I've been using Creatine HCL for awhile now. From what I've read it's easier to absorb than CM but I think that's debatable. It is said with the easier absorbtion you do not need as much. Apparently 5g a day is enough. I usually do 3g pre 3g post. With the HCL it creates a sour taste when drinking. I like sour but can be a little much. CHCL is more expensive though. Not much, I get it for around .03-.05 cents a gram. CM is probably .01 a gram