Brands

The Czech company AIX (formerly known as ‘a.9’) was started in 1996 by Andrej Chrastina, a well known climber from the Czech and Slovak republic. Approaching the shaping process with a bit of humour, the results are nonetheless very serious, which lead them to be the supplier for several world cups and a partner of the Czech bouldering cup. AIX is characterized by fun, original shapes, which are friendly for the fingers and skin, and a pleasure to climb on! They have a big range of polyester and PU poured holds and also some (big) fiberglass volumes. But you probably cannot have missed their unique and popular plywood volumes, like the Brix cubes and the modular pentagon and star shapes.

Quality chalk, like quality shoes, makes a big difference on the rock. That is why Friction Labs developed a proprietary chalk product that, like a down-turn climbing shoe, truly gives every climber that extra edge toward success. The staying power of Friction Labs chalk is unmatched by any other brand of chalk, meaning you can chalk up less and perform at your best. Friction Labs chalk is responsibly refined in Denver, Colorado and stripped of all unnecessary fillers, so at the same time you are keeping your hands healthy and strong. The loose chalk comes in three different varieties, from super chunky to super smooth, so everyone can pick their favorite chalk-feel. Don’t worry if you’re more into liquid chalk - Friction Labs also has got you covered with their Secret Stuff chalk cream: handy bottles of super high purity Magnesium Carbonate.

These Eindhoven based powerhouses do things their way. Their shapes, their production, their philosophy, their collaborations. Combining shaping and manufacturing in house, by themselves, they create unique opportunities to seek unconventional partnerships. They’re a breath of fresh air in many ways and that’s why we feel they are an excellent match with Aap Climbing. We dare you, for example, to check out the iconic Chop series. As if the shapes themselves aren’t cool or functional enough, combining the bigger shapes with screw-ons opens up a whole new world of possibilities. And what about the sophisticated jugs of the Ocus line, where changing the wall angle can make them go from easy to hard in an instant. Order them now, before they get famous, so you can tell the next generation of setters in ten years you were right there with Fuel holds when they started.

Founded in 2015, this relatively new holds company is hailing from the far north of Europe. In Oulu, northern Finland, where the winters are cold and dark, one finds the perfect environment for indoor climbing. This has lead the founders of Kitka to embark on their mission to manufacture climbing holds with a Scandinavian touch. The holds are created with a minimalistic and functional design, combined with a special focus on ergonomics. Fueled by their passion for progressive and modern routesetting, Kitka delivers a broad range of shapes, from geometric to rocklike, but always hand-friendly; with a grippy surface, yet easy on the skin. Keep an eye out for what this brand is gonna bring to the playing field next!

China based Anti Gravity holds is certainly one of the most promising upcoming brands in todays industry landscape. The crew of passionate climbers, dedicated shapers and skilled material engineers they gathered since their origins in 2017 proved to be a highly successful combination. Not only did they develop their highly regarded polyurethan PUMAX, but they also managed to produce a number of super interesting and creatively shaped holds and volume ranges. With it’s top notch quality material and it’s emphasis on aesthetics, Anti Gravity holds is a perfect match for the European market. We believe AG holds will have a bright future with much more to come, redefining gravity one hold at a time as they put it themselves. It may not come as a surprise that we are thrilled to welcome AG holds to our portfolio.

‘Big, bigger, biggest..!’ These are three words that quite fittingly describe the distinctive style of 360holds. They are famous for their bigger-than-life glassfiber volumes which can be used to create spectacular routes and boulders, however they are in no way limiting themselves to just this one side of things. Striving to be involved and to support and develop sport climbing on all levels, 360holds is constantly working to expand and evolve their wide range of innovative products for kids, beginners, average users and competitors. All products are meticulously handcrafted with locally invented materials in the 360 headquarters in Slovenia. Whether it is a huge half-dome, a system of snake-tubes, some slopy lenses or a set of fun holds for kids, the high quality and innovativeness of the product is always closely guarded and this guarantees bringing fun and new challenges to your climbing gym!

