So iLL Iron Palm Review

The Iron Palm is an above average-sized hangboard with four primary edges; each with a different depth and shape. This model features no pockets with the idea that you can use any number of fingers on a given edge. While folks might have mixed feelings on edges versus pockets the effectiveness of this board's slopers and pinches are hard to argue with.

Performance Comparison

Edges and Pockets

Edges and pockets are the foundation of any good hangboard and at first glance, this model might seem overly simplistic. However, its four primary edges (along with its pinches and huge softball-like slopers) are far more versatile than first meets the eye. Typically we refer to an edge as any surface that all four of a person's fingers can fit on and a pocket as anything narrower. Using this definition, there are no pockets on this board.

This is where the Iron Palm takes a different approach when it comes to grips with edges so long you can use any number of fingers anywhere along each edge of the board. Some climbers actually prefer this, as it prevents you from getting any additional “cheater” grip from the sides of a pocket.

This model has four primary edges, each of which offers a different angle and shape. The top-most edge is 1.5 inches deep and shaped with a positive incut. This mini-jug style edge is designed for warming up or cranking off a few pull-ups. The second edge down has a long rounded off outer rim which is easier on your fingertips. The second edge down is a 1.25 inch wide edge that starts to round at 1 inch out. This edge will still feel pretty big for most climbers with all four fingers but can be good for one arm (possibly assisted or weighted), hangs with four fingers, or good training with 2-3 fingers.

The third edge down is 1 inch deep and starts to round at around 0.75 inches, making it a little more challenging than the previous one. The lowest edge is flat and just a hair over 0.75 inches deep and in all likelihood, the edge you'll use the most with 3-4 fingers. It's interesting to note that the lowest edge has the nickname Cryptochild, which is the nickname of the model's shaper, Jason Kehl. While we generally liked this model edges we wished this board had one additional smaller edge.

As mentioned this model has no true pockets but its four edges run the length of the board so that you can select the number and fingers you want to use for each hang.

Slopers and Jugs

This model easily has the best slopers of any hangboard we have ever seen. The slopers roll off nicely in steepness from a fairly low angle on top to near vertical on the front face letting you truly dial in your burn. While most training-for-climbing books don't have much information on sloper training it's mostly because a majority of hangboards don't have good slopers to train on. That is certainly not that case with the Iron Palm and every one of our testers loves the two ball-like grips on this model for open-handed training. Training on these helped us improve our ability to hang onto slopers (obviously), develop whole-hand strength, and facilitated building a vicious pump towards the end of our workout. Some other models have okay slopers but no model offers anywhere near the quality of sloper training as this one does.

This model has no true separate jugs, but the highest 1.5 inch positive incut edge comes the closest. By most gym climbing standards, this edge is a mini-jug and plenty good enough for one-arm lock-offs, weighted pull-ups, or a flex arm hang. As we noted earlier, this model's massive slopers are also more than sufficient to warm upon.

This model has two sets of individual pinches that can be hung on independently of one another or combined to form what essentially feels like a third set. Not only does this model have more pinches than just about every other hangboard on the market but they are also the best designed. Though training on pinches at first seems rather specialized, pinch training benefits most climbers - particularly boulderers and sport climbers who lean towards steeper routes.

Texture

Good texture can be a delicate balance, as every model attempts to find the balance of not being so slippery that your hand flies off the moment you get warmed up but not so grippy that it tears your skin up or makes hanging on too much easier. This model is molded out of urethane which is on the grippier end of the models we tested. It's easier to hold onto than most polyester resin models and a bit harder on your skin than wooden models.

Ease of Mounting

The Iron Palm is noticeably quicker and easier to hang than a two-piece board, but of pretty average effort overall. The primary challenge with mounting this model is its slightly larger-than-average dimensions that somewhat restrict the areas in which it will fit. Our testing team measured this board as 27 inches long by 11.5 inches high. This means it will fit above doorways in average size houses with 8 foot ceilings but likely won't work in low-hanging places or in homes with 7 foot ceilings.

It's also worth noting that despite its beefy appearance, this board is surprisingly light. This is partially because it's made of urethane which is lighter than the polyester resin that many hangboards are made of. Additionally, despite how far parts of this board stick out from the wall, nearly the entire board is hollowed out and is actually only 0.25 inches thick.

Value

This model is every-so-slightly on the more expensive side of non-wooden models, but we feel it's a pretty justified expense. It's made of lightweight and durable urethane, meant to last you a lifetime of climbing. Its unique shape allows for a near-infinite number of ways in which you can use it to train for general strength or specific projects and doesn't become obsolete as you become a better climber.

Conclusion