I'm definitely happy with these holds, and I'd generally recommend them for a system-type training wall, but I don't consider them a must. I'm a 5'10" male with average-to-slightly-bigger hands, and if I were to do it over again, I'd go bigger, meaning I'd buy the 4" or 5" balls. The 3" balls are a little small for me, and don't give me a real sloper feel, but rather more like a knob. They don't really require more open-handed grip I was looking for. Perhaps with smaller-than-average size hands, these would be perfect, though.