Other Materials
A company called Voo Doo Holds out of Arizona, USA has long used a softer mixture for their holds and included a rubber-like backing on each hold in an effort to prevent the holds from spinning. This technique has had mixed success, as eventually the rubber backing begins to peel away from the wall, providing a similar unintended handhold as the chipped resin might. The softer mixture is more durable than a brittle resin, but with uneven climbing walls and overtightening these holds develop slow cracks that eventually render the hold useless.
Synrock, from the east coast of the United States, has been experimenting with combining synthetic rock with slippery hard plastic. The texture of these holds is quite like outdoor rock, allowing hold shapes that would be dangerous with a more slippery material.
Outdoor-only handholds mass produced for children's play equipment are usually manufactured from durable plastic. These holds are too slick for most climbers, but they are good for play sets because they are sturdy and weather resistant. Outdoor holds are made out of material with additives that prevent color deterioration due to UV exposure - untreated holds will turn pale brown under extended exposure to sun light.
Nicros, a hold company from the midwest U.S., is currently developing a corn and soy based resin. The goal is an environmentally friendly hold material that is also light and durable.
Read more about this topic: Climbing Hold
Famous quotes containing the word materials:
“Our job is now clear. All Americans must be prepared to make, on a 24 hour schedule, every war weapon possible and the war factory line will use men and materials which will bring, the war effort to every man, woman, and child in America. All one hundred thirty million of us will be needed to answer the sunrise stealth of the Sabbath Day Assassins.”
—Lyndon Baines Johnson (1908–1973)
“In daily life what distinguishes the master is the using those materials he has, instead of looking about for what are more renowned, or what others have used well.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)