocking more than ever to fingerboards. While climbing gyms are closed, you can stay fit by using a fingerboard. Actually, it was a part of every climber’s climbing regiment, so why not take advantage of the virus and make one of the best fingerboards? So instead of going for climbing outside it’s better to stay home and practice on fingerboard.
In the following paragraphs, we will discuss each fingerboard in detail. Lastly, we will talk about what matters most in a fingerboard. To know about 10 best fingerboards, check out this article!
You can’t slimpy wait to start hanging on the fingerboard, right? But keep patience let’s learn everything about fingerboard in this article.
Table of Contents
What is a Fingerboard?
A fingerboard, also called a hangboard, is a common tool for training rock climbers. Fingerboards are strength training devices for climbers made from wood or synthetic materials. They simulate the edges and holds climbers might encounter while climbing. Climbers can train the specific muscle groups involved in climbing, especially those in the fingers that enhance grip strength. At home, fingerboards could be mounted at the doorway of a room or in the gym.
This training tool is a crucial element in every experienced climber’s regimen, as it is easy to use.
These fingerboards have been around since the 1980s, and allow climbers to work out the major muscle groups.
In addition to strengthening grip strength, these simple tools also allow for intensive arm and shoulder exercises. Rock climbers can improve their upper body and hand strength by doing so, which will allow them to attempt more difficult climbs.
The majority of rock climbers don’t recommend fingerboards to people who aren’t yet at an intermediate level, as we’ll see below.
You should start looking for a fingerboard if you have reached this level or think you will soon.
There are so many options on the market, how do you know which one to choose? It might have happened to you that you have received different fingerboard recommendations from all your friends, leaving you confused about which one to buy.
Don’t let discouragement get you down. There are several quality fingerboards available, which is why you’re likely to get so many different answers. Knowing what these people are good at is the trick.
That’s because not all fingerboards are created equal. One fingerboard may be better at one thing, but there may be another that is better at something else.
You need to find the right one that fits your unique situation so that you can train to improve. It makes sense that your fingerboard may be different from anyone else’s due to the differences in your training requirements.
So how do you choose the right fingerboard? What should you look for in a fingerboard? Are there any qualities, and how do you determine what are those qualities?
Yes, you can and in this article today we will discuss the different aspects you should consider when choosing a fingerboard.
If you use this information, you will be able to find the right equipment to boost your workout. By getting the right fingerboard for you, you will progress to bigger and better climbs much more quickly than you ever imagined.
Keeping that in mind, let’s discuss some of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing your fingerboard.
How To Use Fingerboard?
To know, how to use the fingerboard, check out this video:
What to Look for in a Fingerboard?
You’ll have to consider your situation when choosing your fingerboard, as it will impact what qualities you’re looking for.
Though there is a set number of categories, the ones that matter to you will be subjective. Those who are just beginning their training may want a fingerboard that’s easy to mount and use, while those who are more advanced may want a fingerboard with excellent endurance training.
Therefore, it’s important to consider your personal situation before investing in a fingerboard. When you’re working with a budget, it’s even more important. You need to make sure that you have the right fingerboard for your training.
Do not misunderstand what we are saying. Buying a fingerboard that isn’t optimal for you won’t prevent you from getting a good workout. It’s best to buy a fingerboard that’s tailored specifically for your situation, however, if you really want to maximize your workout.
You may want to ask more experienced climbers for recommendations on fingerboards and if you have an instructor, you should ask them. It’s best to get someone who is more knowledgeable than you to look at the situation.
We have outlined some of the things you should look for when selecting a fingerboard below.
Make sure that you keep this information in mind when choosing a fingerboard.
Choose a Fingerboard Type That’s Right for You
In the beginning, it’s important to note that not all fingerboards are made equal and because of the differences in widths, hold sizes, textures, etc., certain fingerboards are better suited to certain purposes.
It’s now possible to buy fingerboards that are smartphone-compatible thanks to the development of fingerboard technology. There are also wooden designs that are tried and true.
