Sport Products
Climbing is a demanding sport that requires reliable gear, and the Fixe Climbing Plate with Parabolt Plate (hereafter referred to as 'the plate') stands out for its robust design and commitment to sustainability. This review dives deep into every aspect of this climbing hold, examining its features, durability, grip, variety, user feedback, and value for money. Whether you're a seasoned climber or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will help you decide if the Fixe Climbing Plate is right for your needs.
The plate boasts an innovative design that prioritizes both performance and environmental responsibility. Constructed from recycled materials, primarily Ecotri (a polymer made from 100% post-consumer plastics), its a testament to Fixe's commitment to reducing their ecological footprint. This material isn't just eco-friendly; it also offers excellent mechanical properties that contribute to the plate's overall durability and longevity.
While not flashy, the plate has a clean, modern aesthetic with subtle texturing on its surface for enhanced grip and comfort. Its shape is carefully designed to accommodate various hand sizes and climbing styles, promoting ergonomic efficiency during use. The generous size allows for multiple hand positions, catering to both power moves and technical sequences. The parabolic design of the parabolt plate provides a secure and stable connection point to your climbing wall's structure, ensuring optimal load distribution.
The core of the plate is composed of Ecotri polymer reinforced with fiberglass fibers, resulting in a material that's incredibly strong yet surprisingly lightweight. This construction technique allows for intricate shapes while maintaining exceptional structural integrity. The parabolt plate itself is made from high-quality stainless steel, chosen for its corrosion resistance and strength. All fasteners are also crafted from stainless steel to ensure long-lasting performance even under harsh conditions.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Fixe Climbing Plate is its exceptional durability. Ecotri polymer boasts excellent UV resistance, making it ideal for outdoor use where exposure to sunlight can degrade other materials over time. The fiberglass reinforcement significantly enhances its tensile strength and impact resistance, further extending its lifespan.
Fixe subjects all of their climbing holds, including the plate, to rigorous testing to ensure they meet stringent safety standards. These tests include static loading (testing ultimate load capacity), dynamic loading (simulating real-world impacts during use), and fatigue testing (assessing resistance to repeated stress). This meticulous approach guarantees that Fixe Climbing Plates can withstand the demands of even the most intense climbing sessions.
Numerous user reviews corroborate Fixe's claims about durability, reporting minimal wear and tear after months or even years of regular use. While some users have noted minor cosmetic scratches from repeated contact with rock shoes, these dont affect performance and are largely considered superficial. Overall, the plate is renowned for its ability to maintain structural integrity through countless climbs.
The textured surface of the Fixe Climbing Plate provides excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions. The subtle grooves and ridges are strategically placed to maximize friction while minimizing hand fatigue. This thoughtful design allows climbers to maintain a secure hold without straining their fingers or hands excessively.
The plate's generous size and ergonomic shape accommodate various grip types, including slopers, crimps, pockets, and jugs. The slightly rounded edges provide comfortable contact points for all hand sizes, making it suitable for climbers of varying skill levels. Whether you prefer a powerful pinch grip or a delicate fingertip hold, the Fixe Climbing Plate can cater to your needs.
Compared to other climbing holds in its category, the Fixe Climbing Plate offers superior grip thanks to its textured surface and ergonomic design. While some competitors may provide more aggressive features for advanced climbers, the plate strikes a balance between functionality and comfort that appeals to a broad range of users. It's particularly well-suited for intermediate climbers looking to refine their technique and build strength.
The Fixe Climbing Plate isnt limited to a single style of climbing; it can be incorporated into various route settings, making it a versatile addition to any climbing gym or outdoor wall. Its adaptable design allows for both powerful moves and technical sequences, catering to climbers with different skill sets and preferences.
Route setters appreciate the plate's versatility because it can be used to create challenging routes without being overly demanding on the climbers hands. This makes it an ideal choice for beginner-friendly walls as well as more advanced settings. Its size also allows for creative route design, with opportunities to incorporate multiple holds and transitions in a single movement.
The plate is compatible with most standard climbing wall systems that utilize parabolt plates. It's designed to be easily installed and removed, making it convenient for route setters who frequently change their routes. The stainless steel construction ensures compatibility with various types of anchors and bolts commonly found on climbing walls.
Customer reviews consistently praise the Fixe Climbing Plate for its durability, grip, and overall value. Users appreciate the plate's eco-friendly design and applaud Fixes commitment to sustainability. While some users have expressed concerns about initial installation (requiring a specific type of drill bit), these issues are generally resolved with proper guidance from climbing wall staff or online resources.
Here are some common themes found in user reviews:
While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, there have been some concerns raised regarding initial installation. This typically stems from difficulty in drilling holes for the parabolt plates or improper tightening of fasteners. Fixe offers detailed instructions and helpful videos on their website to address these issues and ensure proper installation.
