The 10 Best Gym Chalks
This wiki has been updated 30 times since it was first published in October of 2016. If you are an athlete involved in one of the many activities that require a solid, sure grip, then you'll want to check out our selection of high-quality gym chalks. Designed to absorb perspiration that collects on your palms and fingers, they are ideal for gymnasts, weightlifters, and rock climbers, and are available as a powder, in blocks, or even as a non-messy liquid. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Primo Chalk
2. BSN Sports Magnesium
3. Survivor Combo Pack
Editor's Notes
May 02, 2020:
While climbers know how valuable the stuff is, gym chalk might not be something the average fitness enthusiast generally considers using, but we think they should. Any time you are performing intense, high-weight exercises, you are going to sweat. And a sweaty palm is one of the most problematic things when you are trying to get a firm grip on something. Enter gym chalk. It soaks up the moisture on your palms to help minimize the chances of slipping off that pull-up bar or dropping the weight when performing a dead lift.
The least messy type of chalk is the liquid variety, like the Iron American Liquid Combo Kit, SportmediQ Pro Liquid, and one of the options included in the Survivor Combo Pack. Unlike the traditional dry kind, the liquid stuff doesn't coat everything around you in a layer of dust, and it is also less likely to rub off on the clothes. Additionally, it tends to stay on the hands longer, so you won't need to apply it as often. That being said, some people may not like the addition of alcohol and thickeners in pretty much all liquid chalks, including all of the above options, which can be irritating to those with sensitive skin. SportmediQ Pro Liquid also contains an added fragrance.
The purists out there may want to stick with FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust, 321 Strong Loose, Spider Chalk Super-Mega, Master of Muscle Power Ball, and Ader Gym GC1 Blocks, all of which don't contain any unwanted additives. Of these, FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust, Strong Loose, and Master of Muscle Power Ball are all powders, while Spider Chalk Super-Mega and Ader Gym GC1 Blocks come as solid bricks.
Unlike the dry options above, Primo Chalk deserves special mention, but for the opposite reason. This one contains additives, but instead of extra ingredients people don't want, it has beneficial ones like antibacterial epsom salt and essential oils that condition the skin, so it won't dry out and crack.
Special Honors
Rogue Gym Chalk Rogue Gym Chalk comes from a leader in fitness equipment and does a very effective job at keeping your hands try, minimizing the chance of losing your grip. Made of magnesium carbonate, it won't dissolve when you sweat, and will, instead, absorb that moisture. An order includes one pound of the stuff, separated into eight two-ounce blocks. roguefitness.com
Friction Labs Sample Pack Though we have included one of the chalks included in the Friction Labs Sample Pack on our list, we still feel it worthwhile to mention this smart variety option, which includes small bags of fine, chunky, and super chunky chalks. This allows you to try out a few different kinds to determine the one you like best, at which point you can just buy a bigger package of that particular one. frictionlabs.com
4. FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust
5. Iron American Liquid Combo Kit
6. 321 Strong Loose
7. SportmediQ Pro Liquid
8. Spider Chalk Super-Mega
9. Master of Muscle Power Ball
10. Ader Gym GC1 Blocks
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.