You’ll quickly see that some fingerboard options are simply more complex than others as you look through the different options. The holes are more numerous and more angled, which allows for a better workout.
You might want to start with something simpler if you’re new to hangboarding. You can also progress your workout by using different fingerboards if you’re interested in taking it to the next level.
A Fingerboard That Offers a Good Variety of Hold Types is What You Need
Through their various hold types, fingerboards assist in this process in a powerful way.
Advanced hangboards offer a wider range of hold and grip types so that you can get a more comprehensive workout. These boards have slopers, crimps, edges, and pockets that can strengthen the various holds used when climbing.
In order to determine which fingerboard is best for you in this regard, you must know how skilled you are. The many different grips offered by some hangboards will likely not be needed by someone new to fingerboarding.
Although it may seem paradoxical, even beginners can use advanced fingerboards. Despite being more difficult to use at first, complex fingerboards are preferred by many rock climbers since they allow for better progression. Additionally, beginners often find it easier to use these more-advanced hangboards because they have different fingerholes of different shapes and sizes.
In other words, after mastering one grip they can move on to another, more challenging grip. This should be kept in mind when selecting a fingerboard.
It’s all about size
Depending on the hold size you use, you may be limited in the types of exercises you can do.
When the size of the equipment is small, you may not be able to perform certain holds or do certain exercises and this should be kept in mind when selecting your board, though it won’t be an issue until you’ve progressed quite a bit in fingerboarding.
Consider the Texture: Is it Wood or Polyester?
The texture of the fingerboard should be one of your top considerations when choosing one.
You want to know why?
This is because when it comes to protecting your fingers, you need to find a texture that is good-quality. For example, cheap wood fingerboards tend to start wearing after repeated use, leaving jagged edges and splinters in their wake – rendering the board virtually useless.
You can see that it is vital that you invest in a fabric that enables a good workout. That means one that won’t wear out over time and has a good grip. During your workout, you do not want to start slipping.
It is therefore necessary to understand the textures provided by different materials for fingerboards.
A fingerboard can be made in two ways, from three different materials:
A polyester resin and polyurethane mix can make wooden ones or a polyester resin and polyurethane mix can make a mix of both. Let’s learn more about these materials in depth. Every one of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wood
Many rock climbers prefer the sleek feel and finish that wood provides for fingerboards. Wooden fingerboards lack the traction of those made from polyester resin or polyurethane, but if they are made properly, they won’t wear out with repeated use. This makes it harder to keep a firm grip on them, which increases the difficulty of the exercise.
Unlike conventional telescopes, however, they are typically lighter in weight, which makes them easier to carry and to mount.
Polyurethane and polyester resins mixed
This fingerboard is not just better for gripping, it also has a number of advantages. In particular, they usually have a greater range of holds and depth. The intense workout they provide, makes them a great alternative to more experienced fingerboarders.
These fingerboards have mainly negative characteristics related to aesthetics and mounting. In addition to being bulkier, they do not have the same level of shine as wooden doors. Because of this, hanging them is more difficult.
The polyster fingerboard provides better grip, however it is heavier and more difficult to mount.
The polyster fingerboard provides better grip, however it is heavier and more difficult to mount.
A multi-purpose fingerboard
In addition to adding another layer to your workout, more complex fingerboards offer a wide range of benefits. In addition to the different holds that you can practice, you can also start training other muscle groups.
You may even consider adding pullups to your fingerboarding routine once you’re familiar with dead hangs. The way you grip the rock climbing boulders will mimic real rock climbing, since you can vary your grip. As you’re out on the rocks, you want to ensure that your upper body is strong enough to keep you safe.
Having a variety of hold options will increase the variation of exercises you can do to build upper body strength. With complex fingerboards, we can target the upper body, from our grip and our arms to our shoulders and elbows. You will perform better when you are actually on the rocks if you train as much as possible.
Keep in mind: don’t try to get everything done at the same time. Working out slowly and steadily will enable you to progress to more intense routines.
