IronMind Captains of Crush (CoC) Hand Gripper - The Gold Standard of Grippers | The World's Leading Hand Strengthener

Reviewed after three weeks use. They accidentally sent me the #.5 120lb grippers instead of the Trainer (it was packaged right as the .5, but the SKU sticker was for the Trainer). I figured what the heck, 20 more lbs would probably be a good place to start anyway (and I was really excited to get started training). Shoot dang, these are some TOUGH grippers. Firstly, just to echo what other reviews say, these are well-built, durable grippers - the finest I've ever owned. If you're combing reviews for competing products, there just isn't much out there that compares. Secondly, there is a serious difference between the repetition training that your sport shop grippers offer and the intense high-resistance training you can get from these grippers. I've seen a bigger difference in three weeks of these grippers (with focused effort) than months of reps (mostly while watching tv) with the others. If you're looking for more than muscle maintenance, and serious about being able to effortlessly open that jar of pickles when your girl is there watching, low-rep high-intensity is the way to build grip strength. I still can't close the 120lb beast, but I'm a lot closer, and am already getting some noticeable forearm definition. If I might offer a few suggestions to get the most from these grippers: - Gripper training is an isolation workout, meaning you're targeting just one specific motion/muscle set. In this case you are targeting your crush grip strength. For well-balanced strength, you should also train your pinch and support grips. Read up on how to do all three in balance. It will amaze you how much they work together, and you'll see much faster gains than just periodically working the gripper (think especially about how your pinkie and ring finger will help so much more if they have some pinch strength to them). Ironminds also offers all kinds of elastic bands and pinch springs to complete a workout. I personally have a medium tension Gripmaster from prohands and feel that starting exercises with that works out a lot of finger and joint kinks before getting down to business with the gripper. If you're cracking every joint with the first crush, you're not warmed up. - You'll want some focus, these aren't the carry-in-your-car type of grippers. Not that they couldn't be used that way, but taking time to properly set the grippers and using focus strength will get you a better workout. I usually do my gripmaster warmup on the drive home, and then do my reps when I walk in the door. I feel this optimizes the workout routine, and gets more bang for less time. - Do more than just the standard close routine. If you look at the IronMinds instruction booklet (doesn't come in the package, but you can get a free one from the IronMinds store), you can find an array of different workouts that you can do with one set of grippers. I usually do a few reps spring up, spring down, and then burn out with some negatives (starting with a closed grip) for a full workout. It takes a little while longer, but it really gets ALL the arm muscles burning, and really pays off. I'm still working hard at trying to close the #.5, and am already making plans to start stepping up. I might also get the Sport just for warmups, the #.5 is too much to warm up on. I would recommend these grippers, and look forward to having that quiet strength grip. If you meet me there, I'd be glad to shake your hand!

I'm pretty new to grip training. In the past I had gotten some other grip trainers and developed a semi-regular habit for a little while, but it felt like I wasn't really getting anything out of it. Well, I see why now lol. I'd gone for lower-end products, like what you could find at most stores. The adjustable ones I thought at the time were nice, the ability to work up, but if you're a guy with decent passive strength (not a bodybuilder or rockclimber, just a regular dude) you'll probably find yourself mastering that relatively quickly and just sort of getting bored and forgetting about them (much like myself). With these I'm reminded that there's a reason good things may cost a little more or be harder to find. I started with a #1, and that's a good spot for me currently. They recommend starting a little lower, but I like having a bit of a challenge on the front end. I think I chose well. I could close them, but it's not easy, you know? And that difficulty makes me more excited about using them. I'd rather struggle to get to like 5 than be able to blast out 50 without feeling any burn. Then after a while, the comfort in doing more reps will feel earned. And I really don't mind that these aren't adjustable nor that they're sold as singles. You can buy two I suppose, (I always used to think you needed a pair?) but really I think if you're double fisting, you might just need to go up a level and focus on one hand a time. As for adjustability, I think their numbered system of individual weights works better. Even if it's somewhat of a marketing thing (maybe but not really), I like the idea of having a solid and well built product that is 100% the weight it states, and once you become comfortable with that, that's that. And I'm excited to make that next step up. Also, to be clear, I'm not just saying they're tough. They're of very good quality as well. You know that annoying squeaky/clinky sound cheap that cheap grip trainers make when you're going to town on them? I don't! Not anymore lol. This is a solid product. No plastic components, no foam tube that slides off, no tiny tin plate that slides around as you close them, no squeaky-squeaky, no wondering if you should duct tape the handles for your hand's sake. It's a nice, weighty metal feeling, and the handle has a nice texture that neither slips nor hurts your hands. So positive all around if you couldn't tell. And one day I will ascend to bigger numbers.

