Movement Timonium — Local services in Timonium

If you enjoy climbing on glassy holds with no texture and hate using technique then you don't need to read any further because this gym is perfect for you. This review is about the quality of route-setting and the climbs they provide which is THE PRODUCT of this business. I understand that a gym needs to make money but they also need to maintain the gym and this gym (as far as route-setting and climbing holds are concerned) is in serious disrepair.

Holds: I have heard that they make (or have made in the past) there own holds - this gym is IN DESPERATE NEED OF NEW HOLDS WITH TEXTURE. Just about every single "jib" is a piece of glass that your feet will slip off. This is great for climbers who don't use their feet or don't understand what technique is in the first place but it is also extremely dangerous. I can understand an intentional glassy jib here and there for "effect" but literally every jib in that gym should be thrown out. This gym in in DESPERATE NEED OF NEW HAND HOLDS WITH TEXTURE. A major precurser of finger injuries is over-gripping and at Timonium you will over grip every texture-less hand-hold as you fear slipping off the texture-less jibs.

This is a multi-million dollar business (membership is expensive and requires a contract) - yet they skimp on the climbing holds which is part of the reason you are there in the first place. This is the definition of climbing gym negligence and will ultimately result in a law suit regardless of the sheets of papers they force you to sign since they are knowingly creating an unnecessarily dangerous environment.

Setting: A word to describe their setting is "boring." After a few months of climbing here and after a few turn-overs of the routes, you might get the feeling "you've climbed this before." This is because within a margin of error you have. They change up the routes on a regular basis but they put up very similar climbs and rarely move the holds far (if at all) from where they were before. I don't know if this is the result of laziness or apathy. The other major let-down in the product is grade inconsistency - this is a tough topic to begin with but it is possible that the setters who are (world class) incredibly strong (V12+) have lost sight of the subtleties in the differences between the grades V0-V6. Which brings me to my last point about setting as a product that you pay for. I would guess a majority of climbers at this gym (say 70%) are V4 and below. As with any gym there is a constant influx of NEW climbers who are excited to climb - what they will find are "intro" routes that have random big moves and sharp holds thrown in that even experienced climbers would rather not grab before warming up. This theme is carried through their intro grades V0-4 where they are all jug hauls with a few small holds or awkward moves added in. V5 is their first transition grade a handful of their V5s are probably closer to V3 and the other handful suddenly require strength (but still little-to-no technique). The climbing movement improves as you get into the V7s, V8s, and V9s and it is clear that they are not catering to the MAJORITY of climbers who climb less than V4 (who also may not have the experience or know any better they are being ripped off). So the majority of climbers are paying memberships and getting little in return.

What this gym needs:

1. New holds
2. A focus on routes that require technique (this might follow naturally with holds that have texture)
3. Additional certified route setters whose focus is only on V5 and below because the current setters are not concerned with...

Earth Treks Timonium is one of the best climbing gyms I have been to in this country. I am on the climbing team, but even when I go in during the summer I find new people to climb with. I find that the equipment is always regularly checked and staff walks around to make sure everyone is safely climbing and belaying. ALL of the staff climbs, which is hard to get. They are also very nice, so I would get to know them. They can tell you about cool outdoor programs to try and what equipment to buy. Yes, it is a little expensive, but no more expensive than other gyms I have been to. The padding on the floor is really nice compared to the rocks that I had to walk on in another gym. Also, the routes are changed on a regular basis so there are always new climbs to try. I like that it is a family friendly environment because then little kids can come and hang out or climb. The number of classes and programs is remarkable and they are always well planned with enthusiastic staff. Earth Treks Timonium, you are doing a great job! (but we should get the really nice blue...

Not really worth the high price. Staff members are nice for the most part. Routes are similar grading to outdoor climbing, which is good and bad. Good for training for outdoor, but bad for anyone who just wants to climb for fun or is just getting into climbing. You can tell the setters are just stroking their egos on some of the routes. The worst part is when the teams are climbing - zero situational awareness from the climbers or the coaches and it's apparent mommy and daddy with money are the focus. Even worse in the weight room where, again, zero situational awareness from coaches or climbers. and they tend to just take over without any regard for others using the space. Kids running around playing with equipment, coaches messing around and not keeping kids away from people lifting; they should really just shut the weight room off to other members when the teams are there. Solid meh, I wouldn't make this my home gym if you have another option; fun to visit after 8 ish when it's not so busy, but the average member isn't...