odin Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 RP TRAINER REVIEW I decided to get the RP trainer because I've noticed that my R+P are strong when pinching, but comparitively weak when crushing-weird, but may be a coordination issue as Teemu has stated. My first impression was "wow, this is a quality device!" It is easy to use; it works and feels great, very smooth. I'm so happy I didn't buy any IM Tugs; the RP trainer is adjustable for any level you will ever need (I'm sure another big spring could be added as well). If you haven't seen the device, there are pics here. The RP trainer comes with a large and a small spring which can be used for microloading or perhaps also for beginning gripsters and very high rep work. Rubber bands could also easily be added for microloading. Spring removal is relatively easy even for the mechanically challenged (me). A wrench could be used, but I didn't find it necessary. I love the feel of the handles.The knurling is very sharp (which I like a LOT), but some of you who don't like rough implements will likely need to file it down a bit, it is sharper than any gripper I've tried. The handles are thick, which gives a secure feeling and distributes the force over a larger area, which I like. My hand is small enough to nearly use it with 3 fingers if I like and my wife could use it almost like a Vulcan-type gripper because her hand is small. The only thing I'd change is that I find the inital position to be farther open than I'd like, but this does increase the versatility of the tool. In summary, I LOVE IT-think this will be a great tool and gives a different feel to hand training than anything I've tried. It's obvious a HUGE amount of thought and tinkering was done to get it just right.The RP Trainer is easy to use, feels GREAT in my hand (takes a LOT of discipline to put it down) and I think it will help a LOT in closing bigger grippers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gumpster Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 Good review Odin. It sounds like a great tool. How much did that set you back ($)? Not that I can afford it at the moment but I'm always on the lookout for something to get at the end of the year when I reward myself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
egg_uk Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 i bought one as well, it is a quality piece of kit, id recommend everyone to buy them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Mathison Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 Thanks for writing this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
odin Posted April 3, 2008 Author Share Posted April 3, 2008 Thanks for writing this You're welcome Chris. Hope it helps you know if it is the right tool for your goals. I know I'll be using mine a lot when I start focusing on grippers. Good review Odin. It sounds like a great tool. How much did that set you back ($)? Not that I can afford it at the moment but I'm always on the lookout for something to get at the end of the year when I reward myself. Gumpster, I made a trade, you might want to PM him because it was very reasonable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jad Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 I love mine for all the reasons Odin listed. I traded for mine also and mlstrass is very reasonable. If you're thinking about buying tugs or are stuck on a tug, I'd suggest grabbing one of these instead or to help you move up to the next tug. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mlstrass Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Thanks for the kind words guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bencrush Posted April 5, 2008 Share Posted April 5, 2008 I saw Josh's R&P trainer at the KC grip contest and it's a beauty. Very well made Mlstrass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
menace3000 Posted April 5, 2008 Share Posted April 5, 2008 how much does it cost to make this gadget?...seems very cool...great job... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mlstrass Posted April 17, 2008 Share Posted April 17, 2008 I've been using mine for IM training the last few workouts and it works great for that also. RP is stronger LH and IM is stronger RH and by several reps. Hopefully I can get the imbalances taken care of and it'll help me progress to the #3 eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NailBender Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 Got my RP Trainer today. This device is GREAT! The quality is awesome and it feels great in either hand. It has 12 different settings and would pretty much make your IM Tugs obsolete. I look forward to training with the RP Trainer after the contest is out of the way. This is probably the neatest grip tool I own now. I'll have it at the Show of Hands for the competitors to try out Saturday. I'd be surprised at anyone who trys this thing out doesn't buy one. He even made mine to fit my small hands (6 7/8"). NailBender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mlstrass Posted April 20, 2008 Share Posted April 20, 2008 Glad you liked it Joe and good idea holding off until after the comp. I need to make one with a smaller spread for myself one of these days... