Outdoors or indoors, the latest wave of new products and services will help you make the most of the summer climbing season. High-tech auto belay advancements, fresh resources for physical and mental training, pocket-size crag and gym accessories, expert-led workshops and clinics to bolster gym development and routesetting, and other innovations are making a splash this season.
BRANDS INCLUDED BELOW:
– Climb Manager – Climb Smarter – EP Climbing – Head Rush – Kilter – Kinetik – LEMUR – Midnight Lightning – Monopkt – Nicros – Outdoor Research – Perfect Descent – Petzl – Rock Gear – ROLL Recovery – Ryan Studio – sToKed – Tension – Trango –
EP Climbing
EP now offers customized routesetting services, separately or alongside wall installation projects. This includes routesetter training that can cover safety, techniques, planning, movement, as well as contract routesetting both one-time events and ongoing route rotations. One day routesetting services begin at $680 plus travel.
Head Rush
The TRUBLUE iQ+ is now available for purchase from Head Rush. This first-ever “catch-and-hold” auto belay is activated through wall-mounted buttons at the bottom and top of each climbing route. The iQ+ uses the same patented friction-free magnetic braking system as their other devices, and is available with 12.5m or 20m webbing lengths. $4399
Kilter x LEMUR
Kilter and LEMUR recently debuted their Adjustable Slab Wall collaboration. Pushing a button will change the angle anywhere from -10° slab to 40° overhang. Available in various sizes with widths of 8′, 12′, 14′, 16′, 20′ and 24′ and heights of 12′ or 14′. Pricing begins at $22,000 for the 8×12 model.
Midnight Lightning
Midnight Lightning has just released a trio of new products. Their 8cm in diameter Chalktopus ($9.95CAD) is more than a chalkball, with microfibre tentacles designed to improve chalking and keep more of it in your bag. Their Seawater Sourced Chalk ($22.99CAD) is sustainably sourced through solar evaporation rather than mining, and is available in 275g bags with either chunky or powder blends. Their Vegan Eco-Brush ($16.95CAD) is both animal-free and plastic-free with a laminated bamboo handle and Tampico fibre bristles.
Nicros
Nicros recently updated their Auto Belay Safety System™ . The patented device uses wall-mounted sensors to detect when a climber’s body crosses predetermined and customizable heights, emitting three levels of warnings using lights and sounds. Optional installation service is offered. Pricing is quoted by project (a single self-install unit ranges $500-$800).
Perfect Descent
Perfect Descent has a launched a lanyard replacement subscription intended to reduce downtime and enable facilities to quickly replace worn or damaged lanyards. At checkout the subscription offers delivery every 1, 3, 6 or 12 months with a 10% discount.
Petzl
Petzl has two new climbing harnesses. The AQUILA ($119.95) is designed for maximum support while hanging with a wide waistbelt and adjustable leg loops, available in sizes S-XL. The HIRUNDOS ($99.95) is designed for lightweight performance with a thin and flexible waistbelt and elasticized leg loops, available in sizes XS-L. Both new harnesses feature two semi-rigid front gear loops, two flexible rear gear loops, a closed-cell thermoformed foam waist belt, and moisture-wicking interior fabric.
Rock Gear
The new Rock Gear Case has a top and side entry, incorporates EVA foam for padding and insulation, with water-repellent nylon construction. It features a shoulder strap, can be attached to bikes, and the approx. 11″x3.3″x3.5″ size accommodates many water bottles, cans, and other gear. Optional bottle. $39.95
Ryan Studio
Ryan Studio has begun offering Climbing Gym Project Development Workshops. They’re designed to help people create world-class spaces that support their business model, including both independent 1-on-1 sessions and lifetime access to their Development Support Material (screenshot of the materials list below). $1500
sToKed
sToKed Climbing Volumes has launched The Clinics. They focus on routesetting, training, and gym management and are offered at no additional cost to customers with a minimum spend ($2500 for offsite clinics, $8000 for in-house clinics). Non-customers are also invited, starting at $200.
Trango
The new Rock Prodigy Natural is Trango’s most recent hangboard. The split design is made with FSC-Certified Sustainable Beech wood for a neutral texture, and features edges, pockets and pinches ranging 10-38mm. Includes mountain cleat and rail system for tool-free adjustment and removal.
Climb Manager
Gym management software company Climb Manager recently launched their self-service kiosk. This autonomous sales stand enables both new and existing customers to purchase and manage memberships and more. Optional biometric authentication. A self-service kiosk is included with plans beginning at 349€ monthly.
Climb Smarter
Sequoia Books has published the new book Climb Smarter: Mental Skills & Techniques for Climbers by Dr. Rebecca Williams. The book addresses psychological planning, fixing common fears and anxieties, and finessing mental skills. $19.24 with free worldwide delivery.
KinetiK
KinetiK has launched their Atto Newton accessory bouldering pad. It features a slip-resistant traction strip, trifold design, and drag/carry handles, and is designed to add another single layer of padding over rocks, sit starts, or large pad stacks. $155
LEMUR
LEMUR recently released the Alannah Yip Portable Hangboard designed with the namesake Canadian Olympian climber. Manufactured locally from reclaimed ash wood from Montreal parks, it features multiple edges from 12mm to 24mm and weighs about one pound. $87.95CAD
Monopkt
The new Climbing Training Journal from Monopkt provides 48 pages to track training progress with goal setting/review prompts. It’s 3.5″ x 5.5″, fits in your pocket, and is printed on recycled paper with soy ink. $12
Outdoor Research
Outdoor Research released their new Granite Glove. Designed for belaying and rappelling on long climbs, it features full-grain leather, minimal seams on the fingertips, a neoprene cuff, and hook/loop wrist closure. $55
ROLL Recovery
The R1 Percussion Massage Device is new from ROLL Recovery. It features 40W of power with 4 speed settings, 4 attachment heads, a 7-hour battery life rechargeable via USB-C, and is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. $129
Tension
Tension recently launched the A.UX Bucket. Their new chalk bucket features neodymium magnetic closure, three brush loops, a zippered pocket, reflective front webbing, and is made in Louisville, Colorado. $65
Submit your latest products and services
Each season we plan to publish a report featuring recently released products and services for climbing facilities and insiders. Contact us to be included in future Buyer’s Guides.
Climbing Business Journal is an independent news outlet dedicated to covering the indoor climbing industry. Here you will find the latest coverage of climbing industry news, gym developments, industry best practices, risk management, climbing competitions, youth coaching and routesetting. Have an article idea? CBJ loves to hear from readers like you!
