Chez vs The MM8: Whatever it takes

[Chez]

Thanks a lot Ben. I seen lots of videos of your terrific no set ability. My left hand has a long way to go but I definitely want to achieve a double #3 No set some time in the future. I'm going to add it to my goals.

[Forever]

Great work on that no set #3 close Cesare! Solid #3 to do that with too. Next up - Double TNS #3 Close! Time to jump on the short list of guys who've done that.

Wow, didn't know the list was that short!

[bencrush]

Great work on that no set #3 close Cesare! Solid #3 to do that with too. Next up - Double TNS #3 Close! Time to jump on the short list of guys who've done that.

Wow, didn't know the list was that short!

Well, I didn't say just how short. But try to name a dozen guys who have done it. With either a "good name" (they're well known by other grip guys) or video to back it up. There are probably two dozen guys on this board who could do it. Maybe I'm wrong. But not likely. Course you've been around grip too for quite a while. Do you think the number is much higher?

[Forever]

Great work on that no set #3 close Cesare! Solid #3 to do that with too. Next up - Double TNS #3 Close! Time to jump on the short list of guys who've done that.

Wow, didn't know the list was that short!

Well, I didn't say just how short. But try to name a dozen guys who have done it. With either a "good name" (they're well known by other grip guys) or video to back it up. There are probably two dozen guys on this board who could do it. Maybe I'm wrong. But not likely. Course you've been around grip too for quite a while. Do you think the number is much higher?

No Ben your right on, I don't see a ton of Double TNS#3 closes...Like most others, 1 hand is behind the other in terms of strength

[Chez]

Wow. I pulled and all nighter and handed my 25 page paper in. Finished it 20 before class. Cutting close. I did some bending Sunday and grippers today. Very weak on grippers today. This happens ever now and then. Just have to push through and I always bounce back.

Bending Sunday

3 60d timber ties DO in imps. Picking some suede wraps soon to made a attempt at my grade 5s

Grippers today - bad day

Right hand

#1 - 10 reps

#2 - 3 reps

#2.5 - 1 rep

Cert #3 - 1 rep

Working

BBE - 1 rep

GHP8 - missed

BBE 5/8 - missed

BBE - 1 rep

MM1 - 2 reps

MM1 - 1 rep

RB 330N - 1 rep

RB 330N - 1 rep

GHP7 - 1 rep + negative hold

GHP7 - 1 rep + negative hold

Left hand

#1 - 10 reps

#2 - 3 reps

BBGM - 1 rep

Working

MM1 - 1 rep

Cert #3 - 1 rep

Cert #3 - 2 reps

RB 330n - 1 rep

Ghp 7 - 1 rep

GHP 7 - 1 rep

GHP 7 - 1 rep

#2.5- 1 rep + negative hold

#2.5- 1 rep + negative hold

[Chez]

hit some pinch and bending today.

Loadable blob

21.5 lbs = 5 reps with both hands

26.5 lbs = 3 reps with both hands

31.5 lbs = 1 rep with both hands

36.5 lbs = 1 rep with both hands

39 lbs = 1 rep with both hands

41.5 lbs = 1 rep with both hands

42.75 lbs = 1 rep with both hands

44 lbs = 1 rep right hand and failed rep left hand. Not bad since I haven't used this in a while. Still searching for 50lbs

Vulcan thumb screws 1 Hand Pinch

2 Red IM bands top notches = 10 reps with both hands

2 Red and 1 Green IM band top notches = 5 reps with both hands for 4 sets.

Bending

4 60D timber ties DO. 3 times in suede wraps and 1 time in leather

Grade 5 bolt = 1 attempt in suede wraps. Got my best Kink so far and really thought it was going down but I hit the wall. this is going down.

Note: Just got a RB adjustable gripper in the mail. Its freaking sweet. Going to use it for crush tomorrow.

[Chez]

Alright, i could resist. I had to play with my new toy. I did a crush workout with my brand new RB adjustable gripper and I absolutely love this thing. I include the COC equivalent from the rating chart someone posted in the gripper super store thread for a comparsion.

Right Hand

Warm up

Hard Spring 2-3 (COC #1) = 8 reps

Hard Spring 4-4 (COC #2) = 3 reps

Hard Spring 4-5 (COC #2.5) = 1 rep

Hard Spring 2-2, weak spring 7-7 = (COC #3) = 1 rep

Working

Hard 3-3 Weak 6-7 = 1 rep

Hard 3-3 weak 7-8 (COC 3.5) = 1 rep

Hard 7-7 (harder COC3.5) = 1 rep. See video of close below. This feel about right. I'm probably at a COC #3.5 level mms.

