IronMind Captains of Crush Gripper | The Gold Standard of Grippers, Made in the USA

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.

I bought the Point Five (0.5 / 120 lb) model a couple weeks ago and am very happy with it. I began deadlifting late last year and found recently as my pulls reached 350 lbs. that my double-overhand grip was failing, limiting how much I could lift. As other reviewers have noted, choosing the proper model is tricky. I read reviews and gleaned from a couple users who also deadlift that the 0.5 might be a good place to begin. It was. I couldn't close it completely at first but am improving. (I'm a middle-aged man of average height.) This model will probably last me two months or so and then I'll have to move up to the next one. Like barbell training, one gets stronger by using an easier gripper to warm up, then doing three sets of low reps using a challenging gripper, and then recovering from that workout for a couple days before training again. I've been lifting for a couple years and so have some callouses on my hands from the barbell. I can understand how the knurled grip on this gripper would be tough on sensitive hands. All I can advise is to stick with it and you'll develop tougher skin. The gripper is very well-made. You shouldn't use it every day or you'll fail to see improvement and will injure yourself . Like weightlifting, your grip won't get stronger via using the gripper; it will get stronger by RECOVERING from using the gripper. Do a workout using the gripper no more than 2-3 times per week. Remember, low reps at high tension, with ample rest between workouts. That's how to get stronger. Don't forget to download a users manual, a PDF of which you can find by doing an online search for "Captains of Crush manual pdf" via the IronMind (the manufacturer's) Web site This explains how properly to use the gripper and structure your 2-3 workouts a week with it. I'm very glad that I bought this. It's expensive but very well-made and worth the cost. My grip on the deadlift has improved noticeably in only two weeks. For novice deadlifters who aspire to continue using an overhand grip at heavy weights, I also discovered within the past week the "hook grip," which immediately solved the problem of the bar slipping out of my hands during my heavy work sets. Mark Rippetoe and others have videos online about how to use this. Combining training using the Captains of Crush gripper and the hook grip I'm confident that I'll keep deadlifting heavy weights without resorting to a supinated grip or using straps. Problem solved! And another part of my body is stronger than it was before.

Not cheap but the best grippers on the market in my opinion. The knurling on the handles is excellent, and the grip strength required to close each gripper seems accurate to what is stated. Meaning a 100lb gripper feels like it takes about 100lbs of force to fully close. I also like the gradual increase in strength needed to close each gripper (60,80,100,etc.) the other brand I had been using went in increments of 50lbs which made progress difficult since each new gripper was significantly harder than the last. If you're considering these and you're serious about your grip strength just do it, they'll last a lifetime.

best gripper I've had based on construction quality, pretty much industry standard for grip work. need to get the full set eventually. fairly priced too. Ive had mine for 3 years so far and still as good as the day I purchased.

It can get expensive, but only if you are, actually using them. You start from a fairly easy grip, and work your way up. I have purchased 3 pairs thus far, having built up grip strength requiring a more difficult pair. I will, most likely, buy more in the near future. So, if you do use them correctly and at least twice a week, take your time do it right, you will improve in strength. I found that it has accelerated and improved more that just my grip strength, it highly benefits pull up exercises and being able to do push-ups on my fingers is pretty cool too. One of the factors to longevity and safety for older individuals is forearm strength, these grips get it done when used properly. fyi, I use black tape around the grip arm that comes in contact with my finger.

Really good for working your forearms if you spend long hours seated. The only challenge is figuring out which tension works best at first — I’d recommend ordering a couple different ones to test

I've been in love with these grippers for awhile now. I had purchased the #1 some time back and had closed it relatively easy for a few reps. I kind of got bored with the grip strength training thing and so set aside my gripper and went about my business. I came back to grip training about 2 months ago. Since then I have purchased the #1.5 and the #2 and am slowly working my way towards the big #3. In short, these grippers are extremely well built and are heavy duty battle tanks in your ongoing war to crush things with your hands. I was experiencing arthritic-like pains in my hands and forearms, but after using these puppies I haven't felt that pain in quite some time. I'm not a doctor so I'm not going to say these grippers will cure arthritis, but they have helped me immensely. I can't recommend these things highly enough. And also, all of these people bashing these grippers for their rough handles, c'mon now. I bet they are hardcore feminists who drink fancy coffees, put pomade in their hair, and think communism is "fair". When you purchase these grippers you must become Conan. You must embody the spirit of domination. Grip training is a very different beast than other forms of strength training. I would venture to say that grip strength is vastly important for most other exercises. How can you lift something if you can't even hold onto it? To my iron brethren, blessings of steel to you all on your heavy journey. Tyler And lo, I met a child on the path of steel Who dreamed of growing strong. He asked, "How shall I grow?" I replied, "By steel, my son." And on I travelled. And lo, I met a man on the path of steel Who dreamed of strength to rival mine. He asked, "How must I find equal footing?" I replied, "By steel, my foe." And on I travelled. And lo, I came to the end of my path of steel. The journey had rendered me weak. In my haze I saw God and cried, "How shall I be redeemed, my Lord?" He replied, "By steel, my son."

Own, Guide - Picked this up first since I wasn't sure where to start. Was a good introduction and helped rough up my hands for later. Was too easy and ordered the Trainer. Still use for cool down some times. Sport - Bought the sport to help build up my left hand for the trainer. I use it to warm up for my grip workouts. Trainer - Got the trainer 3 - 6 reps with right hand, 1 -3 with left. Left hand suffered from some pains while using. I ordered the sport to fill in the gap my left hand needed. Currently at 3 - 6 reps left hand, 12 reps right hand. .5 - On the way! *Received the .5 today. Was easily able to close the .5 for 3 - 6 reps with each hand. Seems that if you can handle the trainer for 6 - 12 reps then the .5 shouldn't offer much of a challenge. After getting my hands on the .5 I'm feeling like even the 1 shouldn't be much of a challenge. I'm 2 months into my hand strength training. Have made noticeable increases in my grip strength and forearm size. This has translated positively to other workouts. My suggestion for anyone just starting out with grip training is pick up an easier gripper like the sport, and a tougher one like the Trainer to get started. Use the Sport to break your hands in and the Trainer for more serious work. *Think I'm going to need one of those Caddys here soon.

this gripper is very well made and has helped with regaining strength in my hand, I will be moving up to the next grip in the series shortly, highly recommend.

Puro metal para fortalecer tus manos y antebrazos. Si es el primero que vas a comprar, busca uno de menor dureza ;)

Excellent grippers! Recommend

They may be a little squeaky to begin with, but I applied some vaseline and it's good to go!

It’s super difficult haha I would recommend you guys to get the lower one if you’re completely new but overall quality is amazing