Chalk
Which type of chalk for rock climbing?
Chalk is an essential element for climbing, whether you’re into bouldering in a gym or a natural environment, or you prefer crag climbing. Chalk is available in different forms, liquid, powder, or balls. Depending on where you climb and your needs, the choice is yours. Find on this page what your need to fill your chalk bag.
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What is chalk? What is it used for?
Chalk is magnesium carbonate, it exists in nature and is often found in powder form in the case of rock climbing. Chalk is used to absorb moisture from your hands and dry them to offer optimal grip on holds.
Liquid, powder chalk or balls?
You’ll find liquid or powder chalk and even balls. Depending on where you usually climb, you may or may not have the choice of using powder chalk. Some climbing gyms don’t allow powder in favour of liquid chalk.
Powder chalk
Power chalk is a classic rock climbing accessory. This white powder which dries up your hands and is contained in your chalk bag improves your climbing performance by preventing your hands from slipping on holds.
Liquid chalk
Liquid chalk is a good alternative to powder. It is less volatile and allows you to use chalk in gyms where powder is forbidden. It is still magnesium carbonate mixed with alcohol and sometimes a thickener or resin. Liquid chalk remains effective on your hands for longer. You'll need to reapply it less often, and advantage on long routes.
Chalk balls
Chalk in the form of balls is an evolution of standard chunks of chalk. Because the chalk is contained in a ball of fabric, it prevents its dissipation around you. The chalk ball is stored in your chalk bag and it is easy to use when climbing.
What is the difference between talc, pof and chalk?
Powder chalk shouldn’t be confused with talc. Both products absorb moisture, but talc is also a lubricant, chalk isn’t. For rock climbing, what you need is chalk, as the goal is to improve your grip on holds.
Pof is often mistaken for chalk, however it is a different product, but also used in rock climbing. Pof has the sole purpose of improving your hands’ traction. It is rosin, made by distilling pine resin.
Find your chalk at the best price from Glisshop
You now know everything you need about powder chalk or its liquid form alternative. You'll be able to fill your chalk bag and try beautiful routes. If you are still hesitating, stop by our store in Aubière, close to Clermont-Ferrand or contact one of our experts via e-mail, chat or phone.