Brown

The most common choice and industry standard is RAL 8002 (Signal Brown) but it can look a bit like mud once it get covered in white chalk and black shoe rubber. RAL 8001 (Ocker Brown) might be a more modern choice, it is warmer and deepens the earthy feel of 1001 (Beige) and grounds the other «candy» colors.

The standard brown 8002 is offered for «rock-realistic» or «earth-tone» circuits. 8002 has a slightly reddish/warm undertone that mimics natural sandstone or clay. Brown is a love or hate color among setters.

Other Common Browns

Because «brown» is so broad, some brands opt for darker or more «chocolate» tones depending on their specific aesthetic:

Shade	RAL Code	Name	Appearance
Standard	RAL 8002	Signal Brown	Medium, warm brown. The go-to for most brands.
Dark/Chocolate	RAL 8017	Chocolate Brown	Very dark, deep brown. Can look like black from a distance.
Earth/Clay	RAL 8003	Clay Brown	More yellowish/orange; looks like dried mud or desert rock.
Red-Brown	RAL 8012	Red Brown	Deep terracotta look; common in «granite» style hold sets.

Beige

Beige is the ultimate «natural» color for climbing holds, often used to mimic sandstone or limestone. In the climbing industry, there is one very specific king of beige, though a few «sand» variations exist.

The Industry Standard

• RAL 1001
• Name: Pale Beige

If you walk into a gym and see a «sandstone» circuit, 90% of the time those holds are RAL 1001. It provides enough pigment to be visible against a grey or wooden wall without looking like a «bright» color.

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Other Common Beige / Sand Tones

Depending on whether the manufacturer wants a «desert sand» or a «grey-limestone» look, they might use one of these:

Shade	RAL Code	Name	Appearance
The Standard	RAL 1001	Pale Beige	The classic «creamy» sandstone color.
Yellow-Beige	RAL 1014	Ivory	A bit more yellow/saturated; looks like bright desert rock.
Grey-Beige	RAL 1019	Grey Beige	A «muddy» or stony beige; excellent for mimicking granite or limestone.
Off-White	RAL 9010	Pure White	Sometimes used for «White» circuits, but often appears as a very bright beige under gym lights.

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Why Beige is a «Love-Hate» Color

• Visibility: Against a standard birch plywood or «clear-coated» wall, RAL 1001 can be almost invisible. It’s the «Stealth Mode» of climbing colors.
• The «Grime» Factor: Because it is a light color, beige shows black shoe rubber marks (the «rubber smear») very clearly. After a month of heavy use, a beige hold often looks more like a RAL 7006 (Beige Grey).
• Chalk Camouflage: Interestingly, beige is one of the best colors for hiding white chalk. Since the pigment is already light, the chalk doesn’t create the high-contrast «messy» look that you see on black or purple holds.

Note on Brands: If you are buying from Cheeta or Flathold, they lean heavily into RAL 1001 for their «Sand» lines. If you are looking for something a bit darker and «stonier,» look for RAL 1019.

Pink

Pink is one of the most variable colors in the industry because manufacturers have to choose between a «true» pink and a «fluorescent» pink. If you are looking for the industry standard that matches brands like Flathold, Cheeta, or Kilter, there are two primary answers:

1. The «True» Pink Standard: RAL 3015

This is the standard matte pink. It is often called «Piggy Pink» or «Light Pink.» It is a soft, pastel shade that is easy on the eyes but can sometimes get «lost» on the wall once it gets dirty.

• RAL Code: RAL 3015
• Name: Strawberry Pink

2. The «Modern» Pink Standard: RAL 4003 or 4010

Many modern gyms have moved away from pastel pinks in favor of «Telemagenta.» This is a much «hotter,» more saturated pink that stands out vividly against grey or black volumes.

• RAL 4003 (Heathermane): A slightly softer, more floral pink.
• RAL 4010 (Telemagenta): This is the most common «vibrant» pink in high-end European holds. It is very punchy and high-visibility.