I just bought these based on Pavel Tsatsouline's recommendation for strength training, and let me tell you: I am impressed! These things are SOLID! I'm talkin' aircraft-grade aluminum. The trainer model is 100lb of pressure, which is roughly equivalent to being "pretty effin' hard to squeeze" for the average person. You can quote me on that. An interesting thing I learned behind this training methodology is the theory of neural recruitment, IE, after trying to fire that particular pathway, the nervous system adapts and is able to recruit more muscles and fibers to do the job. Sounds like HUH? But no, really, guys, it works. When I got these out of the package I could just barely squeeze them twice without busting an artery. In four hours of squeezing approximately one time every twenty minutes, I was able to do 4 with each hand. The next day, I could do 8. Now, don't get me wrong - that was painful, so, I'm not about to try and set any world records, but I doubt very much my hands got FOUR TIMES stronger in 48 hours. So there must something to that whole neurology science... A note about the grip: the aluminum is micro-studded to create a coarse surface for enhanced grip. In all honesty, it's kind of rough. If you don't have callused palms, wear a glove for the first couple of times you use these, otherwise it might be downright painful. I'm no hand model, either, and have moderate calluses from the pull-up bar and kettle bells on my hands, and these grippers gave my palms a beating. It's something you get used to, without a doubt, and would probably help toughen up the hands, too, but I'd be worried about tearing up my hands when going up in tension to 150lbs and above. Speaking of which - you can clearly see the line dividing the gripper handles in half in the picture: top and bottom. That effectively makes it 2 sets of grippers, the top one being much harder than the other (at least 30%). By orienting your grip more on the bottom half, you get less resistance and more travel. Top half - more resistance, less travel, respectively. So if you have freakin' gorilla hands and get these and are like "pfft, I can squeeze these with my eyeballs", first of all - props, and second of all - try getting closer to the spring, you man-ape-gone-wrong-thing. Good luck and don't forget the lotion after. I won't be buying a tighter one for a while...

I normally wouldn't be interested in hand grips as every one that I've seen is made of rubber or cheap plastic and usually have no grip either. But I saw these were metal and actually had knurling. The same exact kind you would find on the bars at the gym which is really cool. The metal is pretty durable so far though time will tell how well it holds up. They feel very sturdy and premium. Which is always nice. What I particularly love is the grip. It's very detailed and feels exactly like a barbell which is what I wanted. Every time I use it at work it feels like I'm back at the gym. Doesn't slip. Feels great. I do forearm exercises at the gym but I wanted something I could use outside the gym that was portable so I could make use of my downtime. This alone won't blow up your forearms. You'll need to also do wrist curls with a dumbbell. This is more for grip strength training only. If you are like me and deadlift without straps you need to make sure your grip is on point. This definitely helps.

Top quality. I bought the cheapest ones and sucks. Buy this. This one feels pro. Worth the price. I repeat do not be cheap buy the real deal. I bought the 140 lb and I’m a beginner. 40 years old. I use it in my car. Is pretty convenient so you can play with it when I’m stopped on red lights. My forearms feel strong already. Only 2 weeks

This is a great product that I have owned for 4 plus years. The construction and material are first rate. I can actually gauge the improvement in hand strength when I perform daily activities. I also notice the benefits when I workout. I would purchase this item again.

