Welcome to Class 5 in Torrance — A New Benchmark in Climbing
Let’s cut to the chase: Class 5, Touchstone Climbing’s vibrant new facility in Torrance, is something special. Few gyms achieve the rare combination of thoughtful design, welcoming atmosphere, and climbing diversity, but this one does it with style—and safety. At Flashed Climbing, we’re proud that our padding systems are among the critical components making Class 5 both beautiful and boulder-friendly.
Our Partnership: Flashed + Touchstone = Climbing Innovation
Touchstone has been a pioneer of West Coast climbing culture, launching iconic gyms like Dogpatch Boulders, Mission Cliffs, and Pacific Pipe. When they asked us to partner on Class 5 in Torrance, we recognized an opportunity to push our own limits..
From early design meetings to final installation, Flashed and Touchstone worked hand-in-hand. We’ve long shared the belief that climbing spaces deserve padding not just as an afterthought, but as a core element of the gym experience: safety, performance, comfort, aesthetics.
Our teams collaborated to ensure the structural layout, bouldering zones, foot traffic flow, and movement lines were all perfect canvases for our padding systems. It’s a relationship based not only on excellence in climbing, but on mutual trust, communication, and a shared vision—one in which every pad, wall, and stance enriches the user’s climbing journey.
The Bouldering Floor: Memory-Foam + Carpet Composite
At the heart of every great bouldering space is the paddding—the landing zone for dynamic movements, falls, and those glorious sends. For Class 5, we deployed memory-foam and carpet composite panels, carefully engineered for performance:
- Memory foam core: Provides deep, shock-absorbing cushioning that adapts to weight and impact, minimizing jarring falls.
- Carpet composite top layer: Adds traction, utility, and the kind of blend you want underfoot and hand. It’s soft yet stable.
- Durability built-in: Every panel endures consistent pounding from daily use, yet we’ve enhanced them with industrial-grade binders and backing to resist compression over time.
- Quick interlock system: Fast installation and future maintenance access—perfect for Touchstone’s evolving zones and seasonally shifting route plans.
The result? A bouldering surface that feels luxurious, safe, and elite—ready to catch climbers of all types, from beginner to seasoned power crushers, the floor is there, forgiving and confident.
Route-Floor System: Precision with Carpet-Bond
On to the top rope and lead zone—a different set of demands. The landing here is often walking out of a rope, not a huge fall, but safety and stability still count. That’s why we implemented a carpet-bond system:
- Layered foam base: Tailored density for foot traffic, belay stances, and controlled descents. Softer than gym-grade tread but firmer than memory foam.
- Bonded carpet finish: Aesthetic and function – It’s easy to keep clean, suited for heavy traffic, and disperses energy well.
Every climber belaying at Class 5 experiences subtle comfort and safety improvements we aimed for.
Design Meets Deliverables
Touchstone gyms are known for crisp lines, bright color schemes, and high-contrast wall textures that accentuate routes and hold shapes. We align with that philosophy by designing our pads and carpet systems to either blend seamlessly into the decor or pop for visual contrast—depending on the zone.
Moreover, installation timelines in climbing gyms can be tight—new routes go up fast, and Touchstone’s crews need floor-time as soon as possible. Our pre-manufactured panels and carpet-bond zones arrived in kit form, ready to go, helping reduce onsite work days—and enabling set crews to walk in and route-set without delays.
Why It Matters: Quality, Safety, and Long-Term Value
At Flashed Climbing, our mission is to ensure that pads aren’t just “there” — they elevate the entire experience of indoor climbing. Proper padding:
- Improves confidence — climbers are willing to push harder and stick bigger moves when they know the floor’s got their back.
- Lasts longer — our composite design resists crushing and compression; carpet-bond zones stand up to rope abrasion and belayer foot traffic.
- Supports operations — quick-change panels, modular layout, and low upkeep mean gym managers spend less time replacing foam and more time serving climbers.
Looking Ahead
Torrance’s Class 5 is just the latest example of what we can create together. Flashed Climbing and Touchstone envision more gyms outfitted with padding systems that balance performance + comfort + style. We’re already in conversations about upgrades, vertical expansions, and even pad refurbishments.
Our vision is simple: climbers come to climb—so we’ll give them the soft landings, secure landings, and inviting floors that invite boldness and progression. Touchstone’s commitment to the climbing community mirrors ours—and we’re proud to build on that foundation.
A Class Above
In the end, Class 5 in Torrance feels new—not just for the routes, but for every tactile moment on the floor. That’s what happens when two passionate brands unite: pads that cushion and a space that stands out as more than just walls to climb.
If you haven’t visited yet, come experience it—and take a minute to feel beneath your feet. You may notice the difference. And at that moment, you’ll understand why Flashed Climbing + Touchstone Climbing set this pad high.
About Flashed Climbing
Flashed Climbing specializes in high-performance gym padding and installation services across the U.S. and Canada. With an emphasis on tailored foam systems and rigorous durability standards, we partner with climbing gyms to deliver safer, more engaging climbing spaces.
About Touchstone Climbing
A leading gym operator on the West Coast, Touchstone Climbing has a mission to build vibrant, community-focused climbing centers. From its early days in San Francisco with Mission Cliffs and Dogpatch Boulders, to its newer gems like Class 5, and Pacific Edge, Touchstone emphasizes quality climbing terrain, thoughtful design, and rich local culture.
Want to collaborate on a climbing gym project? Reach out—whether you’re a gym owner or an up-and-coming operator, Flashed is all in. Let’s build bold, safe, and unforgettable spaces together.
