title: "Hand Grippers" description: "Comprehensive guide to hand grippers, ratings, brands, and training" category: "Equipment" tags: ["grippers", "crushing-grip", "equipment", "ratings", "training", "brands"] related: ["captains-of-crush", "crushing-grip-training", "gripper-technique", "cannon-powerworks"]

Hand Grippers

Hand grippers are spring-loaded implements designed to develop and test crushing grip strength. They consist of two handles connected by a steel spring, requiring the user to squeeze the handles together until they touch. Hand grippers are one of the most popular and accessible forms of grip training equipment.

Overview

Hand grippers have become the cornerstone of grip strength training, offering a simple yet effective way to develop crushing grip strength. Unlike other grip implements, grippers provide consistent resistance and can be easily transported, making them ideal for home training, travel, and competition preparation.

How Grippers Work

Basic Mechanics

  • Spring Resistance: Steel springs provide the resistance force
  • Handle Design: Two handles connected by the spring mechanism
  • Closure: Handles must touch completely for a successful close
  • Range of Motion: Typically 2-3 inches of travel from open to closed

Resistance Characteristics

  • Progressive Resistance: Springs become harder to compress as handles close
  • Peak Force: Maximum resistance occurs just before handles touch
  • Spring Rate: How much force increases per inch of compression
  • Hysteresis: Slight difference between opening and closing force

Gripper Ratings and Standards

Cannon PowerWorks Rating System

Cannon PowerWorks has established the industry standard for gripper ratings, having tested over 17,100 grippers as of 2024. Their rating system provides the most accurate and consistent method for comparing grippers across brands.

Rating Methodology

  • Test Method: Weight is hung from handles until gripper closes
  • Standardization: Only brand new, unmodified grippers are tested
  • Accuracy: Whole pound increments (no decimals for practical accuracy)
  • Consistency: Same testing protocol for all grippers regardless of brand

Rating Statistics

For each gripper model, Cannon PowerWorks provides:

  • Average: Typical rating you can expect
  • Mode: Most common rating achieved
  • Range: Minimum and maximum ratings recorded
  • Distribution: Percentage within 2% of average rating
  • Sample Size: Total number of grippers tested

Strength Level Classifications

Based on Cannon PowerWorks data and community standards:

Beginner Level (35-80 lbs)

  • New to Training: 35-55 lbs typical
  • Average Athletic Person: 60-80 lbs typical
  • Training Focus: Technique development and base building

Intermediate Level (80-150 lbs)

  • Serious Trainees: 80-120 lbs typical
  • Competitive Athletes: 120-150 lbs typical
  • Training Focus: Strength development and progression

Advanced Level (150-200 lbs)

  • Strong Athletes: 150-180 lbs typical
  • Grip Specialists: 180-200 lbs typical
  • Training Focus: Competition preparation and specialization

Elite Level (200+ lbs)

  • World-Class Athletes: 200-250 lbs typical
  • Record Holders: 250+ lbs typical
  • Training Focus: Peak performance and record attempts

Major Gripper Brands

IronMind Captains of Crush

Website: IronMind Store

The most recognized gripper series in the world, featuring:

  • Consistent Quality: Precise manufacturing and individual testing
  • Certification Program: Official certification for #3, #3.5, and #4
  • Series Range: Guide (60 lbs) to #4 (365+ lbs)
  • Community Recognition: Gold standard for grip strength measurement

Series Breakdown (Approximate Ratings)

  • Guide: ~60 lbs - Introductory level
  • Sport: ~80 lbs - Recreational level
  • Trainer: ~100 lbs - Serious training level
  • #1: ~140 lbs - Strong athlete level
  • #1.5: ~167 lbs - Very strong level
  • #2: ~195 lbs - Elite level
  • #2.5: ~237 lbs - World-class level
  • #3: ~280 lbs - Legendary level
  • #3.5: ~322 lbs - Nearly impossible
  • #4: ~365 lbs - Ultimate challenge

Robert Baraban

Website: Robert Baraban

High-quality European grippers featuring:

  • Precision Manufacturing: German engineering and quality control
  • Consistent Ratings: Reliable resistance across individual grippers
  • Professional Grade: Used by many competitive grip athletes
  • Wide Range: From beginner to elite level grippers

Popular Models

  • RB 60: ~60 lbs - Beginner level
  • RB 80: ~80 lbs - Intermediate level
  • RB 100: ~100 lbs - Advanced beginner
  • RB 120: ~120 lbs - Intermediate level
  • RB 140: ~140 lbs - Advanced level
  • RB 160: ~160 lbs - Elite level
  • RB 180: ~180 lbs - World-class level

Grip Genie

Website: Grip Genie

Innovative gripper design featuring:

  • Adjustable Resistance: Variable resistance within single gripper
  • Unique Design: Different handle configuration
  • Training Versatility: Multiple resistance levels in one implement
  • Modern Approach: Contemporary design and marketing

Heavy Grips

Website: Heavy Grips

Budget-friendly option featuring:

  • Affordable Pricing: Lower cost than premium brands
  • Wide Availability: Easily found in retail stores
  • Good Value: Decent quality for the price point
  • Beginner Friendly: Good starting point for new trainees

Series Overview

  • HG 100: ~50 lbs - Beginner
  • HG 150: ~75 lbs - Intermediate
  • HG 200: ~100 lbs - Advanced beginner
  • HG 250: ~125 lbs - Intermediate
  • HG 300: ~150 lbs - Advanced
  • HG 350: ~175 lbs - Elite