As someone who’s serious about strength training, the Captains of Crush Hand Grippers have become an essential part of my routine. I’ve purchased the Trainer (100 lbs), 0.5 (120 lbs), No. 1 (140 lbs), and No. 3 (322.5 lbs), and they’ve proven to be the standard for grip strength development at every level. Build Quality The craftsmanship on these grippers is unmatched. The knurled aluminum handles provide a secure grip, even during intense workouts, and the spring mechanism is built to last. These feel indestructible and are clearly designed for people who are serious about increasing their grip strength. Progression and Challenge Each gripper offers a unique challenge: Trainer (100 lbs): Perfect for beginners or as a warm-up tool for advanced users. It’s a great starting point to build confidence and form. However if you already have a strong grip you may want to pass this one for the 0.5. 0.5 (120 lbs): A slight step up from the Trainer. It bridges the gap between beginner and intermediate levels, making it a staple for building grip endurance and strength. If you struggle with the No. 1, but find normal grippers easy this is a great option. No. 1 (140 lbs): A true benchmark for serious lifters. After many, many, many failed attempts, closing this for the first time felt like a significant milestone. In fact I've still not managed to close it with my left hand, and it may be several months before I get to that level. No. 3 (322.5 lbs): I foolishly purchased this years ago thinking my grip was above average. I can't even close this bad boy with 2 hands yet. However while I haven’t closed it yet, it serves as a motivating goal and still offers a lot just from the attempts. However if you haven't closed the 2 or 2.5 I would recommend you pass on this one. My Experience I became interested in grip when it started becoming a limiting factor in my deadlift before I finally adopted straps. I still incorporate these grippers into my routine 2–3 times a week, using the lighter ones for warm-ups and endurance training, while pushing my limits with the heavier grippers. Now that I've finally closed the No. 1, I plan to master it before progressing to the No. 1.5 and eventually the No. 2. It's also a lot of fun to see friends and family attempt them for the first time! Who It’s For Whether you’re a beginner, an intermediate lifter, or a seasoned athlete, Captains of Crush has a gripper for you. The progression system allows you to scale up as your strength improves, and the quality ensures these tools will last for years. Final Thoughts Captains of Crush Hand Grippers are more than just a training tool—they’re a benchmark for grip strength enthusiasts. You can even check their website for the leaderboard of people who have closed them in competition. If you’re serious about improving your grip, these are a must-have. Just be prepared to work hard and feel incredibly rewarded when you crush your goals.

In a world where advertising is almost always full of exaggeration, if not outright fabrication, I really think that the product claims about the C.O.C. grippers are true. I researched quite extensively before buying, and it seemed that the Ironmind series of hand trainers were the best readily available products on offer. I was not disappointed when I received my Trainer (T) level device. It is extremely well made. Another reviewer spoke of it rusting quickly in humid regions ... I am in Japan, which is quite humid, and have seen no indication that it will rust. Ordering from Amazon proved to be cheaper than ordering from Ironmind directly, though even with Amazon the grippers are said to be shipped straight from Ironmind. One small caveat is that you should be aware that the knurling bites, and unlike in weight lifting, where callouses and blisters tend to come slowly, and it is easy to stop before drawing blood, just one extra set with C.O.C. grippers can cause severe blisters or small tears. I recommend using a bit of sports tape, you don't have to bind your hands like a boxer or anything, such a bit on the more vulnerable pads. Using this type of gripper can be addictive, I have to say (that company claim is true, at least for me). You have to be careful not to over train. After getting good at my C.O.C. trainer I went out and bought a Warren Tetting (Beef Builder), and a Robert Baraban gripper. Both at different levels. Those brands are also very cool, but they are not quite as easy to find (all hail the google search!). Tetting offers a handle with a narrower diameter, which is said to give greater range of motion, and it and the Baraban have different feels from the C.O.C. and from each other. The Baraban has a chromed spring, but the Tetting has what looks like bare iron (I'm not a metallurgist, it is probably some type of alloy). I would be very surprised if the Baraban rusted, and very surprised if the Tetting doesn't. The Tetting looks classic, a member of my family asked me if it was old when it was fresh out of the box new. It is just the nature of the design, and I like it. I will master it before it rusts, and will keep it, and think it has character, even if the coil does go a bit orange. Both the Beef Builder and Baraban are said to be handmade (the former in the U.S., the latter in Austria), and I think that the precision of these makes might be a bit different from the Ironmind, which prides itself on the uniformity of their product. Personally I have decided to get the whole number C.O.C.'s (1, 2, 3 - maybe 4 as a conversation piece and life-long goal), and to train in the middle ground using the other interesting brands that are available. Also recommended is the Blue 3 minute Egg Ironmind gripper IronMind 3-Minute (Blue) EGG: Easy, Grip, Go! . Very different sensation from the metal coil type grippers. Also, you can bring it on a bus or a train and use it discretely without people thinking you are a weirdo (if you brought one of the coil types, I am pretty sure you'd get some pretty odd looks cranking off reps in public). I recommend reading the free advice / articles available on the Ironmind page, and watching some of the videos on Youtube about hand health and proper training. Watching Magnus Sameulsson using grippers is especially motivating. In conclusion - great product, very reasonable price. Happy gripping.