Kilter Board - Layout Comparison

Our goal for the Original Layout layout was to bring board climbing out of the hardman's basement and make it accessible to a broad range of climbing abilities. To do this we focused on four major categories: grips style, an intuitive interface, size, and adjustability.

We developed our signature light-up technology which features a clear base on every hold that lights up, allowing the holds to be visible from 360˚. 

To accommodate a range of climbing ability, we felt that the hold variation was crucial. We wanted the entire frame to be adjustable, which added another degree of complexity when shaping the holds. We found some were not usable at steeper angles, while others were too generous on the mellower terrain. Luckily, our shapers draw from over 30 years of experience and created hundreds before deciding on the 476 that are currently on the 12’x12’ Original Layout which has climbs across an angle range of 0˚-70˚.  

Before the Kilter Board, all other training boards were hosted on an 8’x12’ frame. We felt this size to be a bit limiting in terms of the style and movement that was made available. We decided to add 2’ to either side of our prototype board, and found that it allowed for much more nuanced and varied climbing. Recently, we have added an additional 3 columns to the 12x12, creating a 16’x12’ Original Layout, making it the largest training board available.

All of the climbs on the 12x12 layout are available on the 16x12 database, and the expanded layout allows for very long and nuanced climbs at all angles.

We have seen engagement all over the world from over 250,000 users and over 130,000 boulder problems have been added to the database.

Based on that success, we set some new goals for the Kilter Board HW Fullride Layout:

The first was to design a Kilter Board that would fit inside most homes and work with most budgets. 

The second was to incorporate both the internal and external feedback from the original layout and use it to make a standardized board that would allow folks to train specifically for their outdoor climbing goals.

To meet these goals, we relied on the same light-up technology and App functionality as the Original Kilter Board, but the holds on this layout use martini bolts which allow for lighter more cost-effective shapes. To fit within standard 8’ rooms, this layout was launched using a 7’x10’ frame with no kickboard. This allows folks to construct a simple wood frame that can be set at 40˚ in an 8’ tall room. 

The lighter holds meant we can hit a much higher density of holds at a lower price point.  We also decided to not shape any foot specific holds, so every hold on the layout can function as either a foot or a hand. If you look closely at the layout, you will see that many of the pinches and underclings which offer intricate smearing options. This density also allows for the crux moves of outdoor projects to be recreated more accurately. During development we shaped hundreds of grips and worked tirelessly to ensure the Kilter Board HW would keep a range of climbers entertained and challenged. 

The style of this layout departs from other training boards. The texture of the grips is similar to wingate sandstone and means your sessions will not be cut prematurely due to skin issues. The setting on this layout often utilizes grips positions and footholds that are off-set and require nuanced tension. There are still plenty of “jump-and-catch” boulders, but the innovation can be found in the powerful yet delicate movement that no other training board offers.

The Kilter Board HW Fullride Layout starts at a 7x10 crop and has a few expansion packs that can make the layout 8’x12’ or 10’x12’ (both with kickboards) and 10’x10’ (no kicker).

The 8’x12’ is the classic size for training boards and has a kicker that can be sized as small as 8”. It adds 6 rows below the lowest row on the 7’x10’ and two rows of feet for the kickboard.

The 10’x10’ adds 3 columns to either side of the 7’x10’ with no kickboard. This model is designed to maximize the climbing terrain for smaller spaces, with lower ceilings.

The 10’x12’ is the combination of the above-mentioned models and has more holds than any training board on the planet. It is an exceptional and innovative training tool.