Kilter Grips Sandstone Series

Sandstone series from Kilter Grips offers 42 holds:

Holds	Without Bolts	With Bolts
(5) Sandstone Large 1	$61.00	$63.00
(5) Sandstone Large 2	$79.00	$82.00
(10) Sandstone Medium 1	$67.00	$71.00
(10) Sandstone Medium 2	$72.00	$76.00
(12) Sandstone Medium 3	$82.00	$87.00

The Sandstone Series from Kilter Grips does it’s name justice.  These holds look AMAZING. Each hold is covered with tiny pockets, dimples, and cracks that mimic the look, texture, and feel of sandstone better than any attempt at this theme we have seen.  On many of the holds these features transition flawlessly from the face of the hold and into the gripping surface. This creates a realistic sandstone feel, while remaining comfortable.  The details on the gripping surfaces create irregularities, making different areas along contact surfaces more or less positive.  Like all Kilter holds we have climbed on, the texture of this line is a perfect dichotomy of grit and comfort, allowing for long sessions that are easy on the skin.

The two Large Sandstone sets are a bit of a grab bag.  Set 1 consists of 3 shallow sloping holds and 2 holds that require some crimping and accuracy. This set was used heavily on volumes during this review, especially on the 50 degree wall.  When used in combination with volumes on the steeper wall problems with these holds ranged from V3-V6. Without volumes you are looking at problems nearer to and exceeding double digits. When used on the 20 degree wall problems ranged from V1-V3.  The variety is really cool, but we would really like to see expansion on each of these ideas into additional sets.  Kilter has assured us that this line will be expanding in 2015!

Sandstone Large 1

                         

The Sandstone Large 2 set features more positive holds. There are 3 flake features that and 2 large pocket features. These holds were at home on the 50 degree wall.  Both pockets are deep and feature a comfortable lip, keeping them as comfortable as pockets can be on the tendons. The flakes worked well on the 50 degree wall without volumes, and are absolutely massive on the 20 degree wall. Both of these sets serve different purposes. From a consumer stand point, Set 1 would be for the home wall owner with slight to moderate incline, unless you have lots of volumes for your steep wall.  If not, then Set 2 would be a better choice.   

Sandstone Large 2

Then there are the Sandstone Mediums - Set 1 and Set 3 are rather similar sets, ranging from mini jug to full pad crimps and even a pinch. These 2 sets were a blast on the 50 degree wall. Most can be used without volumes, and yield problems from V2-V5, with potential for harder problems. 

Sandstone Medium 1

Sandstone Medium 1

Sandstone Medium 3

Sandstone Medium 3

Sandstone Medium 2 consists mainly of shallow slots and a couple crimpy buckets.  This made for more technical climbing on the 20 degree wall in the V3 range without volumes.  They forced accuracy and focus when climbing, producing (with volume use) problems in the V5/V6 range.  Without volumes problems could easily creep into double digits.

Sandstone Medium 2 - Slots

Sandstone Medium 2 - Slots

When it comes to criticism, there is not much we can say.  Set screw dimples are not present on Large 2 (the set that needs them most) but are on Large 1 (the set that needs them least).  Aragon plastic takes screws readily without predrilling, so this is not structurally an issue, but Kilter is flirting with perfection here – why not take it all the way? 

As stated earlier, Kilter’s texture is the best in the business, and our set of Medium 3 (while still comfortable) did not seem on par with what we expect from them.  We mentioned it to Kilter, and they asked for some pictures.  They asked for the holds to be sent back, and attributed this discrepancy to old molds being used during manufacturing.  So we took what we considered to be a minor issue, brought it to them, and they insisted on getting to the bottom of it, and will be replacing them for us.  This is a testament to the standard of quality and customer service they strive for.

Bottom line, these holds are not only beautiful to look at, but they climb just as well as they look. They are relatively expensive compared to holds we have reviewed so far, but there is the tradeoff you’ll make as a consumer.  You’re getting what we feel are some of best shapes available, made of high quality plastic, with the best texture we’ve climbed on, and great customer service.