They are most known for their ultra-fine chalk (which is super soft) but they also provide chunky and ultra-chunky chalk. Friction Labsįriction Labs is recognizable for its iconic packaging showcasing a Donkey with boxing gloves, a Gorilla and a Unicorn. Below is a quick review of the top climbing brands and what climbers have to say about them. With chalk being used in climbing, gymnastics and lifting, there are many chalk brands that are getting the attention of climbers around the world. However, some climbers suggest it is because you can get the benefit of the feeling of crushing the chalk between your fingertips (which you really have to try to understand) and being able to get the soft powder in all of the little crevasses. Some climbers suggest it is the most popular because it is easier to produce and thus, there is more of this type provided. This is the most common type of climbing chalk. Many climbers that use fine chalk suggest that they like how soft the chalk feels and that it seems to fit into the little cracks in your fingertips better. To apply it, you usually just dip your fingers in the chalk bag and then rub your hands together. Fineįine chalk is when the chalk has been ground down to leave a smooth powder. This is also argued as evidence that chunky chalk may last longer than fine chalk. In addition, many climbers mentioned that it isn’t as messy as fine chalk because it doesn’t create a cloud of powder when you dunk your hands in the bag. Many climbers who use chunky chalk have explained that they like how the chalk feels smushed in their fingertips and it makes them feel like the chalk will last longer. Clumps can range from an inch in diameter down to an eighth of an inch so the range is pretty big.

It is clumps of a chalk brick that has been broken down into smaller pieces so that you can crush the clumps in your hands. ChunkyĬhunky chalk is exactly what it sounds like, chunky. Below is a quick rundown for the most common chalk consistency. That way you only look at the brands that offer that kind of consistency. However, a somewhat easier way to narrow down your choices is by understanding what type of chalk consistency you prefer. With so many climbing chalk brands out there, it is hard to sift through and find the best one for you. Some people benefit from wearing chalk while climbing and other people don’t…. I wrote an entire article on it here if you want to go into greater detail, otherwise, let me get to the point. For example, one study said that you need to minimize the amount of chalk on your hand to maximize friction and another said that chalk helped with endurance. To find scientific proof behind whether or not you need chalk, I decided to look at what published studies had to say and I was surprised to learn that even scientists haven’t decided if the chalk was necessary to climb.Įach study I read seemed to suggest something different. So if people that are just getting into the sport climb without chalk, is it actually necessary or is it something that we’ve just accustomed ourselves to in the climbing culture. When I introduce friends to climbing, they frequently don’t like wearing chalk to climb and if they do, it is so little that I don’t think it makes a difference. 4.1 More Buyer’s Guides: Can You Climb Without Chalkīefore deciding what brand chalk you should purchase, you may be wondering if chalk is even necessary at all.

Climbing chalk