Hard 3-3 weak 7-7 = 1 rep

Hard 3-3 waek 7-8 = 1 rep

Hard 6-7 = 2 reps

Hard 6-7 = 2 reps

Hard 6-6 (Hard COC #3) = 4 reps

Hard 6-6 = 4 reps

Hard 6-7 = 1 rep

Left Hand

Warm Up

Hard Spring 2-3 (COC #1) = 8 reps

Hard Spring 4-4 (COC #2) = 3 reps

Hard Spring 4-5 (COC #2.5) = 1 rep

Hard Spring 2-2, weak spring 7-7 = (COC #3) = 1 rep

Working

Hard 3-3 Weak 6-6 = 1 rep

Hard 3-3 Weak 7-7 = 1 rep

Hard 3-3 Weak 7-8 = 1 rep

Hard 7-7 = just missed

Hard 3-3 weak 7-8 = 1 rep

Hard 3-3 weak 7-8 = 1 rep

Hard 6-7 = 1 reps

Hard 6-6 = 3 reps

Hard 6-6 = 3 reps

Hard 6-7 = 1 rep

Hard 7-7 Close video :

Note: long workout today between pinch, bending and crush. I needed it though since I have been busting my butt with School. I'm signing up for the MM3 as soon as finals are over. Stay tuned. I also got 2 #4s coming in the mail. One rated at 206lbs and 1 rated at 224lbs. Time to take things to the next level!

[Chez]

A little Arm Wrestling training and wrist work tonight

Ghetto AW Machine

1 Warm Up Set of 15 reps both hands

4 Working sets of 15 reps both hands

- Felt really strong on this tonight. Increased the weight used significantly and still did high reps

Levering

12.5 lbs = 1 set of 10 reps both right and left hand

15 lbs = 2 sets of 10 reps both right and left hand

Supination/Pronation

15 lbs = 3 sets of 10 reps both right and left hand

Note: felt strong today. Tomorrow I'll hit thick bar. Thinking of bringing my Fat Gripz to my school gym and using them for back exercises: DO deadlift, Pull downs and rows.

[bencrush]

Good work on the RBA! I got mine the other day and have already done about 5 workouts (lefty) with it. Mostly no set and some 20mm block set stuff too. Feels very similar to a torsion spring gripper in the hand - in my opinion. I love the knurling too. And the ability to choose from a bajillion levels of tension is nice too.

[Chez]

Good work on the RBA! I got mine the other day and have already done about 5 workouts (lefty) with it. Mostly no set and some 20mm block set stuff too. Feels very similar to a torsion spring gripper in the hand - in my opinion. I love the knurling too. And the ability to choose from a bajillion levels of tension is nice too.

Thanks Ben. I really like it to. The spread is almost exactly the same as a COC. The knurling is perfect. To me it feels more lie a TSG than the Vulcan V2 which I own as well. You can use both springs at the same time for an even more gradual progression to. Some one posted a rating chart in the gripper super store thread using 2 springs at once. I tested it and it seemed spot on.

[bencrush]

Thanks Ben. I really like it to. The spread is almost exactly the same as a COC. The knurling is perfect. To me it feels more lie a TSG than the Vulcan V2 which I own as well. You can use both springs at the same time for an even more gradual progression to. Some one posted a rating chart in the gripper super store thread using 2 springs at once. I tested it and it seemed spot on.

I must've printed off that same chart because I've been using the 2 springs also. But I saw that you have a chart that lists how much the strong spring alone (like level 7,7) rates and I don't have that one. The ratings I also thought felt right on.

[Chez]

Thanks Ben. I really like it to. The spread is almost exactly the same as a COC. The knurling is perfect. To me it feels more lie a TSG than the Vulcan V2 which I own as well. You can use both springs at the same time for an even more gradual progression to. Some one posted a rating chart in the gripper super store thread using 2 springs at once. I tested it and it seemed spot on.

I must've printed off that same chart because I've been using the 2 springs also. But I saw that you have a chart that lists how much the strong spring alone (like level 7,7) rates and I don't have that one. The ratings I also thought felt right on.

