Grip Machines

[GoJu]

just wondering if any of you guys have had a lot of sucess with grip machines, like the IM Go reall Grip machine or the beef builder grip machine, I've heard John Hicks talk about it before on bodybuilding.com and saying good things about it, just wondering, and if you have what kind of training do you do on the grip machine?

[TelegraphKey]

I have the BB grip machine. It is WAY less expensive than IM. BUT I will give this to IM: I've never seen an IM grip machine, but they advertise they've notched-out the middle of the handles so the handles don't pinch your palms. When concentrating on a big close it's tough to worry about not pinching the palms. But I think just using weightlifting gloves covers the bases on the BB machine (about the only good use I've found for weightlifting gloves). It is definitely durable & works fantastic. It's real basic, though, and it might be possible to just build one if you look at some pictures closely, get some steel pipe & maybe a welder (or use joiners, whatever). To be honest though, I just use grippers upwards of 90-95% all the time I grip. Maybe others have more use.

[Sybersnott]

I've heard John Hicks talk about it before on bodybuilding.com and saying good things about it,...

I'm a firm believer in the use of grip machines, and I own several of them. It's my belief that if you're stuck between grippers - say like going from a IM #2 to a #3, the use of a good grip machine should give you positive results and would be a good change-up in your current grip routine. It took me from coming oh-so-close on the #3 to absolutely killing it, so I can say that it did work for me.

As for the different types of grip machines out there, I really like and endorse the BB grip machine; it's a basic plate loader, no-frills type of grip machine.... just load it up and bang out all the reps, sets, timed holds and negatives that you want! I should add though - if you use a heavy enough weight on it, you won't haffta worry about pinching your palms with it (I've honestly never had that problem anyhow).

IMO, the Go-Really is way too expensive, and the BB is just right as a "beginner" type grip machine -- if you have the materials and you can weld OR know someone who can, you can make one yourself (a basic plate loader) and save yourself a bunch of greenbacks and I'm all for that!!!