The 9 Best Grip Strengtheners in 2024, Expert Tested and Reviewed

Grip strength can be a beneficial attribute for any athlete. Outside of its ability to indicate overall strength, this quality has been linked to your mental health, immune system, and even your risk for chronic diseases, according to studies. (1) Now, the best grip exercises can be helpful in building up this often forgotten muscle group, but they can often require large setups or practice with other home gym essentials. The best grip strengtheners, however, put the power (literally) in your hand with compact profiles designed to help you focus on your grasp.

These grip-strengthening tools can be beneficial accessories to have in your gym bag, but some silhouettes may be better suited for different athletes. Do you want an adjustable profile, or a static unit that’s constantly at the same resistance? Are you looking to train finger strength in particular, or would a classic clamp-style device suit your wants? To lend a helping hand, we’ve tested and trialed a number of top profiles and consulted with our in-house experts to come up with our favorite grip strengtheners on the market today.

The 9 Best Grip Strengtheners of 2024

• Best Overall Grip Strengthener: IronMind Captains of Crush
• Best Finger Grip Strengthener: Prohands Gripmaster
• Best Reverse Grip Strengthener: Xtensor Grip Strengthener
• Best Adjustable Grip Strengthener: WOD Nation Hand Grip Strengthener
• Best Budget Grip Strengthener: Title Boxing Grip Strengthener
• Best Heavy Duty Grip Strengthener: ProsourceFit Hand, Grip, and Wrist Strengthener
• Best Grip Strengthener with a Barbell: Fat Gripz Extreme
• Best Forearm Grip Strengthener: Theraband Flex Bar
• Best Grip Strengthener for Stress Relief: Cubii Squishii Grip Strengtheners

How We Tested and Chose the Best Grip Strengtheners

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best grip strengtheners available today, I got hands-on with 15 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) to determine these top picks. Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.

Device Type

If you’re searching for “grip strengtheners” online, you’ll likely find different styles and silhouettes. While these profiles can be better suited for different factors like comfort and control, they also differ in terms of which type of grip strength they are targeting.

Your hands have three different grip strength types — crush, support, and pinch. (2) Crushing grip strength is how strong your grip is when clasping an object with your palm and fingers, i.e., grabbing hold of something with your entire hand. Supporting grip strength refers to how long you can hold or hang from an object, which can be a good inference to individual finger strength. Pinching grip strength, as you can assume, is your strength in relation to the pinching ability between your thumb and one of four fingers.

Different gripper profiles can work one or all of these differing strengths, so we’ve included a variety of styles to appeal to all needs. You’ll find coil-style grips — the ones that look like overbuilt nutcrackers — and stress balls that can be excellent for crushing strength. You’ll also find articulated devices for individual supporting strength across your fingers, and other profiles that can help improve your forearm and wrist strength.

Resistance Range

As you grow stronger with your grip strength training, you’ll likely need to move up in terms of resistance levels. Like the best resistance bands, grip strengtheners can also feature varying intensities to help you maintain a sense of progressive overload in training. This can be done either by adjustable settings built into the profile, or through a collection of different devices set to different resistances. All of the grip strengtheners included in this round-up offer some form of resistance range, either via preset adjustments or additional units.

You’ll also find that some resistance ranges vary in terms of their measured intensities. Some may list their resistance in poundage (common amongst coil-style grippers and articulated finger strengtheners) while others may refer to their resistances in a general light-to-heavy nomenclature. When appropriate, we’ve listed the available resistance ranges for each pick for better clarity.

Ergonomics

While a challenging workout in itself, training your grip shouldn’t be an uncomfortable experience. You want to opt for a profile that gives you a sense of resistance yet sits cozily in your grasp, especially for beginners that are just getting used to using these muscles in the throes of a dedicated session. We looked for grip strength trainers showcasing an ergonomic, controllable shape that fit neatly into our palms and fingers without much contortion.

We also examined multiple materials and designs, noting how they influenced our in-hand experience with these hand grip strengtheners. For units made from steel or metal, we noted how the knurling (if present) felt across our skin, as well as how much control we felt when using the device in a given rep. Silicone or other synthetic materials were looked at based on their in-hand fitment, as well as how easy they were to grasp before resistance was met.

Price

Most grip strengtheners aren’t going to break the bank. For reference, all of the picks included in this guide are below $40. Still, we looked at the overall value of each design to ensure you get your money’s worth. A device can be affordable, but is it high-quality enough to warrant a place in your cart?

Specifically for hand exercisers that feature a constant resistance, we also looked at how much money you’d need to invest for a full range of intensities. Again, you’re likely not to go broke from purchasing multiple hand grip strengtheners in a given lineup, but knowing how much you can expect to pay can put any concerns at ease (especially once you start to see your grip strength grow and want to chase that performance further).