Longevity
There is no fingerboard that is impervious to wear and tear.
If you choose a quality model, you’ll have a better chance of extending the life of your fingerboard.
If you’re on a tight budget, cheaper options are fine, but you should buy a more durable board as soon as possible. It’s vital that they stay in good working condition since they support your body weight.
Mounting ease
When your fingerboard can’t be mounted, it won’t help you much.
You’ll be surprised at how difficult mounting certain types of hangboards can be, even if you’re an expert. Because of this, you should purchase a fingerboard you can hang easily.
A fingerboard’s ease of hanging is determined by several factors.
A ledge above your door will suffice, or a size that is big enough so you can hang the board. Insufficient space—or an excessively large fingerboard—will obviously prove problematic.
Furthermore, heavier fingerboards can be more difficult to mount-which is unfortunate because they tend to provide greater functionality.
It is important you understand the weight and space requirements of a fingerboard before buying it. Basically, make sure that your new fingerboard will fit in a space that can hold its size and weight. Don’t forget to take measurements before you purchase your board.
Are fingerboards a good choice for beginners?
Most rock climbers advise beginners not to use fingerboards, even though you may want to start right away practicing your grip.
When one is beginning climbing, there is nothing better for improving one’s grip than climbing itself and in fact, you could seriously harm yourself if you begin fingerboarding before you’re ready.
With improper technique, even experienced climbers can sometimes pull or strain muscles and be unable to climb for several weeks.
Climbers who are new to climbing have a greater chance of experiencing this. As well as not knowing proper techniques, it is likely your muscles are not developed enough.
Fingerboards target different areas of your body – from your fingers to your shoulders to your arms. During a workout you should ensure that these areas are sufficiently developed.
It’s also true that if you’re just getting started, you won’t need any extra training anyway. Your rock climbing won’t require such a high level of muscle development as it does for mountaineering.
When the time is right, you’ll probably know it. It will be too easy for you to climb the climbs that you’re used to, while the climbs that you want to do will be too difficult.
It’s likely that you’re ready to move from simple climbs to more complex ones at this point. You can achieve this goal by using your fingerboard.
Still, you shouldn’t start working out on the fingerboard straightaway. Although you’re going to have sharper grips and stronger arms than before, you may not realize just how tough a workout fingerboards can be.
In other words, hanging by your fingertips isn’t as easy as it seems. As a result, it becomes even more challenging with workout variations.
When it comes to fingerboarding, you’ll want to start slowly and gradually work your way up to a solid routine.
Overeagerness and doing too much will not help you become a better rock climber. Rather than putting you out of action, it will more likely cause you to lose several weeks of your work.
In light of that, let’s examine the ten top-rated fingerboards currently available on the market. Understanding how to use a certain fingerboard will help you get the most out of your workout.
Keeping these categories in mind can help you in picking your fingerboard.
Be sure to limit your choices to just one at a time. You don’t need any more than that for beginners, but if you’re an experienced player, having many different fingerboards isn’t a problem. With different fingerboards, you may be able to target different areas of your muscle development. Eventually, you will probably collect different fingerboards anyway, since you will likely keep a collection over the years. Very rarely will you come across a board that is so awesome that you promptly stop using the others.
In addition, you may also encounter different kinds of fingerboards at your local climbing gym, so it’s good to know which boards are suitable for what purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is a climbing fingerboard?
Climbers use a fingerboard to train their strength by simulating the edges and holds they might encounter while climbing and it is typically made of wood or synthetic materials. As a result, climbers are able to strengthen their upper body and hands, enabling them to make more difficult climbs.
How many times in a week should I fingerboard?
Fingerboard training or hangboard training should be limited to just two days per week-three at most if you are not climbing at all-and used as a supplement to climbing rather than a replacement for climbing itself.
Should you fingerboard before or after climbing?
Dr. Eva Lopez also noted that hangboarding always comes first in climbing sessions. Do not wait until after two hours of climbing to slap around on the hangboard carefree. Don’t just do it, but do it properly and make it worthwhile.
