Kilter Board - Layout Comparison

THE ORIGINAL LAYOUT

The Original Layout (aka Standard or Medium Launch Layout) is on Kilter Boards in gyms and homes around the world. This layout fits the 7x10, 8x12 and the 12x12, so the boards can share problems. The 7x10 is contained within the 8x12 which is contained within the 12x12 layout. The difficulty of this layout is ideal for gyms and appropriate for most home walls as well. The holds are bolt on and screw-on.

The Original Layout holds are very friendly and approachable, and with an adjustable frame we have kept everyone from brand new climbers to some of the strongest pros entertained. If you need a fixed angle wall we can help you pick a good angle for your ability range and goals.

We've had multiple pro climbers who climb V15 stay entertained on the Original Layout for hours, then come back to climb on it again in the same week.

Our friends who regularly climb V11/12 outside spent months helping test the Original Layout, and they enjoyed it as much as our friends who climb v4-8. Even our new climber friends were able to climb the easier lines at the lowest angles, and pull moves on steeper angles because there were were holds they could use. We had one brand new climber make it to the top at 40º!

The adjustable frame board even works for kids and groups - just make it vertical or low angle and have the new and young climbers follow the lights!

Text we got from a friend who spent all summer on the Kilter Board: "I'm doing moves in Hueco that I've never been able to do before! Everyone is asking me how I've been training."

THE HOMEWALL LAYOUT

The Homewall Layout was released in a 7x10 size in October of 2020 and expanded to a 10x10 size and 8x12 size in Feb 2021. 10x12 now available as well that includes all the other sizes within it.

The Homewall Layout was designed with Homewall owners in mind as it offers a range of difficulty and a couple of price point options. Like the Original Layout, the Homewall Layout is made up of completely brand-new, unique holds (no duplicates). The holds are all bolt-on. Each layout is nested within larger sizes to share options.

The Homewall Layout holds have a wide variety of difficulties so there is something for everyone. On the whole the holds will be smaller/harder than the Original Layout, though there are still warm-ups and some decent jugs. You can dial in the difficulty you want by building the board to be adjustable or picking a fixed angle appropriate to your needs.

CHOOSING A LAYOUT

We will eventually add more layout options for the Kilter Board system but this Original Layout is our Foundation and we will continue to support it. It is the best option for most facilities because it can comfortably serve the needs of such a wide ability range. We will also continue to support the Homewall Layout regardless of future layouts we release. We are planning a gym-size Hard Board to compliment our Original Layout and if possible we recommend planning space for multiple Kilter Boards in your facility so you can have both gym boards in one place.

KILTER BOARD LAYOUT FAQ

What size Kilter Board Should I Choose?
Plan the 12'x12' adjustable if you can fit it. If you can't, don't despair, 8'x12' is also good and shares problems with the 12'x12'. If you can't fit the 8'x12', we have a 7'x10' home size frame available with both the Original Layout and the new Homewall Layout. The Homewall Layout also comes in 10'x10', 8'x12' and 10'x12'. Sizing is stated as width x height, so 8'x12' is 8' wide and 12' tall. All the 12' tall versions also have a kickboard.

Should  I Choose a Homewall Layout?
Sized for a 7'x10' frame and featuring two overlapping layouts - get one for a lower price point entry or get both for a denser board! The 7' wide x 10' tall wall can be built at any angle from Vertical to 70º overhanging. It is designed to fit under lower ceilings - you can build one at 40º in an 8' room! EXPANSION PACKS available for 10'x10' size, 8'x12' size, and 10'x12' size. All the larger sizes include all 7'x10' layout problems + additional rows or columns. The 10'x12' includes all the problems from all the smaller sizes.

Should  I Choose an Original Layout?
The vast majority of Kilter Boards in gyms have the Original Layout. This layout with a fully adjustable frame means climbers of all abilities can climb on it. The lights make it intuitive for even non-climbers, and the most veteran climbers stay entertained at 45˚-60˚. Gyms reported the same - newer climbers, kids, and groups on the low angles and advanced climbers when it gets steeper. This means the Original Kilter Board can serve your entire customer base, from beginner to expert.

What About Texture on the Boards?
We don't have texture on our boards and don't suggest it but there are some textured Kilter Boards in the world and they still work out fine.

Can You Help Me Decide on a Layout?
Yes! There is a lot that goes into planning the space for a Kilter Board, and we encourage you to email us at holds@kiltergrips.com. Kiel is available for emailing or calls (720-456-0543) and can talk to you about your space, make recommendations for size, frame type, and padding, and answer any other questions you have.