Tension blocks

I have a tension flash board that I like to travel with but have been debating getting the blocks as well.  Would this be redundant or are they different enough to justify if you already have the flash.

Would take the block when traveling by air with just carry on since they seem a bit more compact and probably a bit less likely to be taken by the TSA.  Anyone had issues with the TSA and their flash board?  Done some research and didnt come up with anyone who had issues.

Do most people just have one block or do you usually get a second?  Since I'm primarily considering it to save space over the flash just one would be preferable unless its super limiting.  

Depends on the purpose.

The upside with the flash as compared to the block is that you an hang from the flash, and therefore warmup fingers at body weight. It is a bit bigger but it's a bit harder to warmup on the blocks. With the block, you can hang if you're strong on one arm, but its a bit less secure than I like. So mostly, you're stuck with the good ole "tie a loop and put your foot in it for resistance" method. The grip variety is a bit more varied, but I don't think that's necessary for a warmup. If you're looking to compare one to the other for training, entirely different.  

I think the block is primarily a training tool, and less suited for warming up and what have you. If you get two, sure you can hang from them and stuff, if you can get them adjusted properly and have a spot for two cords...etc.

Never had issues with my flash and TSA. Bought two blocks, only use one. Luckily, my partner now can also use one at the same time. 

I would agree with the above.  Unless you have access to dumbells or kettlebells (travel and stay at a hotel) I think the Flash would be better.

I've never had an issue with TSA and although I don't fly often I've flown with it in my carry-on and never heard a word about it.

Most of the hotels I stay at have dumbbells.  I fly super often for work and tend to pick and choose when I bring the flash.  Other countries security seems to be picker with what they allow so I tend not to take the flash if I am going overseas.  Or if space is super limited I take the flash out.  The block seems small enough that it could just live in my bag all the time but maybe the size savings isn't really that much in real life.  

Is using the blocks with a dumb bell close enough that it has almost as much value as a hang board or is it more like a grip trainer where there isn't really enough specificity to have any benefit. 

stop drinking the tension kool-aid.

KyleMFSpurgeon wrote: The upside with the flash as compared to the block is that you an hang from the flash, and therefore warmup fingers at body weight. It is a bit bigger but it's a bit harder to warmup on the blocks. With the block, you can hang if you're strong on one arm, but its a bit less secure than I like. So mostly, you're stuck with the good ole "tie a loop and put your foot in it for resistance" method... I think the block is primarily a training tool, and less suited for warming up and what have you. 

For this most part I agree with this. The Flash Board is generally better for warming up, since you can do 2-arm hangs.

However, you can also warm up pretty effectively with the Block. The method by which to do this is to have your feet on the ground, lean back steeply (or even lie down) and do inverted 1-arm rows on your hold of choice. The inverted 1-arm rows work bretty well as way to activate the whole chain (finger, arms, posterior chain), and the resistence is easy to adjust by changing your angle, from almost upright (easy) to almost horizontal (hard). You can also get away with a lower attachement point- if you only have a tree branch 4 feet off the ground, this can work for rows, but trying to do hangs on that is hard.

Doing the rows is a bit awkward though, and sometimes involves lying down in the dirt, and overall I prefer 2 arm hangs on the Flash Board. Despite this, I more often choose to bring the Block, since it is a lot smaller and lighter. This is nice if it is a long walk in to the crag.

Dont plan to use it for warming up at the crag.  Only purpose for me would be training on the road.  I'm in hotels 12-15 days a month for my job and am just looking for some way to train while gone.   The Flash board works super well for me but just looking for something smaller.  

Redyns wrote: stop drinking the tension kool-aid.

If you have other recommendations for my use I'm all ears.  Looked at the rock rings but they are bulkier and heavier than the flash.  The door frame in the hotel works in a pinch but I much prefer the flash board

I train at the tension center and own the flash board, blocks, and grindstone. I use the flashboard more for bouldering and outdoor warmups. I like the blocks for training odd/new grip types that I aren't practical to hang yet. They're also nice if I want to do lower intensity aerobic/endurance style hangboard work because I don't need to remove tremendous amounts of weight via a pulley. They both have their purpose, but IMO the flashboard is probably the better true strength board. If I could only have one it would probably be the flash board, but the blocks definitely have their purpose if you have plenty of free weights available.

Thanks will!  If I’m at a hotel gym with plenty of weight available could I train stretnth with it or would that not really be practical?

wisam wrote: Thanks will!  If I’m at a hotel gym with plenty of weight available could I train stretnth with it or would that not really be practical?

I have the blocks and they are perfect for what you are looking for. I have taken them while traveling for work and used them with kettlebells and dumbbells in the hotel gym. Super simple to set up and plenty of grips to choose from.

really depends on what weight you have available! One of my favorite things is if you have a cable machine available you can perfectly dial how much resistance you want on the suckers. They definitely excel in a commercial gym space, but if I were to only have one for crags, gym, and bouldering it would probably be the flash board. If in hotel/globo gyms and just looking to train on the road the block is probably the way to go