Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

They make hand grippers now that are really tough -- like, it takes 100 or 280 pounds worth of force to close them, etc. The old-fashioned kind you get at the sporting goods stores supposedly take 30 pounds, and you can close them endlessly for reps. The "name" brand of these new ones, Captains of Crush, you can actually get certified on, if you can close the #3's or 4's. Very few people can do the 3's, and I think only one or two guys have done the 4's.

Anyway, my grip has always been a weak point, so I wanted to challenge myself and improve it. I have great endurance, but not much strength. So I got the Captains of Crush #1 model. It takes 140 pounds of force to close. I was thinking about getting the Trainer, which is 100 lbs., but what the hell. Anyway, I'm no hero on them. I can close the #1 to within about 1/4 of an inch with my right hand, but can't quite get there. It's more like 1/3 to half an inch with my left hand. Big laugh for many, maybe, but hey, that's why I want to improve.

So now I have a new strength goal I can work on even while net surfing or poker playing - conquering these grippers. And who knows, maybe making the grade on the next level up at some point.

Good quality item. Solid metal, nicely knurled for a good grip. Cost me 20 bucks at Amazon, same price they go for everywhere.

If anyone else wants to take up the challenge of getting to at least close the #2, post on it! That's the last level people or ordinary strength can do. Finally something you can do to get in shape -- sorta -- even while playing poker!

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Back when I was playing hoops lots I got one that has adjustable tension. Yes, turning that beast up a few levels really made a difference. However, it wasn't this brand so I doubt its "levels" are similar.

Swede

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Never seen an adjustable one. I've seen all kinds of weird contraptions, though. This regular old familiar design seems to be what people are measuring themselves by these days. I was surprised they were measuring grip strength competitively or working on it so much at all, but apparently it's a big new deal.

I did see some other grippers advertised here and there, with varying loads. Like up or down 10 pounds, etc., more or less harshly knurled grips, whatever. These ones I have are smoothly but well knurled; if you let your fingers or hand skin slip much, you'll definitely feel it, and maybe build up calluses.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

I'm in, this will be fun. Any idea how I could get a feel for where my grip is currently at? E.g. one-handed static hang for time, fingertip pushups, something like this?

More people should do this challenge.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Well, Subfallen, I don't know how to measure really. But honestly I haven't been very physically active for a good while and my hands were ALWAYS pretty weak in the grip department(though I have high endurance for some reason), but I still was able to get most of the way closed on the #1 on my right hand. It's probably pretty fair to say that if I can do that -- sorry to say -- almost everyone else can too. I'd actually be surprised if most people couldn't do better, because my grip strength is truly crappy.

That makes me think that most anyone could start with a #1, and skip the Trainer model. Especially since you can actually cheat your way if the #1 is a little too tough. I'll post a link on how to do that, and how to train with them.

The #2 is a big leap up from the #1, from 140 up to 195 pounds. Lots of people supposedly have to train up to that one, as it's the last one you can do without having grip so strong you get certified for it(and that certification/ability is NOT common). I think I'd recommend just dropping the $20 on a #1 and if you find it too easy, well, it's only 20 bucks, and you can still train on it. Then you can then order a #2. Or just order them both. Skip the trainer.

I think more should do this too. It's not a pricey thing, and as far as physical fitness goes, it doesn't take a gigantic commitment. I mean, you could be a big fat slob and still have a killer grip, or work up to one. You don't have to be a gym rat or anything. And it's cool that you can actually measure your progress, for bragging rights with your buds. Or even get certified, if you really want to go nuts with it.

Here's that link:

http://www.dragondoor.com/articler/mode3/123/

Took me only a few minutes to get a little sore!

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Interesting approach in this article, sounds good. I'll start by getting both #1 and #2.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Cool, lemme know how it goes! I think this will be a really fun thing to work on. Damn, my hands are sore.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Hey Blarg

Gripping is a great activity. I 've been into this for around two years and am working on closing the number 3, just under 1 inch away from full closure. I have the 2, 3 and a plate loading gripmachine. Also an Ivanko Super Gripper on the way.

For ideas on grip training check out the following 2 message boards:

Grippermania

and

The Gripboard

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Hey, cool. Thanks for those links.

So I guess you started with gripper 2 then? That's pretty strong to start with. How long did it take you to conquer the #2?

