If you’re a climber, you know that having a good grip is essential to your success on the wall. That’s where climbing chalk comes in – it helps to absorb sweat and moisture from your hands, providing a dry and secure grip on the rock or climbing holds.
Traditionally, climbers have used powdered chalk, which is applied to the hands using a chalk bag. However, a new option has emerged in recent years: climbing liquid chalk.
Benefits of climbing liquid chalk:
Performance:
One of the main benefits of climbing liquid chalk is that it provides a longer-lasting grip than traditional powdered chalk. Because it dries to a powdery finish, it’s less likely to rub off while you’re climbing. This means you can go longer between applications and maintain a secure grip throughout your climb. No more chalking up between every hold.
Many folks will use a base layer of liquid chalk and then use traditional powered chalk on top. The main reason for this is to have a long lasting chalk layer that performs on long climbs or in poor conditions. People with particularly sweating hands may benefit from this tactic.
Mess:
Another advantage of climbing liquid chalk is that it’s easier to apply and less messy than powdered chalk. This can be particularly useful in indoor climbing gyms, where excess chalk can be a nuisance for other climbers. Many gyms have switched over to liquid chalk only to keep the chalk haze to a minimum.
Hygiene:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, liquid chalk became a popular option for many climbers because of its use of isopropyl alcohol, which acts as a disinfectant. Isopropyl alcohol is a type of alcohol that is commonly used as a disinfectant and is effective at killing bacteria and viruses on surfaces.
Because climbing liquid chalk typically contains isopropyl alcohol as a binding agent, it has the added benefit of acting as a disinfectant when applied to the hands. This can be particularly useful for climbers who are concerned about germs and bacteria on climbing holds or in indoor climbing gyms, which can be high-touch environments.
However, it’s important to note that while climbing liquid chalk may help to reduce the risk of transmission of germs and bacteria, it is not a substitute for proper hygiene and cleaning protocols.
Cost comparison:
Some climbers may be hesitant to use climbing liquid chalk because of the cost – it tends to be more expensive than powdered chalk. However, because it provides a longer-lasting grip, you may actually end up using less of it in the long run, making it a more cost-effective option.
Conclusion:
Why use liquid chalk:
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Improved grip: As mentioned earlier, climbing liquid chalk helps to absorb sweat and moisture from the hands, providing a dry and secure grip on the climbing holds. This can help climbers maintain their grip for longer periods of time and reduce the risk of slipping or falling.
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Longer-lasting grip: Because climbing liquid chalk dries to a powdery finish, it’s less likely to rub off on the climbing holds or clothing. This means that climbers can go longer between applications and maintain a secure grip throughout their climb.
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Ease of application: Liquid chalk is easier to apply than traditional powdered chalk, which requires a chalk bag. Climbing liquid chalk can be applied directly to the hands using a brush or sponge, which can be more convenient and less messy.
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Reduced risk of respiratory irritation: Some climbers may be sensitive to the dust created by powdered chalk, which can cause respiratory irritation. Liquid chalk does not produce dust, so it may be a good option for climbers who are sensitive to dust or who want to reduce the risk of respiratory irritation.
Overall, climbing liquid chalk can help climbers improve their grip, maintain a secure grip for longer periods of time, and reduce the risk of respiratory irritation, which can all contribute to improved performance on the wall.
Check out our liquid chalk options here.