Here you go buddy:

1 spring at a time:

Weak Spring

1-1 = 11.4 kg

1-2 = 13.2 kg

2-2 = 14.6 kg ( ~ CoC Guide )

2-3 = 16.2 kg

3-3 = 17.9 kg ( ~ CoC Sport )

3-4 = 19.8 kg

4-4 = 21.9 kg

4-5 = 23.3 kg

5-5 = 25.7 kg

5-6 = 27.2 kg ( ~ CoC Trainer )

6-6 = 30.5 kg

6-7 = 32.8 kg

7-7 = 35.4 kg

7-8 = 37.9 kg ( ~ CoC 1 )

8-8 = 40.3 kg

8-9 = 42.2 kg ( ~ CoC 1.5 )

9-9 = 45.6 kg

9-10= 47.0 kg

10-10 = 50.8 kg ( ~ CoC 2 )

Hard Spring

1-1 = 28.1 kg ( ~ CoC Trainer )

1-2 = 31.4 kg

2-2 = 34.8 kg

2-3 = 39.3 kg ( ~ Hard CoC 1 )

3-3 = 43.7 kg ( ~ CoC 1.5 )

3-4 = 47.6 kg

4-4 = 52.4 kg ( ~ Hard CoC 2 )

4-5 = 57.3 kg ( ~ CoC 2.5 )

5-5 = 62.1 kg

5-6 = 66.7 kg

6-6 = 72.8 kg ( ~ Hard CoC 3 )

6-7 = 76.7 kg

7-7 = 82.1 kg ( ~ CoC 3.5 )

7-8 = 88.1 kg

8-8 = 92.4 kg

8-9 = 97.2 kg ( ~ CoC 4 )

9-9 = 103.9 kg

9-10= 109.4 kg

10-10= 114.3 kg

2 Springs

Hard spring Weak spring Increase

setting kg setting kg Total kg %

- 0 5-5 25.7 25.7

- 0 5-6 27.2 27.2 1.5 6% (CoC_Trainer)

- 0 6-6 30.5 30.5 3.3 12%

- 0 6-7 32.8 32.8 2.3 8%

- 0 7-7 35.4 35.4 2.6 8%

- 0 7-8 37.9 37.9 2.5 7% (CoC_1)

- 0 8-8 40.3 40.3 2.4 6%

- 0 8-9 42.2 42.2 1.9 5% (CoC_1.5)

- 0 9-9 45.6 45.6 3.4 8%

- 0 9-10 47.0 47.0 1.4 3%

1-1 28.1 4-4 21.9 50.0 3.0 6%

1-1 28.1 4-5 23.3 51.4 1.4 3% (CoC_2)

1-1 28.1 5-5 25.7 53.8 2.4 5%

1-1 28.1 5-6 27.2 55.3 1.5 3%

1-1 28.1 6-6 30.5 58.6 3.3 6% (CoC_2.5)

2-2 34.8 5-5 25.7 60.5 1.9 3%

2-2 34.8 5-6 27.2 62.0 1.5 2%

2-2 34.8 6-6 30.5 65.3 3.3 5%

2-2 34.8 6-7 32.8 67.6 2.3 4%

2-2 34.8 7-7 35.4 70.2 2.6 4% (CoC_3)

2-2 34.8 7-8 37.9 72.7 2.5 4%

3-3 43.7 6-6 30.5 74.2 1.5 2%

3-3 43.7 6-7 32.8 76.5 2.3 3%

3-3 43.7 7-7 35.4 79.1 2.6 3%

3-3 43.7 7-8 37.9 81.6 2.5 3% (CoC_3.5)

3-3 43.7 8-8 40.3 84.0 2.4 3%

3-3 43.7 8-9 42.2 85.9 1.9 2%

4-4 52.4 7-7 35.4 87.8 1.9 2%

4-4 52.4 7-8 37.9 90.3 2.5 3%

4-4 52.4 8-8 40.3 92.7 2.4 3%

4-4 52.4 8-9 42.2 94.6 1.9 2%

4-4 52.4 9-9 45.6 98.0 3.4 4% (CoC_4)

4-4 52.4 9-10 47.0 99.4 1.4 1%

4-4 52.4 10-10 50.8 103.2 3.8 4%

[bencrush]

Oh hell yeah Cesare! Thanks buddy!!! I just printed that off. 8 times. Because I have GOPD.

[Chez]

Oh hell yeah Cesare! Thanks buddy!!! I just printed that off. 8 times. Because I have GOPD.

haha Ben, I think I'm in the fatal stage of GOPD. I hit thick bar today, I brought my Fat Gripz to my school gym and used them on every back exercise. This was a crazy intense workout. Sweat was gripping from my forehead.

