Cramp Assalt - Anti-Cramp & Electrolyte Gel vs Hydrate - Electrolyte Hydration Sports Drink vs Single Gel 100
- 3 products side by side
- From each brand's label
This comparison focuses on three hydration products: Cramp Assalt for cramp prevention with moderate sodium content, 32Gi Hydrate for zero-calorie fluid balance, and Maurten Gel for carbohydrate support. Each targets different needs, from maintaining electrolyte balance to providing energy.
| Figure |  Cramp Assalt - Anti-Cramp & Electrolyte Gel32Gi |  Hydrate - Electrolyte Hydration Sports Drink32Gi |  Single Gel 100Maurten |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form | Liquid | Tablet | Gel |
| Serving | 10g | 1 tablet | 40g |
| Price per serving | R33.99 | R10 (best) | R75 |
| Carbs per R10 | 2.3 g | — | 3.3 g (best) |
| Value score | 2/10 | — | 2.5/10 (best) |
| Energy | 31 kcal | 0 kcal | 100 kcal |
| Carbs | 7.7 g | 0 g | 25 g (best) |
| Sugar | 4.8 g | 0 g | 25 g |
| Protein | 0.1 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g | 0 g | 0 g |
| Sodium | 184 mg | 0 mg | 20 mg |
| Caffeine | None | None | None |
| Carb type | Rice Syrup | none | mixed |
| Glucose to fructose | — | none | 1:0.8 |
| Glycaemic index | — | — | — |
| Score | Cramp Assalt - Anti-Cramp & Electrolyte Gel | Hydrate - Electrolyte Hydration Sports Drink | Single Gel 100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy delivery | 60 | 60 | 70 |
| Digestibility | 70 | 90 | 90 |
| Taste | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Value | 30 | 85 | 50 |
| Convenience | 80 | 80 | 85 |
- Cramp Assalt delivers sodium for cramps; 32Gi Hydrate lacks carbs.
- 32Gi Hydrate is zero-calorie, while Maurten provides high carb density.
- Cramp Assalt includes a moderate variety of electrolytes.
- 32Gi Hydrate is ideal for everyday hydration; Maurten excels for energy.
How each one works, by distance
Not ideal for a 5k due to its focus on cramp prevention rather than quick energy delivery.
For a 5k race, 32Gi Hydrate is not necessary unless conditions are extremely hot. Hydration can be managed pre-race with water.
For a 5k race, using Single Gel 100 may not be necessary due to the short duration. Focus on pre-race nutrition instead.
Similar to a 5k, a 10k doesn't typically require cramp prevention strategies, making it less suitable.
During a 10k, pre-hydrate with water and a tablet of 32Gi Hydrate if temperatures are high. No need for on-course use.
Consume one gel 15 minutes before the start to ensure glycogen stores are topped off, providing quick energy.
Consider using one pack pre-race to ensure electrolyte balance, especially in hot conditions.
Pre-race, dissolve a tablet in water to ensure adequate hydration. During the race, use water stations to maintain fluid levels, especially in hot conditions.
Take one gel 15 minutes before the race and another at the halfway mark to sustain energy levels and prevent fatigue.
Use one pack at the start and every 10 km to maintain electrolyte levels and prevent cramping, complementing other energy sources.
Pre-race, consume 32Gi Hydrate to ensure optimal hydration. During the marathon, alternate between water and electrolyte solutions at aid stations to maintain electrolyte balance and prevent cramps.
Consume one gel 15 minutes before the start, then one every 45 minutes during the race to maintain energy levels, aiming for approximately 60g of carbs per hour.
The verdict by situation
Cramp Assalt and Maurten Gel incorporate carbohydrates, though Maurten's higher density suits those needing additional energy, separate from hydration needs. 32Gi Hydrate avoids carbs entirely, focusing on electrolytes.
Cramp Assalt and 32Gi Hydrate contain sodium and potassium, but neither provides a complete profile like magnesium or chloride. Athletes might require broader supplementation for comprehensive coverage.
Cramp Assalt offers 184 mg of sodium per serving. When mixed with 1 liter, it equates to approximately 184 mg/L, which is less than typical sweat rates. 32Gi Hydrate's level isn't specified, indicating potentially insufficient levels for those losing 300-600mg/hr.
- heavy sweater
- Heavy sweaters (>1.4 L/h) may need more sodium than offered by these products alone. While Cramp Assalt provides some sodium, additional sources might be required. These users may also consider layering products or additional supplements.
- light sweater
- For light sweaters (<0.8 L/h), 32Gi Hydrate offers a balanced approach with fluid absorption without unnecessary calories, suitable for maintaining hydration without overloading electrolytes.
- moderate sweater
- For moderate sweating rates (0.8–1.4 L/h), Cramp Assalt may be more effective with its combination of sodium and potassium, helping to replenish electrolytes during medium-duration activities.
In hot or humid races, layering Cramp Assalt with additional sodium sources might be necessary for heavy sweaters, but it offers a reasonable starting point for rehydration and cramp prevention.
For daily hydration in training scenarios, 32Gi Hydrate stands out due to its calorie-free formulation, allowing athletes to maintain electrolyte balance with flexibility for varied feeding strategies.
Athletes must choose based on their specific needs: Cramp Assalt aids in cramp prevention, ideal during moderately intense activities in hot conditions. 32Gi Hydrate remains a staple for managing hydration with no calorie distractions, fitting for any training day. Meanwhile, Maurten offers carbohydrate support but lacks sufficient electrolytes for hydration, making it best complemented with other products.
Questions about these products
Which product is best for long races?
Cramp Assalt provides electrolyte support, but may require pairing with additional sodium for long races.
Should I use Maurten Gel for hydration?
Maurten Gel focuses on energy, not hydration; it's best for fueling alongside a hydration-specific product.
Is 32Gi Hydrate suitable for weight-loss programs?
Yes, with zero calories, it's a good option for athletes watching calorie intake.
How does Cramp Assalt prevent cramps?
It includes sodium and potassium to help replace what's lost through sweat, assisting in muscle relaxation and cramp prevention.
Picked your fuel? Put it in your plan.
Glyco places it on your race course by time, at the rate your gut can take, and tracks what you actually used.
