title: "Cannon PowerWorks" description: "The industry standard for gripper ratings and grip strength equipment" category: "Equipment" tags: ["ratings", "grippers", "equipment", "standards", "testing"] related: ["hand-grippers", "captains-of-crush", "gripper-ratings", "equipment-standards"]

Cannon PowerWorks

Cannon PowerWorks is the leading authority on gripper ratings and grip strength equipment testing. Founded in 2012, they have established the industry standard for gripper rating methodology and have tested over 17,100 grippers as of 2024, making them the most comprehensive source for gripper strength data.

Overview

Cannon PowerWorks revolutionized the grip training industry by providing accurate, consistent ratings for hand grippers across all major brands. Their standardized testing methodology allows for meaningful comparison between grippers from different manufacturers, solving the problem of inconsistent manufacturer ratings.

Rating System

Methodology

Cannon PowerWorks uses a simple, standardized approach to gripper rating:

  1. Weight-Based Testing: Weight is hung from the gripper handles until the gripper closes
  2. Standardized Conditions: Only brand new, unmodified grippers are tested
  3. Consistent Protocol: Same testing method for all grippers regardless of brand
  4. Whole Number Ratings: Pounds only (no decimals for practical accuracy)

Rating Process

  • Spring Preparation: Oiling and cleaning the spring
  • Multiple Tests: 30+ full closes to ensure consistency
  • Documentation: Anodized aluminum color ID tag with actual rating
  • Quality Control: Each gripper individually tested and verified

Rating Statistics

For each gripper model, Cannon PowerWorks provides comprehensive data:

  • Average: The typical rating you can expect
  • #Avg: Number of grippers that hit the average rating
  • Mode: The rating that occurred most often
  • #Mode: Number of grippers that hit the mode rating
  • MIN: Lowest rating recorded for each level
  • MAX: Highest rating recorded for each level
  • ±2%: Percentage of grippers within 2% of average rating
  • #: Total number of grippers rated at each level

Why Ratings Matter

Manufacturer Inconsistency

Different manufacturers use different methods to assign ratings:

  • IronMind: Uses their own internal testing
  • Heavy Grips: Uses different rating methodology
  • Other Brands: Various approaches to rating assignment

Cannon PowerWorks Solution

By using a standardized testing method, Cannon PowerWorks allows:

  • Cross-Brand Comparison: Compare grippers from different manufacturers
  • Accurate Progression: Choose appropriate next gripper in your progression
  • Competition Preparation: Know exact resistance for training
  • Equipment Selection: Make informed purchasing decisions

Rating Services

Individual Gripper Rating

Cannon PowerWorks offers a rating service for your personal grippers:

  • Cost: $5 per gripper
  • Service Includes:
    • Oiling and cleaning the spring
    • 30+ full closes for accurate rating
    • Anodized aluminum color ID tag with actual rating
  • Requirements: Grippers must be removed from package for testing
  • Process: Add rating service to cart along with gripper purchase

Pre-Rated Grippers

Many grippers are available pre-rated:

  • Exact Ratings: Know the exact resistance before purchase
  • Consistent Quality: Tested and verified grippers
  • Progression Planning: Choose appropriate difficulty levels
  • Competition Use: Use exact ratings for training

Strength Level Classifications

Based on their extensive testing data, Cannon PowerWorks provides strength level guidance:

How Strong Are Your Hands?

  • Average Athletic Person: 60-80 lbs typical
  • New to Strength Training: 35-55 lbs typical
  • Manual Labor Background: Often higher baseline strength
  • Grip Training Experience: Significant improvement possible

Training Levels

  • Training Level: 60-120 lbs range
  • Advanced Level: 120-180 lbs range
  • Elite Level: 180+ lbs range

Equipment Categories

Pre-Rated Options

  • Captains of Crush: IronMind grippers with exact ratings
  • Robert Baraban: European grippers with consistent ratings
  • Grip Genie: Modern adjustable grippers
  • Heavy Grips: Budget-friendly options with ratings

Standard Grippers

  • IronMind: Original Captains of Crush series
  • Robert Baraban: High-quality European grippers
  • Grip Genie: Innovative adjustable design
  • Heavy Grips: Affordable training grippers

Data Accuracy and Reliability

Margin of Error

Cannon PowerWorks acknowledges that perfect accuracy is impossible due to:

  • Strap Condition: Wear and tear on testing equipment
  • Strap Placement: Slight variations in positioning
  • Spring Condition: Natural variations in spring tension
  • Human Judgment: Subjective determination of closure

Practical Accuracy

  • Whole Numbers: 5-pound increments provide practical accuracy
  • Training Progression: 5-pound jumps are meaningful for training
  • Competition Use: Sufficient accuracy for competition preparation
  • Equipment Selection: Reliable for purchasing decisions

Community Impact

Industry Standard

Cannon PowerWorks ratings have become:

  • Reference Standard: Used by grip sport community worldwide
  • Competition Standard: Referenced in official competitions
  • Training Standard: Used for program design and progression
  • Purchasing Standard: Used for equipment selection

Knowledge Sharing

  • Transparent Process: Open about testing methodology
  • Educational Content: Explains rating process and importance
  • Community Support: Active in grip sport community
  • Continuous Improvement: Regular updates to rating database

Purchasing and Services

Where to Buy

  • Direct from Cannon PowerWorks: Official website
  • Authorized Dealers: Various grip sport retailers
  • Competition Vendors: Available at grip sport events

Services Offered

  • Gripper Rating: Individual gripper testing service
  • Pre-Rated Grippers: Grippers with known ratings
  • Custom Orders: Special requests and bulk orders
  • Technical Support: Expert advice on gripper selection

Contact Information

  • Email: info@cannonpowerworks.com
  • Website: Cannon PowerWorks
  • Customer Service: Responsive support for questions and orders

Technical Specifications

Testing Equipment

  • Precision Weights: Accurate weight measurement
  • Standardized Straps: Consistent testing setup
  • Quality Control: Multiple tests per gripper
  • Documentation: Detailed record keeping

Rating Database

  • 17,100+ Grippers: Extensive testing database
  • Multiple Brands: Comprehensive brand coverage
  • Regular Updates: Continuous database expansion
  • Historical Data: Long-term tracking of gripper performance

Future Developments

Ongoing Testing

  • New Grippers: Testing new models as they become available
  • Brand Expansion: Adding new manufacturers to testing program
  • Methodology Refinement: Continuous improvement of testing process
  • Data Analysis: Enhanced statistical analysis of rating data

Community Engagement

  • Educational Content: Sharing knowledge about gripper ratings
  • Community Support: Supporting grip sport development
  • Competition Support: Providing equipment for official events
  • Research Collaboration: Working with grip sport researchers

See Also

External Links

This article is based on information from Cannon PowerWorks official website and their extensive gripper testing database. For the most current ratings and services, visit their website directly.