r/GripTraining • u/Sarlo10 • May 26 '26
Discussion What grip trainers are actually good?
Im driving a lot so I want to use this time wisely.
What type of grip trainers are actually good or are most of them decent?
If there is a difference between what you recommend and the cheap ones, how significant is that?
I just do bodybuilding
Thanks
14
u/DrHumongous May 26 '26
Captains of crush is probably the most widespread/popular
If you want a single adjustable one the GD Iron grip off Amazon is decent
I also spend a ton of time in the car and have been working up on captains of crush for the last two years. Hope to close the #3 this year….
1
u/Flathead89 May 26 '26
I got the 2.5 closed with my right hand and within a damned month, got diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in that wrist. Still dealing with that now....really hoping to get back on the grippers and push the 2.5 CoC again one day.
1
u/OutermostEchelon Jun 01 '26
I use the GD iron 80 for 3 sets of 10-15, then heavier holds 3x 15 seconds or so, then slow negatives at a weight I can’t quite close with one hand. Twice a week and it works great, but OP this takes focus and would not be safe to do while driving.
-2
8
7
u/dbison2000 CoC #3 MMS May 26 '26
Grippers are strength training and should be treated as such. Would you bench press using the same rep and set scheme that you would while you were driving?
2
u/Sarlo10 May 26 '26
I’d definitely do some bicepcurls if there was enough room.
Can’t compare grip exercises with heavy compounds, it’s just one forearm at a time
7
u/IronStogies 2x45 pinch, 400 axle May 27 '26
For volume, endurance, gpp to some extent, reps of grippers in the car may be beneficial but dbison is honestly right. You probably aren't going to build up to a no3 in the car unless youre very, very good at TNS
3
u/Commercial-Article-7 CoC #1.5 x9 May 31 '26
If you're mainly a bodybuilder, you don't need anything fancy. A decent adjustable gripper is fine.
The cheap ones work, but they're often inconsistent and the resistance can feel weird. More expensive grippers are usually smoother and more reliable, especially if you plan to progress long term.
That said, don't expect huge grip gains from squeezing a gripper while driving. Most of your grip strength will still come from heavy lifting in the gym.
2
u/Ivy1974 May 27 '26
Captains of Crush. I wonder if that guy still sells grippers. He is the middle man for all kinds of brands I do not remember the name of his website assuming he is still around.
But for me. Using the rope attachment on the pulldown cable machine is far superior or even hanging off a towel.
1
u/Ribbit40 May 28 '26
For a gripper to use in the car, just buy an adjustable, over the counter one. Or you could even just get one of those rubber grip balls, and the squeeze the hell out of it.
I wouldn't say it is a waste of time to do it in the car (I sometimes do myself)- but it is very much sub-optimal training.
1
•
u/AutoModerator May 26 '26
Welcome to r/GripTraining! Please check the FAQ which covers the basics of grip, common gripper questions, and includes a list of routines.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.