There is one issue in the indoor climbing world that is sure to be inappropriate dinner conversation. A topic so divisive that it can ruin friendships and has split countries.

To tape or not to tape.

In America it is common to place a piece of colored tape under the hold to indicate which holds the climber should use. But across the pond in Europe gyms use the color of the hold to achieve the same result.

There are of course pro’s and con’s for each method and none is perfect. But we wanted to find out what our global advice panel thinks about this decisive issue. Here’s what they recommend. Readers, what do you think?

Should gyms use colored tape or hold color to indicate routes?

Charlie Lamb –

“Geez, is there any question what the right answer is? Colored tape, of course. Tape comes in more colors than holds so it means you can put up more routes in a particular area of the wall using tape. Also, if necessary, you can use two colors of tape to set a route (I hate doing it, but have done it in a pinch). Maybe I should be more open-minded about this, but this sure seems to be a no-brainer.”

Audrey Seguy –

“I feel rather strongly about this question. A line that looks good and interesting will inspire people to climb it. I really don’t like climbing on walls that have coloured tape to mark the problems.”

“There are few things that frustrate me more than walking into a climbing gym and not having a clue what is going on. I despise it when a problem doesn’t make sense because a foothold or a handhold is ‘missing’.”

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