DO deadlift with Fat Gripz - on an Olympic bar which widened the fat gripz to probably 2.5 inches

135 lbs = 8 reps

185 lbs = 4 reps

235 lbs = 2 reps

255 lbs = 1 rep

235 lbs = 3 reps

225 lbs = 3 reps

225 lbs = 3 reps

- This was harder than using fat gripz on my thinner bar at home.

Lat Pull down with Fat Gripz - put the fat gripz on the bend part of the bar so it stretched the fat gripz a little

130lbs = 10 reps

140 lbs = 10 reps

150 lbs = 8 reps

Machine Rows - the handles are already thick so they stretched the fat gripz to probably around 3 inches.

90 lbs = 10 reps

110 lbs = 10 reps

110 lbs = 10 reps

I finished with 2 exercises for my biceps without fat gripz. Machine preacher curls and Machine preacher hammer curls (the handles on the machine rotate).

Note: This was an awesome workout. I highly recommend using fat gripz or manus grips on back day. I'm going to keep doing this workout on thick bar day. My forearms got a crazy pump.

[Alawadhi]

How much do you like RBA? This or the V2 and why? I just recieved my V2 will try it next time i train grip. Seems sweet in the hands. I want to make my setting much stronger so setting a #3 wont be a problem thus wont loose energy and for sure i'll kill it. Hopefully i get my RBA by that time too. Cant wait!

[Chez]

I love the RBA. If you can afford it, I would recommend getting both the RBA and Vulcan V2 since both have their Advantages. I think the Vulcan V2 is the better option to improve your set though since the smooth handles and wide spread will make you work really hard on the set. Setting the V2 makes setting TSGs feel very easy. I believe in training everything to improve overall hand strength so I use a lot of training tools. When I started to train other equipment (instead of just TSGs) my hand strength really took off.

[Alawadhi]

Okay very good! Yes i already bought RBA and wait for it to arrive. So V2 has a great advantage on the setting (wont it hurt the knuckles since its so wide?) and what the RBA for the last close because its geometry is like a TSG?

Yes i too believe in trainning everything (and your whole body) to improve overall hand strength. I love the blobs so much.

[Geralt]

Cool stuff Cesare! Keep at it.

[Alawadhi]

Also btw, from which side should i close the V2? I mean there is a longer way. The side that there is the world of grip sticker should be facing me or away from me?

[Chez]

Thanks fellas. I actually hit a new PR on the RBA today: I'll post the numbers later. Alawadhi: the shorter handle (that is the handle that is pointed diagonally away and not the handle that points straight down) should be in your palm. With my V2: the sticker faces me when I use my right hand and away from me when I use my left hand.

Edited May 6, 2012 by Chez

[Chez]

Crush workout today. Did something a little different and used TSGs, Vulcan V2 and RBA all in this workout.

Right Hand

Warm up - used Tsgs for this

COC #1 = 8 reps

COC #2 = 3 reps

COC #2.5 = 1 rep

Cert #3 = 1 rep

RB 330N = 1 rep

Working

Vulcan V2

Level 13 = 1 rep

Level 14 = 1 rep

Level 15 = 1 rep

RBA

Hard Spring 6-6 = 1 rep

Hard Spring 6-7 = 1 rep

Hard Srping 7-7 = slight miss

Hard 3-3 weak 7-8 = 1 rep and negative hold

Hard 3-3 weak 8-8 = 1 rep and negative hold. New PR! according to the chart slightly harder than a COC #3.5. the negative hurt like hell.

Hard 3-3 weak 8-9 = miss

Hard 3-3 weak 7-8 = 1 rep and negative hold

Left Hand

Warm up - used Tsgs for this

COC #1 = 8 reps

COC #2 = 3 reps

COC #2.5 = 1 rep

GHP 7 = 1 rep

Working

Vulcan V2

Level 13 = 1 rep

Level 14 = 1 rep

Level 15 = 1 rep

RBA

Hard 6-6 = 1 rep

Hard 6-7 = 1 rep

Hard 3-3 Weak 7-7 = 1 rep

Hard 3-3 Weak 7-8 = 1 rep and negative hold

Hard 3-3 Weak 8-8 = just missed

Hard 3-3 Weak 7-8 = 1 rep

Hard 3-3 Weak 7-8 = 1 rep and negative hold.

Note: tomorrow will be some bending

[Alawadhi]

Very strong buddy

[Chez]

I'm back in business. Finished exams Late Friday afternoon. I actually went to my first AW comp yesterday and met 2 guys from the gripboard. Had a great time and learned a lot. Now its time to get back to work and prepare for nationals. Yesterday I hit a light pinch/wrist session when I get home and today I thick some thick bar.

