Data Tools for Climbers: What Do You Actually Need?
Climbing training is becoming more data-driven.
You can now measure finger strength, compare left versus right, track progress over time, and even build complete training plans around objective numbers instead of guesswork.
But not every data tool is built for the same type of climber.
Some tools are designed to give you maximum flexibility and let you test almost anything. Others are designed to guide you step by step and make the process simple.
For most climbers, the two most interesting options right now are the Tindeq Progressor 200 and the Climbro Mini.
Both are excellent tools. They just solve different problems.
The Flexible Option: Tindeq
The biggest strength of the Tindeq Progressor 200 is flexibility.
It is essentially a force sensor that sits between your training tool and your anchor point. That means you can use it with almost anything:
- Portable edges
- Pinch blocks
- Rolling handles
- Pull-up setups
- Lock-off tests
- Rehab exercises
- Isometric pulls
Because the sensor itself is separate from the grip, you are not locked into one training style. You can build a full testing and training setup around the grips you already own.
The app allows you to measure peak force, endurance, repeaters and rate of force development. It also saves sessions so you can compare your numbers over time.
The other major advantage is that it works well for asymmetry testing, rehab, and advanced analysis. If you want to compare right versus left hand strength, monitor progress after an injury, or track very specific grip types, the Tindeq gives you much more freedom. It can also be integrated into custom systems thanks to its open API.
The downside is that the Tindeq does not tell you exactly what to do.
You still need to decide:
- Which grip to use
- What intensity to train at
- How long to hang
- How often to train
- When to retest
- Which metrics actually matter for your goal
That is not necessarily a weakness. For experienced climbers, coaches, physios and people who already know how to structure their training, this flexibility is exactly why the Tindeq is so useful.
But for newer climbers, it can feel like having a lot of data without a clear plan.
The Guided Option: Climbro Mini
The Climbro Mini takes the opposite approach.
Instead of being a flexible force sensor, it is a more complete system with fixed grip options and a more guided app experience.
You cannot attach pinch blocks, slopers or other grips to it like you can with the Tindeq. It is mainly built around crimp strength and edge-based finger training.
That sounds limiting, but for many climbers it is actually a strength.
The Climbro Mini feels more like a training platform than just a measurement device. It tests your strength, gives you targets, builds training sessions, and guides you through them. The process feels much more structured and rewarding.
For climbers who are not yet confident with percentages, loading, intensity zones or training design, that matters a lot.
You do not need to know exactly what 80% of your max is, or how to structure a repeater cycle. The app does much of that work for you.
It feels more gamified, more approachable, and easier to stick with.
The downside is that you are mostly locked into one type of training: crimp and edge strength. If you want to test pinch strength, sloper strength, pulling strength or rehab exercises, the system becomes much less useful.
Which One Should You Choose?
In simple terms:
Choose the Tindeq Progressor 200 if:
- You want maximum flexibility
- You use multiple grip types
- You want to test pinch, sloper, pulling or rehab exercises
- You already understand training structure
- You enjoy data and analysis
- You are a coach, physio or advanced climber
Choose the Climbro Mini if:
- You mainly care about crimp strength
- You want more guidance
- You do not want to build your own training structure
- You like clear progression and gamification
- You want a simpler, more complete experience
- You are newer to structured finger training
Neither tool is objectively better.
The best option depends on whether you want freedom or guidance.
What Can You Use Them With?
Tindeq Works Well With
- Portable edges
- Pinch blocks
- Rolling handles
- Pull-up bars
- Weight pins
- Rehab straps
- Hangboards
- Force-based testing systems
For simple weighted hangs or lifting-edge sessions, a loading pin and small weight plates already provide very accurate loading. In these setups, the Tindeq mainly adds data tracking and session history rather than dramatically changing the training itself. Its biggest advantage comes in fixed-anchor testing setups, where it can measure force production, asymmetries, force loss and rate of force development without needing to lift a specific load.
ClimbBro Mini Works Well On Its Own
The Climbro Mini does not really need extra accessories, especially if you choose the Kit version.
With the wall mount stand, lower pulling platform and phone holder, it becomes a complete setup for testing, training and tracking finger strength.
It is mainly useful for:
- Crimp strength testing
- Structured finger training
- Guided training plans
- Progressive overload on edges
- Warm-ups and retesting
- Climbers who want a simple all-in-one system
Related Tools
You can browse more finger strength tools, portable edges and testing equipment in:
The Tindeq Progressor 200 is still the most versatile option if you want one tool that can grow with you over time.
But if you mainly want better finger strength without having to think too much about training structure, the Climbro Mini may actually be the better fit.