[Related: The 12 Best Pieces of Budget Home Gym Equipment]

Best Overall Grip Strengthener: IronMind Captains of Crush

If you want to kickstart your passion for growing those hand muscles, I highly recommend the IronMind Captains of Crush series. These coil-style grippers focus on crushing grip strength, which can be beneficial in traditional strength training movements like the deadlift or barbell row. We also like the medium knurling in the design, as it’s reminiscent of the best dumbbells and barbells, and the challenging yet motivating resistance range.

I’ve been using the Captains of Crush series for years now and can attest to the durability strewn across each weight profile. No matter how many times I’ve squeezed each unit, the proprietary coil technology still feels as intense as ever. Additionally, the aircraft-grade aluminum handles boast a great knurling pattern that gives you a premier sense of control when trying to close each strengthener. For these reasons, I rated the durability at a perfect 5 out of 5.

I also gave the value of these grip strengtheners a 5 out of 5 based largely around the fact that no matter your chosen weight — between 60 and 365 pounds — the cost remains the same at just under $26. This eliminates any potential hesitation you may have to sign up for a new challenge, and still keeps costs relatively low if you decide to order an entire set. With 11 units in total across the resistance range, that equates to roughly $286, or what you’d expect to cough up for one of the best barbells.

Each Captains of Crush series gripper is stamped with its resistance level at the base of the handles, ranging from the lightest “Guide” at 60 pounds all the way up to a 365-pound “Number 4.” In my experience, it’s a simple enough system to follow in half-point increments, but I feel the clarity could be enhanced by adding the poundage to the labeling as well.

Finally, these IronMind grip strength tools are static in their resistance, meaning there are no points of adjustment, so you’ll need to order multiples to support your grip strength progression over time. While this can lead to some storage issues once your collection begins to grow, leading to my 4 out of 5 rating for the size, I do appreciate how IronMind offers convenient storage shelves and displays for these units. If anything, they can be a great conversation starter with anyone entering your home gym.

Best Finger Grip Strengthener: Prohands Gripmaster

Supportive grip strength — what you’d look for in each individual finger — can also be trained with the help of a hand exerciser. For these articulated needs, the Gripmaster from Prohands takes the cake thanks to an ergonomic design that sits comfortably against the butt of your palm. On the other end, each finger has its own dedicated button, allowing you to press against resistance with each digit for a more centralized workout for each phalange.

I’ve also used these Gripmaster units for years and think the emphasis on individual finger strength can be especially beneficial for athletes like rock climbers or pitchers in baseball or softball, among others. When using these silhouettes, I’ve always enjoyed the ergonomics at play, mostly due to the contoured palm end that features a unique horn that nestles conveniently across the thumb during sessions. I scored the ergonomics at 5 out of 5.

In terms of the resistance, I rated the Prohands units at 4.5 out of 5. The listed poundage for each device may be deceiving at low weights between 1.5 and 9 pounds. However, you need to remember that the listed resistance level is for each finger. From experience, it can be quite the challenge to pinch and lock in at even a medium-grade intensity. 

I did have to drop the scoring slightly, though, because each unit is listed in a more general “XX-light” to “Heavy” scale, without any mention of the actual poundage.

[Related: The 8 Best Lifting Straps For Better Grip]

I should also note that while this is my go-to grip strengthener for finger strength, it does not train the thumb. Rather, that digit is used as a brace point for squeezes and clamps, It may be best to opt for a reverse grip strengthener that engages all digits in a given repetition if you want to hone in your thumb strength.

Finally, the Prohands Gripmaster profiles are constructed using ABS plastic. While this does keep the silhouettes lightweight enough for easier carrying and storage, I wouldn’t recommend tossing these units haphazardly into your gym bag or onto a nearby shelf. 

I scored the durability at 4 out of 5, because while hearty enough to support your grip strength workouts, the plastic is simply too brittle of a compound, especially when compared to other hand exercisers utilizing metals like aluminum and alloy steel.

[Related: The 10 Best Wrist Wraps (Tested & Reviewed)]

Best Reverse Grip Strengthener: Xtensor Grip Strengthener

If you’re looking for a grip strengthener that’s unique in its plane of motion, a reverse grip strengthener could be just the ticket. Rather than focusing on the flexion muscles (where your hand closes inward) these devices put the strain on your extension, i.e., when you stretch your fingers outward. I prefer the Xtensor Grip Strengthener for this category as each finger has its own specific resistance band to give your muscles a stressor built for development and growth.

Additionally, the bands can be adjusted to different intensities for each digit, allowing you to give more focus to individual phalanges over the course of each rep. An ambidextrous makeup also allows you to use the Xtensor on either hand without any need to rearrange the included bands or locking strap.

