New boulder problems are the reason regulars keep coming back. At the same time, holds, volume, and the labor involved in route setting are among the biggest ongoing expenses for a climbing gym. As a manufacturer of climbing holds who regularly sets routes in climbing gyms ourselves, we see both sides. In this article, we show how gyms and clubs manage their Plan inventory, a meaningful one Changing rhythm find and at Purchase directly from the manufacturer benefit.
- predictable rhythm Regular renovations attract more customers than rare complete overhauls.
- Plan inventory by sector – with a reserve for the sectors that are currently being restructured.
- Mix counts: Grip types, sizes, volumes and colors for all levels.
- Care & Inspection They extend the service life and are part of the operator's obligations.
- Directly from the manufacturer: Reproduction, custom colors and individual offers without intermediaries.
Why new grips are so important for a sports hall
Climbers come for exercise, challenge, and variety. If the boulder problems remain unchanged for too long, motivation wanes – especially among regulars who know the problems by heart after a few weeks. New holds and new shapes bring fresh movement possibilities that wouldn't be possible with the existing holds alone.
New boulders are a reason to come back – and talk about them.
Fresh surfaces have more grip and make the boulders fairer.
Unique colors and shapes give the hall a distinctive character.
Damaged handles are noticed during the reassembly process and are removed from circulation.
Finding the right screw-on rhythm
There is no fixed rule. What has proven effective is using the hall in Sectors The plan is to divide the routes and reset them one after the other on a fixed schedule. This way, there's something new every week, and after a few weeks, the entire hall is refreshed. It's important that the schedule is predictable and communicated – for example, via social media or a notice like "New boulder problems starting Thursday".
| Hall type | Typical approach |
|---|---|
| Small Hall / Club Wall | One sector every one to two weeks, plus seasonal promotions |
| Medium-sized bouldering hall | fixed weekly rhythm across multiple sectors |
| Large hall with classes | Separate areas for courses/children with longer waiting times |
When resetting routes, always include a few really easy boulders. Beginners are tomorrow's regulars – and nothing is more frustrating than a newly set sector where only the pros are having fun.
Planning the number of holds: How many holds does a gym need?
The number of holds must be sufficient to allow one sector to be adjusted while the others remain in place. This means that in addition to the holds on the wall, you need a... Current inventory Handles that are currently being washed or are ready for the next sector. If you plan too tightly, you'll keep screwing the same handles in the same places.
- Record inventory: How many grips, volumes, and macros per sector? Which colors, which sizes?
- Identify gaps: Are there a lack of good beginner holds, large slopers, or volume? Are there enough footholds?
- Estimate replacement needs: How many handles fail each year due to breakage or wear and tear?
- Divide the budget: One part for replacements, one part for new forms that bring fresh movements.
The right mix of handles, volume, and colors
Good boulder problems come from a well-stocked box. Look for a mix of jugs, crimps, slopers, pinches, and finger pockets in various sizes – plus Macros and GRP volume, which shape the movements. We will show you the different grip types in What types of climbing holds are there?
Regarding the material... Polyester (PE) For most halls, it's the economical choice: robust and inexpensive. Polyurethane (PU) It is lighter and particularly break-resistant – useful for large handles or where handles are frequently dropped. Fibreglass Suitable for large, lightweight volumes. With Dual texture Route planners also control where grabs are allowed.
Maintenance, inspection and replacement
Magnesia, rubber abrasion, and skin oils make grips smooth over time. Regular washing restores the grip and extends the lifespan. We describe the best way to do this in [section/document]. Cleaning and maintaining climbing holds.
Operator responsibilities also include regular inspections: checking holds for cracks and twisting, tightening screws, and immediately discarding damaged holds. Bouldering walls are constructed and tested according to DIN EN 12572-2, while climbing holds are regulated by DIN EN 12572-3. You can find practical tips for testing in [reference to relevant document/document]. Safety on the climbing wall and regarding shelf life in Resistance of climbing holds.
Buying directly from the manufacturer: What halls benefit from it
We develop, cast, and package our handles ourselves in Miesbach. This offers tangible advantages for halls and clubs:
- Post-production: Individual handles within a family can be replaced to ensure sets remain complete.
- Desired colors: Handles in the colors of your color system or brand.
- Materials as needed: PE as standard, PU on request, GRP for volume and macros.
- Individual offer: For larger quantities, we will create a quote for you directly from the manufacturer – without intermediaries.
- From practical experience: We test each shape on our own wall, and we regularly do the assembly ourselves in workshops.
- Free samples: Check the material and texture before you order.
Do you run a climbing gym or club climbing wall?
Request free samples or send us your wish list – we usually get back to you within 24 hours with a quote.
Frequently asked questions from hall operators
How often should a climbing gym change the route?
There's no hard and fast rule. Many arcades rotate sections of the arcade on a regular schedule, so regular customers can find something new every week, and the whole arcade is refreshed after a few weeks. The key is a predictable schedule that your customers are familiar with.
When should climbing holds be replaced?
If they show cracks, twist despite correct installation, have chipped edges, or the surface has become so smooth that even cleaning is no longer effective, damaged handles must be removed from circulation immediately.
Can I reorder holds from RX Climbing Holds that I already own?
Yes. Because we do our own casting, we can reproduce shapes and match colors. This ensures that handle families remain complete, even if individual handles need to be replaced.
Are there templates for hall operators?
Yes. Halls and clubs can request free samples from us to check the material, texture and workmanship before placing a larger order. Request a sample
About the author: Raul Ortiz has been climbing since 2006, develops and casts climbing holds and fibreglass volumes with RX Climbing Holds in Miesbach, and regularly sets boulder and rope routes in climbing gyms in Upper Bavaria. More about us
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