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Comparison Table

Shade	RAL Code	Name	Characteristics
Classic Pastel	RAL 3015	Strawberry Pink	Soft, light, traditional «baby pink.»
Vibrant / Pro	RAL 4010	Telemagenta	Bold, deep pink. The current standard for many «Pink» circuits.
Purple-Pink	RAL 4003	Heathermane	A rich, medium pink with a hint of violet.
Fluorescent	N/A	Neon Pink	These usually don’t have a RAL code; they are custom pigments (often used by So iLL).

Purple

The «standard» purple used by most major climbing hold manufacturers (such as Flathold, Xcult, and Chapter Climbing) is RAL 4008, also known as Signal Violet.

Here is a breakdown of the most common purple RAL codes you will find in climbing gyms:

Common Purple RAL Codes

Shade	RAL Code	Name	Notes
Industry Standard	RAL 4008	Signal Violet	The primary purple used by the majority of European and US manufacturers.
Blue-Purple	RAL 4005	Blue Lilac	A lighter, more periwinkle shade used by brands like Digital Climbing.
Red-Purple	RAL 4001	Red Lilac	A slightly more magenta/reddish purple used by brands like Ino’Holds.
Dark Violet	RAL 4006	Traffic Purple	Sometimes used for darker, high-contrast circuits.

Black

In the world of climbing holds and industrial standards, «standard black» is almost universally RAL 9005, known as Jet Black.

​Unlike purple or green, which can vary wildly between manufacturers, black is the most consistent color in the industry. Whether you are buying from Kilter, Cheeta, or So iLL, they are likely using this specific pigment.

​The «Standard» Black Breakdown

RAL Code	Name	Appearance	Usage
RAL 9005	Jet Black	Deep, true black.	The Industry Standard. Used for 99% of black climbing hold circuits.
RAL 9004	Signal Black	Slightly «dustier» or grayish black.	Rarely used for holds; more common in metal frame construction.
RAL 9011	Graphite Black	A very dark charcoal.	Sometimes used for «dual-texture» holds to provide a matte contrast.

Things to Keep in Mind

​While the RAL code is consistent, the texture and material of the hold will change how the black looks under gym lights:

• ​Polyurethane (PU): Tends to have a slight «satin» or matte finish. Over time, it can look a bit greyish as it collects white climbing chalk.
• ​Polyester (PE): Often has a deeper, more «ink-like» look but can appear shinier.
• ​The «Chalk Factor»: Black holds are notorious for looking «ruined» the fastest. Because of the high contrast, white magnesium carbonate (chalk) fills the pores of the hold, making a RAL 9005 hold look like a RAL 7016 (Anthracite Grey) after just a few sessions.

Grey

When it comes to grey, the climbing industry is a bit more split than it is with black or purple. Because «grey» can range from light concrete to dark charcoal, there isn’t just one single standard—it usually depends on whether the gym wants the holds to blend in with the walls or stand out as a distinct circuit.

However, if you have to pick the «standard» used by major brands like Euroholds, Cheeta, or HRT, it is:

The Industry Standards

Role	RAL Code	Name	Appearance
Standard Grey	RAL 7001	Silver Grey	The classic «medium» grey. It matches many natural rock textures.
Dark Grey	RAL 7016	Anthracite Grey	Very popular for modern, moody circuits. It’s a very dark, blue-toned charcoal.
Light Grey	RAL 7035	Light Grey	A pale, «concrete» look. Often used to match the color of unpainted plywood walls.
Dusty Grey	RAL 7037	Dusty Grey	A mid-to-dark grey that hides rubber marks from climbing shoes very well.

Many gyms use RAL 7001 or RAL 7035 specifically because they are «low-visibility. Grey holds are the hardest to see under gym lighting, especially as they get covered in white chalk. A RAL 7001 hold covered in chalk effectively disappears against a grey wall.

Why RAL 7016 is Trending

In the last few years, RAL 7016 (Anthracite) has become the favorite for «Grey» circuits. Because it is so dark, it provides a better contrast for the climber than the lighter greys, while still looking more sophisticated and «pro» than a basic Jet Black.