Other Notable Brands

Gillingham High Performance

  • Custom Grippers: Hand-made to specific ratings
  • Competition Grade: Used in many official competitions
  • Precision Rating: Exact poundage specifications available

Tetting Grippers

  • Traditional Design: Classic gripper construction
  • Strong Springs: Known for heavy resistance
  • Competition Use: Popular in grip sport competitions

Baraban Grippers

  • Russian Made: High-quality Russian manufacturing
  • Consistent Quality: Reliable resistance ratings
  • Competitive Pricing: Good value for quality

Training with Hand Grippers

Basic Technique

  1. Grip Position: Center handles in palm with fingers wrapped around
  2. Thumb Position: Overlap thumb over fingers for maximum security
  3. Body Position: Stand or sit with good posture
  4. Squeeze Motion: Smooth, controlled pressure until handles touch
  5. Release: Controlled opening to starting position

Training Methods

Repetition Training

  • Purpose: Build strength endurance and volume
  • Implementation: 3-5 sets of 5-15 reps
  • Load: 60-80% of max
  • Frequency: 3-4 times per week

Maximum Effort Training

  • Purpose: Build absolute strength
  • Implementation: Work up to daily max
  • Load: 90-100% of current max
  • Frequency: 2-3 times per week

Negative Training

  • Purpose: Build strength beyond current positive ability
  • Implementation: Close with both hands, lower slowly with target hand
  • Load: 110-120% of current max
  • Frequency: 1-2 times per week

Timed Holds

  • Purpose: Develop endurance and lock-out strength
  • Implementation: Close gripper and hold for time
  • Load: 80-90% of max
  • Duration: 5-30 seconds depending on strength

Programming Guidelines

Beginner Program (0-6 months)

  • Frequency: 3-4 days per week
  • Volume: 3-5 sets of 5-10 reps
  • Progression: Increase reps before moving to harder gripper
  • Focus: Technique and consistency

Intermediate Program (6-18 months)

  • Frequency: 4-5 days per week
  • Volume: Mix of rep work and holds
  • Techniques: Introduce negatives and partials
  • Progression: Systematic increases in resistance

Advanced Program (18+ months)

  • Frequency: 5-6 days per week
  • Specialization: Focus on specific gripper goals
  • Advanced Methods: Full range of training techniques
  • Competition Prep: Peak for specific events

Common Training Mistakes

Technical Errors

  • Poor Grip Position: Not centering handles properly
  • Rushed Attempts: Not taking time to set up correctly
  • Inconsistent Technique: Changing form between attempts
  • Neglecting Warm-up: Attempting hard grippers cold

Programming Errors

  • Too Much Too Soon: Progressing too quickly through difficulty levels
  • Single Gripper Focus: Not training variety of resistances
  • Ignoring Negatives: Missing out on eccentric strength development
  • Poor Recovery: Not allowing adequate rest between sessions

Equipment Errors

  • Using Worn Grippers: Training with springs that have lost tension
  • Inconsistent Brands: Switching between brands without understanding differences
  • Poor Quality Grippers: Using low-quality implements that vary significantly

Competition and Records

Official Competitions

Hand grippers are featured in:

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

World Records

  • Captains of Crush #4: Less than 10 official certifications worldwide
  • Captains of Crush #3.5: Approximately 30 official certifications
  • Captains of Crush #3: 200+ official certifications
  • Various Brand Records: Records maintained by different organizations

Competition Rules

  • Standard Grippers: Must use approved competition grippers
  • One Hand: Single hand closure required
  • Complete Closure: Handles must touch completely
  • No Assistance: No helping with off-hand or body positioning
  • Witnessed Attempts: Official competitions require witnesses

Health and Safety

Injury Prevention

  • Proper Warm-up: Essential for hand and forearm health
  • Gradual Progression: Respect the strength requirements
  • Balanced Training: Include extensors and other grip types
  • Listen to Body: Rest when experiencing pain or discomfort

Common Injuries

  • Tendinitis: Inflammation from overuse
  • Muscle Strains: Acute injuries from excessive force
  • Joint Issues: Wear and tear from repetitive stress
  • Nerve Compression: Can develop from imbalanced training

Recovery Strategies

  • Extensor Training: Balance crushing with opening strength
  • Soft Tissue Work: Massage and mobility for hands and forearms
  • Adequate Rest: Allow recovery between intense sessions
  • Professional Help: Consult healthcare providers when needed

Purchasing Guide

What to Buy First

  • Beginners: Start with Guide/Sport level grippers (60-80 lbs)
  • Experienced: Add #1, #1.5, and #2 for progression
  • Advanced: Add higher numbered grippers as goals

Where to Buy

  • IronMind Direct: Original Captains of Crush
  • Cannon PowerWorks: Pre-rated grippers with exact ratings
  • Authorized Dealers: Various grip sport equipment retailers
  • Used Market: Often available through grip sport communities

Rating Services

  • Cannon PowerWorks: $5 per gripper rating service
  • Individual Testing: Some retailers offer rating services
  • Community Ratings: GripBoard community ratings database

See Also

External Links

This article consolidates information from Cannon PowerWorks ratings data, manufacturer specifications, and the grip sport community. For the most current ratings and competition information, consult official sources.