How to Choose Your Climbing Chalk

Climbing chalk matters. Often times, we care about what shoes we use, because we each prefer the different fit, support and friction that various brands offer.

As a climber, the other part of our body that comes into contact with the holds and rock is our fingers. Why do we pay attention to the rubber on our toes and not the skin on our fingers? 

Is chalk, just chalk? Or is there something more? 

Enter Tokyo Powder Industries chalk, a brand that believes in the difference it makes to your climbing performance and is dedicated to creating the best friction possible. 

Tokyo Powder Industries has created 4 main variants of chalk, we stock them all - you can find them here - https://senderprise.com/collections/climbing-chalk

First and foremost, PURE - an ultra- fine Magnesium Carbonate that is sourced from the ocean, rather than like most brands, from cliffs. Because of the source and manufacturing process, the texture is super soft and coats the skin evenly and quickly, so you use less chalk. Thanks also to it's nature, it's gentle on the skin when compared to most alternatives. This is the best pick for those with sensitive skin, or simply like super fine chalk. 

Moving into the scented range of the chalk, EFFECT is a Bergamot and Geranium infused chalk which is said to improve circulation and calm the senses. It's ideal for chalking up before the crux of your route, as you slow your breathing and calm yourself down before tackling it. Pick this for a calming effect.

Puntarika "Meen" keeping it cool on Phet Mak 7c+

SPEED was made to excite with scents of Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Peppermint. The very scent of it turns your engines on, for you to speed up those tacky sections of a route. It works great as a mild insect repellent as well. This is a great pick for those needing an energy boost.

Some of our climbers love the scent so much, they use SPEED and EFFECT to combat the smelly feet syndrome of climbing shoes too!

Last and certainly not least, is BLACK. A culmination of 3 years of development, BLACK represents the ultimate in friction performance of any chalk. It contains mild natural acidic ingredients from the Japanese Onsen that both increases friction and also maintains the hands in a dry state. Our tests have shown that it works well in virtually every environment, dry or humid, and on all rock types - from granite, sandstone to polished limestone, and even indoors. It is the prefered choice of Athlete Miho Nonaka too! For athletes and those who demand more out of your chalk, this is the one for you. 

For easy reference, we've created an infographic of the various types:

 Send hard everyone!