Prohands Gripmaster Hand Exerciser, Finger Exerciser (Hand Grip Strengthener), Spring-Loaded, Finger-Piston System, Isolate & Exercise Each Finger

With a weight-training background I already have a number of products focusing upon forearm and grip strength. This by appearance and description seemed to fit a very specific purpose, what could be called finger-tip strength, so I went ahead and gave it a try. Receiving it, the high-quality construction was immediately noticeable. Beginning with the highest tension [black] gripper, I began use intermittently, whenever web pages loaded in slowly, between television commercials, and so on. I had no idea why during my twice-a-month hobbyist guitar playing, I was able to play with a marked increase in speed and accuracy. The fingers occasionally seemed to be pulled onto the fretboard like magnets. Thinking about it for a few minutes, I realized this device was the only significant change I had made over that time. Typically I had to warm-up for at least 30 to 45 minutes before my hands correctly played quicker fingering patterns. There was no lag time this time. For the price and diminutive size of this device, it is surprising how effective it is at its focused purpose. I also noticed that, while my typing has not gotten any faster, I can type somewhat longer without becoming self-aware of fatigue. -------- There are several reviews for this gripping device that claim insufficient resistance, even with the highest tension [black] version. This may be due to a misconception of the purpose and usage of this particular device. It is what could be thought of as a finger-grip strengthener, as opposed to those devices which develop palm grip-strength, which are far more common and found at any sporting goods store. The tell-tale sign of improper use, is through where you position your grip when performing the exercises. If you find yourself grasping at mid-finger level, between the first and second knuckles, and squeezing all of the fingers together at the same time, pumping over and over again, you are using this improperly. You are to place the very tips of the fingers, before the first knuckles, on the finger-rests, and proceed to provide force with individual fingers, alternating with other patterns such as all four-fingers simultaneously as well, but always with this positioning. If you try using this device as a mid-finger, mid-grip strengthener (with the device ending up resting against the palm of the hand), you are using it incorrectly. For a mid-grip strengthener, Captains Of Crush is very highly recommended. These provide massive amounts of resistance, and are for the more typical mid-grip strengthening exercises. Even the trainer, Captains of Crush Trainer Gripper , will at the beginning be highly difficult for most athletes. The efforts are well worth it, however, these are extremely high-quality devices. There is actually official certification for doing their highest level grip one single time, for one single repetition (the two ends touching). Through these you can perform the more typical palm-strength exercises. Both the C.O.C. type of palm-level strengthener, and this Gripmaster fingertip-level type of strengthener, are needed for more complete and balanced grip strength. Doing exercises focusing on the forearms directly can also be very important. Any grip exercises strengthen the forearms as well, but only indirectly. It depends on how important overall lower-arm strength is to you. In any case, the Gripmaster is for working the most distal part of the grip, that is the tips of the fingers. Working it any other way, is not using the device for what it was designed for.

It works great, just what my occupational therapist said I need. Really feel it will help me a lot and am looking forward to using it for a long time.

I ordered this about a month ago to strengthen my fingers for guitar playing and have used it constantly every day to every other day. Since then, I've seen a very noticable change. I decided to get the heavy tension model as I haven't used these before but figured that I wouldn't have to keep upgrading if I needed to. I did wonder at first though, if it was too heavy. It was tough alright and I felt pretty sore after the first day. I used it for at least a couple hours and therefore don't recommend doing so because of this. I suggest slowly working up at shorter time periods. You can really feel it working your fingers, hands and forearms though which only confirms that it does what it sets out to do. I really wanted this for my ring and pinky fingers on my fret hand for guitar playing and am very satisfied with the results thus far. I'm getting faster, more accurate and my fingers are more responsive overall. I also notice increased hand strength and definition in my forarms which is a nice plus. The GRIPMASTER is very well constructed. It's tough, rugged and very solid overall. The rubber grip pad is comfortable and has a nice contour to fit snugly between your thumb and index finger on either hand. The plastic finger tabs are indented and textured for grip and ease if use. Overall, a very well built product. The GRIPMASTER has got to be about the easiest exercise you'll ever do. It's easy to pick up and use when watching t.v. or when on the computer. It's also small and compact enough to take anywhere you may want to use it. There is an excercise chart included which is helpful or you can feel free to make your own up as you go. It's a really good excercise with very minimal effort. There are many purposes for wanting a device like this. I wanted it for my fingers for playing and am very satisfied so far with the results. It's getting easier to use and it's done everything I could've wanted it to and more. Whether your looking to for a good finger, hand or forearm workout, the GRIPMASTER is a great device that is sure to provide you with the results your looking for. Recommended.

