Question

[Bob Lipinski]

I am holding a grip competition, and was planning on having nail bending. However, many of the people competing will likely have little background in grip. Do you think nail bending is too "hard" to be included?

Of course, I will show everybody the basics beforehand.

[Sybersnott]

I bend sometimes and I'll tell ya... for me, the blue nail is stinkin' tough!!

I don't practice bending as much as I should. IMHO, leave it out of the comp.

[Nick McKinless]

Bob,

I'd stick it in, you'll be surprised at some people and the strength they can generate on bends. The other night at a party I showed a couple of guys who do minor weights the basics and they both did really well. They both easily blew through yellow nails, then both went into the blue. One easily did this too the other getting a good 90 degree bend. They were puffing and sweating but really enjoyed the exercise. I've seen this a lot and I am starting to see bending as a real show of upper body strength. Just because you can squat or bench big doesn't mean you can bend big and I like that, despite being a very average bender myself. Plus bending is easy one of the best spectator events for gripping, way better than grippers.

Nick

[kerbjr]

I'd say go for it, just start out with some polebarn nails so everyone can get a feel for it. Might have some suprises show up, I recently put on a display for about 300 kids and found 2-3 who actually bent some of my easy 60D commons, albeit braced but nonetheless impressive. These kids were all under 18y/o. Brett

[Rekx]

I agree with kerbjr

[JeffPeterson]

Keep it there. I too have had some people with no experoence do impressive things. Also for people with no background even bending a white nail is sweet. I bet they'll love the feeling of the steel bending and be hooked.

[Bob Lipinski]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the responses. I will keep it in.

[Adam Black]

I've only introduced a few friends to bending, but both were able to do 7" ¼" HRS. They loved it!