Pinch/wrist - late last night

Loadable blob

16.5 lbs = 3 lifts with each hand

26.5 = 1 lift with each hand

31.5 = 1 lift with each hand

36.5 = 1 lift with each hand

39 = 1 lift each hand

40.25 = good lift left but miss right

1 Hand plate pinch

two 25's = 3 lift with each hand

two 25's + 6 lbs = 1 lift each hand

two 25'2 + 8.5 lbs = 1 lift each hand

two 25's + 11 lbs = 1 lift each hand

Lever bar circles

7.5 lbs = 10 reps both hands

10 lbs = 10 reps both hands

7.5 lbs = 10 reps both hands

Supination/pronation

15 lbs = 10 reps both hand

Thick bar - today

DO ghetto Axle

164 = 8 reps

220 = 4 reps

240 = 1 rep

260 = 1 rep

280 = 1 rep

295 = 1rep

310 = 1 rep

Lat pull downs with fat gripz

150 = 10 reps

160 = 10 reps

165 = 10 reps

170 = 10 reps

Machine rows with fat gripz

170 = 10 reps

185 = 10 reps

200 = 10 reps

200 = 10 reps

DB Hammer preacher curls with fat gripz

25 = 10 reps each arm

30 = 10 reps each arm

35 = 10 reps each arm

40 = 8 reps each arm

40 = 8 reps each arm

40 = 8 reps each arm

Note: Tomorrow I'm hitting legs at the gym. No grip training to let my hand rest. Next grip session will be crush.

[Chez]

I hit grippers late last night. I was feeling pretty sore and I started to get a numb feeling in my arms so I made this a light gripper session and didn't push it much.

Right Hand

Warm up

COC #1 = 10 reps

COC #2 = 3 reps

COC #2.5 = 1 rep

Cert #3 = 1 rep

Working

RB 330N = 1 rep

BBE = 1 rep

BBE 5/8" = 1 rep

BBE 5/8" = 1 rep

BBE = 1 rep

GHP 7 = 5 reps

Brent's #3 = 4 reps

GHP 7 = 3reps

Left Hand

Warm up

COC #1 = 10 reps

COC #2 = 3 reps

COC #2.5 = 1 rep

Working

Cert #3 = 1 rep

Brent's #3 = 1 rep

RB 330N = 1 rep

GNC 300 = 1 rep

COC #2.5 = 3 reps

COC #2 = 3 TNS reps

BBM 5/8" = 4 TNS reps

BBM 5/8" = 4 TNS reps

Note: rest tonight and pinch tomorrow.

[Chez]

Arms are still acting up. The numb feeling started again during my workout. I did chest and tris at the gym today and asked a physical therapist there about it. He thinks I have a pinched nerve. I rested after getting back from the gym and trained some pinch (kind of funny writing that considering). It doesn't act up on pinch so I was able to get through it.

1 HP on Vulcan thumbscrews - used as a general warm up

2 Red IM bands on top notches - 2 sets of 10 reps on both hands.

1 Hand Plate Pinch (starting with two 25s and slowly adding weight)

two 25s = 3 lifts right and 3 lifts left

two 25s + 5 lbs = 1 lift right and left

two 25s + 10 lbs = 1 lift right and left

two 25s + 15 lbs = 1 lift right and left

two 25s + 19.4lbs = 1 lift right and left

two 25s + 15 lbs = 3 lifts right and left

Ghetto Shallow Hub (hub surface is a 1.25 lb plate)

26.25 lbs = 3 lift right and left

28.75 lbs = 1 lift right and left

31.25 lbs= 1 lift right and left

32.5 lbs = 1 lift right and left

33.75 lbs = 1 lift right and left

1 HP on Vulcan thumbscrews

2 Red and 1 White IM band on top = 2 sets of 8 reps with both hands

2 Red and 1 Green IM band on top = 1 set of 5 reps with both hands

2 Red and 1 Gold IM band on top = 4 sets of 5 reps with both hands

2 Red, 1 Gold on top notches and 1 White on 6th notch = 1 set of 5 reps with both hands

2 Red, 1 Gold on top notches and 1 White on 3rd notch = 1 set of 5 reps with both hands

2 Red and 1 Gold IM band on top = 1 set of 5 reps with both hands

Note: really annoyed at the numbness I feel when I try to push things in training. It affects me most on grippers which is killing me because I love grippers. Going to take tomorrow off and then hit thick bar. I'll monitor the situation and rest up if I need to.