I own a Blue (light tension) Grip Master and a Planet Waves Varigrip. Both are great and have helped my guitar fretting hand. I thought I'd give a quick summary for anyone considering purchasing one of these. I bought the Ruff Rider callus builder caps for the GM, and they really added a lot to the value I get from the GM. Calluses are critical to my being able to play well. If you are considering these, I found that it was a lot cheaper to order the Ruff Rider through Guitar Center and have them delivered for free to a local Guitar Center. I would suggest buying the actual PWV and the GM through Amazon. The PWV comes with the callus ridges on the opposing side (the palm side). So to work on your calluses you need to flip the grip over. The downside is that you can't work on finger dexterity at the same time that you are building your calluses. At first I considered this a disadvantage. However I've changed my mind and consider it a distinct advantage over the GM. There are times when you don't want to shred your calluses (show or important practice coming soon) but you still want to work your fingers. If you've put the callus builders on the GM, it takes a little time to pop them off and put them back on again, plus you run the risk of misplacing them, and removing them a number of times may loosen their fit. So I strongly prefer the PWV design for the callus option. (With the cover removed the callus builder side just harmlessly presses into your palm and you really can't feel it). I have a preference for the GM when it comes to building strength for bar type chords. This I do by holding the palm side with my thumb and running my index finger along the full set of buttons. I prefer the GM for this because it has two sets of springs in it which allow for a better and more natural (for me) squeeze. As far as exercising for finger dexterity, I much prefer the PWV for two main reasons. It's much easier (for me) to work fingers individually. It's very stable and allows me to isolate individual fingers as opposed to the GM which is kind of sloppy (too much movement) due to the double spring action which leads to unwanted movement/tilting and other fingers slipping off the buttons when trying to work a particular finger. Secondly the distance between the palm and the finger tips is about 1/4" shorter with the PWV which allows me to use better form by really curling my fingers and bringing my fingertips in from the very top. I have big hands and still prefer the PWV. If my hands were smaller I would prefer the PWV that much more. The PMV also allows the tension on each finger to be adjusted individually. For me this isn't as big an advantage as the two previously mentioned because increasing resistance is not important to me. A disadvantage of the PMV is that after about 2 weeks it started squeaking which was a bummer for my wife and kids on a one week vacation when I didn't have my guitar handy and wanted to keep me fingers in shape. "Dad - enough already with that finger gadget". However this problem is easily fixed by an occasional shot of Triflo or any silicon spray (I don't recommend WD40). I recommend spraying while the fingers are depressed then wiping with a napkin. For me, finger strength is not as important as finger coordination and speed. I seldom press the buttons all the way down, and I seldom press all the buttons together. I slowly increase speed with partial pushes and various patterns that demand varying degrees of coordination (1234, 4321, 1324, 121314, 1414, 1313, etc.) If I had to pick one or the other I would choose the PWV without hesitation, but that is just my personal opinion. If you can afford both, I would do that and see what works better for you. But, again, both are great and have really helped my playing. Keep on pickin' -Mike

Let me start saying that this is a wonderful product. Small, light, and well constructed (they feel like they will last forever). You can carry them with you, allowing to workout your fingers at the office, at home or wherever you find suitable. I bought the four different color-coded gripmasters: Black/heavy, Red/medium, Blue/light, and Yellow/extra light. I only found the resistance of the red and black ones useful for me, but my wife loves the blue and yellow ones. It was a great buy because of their high quality and affordable price. The product comes with a foldable instruction booklet where you find details for six different exercises: - Trigger pinch. This one simulates the movement of squeezing a trigger, and it isolates the index finger for enhanced strength and coordination. - Gross grasp. This one strengthens fingers, thumb, wrist and forearm for a firm grip. - Hook position. This one strengthens longer muscles in forearm and wrist while stretching smaller muscles in hand for greater motion and endurance. - Tip to tip pinch. This exercise strengthens specific fingers, thumb, smaller hand muscles and forearm for greater control and endurance. - Wrist flexion. It strengthens wrist and forearm muscles. - Key pinch. Strengthens thumb and index finger for greater stability and coordination. At the gripmaster website you can find more exercises for different activities and sports. If you are looking to crush hands when handshaking this is not the product for you, but if you need finger strength, control, endurance and coordination you are in the right place.

I originally bought the Blue (5 lb), Red (7 lb) and the Black (9 lb) Gripmasters for my 14 year old boys. The Blue is a little too easy for gripping but excellent for exercising the ring and little finger. The Blue was too easy for them so they did not use it so I ended inherited it. It is pretty habit forming and fun to use because the tension is light, this makes it good for use anytime, anywhere. (I have used it stuck in traffic and it is also a good stress reliever) If I had to do it again, I would have probably not bought the Blue unless you have a very light grip, probably have started with the Red. I started to use the Red and the Black. The Red is just right for me, challenging for the fingers and I am working my way to use the Black consistently. Although it doesn't seem like it at first, the Black is challenging for the hand and fingers and will give a good workout. Just remember that this is mainly for fingers and hand exercise so very easy to use for gripping, the challenge is working out the fingers. It is not like using the regular heavy hand grippers. It has increased my hand strength and grip just by having it with me and using it during the course of the day without planned workouts. Great product, excellent for finger or hand exercise, good quality. Also bought from DMM Products, great price fast shipping.

Hi, I purchased this device to help build finger strength and in combination with Ruff Rider Ruff Grip Callus Builder Caps (Standard) to create calluses. I read all over the web to find the best way to accomplish these goals. You can do chemicals: rubbing alcohol, vinegar, mineral spirits, etc .... , but these are short term. I have also heard of people using sand paper or nail files, but personally, I found that lacks the pressure component to create deep calluses, not to mention it really just removes your top layer callus. You can play everyday on your guitar which is the most naturalistic, but what if you miss a day or a weekend? This helps to keep those calluses from dissipating and ruining your hard work. You can also use this while driving, riding to work, or any other activity. The only question is which color/tension do you buy? So here is what I consider the part of the review that is most important. If you play acoustic guitar with normal .12 gauge strings, then you need to buy the black/heavy tension 9Lbs Grip Master. I promise you will create Stevie Ray Vaughn (SRV) callus and finger strength. If you play electric guitar ONLY with .9 gauge strings, then you need to buy the red/medium tension 7Lbs Grip Master. If you want to use the the Grip Master to create or maintain your calluses then don't forget to buy the Ruff Rider Ruff Grip Callus Builder Caps (Standard) . If you don't need to build finger strength, then you can buy Ruff Rider Ruff Grip Callus Builder . It double as a key ring too. After using the Gripmaster Hand Exerciser with the Ruff Rider Ruff Grip Callus Builder Caps (Standard) you can play to your finger DON'T bleed. Enjoy

This is a very cool device and fun to use, I highly recommend buying ii