This is CBJ’s fourth annual list of the most sought after climbing hold companies that are distributing their wares in North America as voted on by those who use their goods everyday, the routesetters.
This year’s Grip List was unique in several ways. We saw the rise of what could be a new era in volume making. We also saw two very different types of hold companies top the list: one a brash, sensitive genius on the bleeding edge of innovation and the other, a no-frills hold merchant prone to southern hospitality.
We only give awards to the top five Official Selections, Favorite Volume and All-Time Favorite. But we want to give credit where credit is due. That’s why we want to tell you the top ten favorite hold companies that setters voted on. Coming in at #10, with help from Cryptochild’s amazing Bubbies volumes is So iLL Holds. We know this is a bit awkward for Mark Bradley but his new stalwart of the hold room, Working Class is in a dead heat with Kingdom Holds for #9 and #8. At #7 is the definition of classic, Teknik Handholds. And racing up the list, and just out of reach of an Official Selection, is Cheeta Holds at #6.
Check out the whole article here:
http://www.climbingbusinessjournal.com/the-2017-grip-list-awards/