I was looking at the Ironmind catalogue that came with my gripper and liked those eagle strap finger loops a lot, and those pinch grip machines, though they look a little bulky. The pinch grip blocks looked like they'd just slip out of my hands, so I'm not into that.

I've also gotten a kettlebell, and as I get into better shape and able to do more reps with that, that should be giving my grip endurance some work. I've always had decent grip endurance for some reason anyway, despite not having much strength. But I think it will be a fun challenge to see if I can work up some actual grip strength, too.

A quick question for you. Do you find exercises like seated wrist curls -- the kind where you put the back of your forearm on your thigh while sitting down, hang a weight over your knee, and curl it up -- helpful for grip work? I used to use those all the time and they put a little bit of meat on my forearm(though not enough), but they didn't seem to do a thing for my grip.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Why would I wan't to strengthen my grip? Rough sex?

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

[ QUOTE ]
Why would I wan't to strengthen my grip? Rough sex?

[/ QUOTE ]


increase jerkoff endurance. duh


"wan't" ???

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Bruce Lee had a gigantic one that he used to practice choke holds.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Interesting. I've never seen one like that.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Check these bad boys out.
Blarg, here's a link to the guy who made Lee's unusual traing gear.
George Lee

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Thanks for the links!

So do you have the Barabans? The CoC's fit my hand fine, so I don't need the "narrow" option of the Barabans. But the difficulty settings not matching the CoC's make these look great for a plan of leap-frogging from one brand to the other as you work your way through tougher models, without necessarily having to take giant leaps between difficulty levels.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Anyone ever tried these?

Just curious, before I buy.

-Diplomat

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

I think I tried those years ago. They are nice for training an individual finger, but kind of awkward, and what is harder for one finger will be really easy for others. So, you'll need a whole host of them if you want to have something to match all your fingers.

And I'm not sure if you can even do that. Look at the poundages needed to close them -- not much. Consider that the Captains of Crush #1 that I got takes 140 lbs to close, and the highest one of those things at Amazon that you're talking about closes at 9 lbs. Even if you multiply by five for each finger(we'll throw the thumb in as a freebie), that still only comes to 45 lbs. Versus the Trainer at 100 lbs or the #1 at 140 lbs. So I dunno, seems kinda weak to me.

Also, the size of your hand has to match the gripper more than it does with a traditional gripper, which you can slide your hand up or down depending on how small your hand is.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Blarg in answer to your questions.

No I didn't start with the number 2. I started with the plate loader. Since I was living in South Africa at the time there was no way I was going to find IM Grippers. I built my own plate loader based on the PDA Grippernator (Spelling) Anyway that's a grip machine that pretty much approximates a gripper. I trained with that for a few months and then a friend brought me the 2 and 3 from the USA. Based on my max rep on the machine I calculated I should be able to close the 2 which I did on my second try. Setting the gripper in your hand the first time is a bit odd. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

I was used to hand training from the martial arts though.

Most people without any grip training can barely close the trainer and very few get the 1 first time. If you look on the gripboard you will see that they tested a whole bunch of bodybuilders and some got the 1, quite a few missed it and only one guy got the 2.

If you want training ideas I reccomend John Brookfield's books not gripper specific but some great hand training ideas. As for pinch blocks I use a pinch grip tray. Basically two 2x4 screwed onto a flat piece of wood one on either side. Load whatever crap you like on it and dead lift the thing using a pinch grip.

Kettlebells are good for grip more so than standard db. You might want to look into thick handle db though. I made one with a 2 inch diameter handle that really strains the grip.

There is a lot of debate regarding writst curls helping grip. BTW do them on a bench not your knees. I train forearms this way and with other exercises for steel bending and card/phonebook tearing not really grippers. Personally I think if you want to train grip do grip specific exercises. Crush training with grippers or plate loaders, some friction lifts ie. pinch grips, thick bar training and maybe some sledge hammer leverage.

I see someone asked about the RB grippers. Robert is a great guy, he makes high quality stuff and his factory is hear in Austria. Lots of people buy his grippers since he makes versions between the standard IM numbers so that allows for an easier progression. There are also a number of other grippers on the market. Beef Builder being one of them. All are pretty good. However if you want the Iron Mind cert then you have to train towards the Ironmind 3 not the others, even though they may be the same poundage.