The Fixe Climbing Plate with Parabolt Plate is competitively priced compared to other climbing holds in its category, especially considering its durability and eco-friendly design. While some users may find it slightly more expensive than standard plastic holds, the superior quality and sustainability make it a worthwhile investment for serious climbers and route setters.
When compared to similar products from competing brands, the Fixe Climbing Plate often comes out on top in terms of durability and grip. While some competitors may offer lower prices or more aggressive features for advanced climbers, they often lack the same level of quality and sustainability as the Fixe plate.
The plate's exceptional durability translates to long-term cost savings by reducing the need for frequent replacements. This makes it a smart investment for climbing gyms and outdoor wall owners who are looking to minimize maintenance expenses while providing climbers with high-quality gear.
In conclusion, the Fixe Climbing Plate with Parabolt Plate is an excellent choice for climbers of all skill levels seeking a durable, grippy, and environmentally responsible climbing hold. Its innovative design combines functionality with sustainability, making it a standout product in its category.
The Fixe Climbing Plate with Parabolt Plate, also known as the Hanger 1 ECOTRI, is a versatile climbing plate designed for bolting into rock using parabolt anchors. It's made from durable and eco-friendly materials to ensure longevity and minimize environmental impact during your climbing adventures.
Parabolts are mechanical expansion bolts that utilize a cone-shaped "parabola" design to expand within the drilled hole, creating a secure anchor point in rock walls. They're commonly used for sport climbing routes where pre-placed anchors are needed. The Fixe Climbing Plate is specifically designed to work seamlessly with parabolt anchors.
The Hanger 1 ECOTRI uses recycled materials (ECOTRI) in its construction, which helps reduce waste and minimize environmental impact. It's a sustainable choice for climbers who want to enjoy their sport while also protecting natural climbing areas.
While primarily designed for outdoor rock climbing routes using parabolt anchors, the Fixe Climbing Plate can be used in controlled indoor environments where bolting is permitted. However, always check with facility management before installing any hardware indoors.
The exact dimensions might vary slightly depending on specific models within the range but typically measure around 85mm wide and 40mm deep (3.3" x 1.6"). We recommend checking Fixe's official website for detailed specifications.
The Hanger 1 ECOTRI has a recommended static load rating of approximately 2,250 kg and a dynamic load rating of around 1,390 kg (5,000 lbs / 3,000 lbs). These ratings ensure the plate is strong enough to handle falls and impacts during climbing. Always use appropriate safety gear like helmets and harnesses alongside this equipment.
Installing a Fixe Climbing Plate with Parabolt Plate requires specific skills and knowledge of rock anchoring techniques. We strongly recommend seeking assistance from experienced climbers or professional installers, especially when installing anchors at outdoor climbing areas. Incorrect installation can be dangerous.
You'll need a hammer drill with an SDS-Plus chuck for drilling holes in rock. The correct bit size will depend on the parabolt anchor you are using, but typically ranges from 12mm to 14mm (0.5" - 0.6"). Make sure to use appropriate safety gear when operating power tools.
The Fixe Climbing Plate is designed specifically for parabolt anchors and might not be compatible with other types of rock anchors, such as bolts or pitons. Check the anchor type you're using before purchasing to ensure compatibility.
Beyond a hammer drill and bit, youll need a setting tool specifically designed for parabolt anchors. You may also want to have a rock climbing brush handy to clean out debris from drilled holes prior to installation. A torque wrench is useful for ensuring proper tightening of the anchor.
The Hanger 1 ECOTRI's durability depends on various factors, including exposure to weather conditions and usage frequency. However, when properly maintained and inspected regularly, it can provide reliable performance for many years. Check frequently for signs of wear or corrosion.
Fixe offers a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Specific warranty details can be found on Fixe's website or by contacting their customer service department.
Clean the plate using mild soap and water, avoiding abrasive cleaners that could scratch or damage its surface. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to air dry completely before storing.
The Hanger 1 ECOTRI is specifically designed for lead climbing with parabolt anchors. It's not recommended for use in top-roping setups as the force applied during a fall may exceed its design limits, potentially leading to failure.
Fixe Climbing Plates are available at reputable online retailers specializing in climbing gear and equipment, or directly from the manufacturer's website (fixecrampons.com). You might also find them at local outdoor adventure stores.
Typically, each package includes one Fixe Climbing Plate with Parabolt Plate Hanger 1 ECOTRI. You may need to purchase parabolt anchors and other hardware separately as these are not always included.
While no specific training is required to simply use the plate, proper installation requires a good understanding of rock anchoring techniques and safety protocols. It's highly recommended that you receive instruction from experienced climbers or professional installers before attempting to install your own anchors at outdoor climbing areas.
Yes, depending on your specific needs, there are several other climbing plates available in the market with varying load ratings and features. Some popular alternatives include DMM Wallnuts, Black Diamond X4s, and Metolius Master Cams. Research different options to determine which one best suits your climbing style and requirements.