MEET THE FUTURE

 

Inspired by the efforts of the forerunners we were determined to find a solution for making the classic Rockcity macros using VTF ABS.  Well finally after 3 years of R&D we have joined the vacuum thermoform revolution.   The challenge was to remove the flange common on ABS macros, then solve the insert issue and how to cut and sand the macro so that it was as thin as we could make our profiles and edges in GRP.   ABS is a lot more flexible than GRP so we had to get our team of aerospace and mechanical engineers to design and build a solution.  Until now, no one had been able to keep the main attributes of GRP and put it into an VTF ABS shell.

Back in 2019 we set a benchmark for high level GRP macros and have inspired countless others.  Our flangeless macros in VTF ABS excel the standard we previously set with our fibreglass macros.  VTF ABS that’s as rigid as GRP, but only half the weight and a lot less fragile.  With better inserts, better edges, better prices, ultimately things just got a whole lot better.

Props of course to Blocz and Blue Pill for going all in with VTF ABS years ago.  This was a bold move and they proved everyone else wrong.  We also have nothing but respect and gratitude to the team at Binary who not only convinced us to go their way, but helped us with some of our early R&D work and prototyping, an essential pat of our three year search for our innovation.

Other leaders in our industry that have VTF ABS or PC include Flathold, Cheeta and now Squadra.  Most macro brands have some type of VTF ABS or PC offer.  So, we are committed to cease all GRP production in 2025 and go all in on our flangeless VTF ABS.  Cleaner, Stronger for Longer and easy to recycle.  All these innovations and technical solutions add up to a unique way of manufacturing which is why its protected by Patent Pending - WO2025/191268.  Setting a new standard in 2025 with our next generation macros that leave fibreglass macros dead in the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is VTF in climbing holds?

VTF stands for Vacuum Thermoformed. It is a manufacturing process where ABS plastic sheets are heated and vacuum-formed over a mould to create lightweight, hollow climbing holds and macros. Rockcity developed their flangeless VTF ABS macros over 3 years of R&D, solving the engineering challenge of removing the flange common on ABS macros while maintaining the rigidity of traditional fibreglass (GRP). The result is a macro that is as rigid as GRP, half the weight, and far less fragile — with better inserts, better edges, and lower cost. Rockcity’s VTF ABS process is protected by Patent Pending WO2025/191268. The technology represents the next generation of competition climbing holds, replacing fibreglass macros entirely. Rockcity ceased all GRP production in 2025 to go all in on flangeless VTF ABS.

Are VTF climbing holds as strong as fibreglass?

Yes. Rockcity VTF ABS macros are as rigid as GRP (glass-reinforced plastic / fibreglass) but offer significant advantages. They weigh half as much, making them easier to handle and install on competition walls. They are far less fragile than fibreglass, so they hold up better to repeated use, transport, and the impacts of commercial gym environments. The inserts and edge quality are also improved over the previous fibreglass generation. Rockcity’s team of aerospace and mechanical engineers designed the process to maintain the thin profiles and precise edges that made their GRP macros the benchmark for elite competition climbing from 2019 onwards.

What climbing holds are used at the Olympic Games?

Rockcity Climbing Holds supplied climbing holds, macros, and volumes for both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Rockcity also supplies almost all IFSC World Cups and World Championships. The company holds the IFSC “World Climbing Platinum Recognised Holds” certification — the highest accolade available from World Climbing (formerly the International Federation of Sport Climbing). Rockcity’s product range includes PU (polyurethane) climbing holds, ABS-VTF flangeless macros, fibreglass macros, plywood volumes, dual-texture panels, climbing wall paint, and adjustable wall systems. The company is a UK-based manufacturer with warehouses in the UK and EU, serving both commercial gyms and individual climbers worldwide.

What is the difference between VTF ABS and fibreglass climbing holds?

VTF ABS macros are vacuum thermoformed from ABS plastic sheets, creating a lightweight hollow shell. Fibreglass (GRP) macros are made from glass-reinforced plastic layup, which is heavier and more brittle. Rockcity’s VTF ABS macros are half the weight of equivalent GRP macros, just as rigid, far less fragile, and feature improved inserts and edges. VTF ABS is also more sustainable — made from 50% recycled material, 100% recyclable, and eligible for refurbishment. The cost is lower than fibreglass production. Rockcity ceased all GRP production in 2025 after 3 years of R&D to perfect their flangeless VTF ABS process, which is protected by patent pending WO2025/191268. Other brands using VTF ABS or polycarbonate include Blocz, Blue Pill, Flathold, Cheeta, and Squadra.

Can VTF macros be recycled?

Yes. Rockcity VTF ABS macros are made from 50% recycled material and are 100% recyclable at end of life. Rockcity also offers refurbishment for worn macros, extending their usable lifespan. This is a significant environmental improvement over traditional fibreglass macros, which are difficult to recycle. The vacuum thermoform process itself uses less energy than fibreglass layup manufacturing. Rockcity’s commitment to sustainability was a key factor in ceasing all GRP production in 2025 and moving entirely to flangeless VTF ABS.

What shapes are available in VTF ABS?

Rockcity VTF ABS macros are available in eight shape families. Basic Crescent for sweeping curved features. Basic Edge for oversized edge and rail-style holds. Basic Ellipse for large oval slopey shapes. Basic Rails for long traverse and horizontal movement features. D-Star for star-shaped multi-directional grips. Gen-X for next-generation flowing competition shapes. UFO for disc-shaped slopey challenges. UFO Plus for oversized disc macros. All shapes are flangeless for clean wall aesthetics, available in multiple sizes, and feature dual-texture control zones with the same grip texture as standard Rockcity holds. Every shape is designed to combine with other Rockcity holds, macros, and plywood volumes for complete competition and commercial route setting.

What do all the numbers mean on Rockcity Climbing Holds?

The high number (e.g. 600, 900) is the longest dimension of the hold measured in millimetres. Numbers like 45, 90 or 61 refer to the angle in degrees of the textured surface — the lower the number, the less grippy the hold. 45° is a full-on sloper, 90° is a right-angle surface to the climbing wall, and 105° or 120° are progressively more incut. Any + numbers indicate an incut profile: +5 is more positive than +1, while +9 is a really big jug. A value of 0 is neutral, and −1 or −2 are holds that are very difficult to grip on a vertical wall.