Liquid Grip Review (2023): A Good Chalk for Climbing?
Published on: 02/10/2022
Last updated on: 01/13/2023
Liquid Grip is an industry-leading product that gives climbers a better and firmer grip. Keep reading for a comprehensive Liquid Grip review by climbing experts.
The Consensus
The makeup of Liquid Grip means it leaves less mess behind than traditional chalks. Because it binds to the acids in your skin, Liquid Grip stays on better and doesn’t transfer to other surfaces like typical chalk products. Because of this, many climbers and gym owners pick this chalk and resin formula as their climbing chalk for the most durable grip.
Liquid Grip’s water-soluble base offers a smooth and creamy application and quick-drying properties. It adds a solid layer of extra grip on your skin but does not irritate or dry it out. Every ingredient in this grip liquid chalk is natural and 100% biodegradable, so it’s safe for the planet too.
We know many different options are available on the market to enhance grip when climbing. It can be challenging to know which are the most effective and have the best value for their price.
Read our full Liquid Grip review to decide if this is the right chalk for you, but overall, it’s an excellent investment for the cost and performance.
- 100% natural and biodegradable ingredients
- Creamy consistency that allows for easy application
- Quick-drying time
- Creates a strong, long-lasting grip for climbing
- Transfer-proof, mess-free formula binds to the skin’s fatty acids
- Available in two convenient sizes
- Uses rosin as an ingredient, which can trigger allergies in some
- The moisturizing properties keep hands less dry than traditional climbing chalk
Introduction
The Liquid Grip company has been around for over a decade. Athletes love the chalk product for its intense gripping power and the friction it adds to palms, allowing for a stronger hold. Indoor and outdoor climbers tout the many benefits of Liquid Grip as part of the reason they feel so confident with each maneuver. It’s manufactured and bottled in the United States and uses only natural ingredients.
We have rated how well it ranks compared to similar products based on a few factors. Read below to find our Liquid Grip review.
Packaging/Messiness
Liquid Grip’s packaging has a sleek gradient blue color scheme. There are two convenient sizes available: a larger 8 oz container and a mini 1.5 oz bottle with a carabiner (making it easy to hook onto your harness). The front of the big bottle lists the many activities people use Liquid Grip for—and rock climbing tops the list!
When it comes to how messy the product gets, very little residue transfers off your hands. Liquid Grip’s formula binds with the skin’s fatty acids, sticking to you rather than leaving a trace on every surface you touch. With less mess than traditional block chalk, Liquid Grip is perfect for indoor gyms.
Texture and Feel
One of the best features of Liquid Grip is its smooth and creamy consistency, making it easy to apply. The product is water-based, allowing for more absorption than regular chalk. Once rubbed onto your hands, Liquid Grip fully dries within a few seconds and leaves a firm layer of grip on top of the skin.
The product does a great job keeping its tack and consistency. It doesn’t dry out or lump up as time goes on and won’t liquefy as you sweat, so say goodbye to constant reapplication! One application should offer enough grip for your climbing adventure.
Grip/Friction
The grip offered by this product makes it one of the most helpful tools that you can have as a climber. Liquid Grip’s ingredients include a water-based mixture of chalk and rosin, allowing for the ultimate grasp. The revolutionary formula gives users a strong hold, fights off the slippery effects of sweat, and increases friction between your hands and what you’re climbing.
By using the gripping properties of both chalk and rosin, you get the best of both worlds. Chalk enhances friction, so you can have a better hold as you climb, especially as your body temperature rises and you start to sweat. Rosin makes for an easier and more creamy application and keeps your hands from callusing against the rough climbing face.
Together, the chalk and rosin ingredients forge the ideal grip to give you confidence as you climb.
Staying Power
Liquid Grip’s water-based solution mixes rosin with chalk to bond with your skin’s fatty acids. What does that mean? Once you apply it and it dries, the product stays put and does not rub off or sweat off. It coats your palms in a durable layer, so there is no need to reapply, giving you more time to enjoy your climb.
The binding and staying power of Liquid Grip is one of the top reasons climbers prefer it over traditional chalk. Powder chalk transfers off your palms easier, leaving a mess behind on every surface you come into contact with.
For this reason, many climbing gyms frown upon or even ban using chalk. But with Liquid Grip, transfer mess is a thing of the past! It stays on well, so you won’t have a problem.
Skin Friendliness and Ingredients
Liquid Grip is completely safe to use on your skin! The 100% natural and biodegradable ingredients will not irritate your skin, dry it out too much, or cause a rash. It keeps your hands comfortable, so you can enjoy your climb without itchiness or cracking.
The hydrating formula also works to prevent your hands from blistering and keeps calluses from forming.
Because there are only a few simple ingredients in Liquid Grip, there is no need to be concerned about it containing chemicals or unsafe substances. It’s composed of water, alcohol, magnesium carbonate, thickener, and fragrance. Why the last ingredient? The fragrance avoids any unpleasant or overpowering odors that some gripping products tend to have and keeps you fresh for your climb.
When you’re done with your workout, Liquid Grip is a snap to wash off. With just soap and water, you can quickly get the mixture off your skin.
Value
Based on all of the features and benefits in this Liquid Grip review, the value you get for the price is better than most traditional chalks. The bottles do not cost much, and the company even offers a combination pack with both sizes together for a discounted price.
Natural and biodegradable products often cost more, but this brand does not steeply upcharge for the high-quality ingredients.
Liquid Grip also lasts a long time with just a small application needed to coat your hands well. Unless you’re climbing multiple times a day, the 8 oz container will last you a few months. Most climbers report that this is the only gripping product that they need to buy to feel confident in their grasp. It’s available from retailers in six countries and online for convenience.
The Bottom Line
With its specialized formula mixing chalk and rosin, Liquid Grip allows for an extremely sturdy and reliable hold. What’s the bottom line? Our Liquid Grip review is that it’s a great chalk alternative to keep your hands dry and in control.
Reference: Liquid Grip’s official website
