Captains of Crush gripper challenge

[Blarg]

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!

[swede123]

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

[Blarg]

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.

[beernutz]

[ QUOTE ]
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.

[/ QUOTE ]

An adjustable one is the Ivanko. I have it and also a CofC #1. The Ivanko is a much better deal as you can't outgrow it, however, it is pretty big for a gripper.

Ivanko:

[Subfallen]

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.

[Blarg]

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!

[Subfallen]

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

[Blarg]

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

[Martin]

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

[Blarg]

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.