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmatt Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 I just got my (RP) trainer last night. WOW This thing is AWESOME!! I would highly recommend getting one as soon as you can!! This gripper is no joke. It is very well made and just feels right in your hand. I am telling you that if you are considering buying (IM TUGS) Just save your money and get an RP-GRIPPER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NailBender Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 I just got my (RP) trainer last night. WOW This thing is AWESOME!! I would highly recommend getting one as soon as you can!! This gripper is no joke. It is very well made and just feels right in your hand. I am telling you that if you are considering buying (IM TUGS) Just save your money and get an RP-GRIPPER. Watch out BigMatt! That RP trainer is addicting. It's my favorite grip device. Period! You should have Mlstrass make you a full handle version too. I ordered one this weekend. The combo should be killer. NailBender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmatt Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 I just got my (RP) trainer last night. WOW This thing is AWESOME!! I would highly recommend getting one as soon as you can!! This gripper is no joke. It is very well made and just feels right in your hand. I am telling you that if you are considering buying (IM TUGS) Just save your money and get an RP-GRIPPER. Watch out BigMatt! That RP trainer is addicting. It's my favorite grip device. Period! You should have Mlstrass make you a full handle version too. I ordered one this weekend. The combo should be killer. NailBender Thanks NailBender now I need to spend more money!! HAHA I love it so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pryderi Posted April 22, 2008 Share Posted April 22, 2008 Mine arrived the other day as well. It's hard to appreciate this piece of equipment from the pictures alone, but having it in your hand you realize it is truly a work of art. Mike took and excellent idea and ran with it. The quality is top notch, and I expect to give it a lifetime of abuse. IMTUGs are nice and useful to some, but the rpTrainer is light years ahead in terms of versatility and progression. There are numerous settings that would challenge the toughest of grippers, and plenty of room to spare to add additional springs. The feel is great. It is the same feeling as the little fat TUG handles and the action is very smooth. I believe the knurling to be a bit sharper than the TUGS, but for me this is a good thing. I do plan however, to file a bit off the handles to add to the ROM. Overall, I'd rate this as one of the more useful pieces in my ever growing list of grip equipment, and I'd recommend Mike's (Mlstrass) service and product without reservation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NailBender Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I just got my (RP) trainer last night. WOW This thing is AWESOME!! I would highly recommend getting one as soon as you can!! This gripper is no joke. It is very well made and just feels right in your hand. I am telling you that if you are considering buying (IM TUGS) Just save your money and get an RP-GRIPPER. Watch out BigMatt! That RP trainer is addicting. It's my favorite grip device. Period! You should have Mlstrass make you a full handle version too. I ordered one this weekend. The combo should be killer. NailBender Thanks NailBender now I need to spend more money!! HAHA I love it so much. BigMatt, I didn't mean a full handle version I meabt a filed handle version. It's like a filed TUG. Sorry about the confusion. NailBender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigmatt Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I just got my (RP) trainer last night. WOW This thing is AWESOME!! I would highly recommend getting one as soon as you can!! This gripper is no joke. It is very well made and just feels right in your hand. I am telling you that if you are considering buying (IM TUGS) Just save your money and get an RP-GRIPPER. Watch out BigMatt! That RP trainer is addicting. It's my favorite grip device. Period! You should have Mlstrass make you a full handle version too. I ordered one this weekend. The combo should be killer. NailBender Thanks NailBender now I need to spend more money!! HAHA I love it so much. BigMatt, I didn't mean a full handle version I meabt a filed handle version. It's like a filed TUG. Sorry about the confusion. NailBender HAHA! I would like both! HAHA I need a second job!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impala Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 Mine came last Saturday. On time, very well made and works better than I expected. Adding Post Office style rubberbands gives a very smooth close and encourages more reps (soreness). With the 'U' in the upright position, I keep two fingers on the handles, my forefinger above the handles and below the 'U", and my index finger in the 'U'. This seems to hit the pinky more. Turning the 'U' upside down seems to hit the ring finger more. This is a great addition for anyone who wants to target a specific, ofter ignored, grip weakness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mlstrass Posted April 23, 2008 Share Posted April 23, 2008 I sense some very strong ring/pinky fingers in the coming months Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NailBender Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I sense some very strong ring/pinky fingers in the coming months Hey Mike, I got the TUG 6 closed with RP of both hands. Aaron Corchran witnessed me do it at the contest. I used his TUGs. Aaron went on to close the 7 of course. Aaron's hands are scary STRONG!!! NailBender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jad Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 I sense some very strong ring/pinky fingers in the coming months Hey Mike, I got the TUG 6 closed with RP of both hands. Aaron Corchran witnessed me do it at the contest. I used his TUGs. Aaron went on to close the 7 of course. Aaron's hands are scary STRONG!!! NailBender Aaron is closing the TUG 7 RP and now?? WOW, no wonder he killed the MM4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mlstrass Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Joe, Great job on the TUG 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NailBender Posted April 24, 2008 Share Posted April 24, 2008 Joe,Great job on the TUG 6 Thanks Mike! I work my RP fingers a lot. Maybe too much. NailBender Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpycuban Posted May 6, 2008 Share Posted May 6, 2008 I LOVE MY TRAINER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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