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Size
Various sizes are available for crash cushions. Of course, a crash pad's increased surface area is a plus. More protection equates to more surface area. However, for some people, buying the biggest pad might not be the best course of action. The cost of large pads is high, and they are frequently fairly heavy.
You might not be able to transport a big pad to the boulders if you drive a compact hatchback or a sedan. A large pad is typically any pad with a landing area larger than 20 square feet. Regular-sized pads are those with a landing area of less than 20 square feet. This category has a wide range of sizes, and for individuals seeking to get their first pad, it's typically a smart place to start.
Thickness
Pad thickness is the most crucial factor to take into account after surface area. Typical regular pads range in thickness from three to five inches. Large pads typically have a thickness of at least 4 inches. Supplemental cushions typically range in thickness from two to three inches. Choose a thicker cushion if you intend to tackle towering boulder difficulties with potentially terrifying falls.
The layers of a crash pad are constructed using two main types of foam. Small, air-accessible pockets make up open-cell foam. The air in each of these cells can escape when compressed. Air will suddenly reenter these cells after compression to help the foam regain its previous volume and shape.
Open-cell foam has far more give than closed-cell foam. Due to the fact that the air inside the cells cannot escape, even during impact, closed-cell foam is solid and comparatively hard. A multilayer structure that blends closed-cell foam and open-cell foam is used in most crash pads. Typically, these layers are arranged so that the stronger closed-cell foam can evenly distribute the impact over the whole surface of the pad. The soft open-cell foam, however, cushions the blow.
1. Is a Crash Pad Required for Bouldering?
In the past, climbers frequently bouldered without pads, choosing instead a thin carpet square that would hardly give modern boulderers confidence. Crash pads are now a common piece of equipment that is required. Without pads, we don't advise bouldering.
2. Crash pads: How Long Do They Last?
Typically, the foam on a pad will wear out first. Foam can become lumpy, flat, and lifeless after years of cushioning many falls. When this occurs, it's advised to stop using the climbing pad and consider using it as a pet bed instead. The frequency of use and material quality affect a pad's longevity. However, you should anticipate using any high-quality alternative for at least a few years.
3. What Are the Prices for Crash Pads?
Prices for crash pads vary greatly because they come in such a wide range of sizes and shapes. The average price of small pads is between $150 and $300, whereas the average price of large pads is between $300 and $500. Extra pads rarely cost more than $100.
The first step in choosing the Best Bouldering Crash Pads for you is to determine your unique climbing requirements. You likely want a decent, all-around solution that is sturdy and within your price range if you are new to outdoor bouldering and want to buy one pad to add to your squad's collection.
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