Note on Rubber Marks: Light greys (RAL 7035) show black streaks from climbing shoe rubber almost immediately. If you want your grey circuit to look «fresh» longer, the darker RAL 7037 or 7016 are much more forgiving.

Red

Red is the most «aggressive» color in the gym and, fortunately, it’s one of the most consistent across manufacturers. If you are looking for the definitive climbing hold red, it is:

The Industry Standard

RAL 3020

Name: Traffic Red

This is the «classic» bright red used by Flathold, Cheeta, Kilter, Bluepill, and almost every other major brand. It is designed to be high-visibility and saturated, ensuring it pops against almost any wall texture.

Other Common Reds

While RAL 3020 is the king, some manufacturers use slightly different shades to achieve a more «premium» or «deeper» look:

Shade	RAL Code	Name	Appearance
The Standard	RAL 3020	Traffic Red	Bright, punchy, «fire engine» red.
Deep Red	RAL 3001	Signal Red	Slightly darker and more «serious» than 3020.
Orange-Red	RAL 3028	Pure Red	A very «hot» red that almost leans toward neon orange.
Dark Red	RAL 3003	Ruby Red	A

Why Red is Great for Setting

​Red is a favorite for route setters for a few key reasons:

• ​Maximum Contrast: Red sits perfectly in the middle of the value scale—it stands out on light wood walls, grey concrete walls, and dark volumes.
• ​Psychology: In many gyms, «Red» is reserved for high-intensity or «hard» grades because the color naturally signals danger or effort.
• ​Chalk Resistance: Unlike black or dark purple, RAL 3020 holds its color quite well under chalk. While it will fade to a slightly pinkish-red when dusty, it doesn’t «disappear» like darker colors do.

​The One Downside: «The Pink Shift»

​If you buy cheap polyurethane (PU) holds in red, they can sometimes suffer from UV fading or «chalk-out,» where the red starts to look like a dull pink over several years. High-quality brands (using premium pigments) don’t have this issue as much, but if you mix a brand-new RAL 3020 hold with one that’s five years old, you will definitely see the age difference.

Orange

Orange is the «energy» color of the climbing gym. It is high-visibility, looks great under LED lighting, and is generally very consistent across different manufacturers.

The Industry Standard

RAL 2004

Name: Pure Orange

This is the definitive orange used by the «Big Three» (Flathold, Cheeta, and Kilter). If you ask a manufacturer for «standard orange,» RAL 2004 is what they will pull off the shelf. It is bright, saturated, and has no confusion with red or yellow.

Other Common Oranges

Some brands go a bit «hotter» or «mellower» depending on their pigment supply:

Shade	RAL Code	Name	Appearance
The Standard	RAL 2004	Pure Orange	The classic, balanced orange.
Safety Orange	RAL 2003	Pastel Orange	Slightly lighter and more «peachy.» Used by some US-based brands.
Deep Orange	RAL 2009	Traffic Orange	A darker, more «industrial» orange.
Neon Orange	N/A	Fluorescent Orange	Often used by brands like So iLL. It doesn’t have a RAL, it’s just «Safety Neon.»

Why Orange is a Setter’s Dream

​Orange is arguably the most practical color in a climbing gym for several reasons:

• ​UV & Wear Resistance: Orange pigments tend to be very stable. Unlike red (which can turn pink) or blue (which can turn greyish), RAL 2004 stays looking like orange for a long time.
• ​The «Anti-Chalk» Color: Orange is one of the best colors at «hiding» chalk. Because white chalk on a bright orange surface just makes it look like a slightly lighter orange, the holds don’t look «dirty» as quickly as black or purple ones do.
• ​Visibility: It pops against almost any wall color—especially blue, grey, or black volumes.

​A Small Warning: The «Red-Orange» Blur

​The only issue you’ll run into is when a gym has a Red (RAL 3020) circuit and an Orange (RAL 2004) circuit right next to each other. Under warm gym lights, these two can look remarkably similar to a climber mid-route. For this reason, many head setters try to keep the red and orange circuits on separate sections of the wall.