Hope that helps.
Finally gripping meets poker [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

About the only use for these is individual finger training. I used them when I shot practical pistol competition. They actuially came with an attachment you could add on that looked like the front and rear site of a pistol. Overall they don't rate near the IM grippers and you will outgrow them pretty quick. If you are looking for serious grip toys the Ironmind catalogue will provide you with everything you need.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Thanks for the reply, Martin. With your help, I'll be snapping poker chips and ripping cards in half after a suck-out in no time!

You know, it didn't take much work on the gripper to get sore. I'm the king of overtraining, too, so I have to watch out not to do it. How often per week do you work grip? I'm tempted just to give the grips a squeeze every so often throughout the day, but I realize I'd probably just be setting myself back.

My kettlebell has a super wide handle, by the way. I wear large size gloves, but if the handle were much wider at all, it probably would be unsafe to swing. It's 35 lbs, and I'm sure it's going to give my forearms a lot of grief as I figure out all the ways to use it.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

[ QUOTE ]
About the only use for these is individual finger training. I used them when I shot practical pistol competition. They actuially came with an attachment you could add on that looked like the front and rear site of a pistol. Overall they don't rate near the IM grippers and you will outgrow them pretty quick. If you are looking for serious grip toys the Ironmind catalogue will provide you with everything you need.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, that catalogue was great. I about went nuts seeing all the cool grip stuff they had there.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Ripping cards after a suckout is very tempting. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] Seriously card tearing is great training and bm casinos are a great source of used cards for tearing practice.

I train grip 6 days a week. But in the beginning you may only want to train 3 days a week. You can seriously over train. I stuffed my left hand bending a box wrench and the tendon damage takes a long time to heal.

Here is a training programme that was written by one of the Gripboard guys who is a COC on the 3 and 4.

Link1

Link2

If the site doesn't work (It's a bit erratic) PM me and I'll send you the pages since I have them on file.

This kinda training assumes that you have more than one gripper though.

At a later point you might want to try something similar to what you mentioned regarding closing the gripper every hour during the course of the day. This is similar to Pavel's GTG training. I have my 2 next to my computer and some days I close it once every hour and hold for 10 secs. That gives quite a different crush workout and shocks the body a bit.

However at the minute you need to build a solid foundation of hand strength and that's what the linked training programmes are about.

How are you finding the kettlebell training in general? It should make for some good allround conditioning. Seriously though try the sledge hammer levering thing it's very addictive and builds great forearms.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

The links worked, and are really great info. Thanks for steering me to them!

A sledgehammer is out; I live in an apartment. I do have a bodybar, though, which is 18 lbs and, I dunno, over 4 feet long I guess, which I can swing and, depending where I hold it, it can put a huge strain on my wrists. I practice various simple martial arts staff moves with it sometimes, which is what I bought it for, and holding it off center really magnifies the weight, and so does moving it with some speed. Catching the momentum you generate can be a work-out.

I just got my kettlebell two days ago, but have been doing some swings and just general shoulder work with a dumbbell to get myself a little used to the exercises before it came. Now that I have it, I really like it a lot more than a dumbbell. The grip is very thick, and the off-center balance means that I can effectively vary how hard it is to move around quite a bit by how I hold it.

I really like the swings and the "windmill" exercise that kettlebellers do. It's tricky, works and stretches your body in a weird way, and makes you concentrate a lot on stability while you do it. It's just frankly kind of fun to work with, because you're learning and practicing a skill, not just mindlessly grinding out a repetition like you do with regular, balanced weights. I've never found weight lifting fun, I guess because doing the same moves in the same direction all the time just lacks variety and seems so specific to getting better at just doing more of the same. But I get kind of a kick out of the kettlebell. I think I'll probably be getting pretty seriously into kettlebells.

Swings are fun too. With proper form, on them, you really use your hips a lot, and your glutes and the very tops of your thighs. As with any off-balance piece of equipment, though, you can always change your form to emphasize different muscles or make things much harder or easier, which I really like a lot. I like the swings, improperly done, as a shoulder exercise, too, though you can tear something pretty easily if you're not extremely focussed.

All in all, it's a pretty fun thing.

