{"id":3019,"date":"2026-10-07T20:55:44","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T20:55:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rxclimbingholds.de\/?p=3019"},"modified":"2026-10-08T06:31:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-08T06:31:21","slug":"klettergriffe-materialien-vergleich","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rxclimbingholds.de\/en\/klettergriffe-materialien-vergleich\/","title":{"rendered":"Climbing hold materials comparison: PE, PU, wood & fiberglass (fibreglass)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Not all climbing holds are created equal \u2013 and that's not just because of their shape and color. The material a hold is made of significantly influences how it feels, how long it lasts, and what it's best suited for. In this article, we compare the most important materials used for climbing holds: polyurethane (PU), polyester resin (PE), wood, and fiberglass (FRP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Klettergriff<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Polyurethane (PU) \u2013 The classic material for climbing gyms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Polyurethane is one of the most commonly used materials in modern climbing gyms. PU holds can be molded with great detail, allowing for fine structures and precise textures \u2013 perfect for technical footholds and handholds with plenty of character. The material is relatively lightweight and offers a comfortable, grippy surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The disadvantage: PU is somewhat more sensitive to UV radiation and can fade or become brittle more quickly when exposed to direct sunlight outdoors. This is generally not a problem for indoor use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyester resin (PE) \u2013 Robust and inexpensive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Polyester resin holds, often simply called PE holds, are the more robust and usually cheaper alternative to PU. They are more resistant to UV radiation and weathering, making them the preferred choice for outdoor walls and bouldering facilities. However, they are slightly heavier and the level of detail in their manufacture is somewhat lower than with PU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

PE holds are particularly popular for large sets and training holds where durability and a fair price are paramount.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wood \u2013 Natural and extremely durable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Wooden holds have a unique charm: they feel warm and natural and are extremely resistant to wear and tear. For this reason, they are particularly popular for fingerboards and hangboards, where a consistent, stable surface is essential for targeted finger strength training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One disadvantage: wood can become smoother than textured resin holds when exposed to sweat or moisture. Therefore, wood is less common than PU or PE for general climbing walls with diverse routes, but it plays an important role in training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fiberglass (GFRP) \u2013 For large volumes and macros<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to large structures \u2013 such as macros, volumes, or large surface elements \u2013 glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) is usually used. Fiberglass makes it possible to produce even very large shapes that are stable yet relatively lightweight. The surface is additionally textured or coated to ensure that even large elements remain easy to grip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fibreglass volumes are ideal for designing climbing walls in three dimensions and creating new route possibilities through angles and overhangs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which material suits you best?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The choice of the right material depends primarily on where and for what purpose the holds are to be used:<\/p>\n\n\n\n