Parallel Setting

[apttdwler]

I'm new to parallel setting. I'm alternating it and normal cc set. Right now I don't seem to be getting much benefit. I understand about the thumb down, but the gripper still seems to slip back. Is this normal. I also seem to struggle getting it set. It looks so easy in the videos LOL. Do I just need some more time?

[superfeemiman]

I'm new to parallel setting. I'm alternating it and normal cc set. Right now I don't seem to be getting much benefit. I understand about the thumb down, but the gripper still seems to slip back. Is this normal. I also seem to struggle getting it set. It looks so easy in the videos LOL. Do I just need some more time?

I have the same problem. I can't make the gripper handle go straight down the crease because it always slips back.

[Matt Brouse]

How "meaty" are the hands gents?

[bencrush]

You guys just need a lot of practice and time spent getting stronger in the set position. It would seem like the parallel set would immediately result in bigger grippers closed, but that's usually not the case it seems. I was the same way and had to spend a lot of time on practicing the set before I got it right.

[lifesnotfair]

Maybe the thumbpad is still not big enough!

[Cannon]

I'm new to parallel setting. I'm alternating it and normal cc set. Right now I don't seem to be getting much benefit. I understand about the thumb down, but the gripper still seems to slip back. Is this normal. I also seem to struggle getting it set. It looks so easy in the videos LOL. Do I just need some more time?

Practice, practice, practice. You you brace the handle with your thumb while setting? John explains this in his video. Also remember that John makes it look easy because he is very strong

I've been working on my parallel set for a while. I've even sent a video to an experienced gripster just to get a critique of my form. It will come together for you if you practice.

[superfeemiman]

How "meaty" are the hands gents?

Not that "meaty" but big enough that you'd think it wouldn't slip. I'm a slightly big guy (about 240 lbs.) but my hands aren't that meaty for my size.

I'll practice it more though. Thanks guys.

[CoC#3]

I find that a 1''-1.5'' set is more natural than a parallel set. I would get nothing extra out of using a parallel set. I am sure it is different for everyone but i never actually parallel set, whenever i set a gripper i set it about half way to closed.

[superfeemiman]

I find that a 1''-1.5'' set is more natural than a parallel set. I would get nothing extra out of using a parallel set. I am sure it is different for everyone but i never actually parallel set, whenever i set a gripper i set it about half way to closed.

You exactly described my situation. It feels more natural that way, which is why it's hard for me to parallel it. For my left it's slightly different. Pretty much everything feels a little awkward so maybe it does have something to do with what you're used to, because my left hand isn't really used to anything being the nondominant one.

[CoC#3]

With the left (for me, again) 3 finger closes feel more natural as do inverted closes!

[superfeemiman]

With the left (for me, again) 3 finger closes feel more natural as do inverted closes!

Any idea why? Maybe I should try that with my left.

[Bob Lipinski]

Just a small aside-

For me the goal isn't a parallel set, I just set it how I feel comfy to close it. If you brace against the meat of your thumb and you have smaller hands, parallel might be right. Long fingered guys may have a better "sweet spot".

[CoC#3]

superfeemiman - no idea why with 3 fingers other than you could get better leverage like this because your hand is further away from the spring, but with inverted closes it is to do with the handles, expecially noticeable on the CoCs. They are made for right handed trainees, and with the left hand the handles have very slightly further to travel. This problem can be eliminated by doing inverted closes, but the only problem is that a gripper is hard to set like this.