Whether you are a newbie or an advanced climber, finger and wrist strength is absolutely necessary to improve your climbing. Like other gains, finger and wrist strength gains also start deteriorating if you stop training for a while.
However, training while travelling can be difficult. How are you supposed to keep up with your gains if you don’t have access to a climbing gym or a hangboard?
Fortunately, there is an easy workaround to this. You can invest in a pocket-sized or portable hangboard which can prove to be the perfect tool for on-the-go training. It will help you keep up with your rock climber form and physique.
Although, portable hangboards are not as well-rounded as traditional hangboards they serve as a great option to keep up with your training.
In this article, we are reviewing the UCraft Pocket-Sized Fingerboard based on its number of edges and pockets, texture, mounting process, value for money, and weight threshold.
The pocket board under discussion can cater to 300 kgs weight. It comes with two edges and two pinch training positions. For hanging, it is equipped with a durable paracord.
Specifications
| Product | Construction material | Number of holds | Dimensions | Weight |
| UCraft Pocket-Sized Fingerboard | Wood | two | 4.2 x 2.8 x 2.6 inches | 2.4 Ounces |
Pros:
- It can bear up to 300 kgs of weight.
- Although it is a pocket hangboard, the edges are designed to accommodate two types of half crimps, 2 and 3 open finger grips, big pinch, small pinch and horizontal pull.
- It is ideal for beginners.
- It can be easily installed on a tree branch, crag, pull-up bar, or doorway.
Cons
- It flips over if you do a single hand hang.
Construction and Texture
The UCraft Pocket-Sized Fingerboard is constructed using 100 percent recyclable ash wood. According to the manufacturer, the construction material is manually selected and finished. Thanks to the top-notch construction material used, the hangboard can endure as much as 300 kgs of weight. This makes it ideal for hangboard training that includes body weights.
As far as the texture is concerned, the pocket board comes with an anti-slip surface that does not cause a lot of skin loss and is not harsh on the skin. In addition to this, the edges and corners are round to prevent sharp edges from scratching or hurting your hands.
Edges and Pockets
Unlike traditional hangboards, this portable hangboard by UCraft comes with only two edges. However, they are designed to cater to different holding positions. The holds allow you to adjust the load and the hang angle. You can add more weights to it to make the training session tough, or use the hangboard as it is if you are a beginner.
You can use it to perform the following hangs:
- 16 mm half crimp
- 31 mm half crimp
- Two fingers open grip
- Three fingers open grip
- Big pinch
- Small pinch
- Horizontal pull
These positions can be used to devise a complete workout plan which is why it is an ideal investment for a beginner. However, if you are an advanced climber, this hangboard can only be used to keep up with the gains. You cannot use it to build strength.
Nevertheless, since the hangboard hangs from a piece of rope, its instability makes it quite challenging. The process of building wrist and finger strength with this portable fingerboard is quite slow and deliberate. Moreover, know that you cannot use it for one hand hangs due to its unstable nature. If you do it will flip over and that can lead to an injury.
Apart from this, it is also great for bodyweight rows and for attaching to kettlebells. Thanks to these, it can be used to perform a multitude of exercises.
Obviously, it does not have any slopers or jugs. Hence, it cannot be used for warming up. If you are traveling or don’t have access to equipment that you can use to warm up, performing a 20-to-30-minute cardio session is more than enough.
Mounting
UCraft Pocket-Sized Fingerboard is slightly different to mount as compared to traditional hangboards. You don’t have to screw it to a wall or a plywood panel for mounting. Instead, this portable hangboard comes with a specially designed 5 mm paracord rope that can endure great amounts of pressure.
The cord goes through an opening in the center of the hangboard which is considered the most durable and stable way of hanging a fingerboard with a rope. There are no extra knots that can mess up the stability nor there are hooks that can undermine the durability of the hangboard.
With the help of the paracord, you can hang the hangboard from a tree branch, a crag, a bolt, a pull-up bar or a doorway depending on your convenience. All you should know is how to tie a tight knot.
Value for Money
Although the portable hangboard comes with only two edges and is quite small as compared to other hangboards, it still offers great functionality. Not to mention, it only costs a fraction of what traditional hangboards cost. It does not take a lot of space either and is pretty easy to mount.
While considering all these features and the minuscule price tag of the hangboard, there is no doubt that it offers a high value for money. Even if you try to make a similar portable hangboard at home, it will cost more than the hangboard’s original price.
In addition to this, the hangboard is constructed using 100 percent pure ashwood which is considered one of the best construction materials for hangboards. Hence, all in all, this hangboard offers a good value for money.
Verdict
If you are looking for a hangboard that you can travel with or want something that will not take a lot of space but will be enough to help you develop or maintain wrist and finger strength, then this portable fingerboard by UCraft is a great option. It is reasonable, it offers a versatile pair of edges and the mounting process is super easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ashwood a good construction material for hangboards?
Yes, it is one of the best construction materials for hangboards.
Are portable hangboards good?
Yes, portable hangboards are a great way to stay in touch with your training.
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