Jump to content

Gripper Advice


Aleksandar Milosevic

Recommended Posts

Hello guys, I have a question regarding grippers. I'm a student, currently in the USA on foreign exchange. I am here until early september, then I'm returning home to Serbia. In Serbia, we don't have access to grip equipment so I'm buying a rolling thunder handle and hub, but I want to buy some CoC grippers, since one of my long term goals is to close the number 3. The question is, what numbers to buy? I'd buy up to 5 grippers, including the no. 3. The thing is, I have never used a good gripper in my life, so I don't know my strength in crushing grip. I can lift 57.5 kg on rolling thunder and 18 kg hub, 115kg axle double overhand. I have to buy them all at once, because I don't know when I'll come to the USA again, and it's very hard and expensive to buy them in Serbia. Thanks in advance!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What Matt said is the progression IM offers (except the .5 but the trainer is probably better for warmup) if you are interested in the CoCs and eventually closing a CoC 3. I also recommend rating them RGC so you can better monitor your strength/ progress. Matt is selling them at great price and also offers rating service.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks a lot guys, I will probably get those 5. I'll read more about RGC rating before I buy tho. What do you guys think about that Baraban adjustable gripper, is it a worthy tool or should I just focus on actual grippers?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If...you plan on Certing the #3 (and not simply closing it), I would get...

#1, #2, #2.5, #3, #3.5

Working with a gripper heavier than a #3 will help your set tremendously...and develop power needed for the CCS of the #3.

Just another opinion.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks a lot guys, I will probably get those 5. I'll read more about RGC rating before I buy tho. What do you guys think about that Baraban adjustable gripper, is it a worthy tool or should I just focus on actual grippers?

IMO if your goal is CoC3 one day then focusing with CoCs and torsion spring grippers is probably a good idea. Having said that I have the RB adjustable and like it a lot, but I don't use it as much as my torsion spring grippers. It does feel close to TSG but not exactly the same.

btw just curious, if you don't mind sharing where in the US is your exchange program?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am close to DC, in Rockville.

I'm a former Marylander myself (15yrs or so).

If you can make it...Tom's hosting a Grip Contest nearby.

He's a little less than an hour from you.

http://www.gripboard.com/index.php?showtopic=44231

I'm not even training for the events...just showing up for the fun and camaraderie. :)

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's the opinion about the IMTUG grippers, the two finger ones. My ring finger and pinky are weaker, especially on my left hand. If there is someone close to DC that specializes in grip, just say it 😀

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I also say skip the TUGs

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah I'd go 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5. Nate's point about the #3.5 is legit. The #1 and #1.5 are not significantly different IMO, so I'd skip the #1. The Trainer is great and I love mine and use it every workout, but it's not absolutely necessary.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

if imtugs were a bit cheaper I'd say sure why not, but if you had to choose between imtug and regular gripper I'd say invest more on the regular gripper. I was lucky and got most of my imtugs from Rick here $10 each a few months ago but to be honest I 've rarely used them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would say T, 1, 2, 2,5 and 3. Order them from Cannon Powerworks and also invest in the rating service he offers. Otherwise you will repent it sooner or later.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Nothing is as frustrated as having grippers that are way to heavy to train with. It can demotivate you a lot. I would say the #3 is a long term goal and you can order them in Europe easily at strengthshop.de.

As a complete beginner, as I'am, I would advise you to make sure the jump aren't to big. I would buy some IM grippers and GHP (it's nice to also have some GHP's).

IM#T

IM#1

GHP4 (the GHP4 sits perfect in the middle between the #1 and #2, the #1.5 is to close to the #1 imo)

IM#2

GHP5 (perfect in-between gripper)

IM#2.5

Having the right tools to stay motivated is maybe the most important aspect of training.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is a lot of good answers, and all of you are both stronger and more experienced than me, so I respect everyone's advice. I will definitely have to learn more about the rating system before I get the grippers.

I would like buy all CoC, because of the discount on their site for 5 grippers (I'm a student, not exactly rich), but I realize that the rating is really important, since most of you mention it.

T,1,2,2.5,3 seems like a good choice, I just hope I can at least close the no. 1 :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have just checked the cannon powerworks site, and it's great, and the prices on some items are better than on ironmind's site. I'll make all my purchases there. I will get the grippers rated too. Should I rate all of them, or just from number 2 and up?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you are short of money 2 and up is sufficient. I am sure you can already close the 1.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I would suggest to skip the #1.5 and go for the #0.5 instead. The #1 will take you to #2 and the #0.5 is more useful for a beginner than the #1.5 is in my opinion.

Maybe skip the Trainer for the #0.5 and buy either a heavier gripper, like the #3.5 or the Ironmind expand your hand bands, if your budget is limited.

You can get a cheap plastic gripper that is sufficent for warmups, not as good quality as a IM Trainer of course but you can buy five of them to the same price as the Trainer.

Edited by Fist of Fury
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The toughest thing about this is the fact that people...like grippers, vary. It would help to know your size and lifting background.