Here's a link to a kettlebell trainer/martial artist's DVD in which he shows some unusual kettlebell drills. There are samples on the page. The duck walk & press and the creepdown & press are cool, and the towel swinging business is very cool.
http://www.fullkontact.com/dvd2.html

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Glad the links worked.
If you have any questions let me know.
I do suggest that you buy one other gripper that you can close for reps maybe the IM trainer, the other option is the Ivanko Supper Gripper since it's adjustable.

I live in an apartment and use a weighted pick axe handle as a sledge so yes I know it gets tricky. Avoid hitting the wife, computer , tv, pets etc. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Same problem when I train Sai, Han-bo or Bokken. Sledge's primary use is for leverage exercises which are great for the forearms.

I have yet to train kettlebells seriously. First have to get my own for a start.
I've seriously weight trained since the mid 80's when I was in the service and I enjoy it but I do know that standard routines can get boring. Having said that all my heavy stuff in in storage till we get a real place to live. So all I'm left with is DBs, sledge and grip work. The rest has to be bodyweight for the while.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Count me in. Just ordered mine today, thanks for the links great info there.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

At least one kettlebell would probably be cool for you then. As a martial artist, you're probably aware of the old-time training method of using weighted versions of your weapons to train with, and how much it develops your strength and speed. Like Heavyhands and a Bodybar, kettlebells can be used to duplicate that use of higher weight in your practice moves, and their off-balance nature means that using them is training in applying force and body mechanics all by itself, even on pure kettlebell moves. Did you check out that towel-swinging video? Doing that would be great training in control of balance and momentum, and awareness of the "weapon" in space.

Only problem is, even the cheap ones are pretty expensive, especially if you get them in sets. My 16 kg. one cost about $70 from Aamazon.com. That said, to cut down the eventual expense, I think I'm going to save up for the adjustable kettlebells from USKettlebell.com. They adjust from 35 to 70 lbs(16 kg to 32 kg), but retain a smooth shape, unlike kettlebell handles that hold dumbbell plates, and the design looks like they will be securely anchored, so you can swing them without fear.

I've been noticing these COC grippers have quite a bite. I'm wondering about getting those Baraban grippers, which are supposedly smoother. I think another gripper might be in order, since though I'm almost there with my right hand on the #1, my left hand is considerably weaker, so a 100-lb'er(the Trainer) would probably be a good idea.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

The knurling on the grippers is a bit rough at first, you get used to it and it really helps in the closure. A lot of guys use hockey tape on the handles this helps quite a lot. The other option is chalk but it's messy as all hell. My hands are a calloused mess anyway so I can't say I notice it
anymore. I did consider sanding the knurling a while back for my wife to train on it.

I'm going to give the kettlebells a try as soon as I can scrounge up some steel and weld a plate loading version like the PDA. A few guys I have spoken too have trained with those and are pretty happy.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Yeah, they really do lend some fun to it. And they're an absolute natural to a martial artist. Good luck on your project; let us know how it comes out!

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Well, Stuey, Subfallen, anyone else -- gotten any quality grippers yet?

Anyone else joining in, check out Ironmind.com and the grip boards Martin linked to, and you'll start to see the big variety of all kinds of wacky training devices, programs, etc., that have been developed. There are other grippers, too, and a bunch of other hand strength tests you can get certified on, if you're into that. Or, if you'd just like strong hands because they beat the alternative of weak ones, for your sport, or don't want to drop weights on yourself while you lift! Or just want to make your hands stronger for your job or if you're a soldier.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

how well does this device stregthen wrists and forearms?

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Any gripping activity strengthens the wrists and forearms as well however the grippers are obviously best suited to training the hands. There are other devices for wrists and forearms. Not to mention good old fashioned wrist curls with a barbell.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

I read someone saying that his wrist thickened about half an inch, and the wrist has no muscle, so that must have come from the combined effect of his tendons getting thicker at the wrist. I'm sure that means your wrist gets much stronger.

As to forearms, I'm only working on the #1, which is a little beyond my ability, as is common for people into training on these grippers hardcore, and I can definitely feel it going up my forearms, in both the muscles and tendons.

You can feel it in your forearms a little bit if you twist your hand off a perfectly even plane with your forearms on even the cheapo store-bought plastic grippers, or if you use them for a ton of repetitions, but on these much harder grippers you can feel it a lot sooner. Closing these things is HARD.