Under the artistic guidance of shaper and designer Ian Powell, Kilter Grips is bringing something truly fresh to the world of climbing holds since 2013. The shapes, sometimes striking in their simplicity, sometimes shocking in their beauty, bring endless possibilities for fun movement to setters and climbers. Comfort and functionality are always receiving utmost attention in the shaping process. The simple, clean yet organic Winter, Noah and Teagan lines are supplemented by the more directly rock inspired sandstone shapes. Whether you choose big slopy ‘Kaiju’s’, comfy roof jugs or some crisp little jibs, Kilter will bring fun climbing to your gym while making your walls look pretty.

And then there was Chapter Climbing. Right after they launched their first series in 2021 this German brand drew immediate attention of climbers and setters that love modern, well thought out design in climbing holds and macro’s. The Rivers and the Shallows were instant hits. Rightly so, because they looked and climbed so good. And that was just the beginning. The mirrors and the Ridges lines were added over the years, reinforcing their line up. Today, they’re a force to be reconned with in the world of climbing holds. Chapter Climbing stands for progress, in climbing and in life. Their logo represents not only an open book but also a progress bar. They hold high standards for themselves and through their creations, they invite setters and climbers to join them in the pursuit of perfection.

The days that Community Climbing Equipment could be considered Blue Pills smaller brother are long gone. After years of developing an impressive array of (mostly) PE holds and macros, it certainly deserves a mention on their own. But that’s not all CCE is about. The brand aims to live up to it’s name by offering products that serve the community. The climbing, shaping, training and routesetting community that is. Besides a number of ‘basics covering’ lines like the Scoops, the French Connection or the Cresents (and their macro counterparts), CCE offers training equipment, homewall equipment and routesetting tools. Created by climbers, shapers and setters themselves. Truly, to put it in their own words: From the community, for the community. Go check them out.

Dating back to the early 90’s, when climber and competitor Laurent Laporte starting shaping holds in a barn somewhere in France, Cheeta evolved into one of the leading brands of climbing holds worldwide. Always striving to create holds that are comfortable to hold, with the perfect grain; being neither too abrasive nor too slippery. But above all, holds that are aesthetically creative, eye-catching, jaw-dropping. They have brought many innovations to the climbing industry, pioneering techniques like screw-on holds, dual-texture, bolthole closing caps, as well as founding legendary shapes such as the now-famous Taijitu volumes. Next to the holds, which are poured in the highest quality PU, there are many creatively shaped and top-quality fiberglass and wooden Cheeta volumes available.

For many years SNAP was known as clothing/crash-pad brand, creating iconic and innovative designs while priding themselves in doing things differently. When they turned their attention to making climbing holds and volumes a few years ago, the shapes they brought to the market were just as iconic, innovative and different. We, as Aap Climbing, happen to appreciate those three ingredients, so a partnership was an obvious next step. Whether it’s the Roswell’s, the Needles, the Broken hills or actually any other themed series they made, SNAP absolutely nailed the aesthetics. They just look so cool! The fact that SNAP holds are in high demand among setters across the globe proves that functionality and suitability for commercial setting are also put in the designs.

Greenholds is more than just a brand selling climbing holds. They are pioneers, paving the way for a more sustainable climbing industry. Founded in 2022 by Geert Voncken and Tim Mullens, they aim to design and produce a circular system where old climbing holds can be recycled into brand new ones. The brand's core innovation lies in their material. They utilize 100% waste polyamide, repurposing discarded nylon from various sources. This not only reduces reliance on virgin plastic but also diverts waste from landfills. Moreover, their injection-molding process is designed to minimize waste from spent molds, further closing the loop.Initially launching with three foundational hold shapes - a system disk, campus rung, and campus ball - Greenholds has rapidly expanded its offerings. By now, over 100 unique shapes are released, catering to climbers of all levels and styles.