My daughters (slight of build) boyfriend (150lbs wet...but plays a lot of tennis) managed the #1 right away.

Chez closed the #2.5 right out of the package...but he's big and had lifted for a good while.

I closed the #1 right away (righty only...and was tough)...but I have 8 3/8 hands. I think that in the beginning...and also with wide set closes...that is a big advantage. I closed the #2 like 2 weeks later. But...several months from that point, I was only pulling 107kg on the Axle.

If you've never touched a serious gripper...the low end buy is going to be a bit of a gamble.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At the moment, I'm between 180 and 187 lbs, 6'0, my hands are not too big. Best grip results are 57.5 kg rolling thunder, 18 kg hub, 115 kg double overhand axle, 180 kg double oh dl, 100 kg one handed deadlift. I like to think I have decent grip strength.

I will certainly get the trainer, since I've read on a lot of places that it's very good for warmups.

I'm just having a problem deciding whether to get no. 1 or 1.5, because it's not much of a difference, as you guys say. So, for example, I'd get trainer, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5. But I'm not sure if I could close 1.5...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

At the moment, I'm between 180 and 187 lbs, 6'0, my hands are not too big. Best grip results are 57.5 kg rolling thunder, 18 kg hub, 115 kg double overhand axle, 180 kg double oh dl, 100 kg one handed deadlift. I like to think I have decent grip strength.

I will certainly get the trainer, since I've read on a lot of places that it's very good for warmups.

I'm just having a problem deciding whether to get no. 1 or 1.5, because it's not much of a difference, as you guys say. So, for example, I'd get trainer, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5. But I'm not sure if I could close 1.5...

Just get the #1 it doesn't matter if you can close it for 15 reps or 20 reps it will be a great working gripper for you. If it turns out you're really strong with grippers you can do high volume work with it.

Working gripper should be 80-90% of your max anyway, you will not become stronger if you have a gripper you can barely close (i.e 100% max effort), you need a lighter gripper in the range of 80-90% of your max and it's reasonable to believe that an average COC#1 will be in that range for you.

COC#1.5 is the most pointless gripper Ironmind has ever produced. It's way to close to the #1, really surplus gripper which I think no one really needs.

After re-reading your first post I've changed my mind, here's what I recommend, since you are in the states now:

Trainer

COC#1

IM Left-Turn#2 (They are usually easier with the left hand but much harder with the right)

COC#2 or GHP5 (I haven't tried the GHP but they usually come in a really good range between the COC#2 and #2.5)

Silvis T-Rex (!!!)

You can buy the COC#3 and maybe a heavier later when you get stronger, you can get them cheap in Europe also. Keep working out with Rolling Thunder it will help your wide sets tremendously.

Edited by Fist of Fury
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The thing with ordering from Serbia is that secure shipping is more expensive than the actual gripper(s), and it takes 1-3 months to pass our horrible customs, then, when it arrives, you gotta pray they don't charge you customs tax and state tax (about 40% combined). That's why I want to buy sufficient grip equipment for 2 or 3 years. That's why I want to include the number 3. And I'd like to keep it simple, all CoC.

You are right about the no. 1, there is no way I'll do more than 3 reps on it, making it 90-100% range.

The Silvis one looks interesting, but it can't be calibrated, and it's a bit of a pain in the ass to adjust (or so it seems).

I think a good idea would be trainer, no.1, no.2, no.2,5, no.3. I can make any of them stronger or weaker using bands to assist me or create more tension.

Grippers, rolling thunder, hub, and pinching plates should give me solid all around grip strength for a long time.

I really appreciate all the help, this is a great community!

Edited by Aleksandar Milosevic
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The thing with ordering from Serbia is that secure shipping is more expensive than the actual gripper(s), and it takes 1-3 months to pass our horrible customs, then, when it arrives, you gotta pray they don't charge you customs tax and state tax (about 40% combined). That's why I want to buy sufficient grip equipment for 2 or 3 years. That's why I want to include the number 3. And I'd like to keep it simple, all CoC.

You are right about the no. 1, there is no way I'll do more than 3 reps on it, making it 90-100% range.

The Silvis one looks interesting, but it can't be calibrated, and it's a bit of a pain in the ass to adjust (or so it seems).

I think a good idea would be trainer, no.1, no.2, no.2,5, no.3. I can make any of them stronger or weaker using bands to assist me or create more tension.

Grippers, rolling thunder, hub, and pinching plates should give me solid all around grip strength for a long time.

I really appreciate all the help, this is a great community!

You don't need calibration with Silvis, thats the point you can adjust it by feel. It really is that simple, you will feel where to set it. Making calibration unnecessary.

Skip the #1.5 and buy the T-Rex instead. Trust me you won't be disappointed. You can set that gripper very far out and it will perform as a COC#1.5 should've done (but doesn't). Set it very far up and it goes up equal to a COC#3, then you have everything in between there, great bridge to the COC#2.5 aswell.

Edited by Fist of Fury
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy policies.