What is the difference between fibreglass and polyurethane climbing holds?

Fibreglass and polyurethane holds differ primarily in strength, weight, and intended use, with fibreglass being the preferred material for large macro holds.

Polyurethane is typically used for smaller holds because it’s easy to cast and lightweight in small formats. However, when scaled up, PU becomes either too heavy or structurally weak without significant compromise.

Fibreglass, on the other hand, is designed for large volumes and macros. By layering fibreglass reinforcement within a resin shell, we can create holds that are both lightweight and extremely strong. Our six-layer construction at 4–5mm thickness allows the hold to maintain rigidity without unnecessary bulk.

Another key difference is material purity. Many PU holds and lower-end fibreglass products use fillers, which reduce cost but also reduce strength and consistency. We avoid fillers entirely, which improves durability and gives a cleaner finish.

If you’re planning to produce or set large features, fibreglass is the standard.

If you need advice on specialist fibreglass hold manufacturing, feel free to contact us