Working Class Climbing is a company with a practical and minimalist approach to hold design, emphasising their goal to supply people in the climbing industry with the best holds for the best price. They employ a couple of guidelines to ensure keeping the shapes as economical as possible: holds are only big when it makes sense to be big, shapes will be low profile and hollow-backed whenever possible. Keeping the weight down saves on production and shipping costs, and also makes the job of routesetters just a bit easier and less tiring for them. With this no-nonsense attitude and the input of lead shaper Louise Anderson, Working Class has been bringing a valuable (read: functional and good looking) array of holds to the market for many years now.

Flathold shapes are exploring the tension between organic, natural shapes and Swiss design. It all started in 2008 when two friends, international routesetter Manuel Hassler and designer and routesetter Mathieu Achermann, joined forces. Now, over a decade later, they are still continuing their everlasting quest for new ideas and innovation. Randomness and creativity play a big part in the process of shaping, but at the same time these guys never forget the importance of functionality and aesthetic of the product. This has resulted in a number of world-renowned lines of holds, poured in the highest quality PU, accompanied by a range of beautiful fiberglass volumes.

Climbskin® is a young company created by a group of friends, all lovers of nature and sports, particularly climbing in all its disciplines and branches. Their wish to overcome the limitation caused by the hands skin damage, made them decide to pool their knowledge and create Climbskin® Hand Cream. Being as they were a Ph.D. in Chemistry, a Biologist with over ten years of experience in the manufacture of cosmetics and a nature-based health Physician, it seems like there could be no group of friends better suited to start this endeavour. As the result of hard but rewarding work, Climbskin® is proud to share a unique product with the climbing world and beyond. The Hand Cream, their most important product, contains the most potent skin regenerative agents found in nature, and no artificial colors or perfumes. The entire manufacturing process is environmentally friendly and cruelty free (not animal tested). The product itself is also 100% vegan. Deep respect for nature and the environment also motivated Climbskin® to donate 1% of their sales to partnerships that promote sustainable climbing or to associations that really inspire them, and try to contribute something extra to the climbing community.

Originality is a rare thing these days in the climbing hold industry, but when we got our first glimpse of Elevation macro’s we were seriously impressed. We felt they were unique, in a very natural and obvious way. Then we climbed on them, felt the curves, tested the texture and continued to be impressed. One thing led to another, and now we are in the lucky position to spread the word in the Benelux about this pieces of artistic awesomeness as their distributor. In their own words: Elevation believes in providing a better product. Texture that will not peal or chip, attachment points that withstand daily use, produced only in the highest quality materials. Shapes that are designed with the mission to inspire, giving setters the ability to create without limits. We couldn’t agree more guys.

Dating back to 2013, the mission of Blocz has always been to manufacture plywood climbing wall volumes of outstanding quality and durability. Considering the enormous growth the company has seen since then, it is clear that their customers greatly value Blocz ‘persuasive quality at a fair price.’ Designed by setters, built by professionals: Blocz volumes also stand out because of the big amount of bomber T-nuts that is installed in every volume, their special Blocz surface texture, the high quality birch plywood and the comfy rounded corners. The catalogue ranges from super flat triangles and ledges (think sketchy, tricky slabs) to huge, deep ‘coffins’ and other geometrical shapes to create 3-dimensionality on any wall. Not to forget the smaller wooden volume holds and the fiberglass volumes: favorites among routesetters. Last but not least: the Blocz line of climbing holds, designed by local legend Robert Leistner. Produced in the original Blocz PU, invented and casted in the Blocz HQ in Chemnitz, Germany. Blocz Climbing Equipment is still closely connected to their local climbing scene, however they have grown far beyond these borders. They continue giving it their all to push the scene, the sport and the experience just a little bit further.

Thrive Climbing provides functional yet very tasty holds and volumes that are prefect for commercial setting. Their shapes show profound insight in the needs of modern day setters in lead and boulder gyms alike. They remind us of some of todays top brands in their early years, working on a portfolio that would show the industry the direction it should take. One might see Thrive Climbing as Elevation Climbing lesser known brother, but make no mistake, this could change very quickly. The pace with which they are steadily adding new series of holds makes them a force to be reckoned with. We’re convinced a bright future is ahead for Thrive and we’re happy to be a part of it.

