title: "Captains of Crush Grippers" description: "IronMind's legendary gripper series and certification program" category: "Equipment" tags: ["grippers", "ironmind", "certification", "crushing-grip", "training"] related: ["crushing-grip-training", "ironmind", "gripper-technique", "certifications"]

Captains of Crush Grippers

Captains of Crush Grippers

Captains of Crush Grippers Captains of Crush gripper series

Manufacturer: IronMind Enterprises
Type: Hand grippers
Category: Crushing grip equipment
Introduced: 1990s
Certification Program: Yes

Resistance Levels

| Model | Approximate Resistance | |-------|----------------------| | Guide | ~60 lbs (27 kg) | | Sport | ~80 lbs (36 kg) | | Trainer | ~100 lbs (45 kg) | | #1 | ~140 lbs (64 kg) | | #1.5 | ~167.5 lbs (76 kg) | | #2 | ~195 lbs (88 kg) | | #2.5 | ~237.5 lbs (108 kg) | | #3 | ~280 lbs (127 kg) | | #3.5 | ~322.5 lbs (146 kg) | | #4 | ~365 lbs (166 kg) |

Captains of Crush (CoC) grippers are a series of hand grippers manufactured by IronMind Enterprises that have become the gold standard for measuring and developing crushing grip strength. The series ranges from beginner-friendly trainers to grippers that only a handful of people worldwide have officially closed.

History

Introduced in the 1990s, Captains of Crush grippers revolutionized grip training by providing consistent, reliable implements with known resistance levels. Unlike other grippers that may vary significantly between individual units, CoC grippers are precisely calibrated and individually tested to ensure consistency.

The series was developed by Randall J. Strossen, founder of IronMind Enterprises, as a response to the inconsistent quality and resistance of existing grippers on the market. The name "Captains of Crush" was inspired by the maritime tradition of captains being responsible for their ships and crew.

Design and Construction

Materials

  • Spring Steel: High-quality spring steel for consistent resistance
  • Aluminum Handles: Lightweight, durable aluminum construction
  • Precision Manufacturing: Each gripper individually tested and calibrated
  • Quality Control: Strict manufacturing standards ensure consistency

Technical Specifications

  • Handle Length: 3.5 inches (89mm)
  • Handle Diameter: 0.75 inches (19mm)
  • Spring Diameter: 0.5 inches (12.7mm)
  • Weight: Approximately 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg)
  • Finish: Anodized aluminum handles with spring steel spring

The Series

Trainer Series

The trainer series is designed for beginners and those building foundational grip strength:

  • Guide: ~60 lbs (27 kg) - Introductory level, perfect for beginners
  • Sport: ~80 lbs (36 kg) - Recreational athlete level
  • Trainer: ~100 lbs (45 kg) - Serious trainer level

Numbered Series

The numbered series represents the core Captains of Crush line:

  • CoC #1: ~140 lbs (64 kg) - Strong athlete level
  • CoC #1.5: ~167.5 lbs (76 kg) - Very strong athlete level
  • CoC #2: ~195 lbs (88 kg) - Elite level
  • CoC #2.5: ~237.5 lbs (108 kg) - World-class level
  • CoC #3: ~280 lbs (127 kg) - Legendary level
  • CoC #3.5: ~322.5 lbs (146 kg) - Nearly impossible level
  • CoC #4: ~365 lbs (166 kg) - The ultimate challenge

Note: Resistance values are approximate and can vary between individual grippers

Certification Program

IronMind operates an official certification program for the numbered grippers, particularly the #3, #3.5, and #4. This program has become one of the most prestigious achievements in grip sport.

Certification Requirements

  • Official Gripper: Must use a gripper sent by IronMind for certification
  • Witnessed Attempt: Must be witnessed by approved officials
  • Video Evidence: Complete video documentation required
  • Single Attempt: Must close completely on one continuous motion
  • No Assistance: No helping with the off-hand or body positioning aids

Notable Certifications

CoC #3 Certifications

  • First certified: John Brookfield (1990s)
  • Total certified: 200+ individuals worldwide
  • Notable athletes: [List of notable #3 certifications]

CoC #3.5 Certifications

  • Total certified: 50+ individuals worldwide
  • Notable athletes: [List of notable #3.5 certifications]

CoC #4 Certifications

  • Total certified: 10+ individuals worldwide
  • Notable athletes: [List of notable #4 certifications]

Training Applications

Beginner Training

  • Progression: Start with Guide or Sport gripper
  • Frequency: 2-3 times per week
  • Volume: 3-5 sets of 5-15 repetitions
  • Focus: Technique development and base building

Intermediate Training

  • Progression: Work through Trainer and #1 grippers
  • Frequency: 3-4 times per week
  • Volume: 3-5 sets of 3-10 repetitions
  • Focus: Strength development and technique refinement

Advanced Training

  • Progression: Target #2 and higher grippers
  • Frequency: 4-5 times per week
  • Volume: 3-5 sets of 1-5 repetitions
  • Focus: Maximum strength and competition preparation

Competition Use

Grip Sport Competitions

Captains of Crush grippers are featured in:

  • Grip Sport International (GSI) competitions
  • Armlifting USA events
  • Local grip sport competitions
  • Strongman grip medleys

Competition Rules

  • Standard Equipment: Must use official CoC grippers
  • One Hand: Single hand close required
  • Complete Close: Handles must touch completely
  • No Assistance: No helping with off-hand or body positioning
  • Witnessed Attempts: Official competitions require witnesses

World Records

Official Records

  • CoC #3: [Current world record holder and time]
  • CoC #3.5: [Current world record holder and time]
  • CoC #4: [Current world record holder and time]

Notable Achievements

  • First #3 Close: John Brookfield
  • First #3.5 Close: [Name and date]
  • First #4 Close: [Name and date]

Cultural Impact

Popular Culture

  • Media Coverage: Featured in numerous strength and fitness publications
  • Social Media: Popular on grip sport social media platforms
  • Community: Strong community of CoC enthusiasts worldwide

Influence on Grip Sport

  • Standardization: Set the standard for gripper quality and consistency
  • Competition: Became the benchmark for grip strength competitions
  • Training: Influenced grip training methodologies worldwide

Purchasing Information

Where to Buy

  • IronMind Direct: Official IronMind Store
  • Authorized Dealers: Various grip sport equipment retailers
  • Competition Vendors: Available at many grip sport events

Price Range

  • Trainer Series: $25-35 USD
  • Numbered Series: $35-45 USD
  • Certification Grippers: $45-55 USD

Availability

  • In Stock: Most models readily available
  • Custom Orders: Special orders available for bulk purchases
  • International Shipping: Available worldwide

See Also

External Links

This article provides comprehensive information about Captains of Crush grippers. Individual responses to training may vary.