So iLL Starter Kit Bolt-on 55 Review
Our Verdict
Our Analysis and Test Results
- 40 handholds
- 15 footholds
The handholds include small crimps, large crimps, and a few pinches. There are no large jugs in this set. The bolts are all the same length and use the same size wrench, which makes setting quick and smooth. There are a multitude of colors to choose from, from their trademark slime green to purple, red, pink, orange, yellow, blue, and black.
Performance Comparison
Variety of Holds
This is a great package of holds for any climber wanting to work and train their crimp and edge strength. However, this set does not have much in the way of variety like the other four packages we tested. It was loaded with small edges, medium sized edges, and large in-cut edges. These large in-cut edges were known as the jugs of the hold package and were still hard for someone who had been climbing for a year to hold on to on our steep 40 degree test wall. This is definitely an intermediate/advanced starter kit, though our testers wished there were more small pinches for both the left and right hands.
Comfort / Texture
These holds were a joy to test because we were not worried about losing all the skin on our fingers. The texture of the footholds also allowed climbers to maintain the integrity of their shoe rubber. All of the holds were also quite friendly on the tendons. Not once did we grab a hold that compressed a tendon in a weird way.
Angle Versatility
The training wall we used for our testing sits at a 40 degree angle and was perfect for the So iLL Starter Kit Bolt-on 55. With that said, this set is great for any other angle as well. Using these holds on a less steep angle drops the difficulty of the boulder problems, which makes it a versatile set for all abilities.
Durability
The material of these holds is described as “Ultra Bomber Urethane,” though in their specs they say the holds are actually made with polyurethane (there is a difference). Either way, we'd have to agree that these are a “bomber” set of holds. We overtightened them and did not have any cracking, unlike the Three Ball Cobra 50 pack footholds. We tossed these holds around, and in and out of buckets, and they did not chip or break like the Metolius Mega 50 pack did. We put this set through the wringer and they came out in great shape.
Best Applications
These holds are great for anyone with a home wall or climbing system of any angle. If used on a steep wall, they are best for an intermediate/advanced climber, and on more vertical walls beginners will love the comfort of the holds along with seeing strength gains from using them. Kids will love the bright, vibrant colors if the random color package is purchased.
Value
This is the least expensive package of holds we tested. It retails for $166.95, which averages to about $3.04 a hold. As far as bang for your buck goes, our testers felt this package was well worth our Best Buy award.
Conclusion
Home walls are a way for a climber to become stronger and achieve lofty goals. The So iLL Starter Kit Bolt-on 55 is one of the best options to make those goals more achievable. The handholds in this kit target the strengthening of your fingers so you'll never have to worry about grabbing a small hold again. The forgiving texture of these holds makes sure there is enough skin left to climb outside for days. Even not having a ton of variety within this package of holds, it was still a contender for our top honors and was narrowly beat out by the Atomik 60 pack. However, this set did receive our Best Buy award for being the best price per hold and also being a great set to train with.