Friction Labs vs. Chalk Rebels
Friction Labs vs. Chalk Rebels: Which Chalk is the Better Choice?
If you're looking for high-performance climbing chalk, you've probably come across Friction Labs, a brand known for its premium pricing and aggressive marketing (#chalkmatters). They claim to offer the purest magnesium carbonate for better friction, less slipping, and longer-lasting performance. But is Friction Labs truly worth the price, or is there a better alternative that delivers the same (or better) performance at a lower cost?
At Chalk Rebels, we don’t just sell chalk—we push the boundaries of scientific innovation in grip technology. Our products are developed by climbers, for climbers, and backed by real science, not marketing hype.
Unlike Friction Labs, we’re a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning a portion of every purchase supports environmental causes, not just corporate profits. Plus, we are the only brand offering Upsalite-powered chalk in both liquid and powder form, giving climbers the most advanced moisture-absorbing technology available today.
1. Chalk Quality & Performance
Friction Labs Chalk
- Unicorn Dust – Fine
- Gorilla Grip – Chunky
- Bam Bam – Super Chunky
Friction Labs sells high-purity magnesium carbonate, free from unnecessary additives. Gorilla Grip, for example, is known for its marble-sized chalk chunks, which feel crunchier in your chalk bag and provide consistent coverage. Many climbers appreciate that Friction Labs chalk sticks to the skin well, helping them chalk up less often.
However, independent reviews (like UKClimbing and GearLab) confirm that Friction Labs chalk performs similarly to other high-end brands—meaning you’re mostly paying for branding and premium marketing.
Chalk Rebels Chalk
At Chalk Rebels, we produce the same high-performance magnesium carbonate, but with a more sustainable sourcing method and advanced formulations that outperform traditional chalk.
- Smooth Chalk – Fine, silky powder with Upsalite, giving you double the moisture absorption of regular chalk.
- Chunky Chalk – Perfect for climbers who prefer breaking up their own chunks, offering pure high-performance chalk.
- Chalk Booster – The ultimate Upsalite-enhanced formula for maximum grip, minimum sweat, and the best friction possible.
✅ Same elite quality as Friction Labs, plus an even higher-performance Upsalite option
✅ Seawater-based magnesium carbonate, not mined, reducing environmental impact
✅ Exclusive Chalk Booster formula for those who want the absolute best grip
2. Liquid Chalk: Chalk Rebels Has What Friction Labs Doesn’t
Friction Labs focuses only on loose chalk—which is fine, but modern climbers often need more than just powder.
At Chalk Rebels, we offer Upsalite-powered liquid chalk, meaning we’re the only brand that provides both powder and liquid chalk with next-level moisture absorption.
- Perfect for competitions or humid conditions where liquid chalk outperforms dry powder.
- Works as a base layer to improve chalk longevity on the skin.
- Available in different formulas for different needs, unlike the single-style Friction Labs offerings.
If you want the most complete chalk lineup with advanced technology, Chalk Rebels is the only choice.
3. Price Comparison: Is Friction Labs Worth It?
💰 Friction Labs Pricing
- $25 for 10oz (~283g)
- One of the most expensive chalk brands available
- Marketed as “premium” but without unique technology beyond purity
💰 Chalk Rebels Pricing
- Consistently lower than Friction Labs
- Higher-end Upsalite chalk still costs less than Friction Labs’ standard chalk
- A portion of every purchase supports environmental causes
4. Backed by Science, Not Bullshit
At Chalk Rebels, we don’t rely on gimmicks or marketing buzzwords—our products are scientifically developed to perform better.
- Upsalite is the first real scientific breakthrough in magnesium carbonate in decades. Developed in collaboration with Uppsala University, it offers superior moisture absorption proven in lab testing.
- We are the only brand to offer Upsalite in both liquid and powder form, making Chalk Rebels the most technologically advanced chalk brand available today.
- Innovative products like our SWEAT SHIELD anti-perspirant help reduce sweat and improve grip before you even touch the chalk.
- Our skincare line is built on proven science, using clinically backed ingredients to repair and protect climbers' hands.
5. A Full Line of Complementary Skincare Products
Using chalk can dry out and damage your hands, which is why Chalk Rebels offers a full line of hand-care products designed specifically for climbers.
- Repair Balm – Beeswax-based formula for cracked, dry skin.
- Vegan Repair Balm – Plant-based alternative with the same benefits.
- Repair Cream – Fast-absorbing hydration to keep skin tough but healthy.
- Repair Oil – For deep recovery and overnight skin repair.
No other chalk brand offers such a complete package for climbers, making Chalk Rebels the best choice for both grip and hand health.
Final Verdict: Chalk Rebels is the Smarter Choice
If you’re looking for premium chalk that performs at the highest level, both Friction Labs and Chalk Rebels deliver. However, Chalk Rebels provides the same elite quality at a lower cost, with a more sustainable production process, a more complete product lineup, and an even higher-performance option with Upsalite.
✅ Same high-end performance
✅ Lower price than Friction Labs
✅ Liquid chalk + Upsalite for complete performance
✅ Scientifically-backed innovation, not marketing gimmicks
✅ Full skincare line to keep your hands in top shape
Image by Brook Anderson