A shock went through the climbing world when Grizzly holds launched their brand at CWA 2019. Their take on big holds was both creative and original. The impression they made on the trade show visitors was large and immediate, so much it earned them the people’s choice award at CBJ’s annual Grip List that year. Only months after they started, it was clear that Grizzly holds was already a big name in the world of climbing holds. Grizzly holds is the brainchild of two Canadian setters and shapers: Anthony Richard and Tomasz Wojtkowiak. Their goal was to create timeless shapes that inspire routesetters to think out of the box. With instant classic lines like the Tectonic Plates, the Sinkholes and the Ridgelines, we at Aap Climbing feel they have certainly achieved that.

Canadian adjustable framebuilder Lemur Design was established in 2017 by space engineers who shifted their focus to developing high-quality climbing and training products. Not long after Lemur teamed up with Kilter to develop adjustable frames for Kilter Boards. The product range steadily grew into a family of adjustable walls, up to more than 7 meters wide and fit for digital boards systems and commercial setting. Lemur adjustable walls are characterized by high quality components, durable finishes, smart designs and stunning looks. They pride themselves in having put 260 walls on 4 continents up till now, all working without issues. The indoor climbing industry is currently entering a new phase and Lemur Designs is providing us with the tools for it. We highly recommend you keep an eye on them!

A young and dynamic brand, embodying the emotions and lifestyle that are inextricably intertwined with climbing. Coming forth from the joy for nature, for mountains, for climbing, for life… creativity and pleasure are going hand in hand with daily business at Blue Pill Climbing. Blue Pill holds are made for everyone. The areas of application are unlimited: they can be used for kids boulders or routes, national and international competitions, therapy purposes, or routes for casual climbing. The Blue Pill wooden volumes have characteristic, asymmetrical shapes and each of the basic shapes is offered in two different depths, creating endless possibilities for visually attractive and varied setting. The fiberglass volumes complete the Blue Pill catalogue of holds and volumes: ranging from super jug to super slopy, they are suitable for a variety of different wall angles.

Kingdom Climbing holds are known among routesetters for being fun to set with, and fun to climb on! Kingdom Climbing is producing some of the biggest shapes out there, which are always part of a big family of matching holds in a variety of sizes - making it easy for setters to create visually striking routes and boulder problems. But besides being aesthetically pleasing, these bold shapes are also very versatile and ergonomic. Founded in 2014, this brand has quickly gained prominence in gyms spread over several continents, with a number of lines (like the Dragon Balls and the Wafers) turning into instant classics.

So iLL started out as a dream that Daniel Chancellor shared with his brother over a decade ago, and became a reality that turned out to be an ever growing adventure. So iLL climbing holds have that unique and distinctive style; funny and a little bit freaky. Recently spiraling more and more towards the converging point of design, style and fashion, while remaining true to the classics. Something that hasn’t changed over the years is the care that the folks over at So iLL have for the environment and for you - climbers and routesetters. They are bringing remarkable looking, functional, inspiring shapes to gyms, meanwhile striving to alleviate the bland and to further enhance the climbing experience.

Urban Plastix was founded in 2011, when New York City resident Peter Juhl began shaping holds inspired by the city around him. This resulted in iconic sets like the speedbumps, the bricks and the tremors, always photographed with a NYC metrocard to indicate their size. Many years have gone by and just as many creative and unique UP series have seen the light of day. Like the stealth line for example, still considered by many as one of the best dual tex holds ever shaped. Peter resides in Colorado these days. A collaboration with Kilter that started a long time ago has taken a permanent form these days. Working together with Ian Powell, he not only keeps producing new holds but is also working on his own digital board. We can’t wait for it to hit the market. Or any other set that will be added to the UP catalogue in the future.