JM Climbing Surfaces

Eva Lopez Progression/Transgression Training Board $299

Designed by top Spanish climber Eva Lopez, these boards utilize the concept of gradually and systematically increasing the working load to produce measurable finger strength gains. This training concept, while common in other sports, has been difficult to adapt to climbing as most boards lack a graduated system for climbers to increase resistance. The Progression and Transgression training boards overcome this by providing eight rungs that become progressively smaller. Climbers simply start on a relatively larger rung and as they see improvement (by following the excellent supplied training program) move to a smaller rung. They then repeat the training cycle until they move to another smaller rung. The Transgression board with its smaller holds is geared to exper ienced climbers 18 yearsor older, while the Progression, with its larger gr ips, is suitable for beginners or anyone under 16. While not inexpensive, these are truly among the best training boards on the market.–