SEMI-MODERATED: Starting out with "real" hand grippers - what kind of poundage?

**Epicurus** · Posted On: 2/12/2007 1:37pm

I've worked with some crappy storebought grippers for a while, I don't even know how much weight they had (probably about 30 pounds or so). I usually carry them with me in my pocket and use them while walking from place to place.

Anyway, lately I was thinking of making grip exercises a serious part of my workout and getting ä "real" gripper from Ironmind.com. Their starter models are at 60, 80, and 100 pounds. Which one can I realistically start with? I'd normally work my way up from 60, but I don't want to have to buy all three if I can avoid it - so is it feasible for me to start out with 80 or 100 pounds and sort of "work into it" until I can close it, then keep going from there? Or is it futile for me to try to make faster progress that way?

Thanks in advance.

P.S: I'm male, 21, pretty decent shape.

**Emevas** · Posted On: 2/12/2007 3:35pm

Get the trainer (the 100). It's a good one to start with.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 2/12/2007 4:54pm

Yep, what Emevas said. I bought the #1 CoC (140lbs), and it kicks ass. However, I'm finding the #1 to be a bit more difficult than what I expected - I think I should have gotten the trainer (100lbs) instead :(

If you work out with grippers (even if they are the crappy ones), the trainer will be a good choice.

**LI GUY 1** · Posted On: 2/12/2007 5:46pm

I bought the trainer and #1 first, then got the #2.

No way I was closing a #1 my first time, but the trainer was closing. Also, I got up to the #1 very quickly. If anything the Trainer is good to use as a warmup. Yes you should warm up with these grippers!

**Flash Jackson** · Posted On: 2/13/2007 2:24am

http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=49729

Read through that thread. With some simple hose clamps and other stuff from the hardware store, you shouldn't need to but a new gripper just yet.

**meggaman7** · Posted On: 2/13/2007 6:14am

I'll continue the trend and suggest the trainer as well. I've got the trainer and the #2 and alternate between the two. Anything beyond the #1 is a bitch to get used to.

**PirateJon** · Posted On: 2/13/2007 8:50am

You might be able to skip the trainer. I got the heavy grips pack (100 - 300) when it was on sale for $50 and the 100 was the same resistance as the $5 shitty store bought grip. I moved right on to the 200 and 250.

**Torec_Scrail** · Posted On: 2/13/2007 11:43am

Originally Posted by PirateJon

You might be able to skip the trainer. I got the heavy grips pack (100 - 300) when it was on sale for $50 and the 100 was the same resistance as the $5 shitty store bought grip. I moved right on to the 200 and 250.

Heavy Grips, they say generally take off 50 pounds to get the poundage for a CoC (measured in diff spots)

**TheCount** · Posted On: 2/13/2007 1:51pm

If you want you can get Captains of Crush, their baby grippers are 50Lb. They go all the way up to 400Lb lol.

You can get grip bars whereby you fit plates to the end and then can grip like that. Also you can use a Tricep/Hamer Curl Bar as a poor mans grip traininer and farmers walk aid.

**Teh El Macho** · Posted On: 2/16/2007 1:33pm

On a relevant note, check this thread (Iranian Club Swinging)

http://www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=51432

Club swinging feels like a good addition to any exercise using grippers (btw, I'm seriously loving my CoC #1.) I'm getting closer and closer to close it with my right hand - not so with my left. And it does help to warm up with a shitty gripper first.

Going "cold turkey" on a CoC is not a good idea (I found that the hard way). I do 2 to 3 sets with my old gripper (15-20 reps) before working with the CoC with 2 sets of 10 reps, and 1 to 2 sets, reps to failure (or 3-4 reps of static holds to failure), and after that I finish with my old gripper (20-30-something reps)... and then I have to stretch my hand and forearms flexors/extensors (not doing that is a bad idea as well.)