Hi Paul
nice site, always good to see more ways to make yourself suffer.. ever seen the ivanko super-gripper?
http://www.ivanko.com/products/html_stuff/gripper_info.html
calculators for it too!
http://www.angelfire.com/ar/mathgod/sg/supergripper.html
from pullum sports in luton, comes with 2 springs, add more if you need them..
cheers
Pete

Ironmind recently added a couple of grippers rated below the Trainer -- the Guide (60 lbs of force to close) and Sport (80 lbs).

I initially bought a set of Captains of Crush grippers to try to work around the tendonitis in my forearms that curls give me. I decided to skip the Trainer and start with the #1. In hindsight, something of a mistake. Afterwards, I couldn't decide whether my first try at the #1 was a scant success or a sub-millimeter miss. The #2 fell at about the point I could complete twelve reps with the #1. The #3 is but a spec in the distance.

If there is a weakness with the CoC grippers, it is the broad gaps in strength between the higher level grippers. Progressive resistance in training gets a bit tricky when the next step up adds an additional 85 pounds of force.

Hi Paul,

Nice website very informative. I just got the COC trainer and #1 grippers. I can do about 10 with the #1 straight out the pack at what stage would you suggest going to the #2 ?

Cheers

Pete

Pete - if you're pulling 10 reps on the #1 you could probably go for the #2 right now. Going beyond 10 reps or other volume isn't going to buy you much strength-wise.

Since reading about grippers I can pass on a tip:

One thing you can use the #1 for to squeeze some more life out of it is static holds using an inverted gripper but with only three, then two, fingers. That is, missing out your index then middle fingers. This will build strength in your pinky which is essential for going those last few mm!

Thanks for the advice. Think I'll place an order for the #2 and see how it goes !

Cheers mate

Pete:)

hi paul thats a good start i started on the 100 and 150 from heavy grips..i can just about close their 200 an i am now working with beefbuilder grippers.
And they are tough, i have a tin box stuffed with a whole range. I also have the gripinator and eagle loops for chins and finger curls ! so i am into the sport in a big way. A little tip, turn a gripper upside down so you get a new grip excercise from the babay and keep working into the burn ! i like doing a heavy gripper a medium gripper and a light in one set ! so like 215 160 150 (aprox values because of american to english conversions) but hey keep going ! you are doing really well it took me about 2 mths to move from 150 to 200 and i can squash about 215 for two on a good day ! and i am not particularily built..

Hi, I'm from BC, Canada, and I'd just like to comment on how much I like the CoC grippers. Initially I ordered the Trainer, #1, and #2. I could barely close the #1 when I got them, and now 2 months later I can finally close the #2 for 1 rep. I just ordered the #3...one day the handles on that bad boy will touch! Not too bad for a 6'0 155 lb guy. :)

COC makes attachments for their grippers that add about 20 pnds (you can attach 2) to help fill in the gap between the grippers.

hi, i'm about to order the grippers, i'm 19 years old and going to the gym for half a year now, which one should i order? the trainers or the #1's? i'm not gonna order them both, and i'm not planning to order anotherone in the future.

Hey Jim, to answer your question, i would start out with the trainer at 100 pounds of resistance if you have never trained with grippers before. Once you master that get a #1 if you wish. Also, for anyone who is interested in grip/handstrength check out www.grippermania.com!!! it is the best forum for hand strength and provides toooons of useful advice, all of these Grip Gurus belong there. Guys who belonghave closed the #3 and some are even getting close to the #4!

Hi,can anyone tell me of the differences between the CoC grips & the HG grips..and which is better? I currently have the full range of the HG grips(100-350).

can you tell me Where can i get COC grippers from in the uk please?

hello, try to grind off the inside of some of your COC grippers for better performance gains. this means you have to squeeze them even more. for individual finger strength, use the IMTUGS by IronMind, will bring your hand strength up a few notches.
try not to go beyond 4 reps with any gripper. strength gains will not improve, you need to get a higher number. high reps will eventually weaken the springs on your COC grippers. and you wont necessarily get stronger. low reps, high tension is the way to go.

Keep it up man! Forced negatives have given me the biggest help so far. Use both hands, close them, then hold with one hand for 10 secs. I only do about 7 total reps. Don't overtrain!

Yeah, Pullum Sports down in Luton stock the Ivanko Super Gripper as well as a great range of Weight Lifting Equipment

Hi,
I am only 16 but am very interested in bodybuilding and am always wanting to be better than my friends in the physical department and i can see that these Captains Of Crush grippers can give me a far superior grip to any of them! my goal is to close number 4. Of course, that is an unimagineably long way away, but either way, i have to get started first, so where can i get hold of some very lightweight grippers with a pull of about 50 or 60 lbs?
Much appreciated and good luck to all those others who are trying to close the No.4 as well.
Toby

hi again,
i just remembered that i don't actually know where to get any grippers. So, where can i get hold of them in the UK (i live in Essex). Can i get them in my highstreet?
thnak you again.
Toby

I am very much into grip strength/training. as well as owning 6 CoC grippers i own ironminds 'go-really grip machine' and the 'titan's telegraph keyII'. This has especially helped my thumb strength.The CoC book is worth a look too. visit ironmind.com and also cyberpump.com for more info. speaking from experience these grippers really are the best on the market. i suggest buying them direct from ironmind or 'london kettle bells' will do them for about the same price total for UK buyers. you may struggle to buy the bigger items outside the US. expect huge p&p and import duties. the grip machine cost me an absolute fortune. stick with just the grippers and the telegraph key. TRAINING: stick to singles and negatives for best results. i filed down a #2 and can close that no problems. as mentioned before dont overtrain. after a lengthy training spell you may become weaker. dont touch 'em for 1-2 weeks and you'll find your stronger than before.

hi im 15 years old and been exercising on the captains of crush gripers under a year now and i can close the number 2s (195lb) do any of you think i should go to the number 3s (280lb) or wait till im older:)

cheers guys

hey to all of you that have made the transition from trainer to #1, how many reps should i be capable of on the trainer before i can close the #1? right now i can do 10 reps with the trainer and can hold it shut on the 10th rep for a good 10-15 seconds. wonderin if i should wait b4 i invest the next $25

i can close the no.4 coc for 2 but it took me 2 years of trying to get there.
Brad

Question: Out of respect for pure curiosity, I am 5'3", weight 135-140 lbs, work out on a regular (I take off days to regenerate), am physically active and eat properly. So, I cannot crush the Captions of Crush No.3, but do you assume that i will be able to close the 100-150?