Luckily, my looking around the web has shown me that there are a handful of different quality manufacturers now making these super-tough grippers, with all different ranges, so you can easily find a gripper challenging enough for you whether you're freakishly strong or weak or anything in between. For instance, the Captains of Crush grippers go at 60, 80, 100, 140, 195, 285, and 365 pounds of pressure to close, and different manufacturers make ones that vary between those setpoints too, each maker varying by 10 or 20 pounds from the next guy. So you're well covered for your particular strength no matter what it is.

And if you check out places like Ironmind.com, you'll see there are all kinds of different devices made to train grip around -- and there are ones that Ironmind doesn't have, too. This whole thing is way bigger than I had thought possible -- closing these grippers and doing various other feats of hand strength are actually becomoing a sport. Anyway, no matter how you are thinking of working your hands, forearms, and wrists and how strong or weak you are, there are devices of some sort to address every little aspect of it. And the field isn't all that full of hype, either -- the stuff you can buy is actually really productive, and much of it is fairly cheap.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Mine haven't come in yet, but I'm eagerly awaiting.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Cool. If you got the Captains of Crush type, you'll be getting an Ironmind catalogue with it too, which is pretty cool to look through. They've got all kinds of cool handwork pieces there besides grippers.

I ordered more grippers 'n' stuff too, and I'm expecting it to come in tomorrow, and another order maybe next week.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

I've had the "T" and the "1" for about five years now. I tried the two once at a gym and it was a joke I wasn't even close so I never ordered it. I haven't touch the grippers in several years. Because of this post I just tried the 1 and I could only get it right handed. I think I'll start messing around with these again. Thanks.

Ironmind rules. I have the headstraps from there, and Im going to get the squat belt.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

[ QUOTE ]
Mine haven't come in yet, but I'm eagerly awaiting.

[/ QUOTE ]

I live in the hills it might be a week yet. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Mine haven't come in yet, but I'm eagerly awaiting.

[/ QUOTE ]

I live in the hills it might be a week yet. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

My first shipment took me a little over a week. Hopefully it won't take too long for you. I know how ya must feel -- I go up the walls waiting for deliveries.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

[ QUOTE ]
I've had the "T" and the "1" for about five years now. I tried the two once at a gym and it was a joke I wasn't even close so I never ordered it. I haven't touch the grippers in several years. Because of this post I just tried the 1 and I could only get it right handed. I think I'll start messing around with these again. Thanks.

Ironmind rules. I have the headstraps from there, and Im going to get the squat belt.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah they seem like a cool company. Their catalogue is a lot of fun to look through.

Well, if you can do the #1, you're ahead of me. I'm not there yet, and my left hand is completely shamed by the #1. It's hard to imagine that some guys close those like they were flicking a lighter closed. Cool that you're going to get into it. Maybe we can all keep each other going. Let's see what happens!

I'm going to start working my thumbs with the weighted Bodybar I got, too, as well as use it for leverage work, like people do with sledgehammers. None of that will interfere with my gripper work, which is the aspect of grip work I'll be concentrating on for a long time.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Well, I got in another package of grippers, along with rubber bands to extend my fingers and thumb inside for extensor work, and a hard to explain add-on "helper" for grips to make them harder(helps cover the 55 or more pound gap between gripper levels).

The two grippers I got were a trainer, and a #2. I'm presently trying to close the #1, goal-wise.

The trainer has pointed out how weak my final portion of the movement is. It takes 100 lbs. to close, and is much easier to close on the "sweep," or the long portion of the close until you get to a narrow gap, than the #1 is, but feels the same in the last 1/8 inch! It's obvious that the final 1/8 inch is just a weakness in part of my range of motion, and I'll have to really concentrate on fixing that. Oh well.

My hands are still sore from yesterday's work-out, so I don't want to get carried away on these things, but I did give the #2 a squeeze(195 lbs to close). I can't even get the gripper handles to parallel! Oh well, it's my "long term" challenge, and the #1 is my short-term one.

The rubber bands feel very nice on the extensors!

After I get done boiling some eggs, I'm going to pour the water into a cooler, add some more water to make the temperature bearable, and soak my aching mitts.

Re: Captains of Crush gripper challenge
 

Dunno if I mentioned it on the training forum yet, but try choking the gripper down with a hose clamp so you can work that last piece. KTA will more than likely get you sorted out with it though.