Space-saving MoonBoard offers rock climbers plenty of training options

By Garrett Hulfish May 27, 2017

Moon board film

As any rock climber or boulderer knows, training indoors takes up a lot of space. In 2005, competitive climber Ben Moon created the first MoonBoard in order to fit within the confines of a small space. Since then, it has received two notable upgrades, an LED kit and a mobile app.

Each MoonBoard is made using three sheets of plywood and a kicker panel. It hangs at an angle of 40 degrees, with 140 simple holds attached at precise angles in a grid pattern. Each hold is standardized in its location and orientation, creating a way for two climbers to connect and share problems from separate locations.

1 of 3

moonboard climbing 03 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

moonboard climbing 05 3 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

moonboard climbing 05 4 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Using the free Moon Climbing app, for both Android and iPhone users, climbers with a MoonBoard gain access to thousands of problems to try out. Users can rate a problem, create a new one, log their efforts, and create personal lists. Currently, there are more than 7,500 problems available, with more added every day by climbers like Moon himself.

For added convenience, climbers can enjoy the MoonBoard LED kit. Instead of taping each new route, the app can connect to the kit via Bluetooth, lighting up the start holds, holds in the problem, and finishing holds. With thousands of different problems to climb, an LED system allows a lot more time on the wall.

One issue surrounding the MoonBoard is that it caters exclusively to advanced climbers. The lowest grade within the app is a V4. In the future, this will pose less of a problem. The app will soon feature a setting for a 25-degree board, allowing grades that are achievable by intermediate climbers.

Currently, MoonBoards are available in a mostly DIY form. Branded panels cost about $1,280 and the holds cost about $606. For the LED kit, climbers can spend an additional $648. As is, the MoonBoard needs to be mounted or attached to a ceiling. Additionally, climbers can pick up a fully stocked, freestanding MoonBoard for $9,504.

Topics

Garrett Hulfish

Contributor

Garrett is the kind of guy who tells you about all the tech you haven't heard of yet. He also knows too much about other…

Mobile

The best golf apps for iPhone and Android: 8 best ones in 2023

smart golf club

If you play golf, then it's likely you live and breathe golf, and like everyone else, you're probably always looking to improve your game. Hiring a coach and other methods are great ways to improve, but have you considered starting out by downloading an app? Golfing apps are some of the most advanced applications out there and make heavy use of artificial intelligence and GPS to both track your movements and analyze your swing. Golf apps can track an enormous amount of data about the way you play and can help you to turn those bogeys into birdies. Here are the best golf apps for iPhones and Android phones.

Looking for more useful apps? Check out our lists of the best Android apps and best iPhone apps you can download today.

Outdoors

Goal Zero’s new Skylight is an LED palm tree for emergencies

A Goal Zero Skylight shining LEDs lights into a darkened hallway.

Goal Zero is expanding its lighting range today with a backup LED system called the Skylight. The Goal Zero Skylight is an all-in-one set that includes a 33Wh battery built in and six LED panels that can blast out 6,000 lumens all told.

There are four brightness settings available, if that much light is overkill for your needs, and the panels can angle outwards as needed to cover a larger area. Combined with the 12 feet of telescoping available from the tripod, you can cover quite the range with visibility. A handle with a one-button release allows you to quickly deploy the Skylight for outdoor work or play, and stakes stored in the legs give you the option to keep it in place. A dedicated spool stows the charging cable when you're not using it, and a carrying case is included to store and move the whole kit.

Outdoors

The best electric bikes for 2023

Aventon Pace 500.3 with rider on it

Whether you're wondering what the fuss is all about with e-bikes, or you're an enthusiast shopping for a new model, the options have never been broader. There is an e-bike for just about anyone who wants to try electric two-wheeling, whether you want to spend $500 or $5,000. Using e-bikes for commuting is an eminently practical and cost-saving alternative form of transport for some people, but most riders choose e-bikes for fun and adventure.

Here are eight of the best e-bikes available today, from our favorite overall pick to more specialized choices for every type of rider, whether you're looking for something fast, portable, and just more affordable.