Green

Green is the «safety» color of the gym, but it’s also where things can get confusing. Because there is a huge gap between «forest green» and «lime green,» the industry has split into two different standards.

​1. The «True Green» Standard (The Classic)

• ​RAL 6018
• ​Name: Yellow Green

​This is the classic «Kelly Green» or «Grass Green.» If you are looking for a standard, primary green that doesn’t lean too yellow or too dark, this is it. It’s the standard for brands like Euroholds and HRT.

​2. The «Modern» Standard (The Pop)

• ​RAL 1018 or RAL 1023 (modified) or often a proprietary Lime
• ​Name: Zinc Yellow / Lime

​In the last decade, most «Green» circuits in modern gyms have shifted toward Lime Green. Because actual RAL «Green» can look dark on the wall, manufacturers often use a very bright, yellowish lime. While there isn’t one perfect RAL for «Lime,» RAL 6018 is the closest official shade, though many brands use custom neon pigments that are much brighter.

Shade	RAL Code	Name	Appearance
The Standard	RAL 6018	Yellow Green	Bright, primary green. Very high visibility.
Forest/Dark	RAL 6029	Mint Green	A deep, rich «British Racing Green» look. (Rarely used now).
Lime/Neon	N/A	Fluorescent Lime	The «electric» green used by Flathold or So iLL.
Pastel Green	RAL 6019	Pastel Green	A

The «Yellow» Trap

​The biggest issue with RAL 6018 (Yellow Green) is that under warm gym lighting, it can start to look like a dirty yellow. Conversely, if you have a Yellow (RAL 1023) circuit nearby, climbers might get confused.

​Pro-Tip for Setters:

• ​If you want a Green that stays looking green even when covered in white chalk, stick with RAL 6018.
• ​If you want that modern, high-performance look that «glows» on the wall, you are likely looking for a Fluorescent/Lime Green, which usually doesn’t have a standard RAL code and varies by brand.

Blue

Blue is the most popular color for climbing circuits because it’s high-contrast and mentally «calming.» In the climbing hold world, blue is almost always divided into two categories: the Standard Blue (primary) and the Ultramarine (deep blue).

​The Industry Standard

• ​RAL 5015
• ​Name: Sky Blue

​This is the «classic» climbing blue. It is bright, punchy, and provides excellent contrast against almost any wall color. It is the go-to for Kilter, Cheeta, and most European manufacturers.

​Other Common Blues

​Depending on the «mood» of the gym or the specific circuit grade, you might see these variations that is to be avoided to limit confusion:

Shade	RAL Code	Name	Appearance
The «Old School»	RAL 5002	Ultramarine Blue	A very deep, dark blue. Classic but looks «black» in low light.
Light/Ice Blue	RAL 5012	Light Blue	Slightly lighter than Sky Blue; very popular for «aesthetic» gyms.
Teal/Cyan	RAL 5018	Turquoise Blue

Why RAL 5015 is the Winner

​Route setters prefer RAL 5015 Sky Blue for a few practical reasons:

• ​Visibility in Shadows: Darker blues like RAL 5002 can disappear in the shadows of large volumes or steep overhangs. RAL 5015 stays bright even in the «dark» corners of the gym.
• ​Chalk Visibility: Blue is a «medium-value» color. It shows white chalk more than beige does, but far less than black or dark purple. It holds its «blue» identity even when it’s heavily used.
• ​Consistency: Unlike greens or pinks, the pigment for RAL 5015 is incredibly stable across different batches of polyurethane.

​The «Blue vs. Purple» Problem

​One thing to watch out for is that under certain LED gym lights, RAL 5015 can look remarkably similar to RAL 4008 (Signal Violet) if they are on the same wall. If your gym has a blue circuit and a purple circuit, try to keep the blue as «Sky» as possible and the purple as «Red-toned» as possible to help climbers distinguish between them.

Mint

An increasingly popular and modern choice is Mint. It has grown to become the standard for light blue. Used by brands like Cheeta, Euroholds and others.

​The Industry Standard

• ​RAL 6027
• ​Name: Mint