Admittedly, I don’t think this is the most convenient hand exercise tool on the market. I rated the Xtensor at 3.5 out of 5 for conveniences because you have to literally strap the device to your wrist, whereas other grippers are simply a “pick up and go” ordeal. 

That said, the setup is comfortable enough for regular use, and the brand even throws in an additional foam padding swatch that can be added to the nylon resin base for added coziness in training.

[Related: Do Different Row Grips Matter?]

Overall, I scored the workout experience with this finger exerciser at 4 out of 5. I definitely felt the strain across my fingers and forearm muscles during sessions, and I could see myself using this device on a regular basis … if only the adjustment nodes were more secure.

To adjust your training resistance, you’re supposed to slide the locking nodules at the end of each resistance band into a set groove. The closer the groove is toward the butt of your palm, the more resistance you’ll experience when trying to stretch out your fingers for a full rep.

While I didn’t experience any slips or slides at the lowest intensity level, I was able to pull the nodes out from their positioning when trying to push myself at higher levels. The tension seemed too much for the bands to stay in place, so for this reason, I scored the Xtensor at 3.5 out of 5 for adjustability.

[Related: 7 Types of Bench Press Grips — Benefits and How to Use Them]

Best Adjustable Grip Strengthener: WOD Nation Hand Grip Strengthener

Okay, so having a handful (pun intended) of grip strengtheners rattling around in your gym bag can get annoying. Thankfully, there are some adjustable options out there that can give you multiple intensities in one silhouette. With its threaded profile that can make jumping up or down in weight as easy as turning a screw, the Hand Grip Strengthener Kit from WOD Nation is one of the best. In one bundle, you get five varying coil setups ranging from 100 to 300 pounds, all compatible with the included knurled alloy steel handles.

I particularly like this adjustable hand grip tool for exercising on the go, as WOD Nation provides you with a convenient carrying case that keeps all of the included handles and coils neatly contained in a singular profile. I do recommend keeping your internal storage order identical to how you received it, though, because the differing adjustable resistance coils are not labeled with their respective poundage. It can be difficult to differentiate the 100-pound spring from, say, the 250-pound unit, so for this reason, I had to score the adjustability at 3.75 out of 5.

[Related: The Best Lifting Chalk For Sustained Grip, Kettlebells, And More]

To adjust between the differing weighted coils, you simply unscrew the handle attachments and swap them onto your preferred intensity level. I found this modality to be both intuitive and efficient, enough for a 4.5 out of 5 rating.

When you are set up for your daily reps and sets, this spring-loaded WOD Nation profile can be excellent while in use. I rated the handle design at 4 out of 5 thanks to its knurled pattern as well as the smaller diameter overall. I felt like I could easily get this coil-style gripper into position for crushing movements more easily, and definitely see this as a benefit for athletes with smaller hands.

I do recommend, though, that you cinch down the handles across the thread pattern. On a few occasions, I did notice that the handles would twist in my palm, creating a somewhat loose feeling in relation to the coils. Torquing down the units before use seemed to do the trick, but it is something worth noting before getting into a workout with this otherwise convenient bundle.

[Related: The Best Lifting Gloves For Grip, Pull Ups, Wrist Support And More]

Best Budget Grip Strengthener: Title Boxing Grip Strengthener

Admittedly, grip strengtheners aren’t the sort of training tool that will bankrupt you. Unlike the best weight plates or other home gym equipment, you can get loads of workout potential with just a few $10 bills. That said, a deal is a deal is a deal, and this three-piece strengthener kit from Title Boxing is one of the best. For less than $19, you get three reverse grip strengtheners — less than the typical $20 price of other units — along with a convenient tote bag for added storage conveniences.

[Related: The Best Gym Bags For Shoes, Style, and More]

I’ve been keeping these Title Boxing grip strengtheners in my gym bag for a while now, and typically try to get a set with them in while I’m resting within my normal workout routine. No matter which colorway you choose (more on that later) you can quickly get your fingers set up for a given session thanks to the non-slip latex material. Additionally, these hand exercisers take up virtually zero room in your bag, leading to my 4 out of 5 rating for convenience.

The Title Boxing Grip Strengtheners come with three different colored bands, with each indicating a different level of resistance. However, I scored the adjustment range at 3 out of 5 because the profiles don’t indicate which profile is which within the scale. 

Also, I have yet to determine a true difference in the intensity level with each band, so I’ll usually just grab whichever unit I find first in my bag and crank out a few sets.

Despite the lack of a labeling system, I still give these budget-friendly grip strengtheners a 4 out of 5 in terms of the workout experience. With each rep, I can focus on my extensor muscles and forearms, leading to a unique burn and challenge that has led to improved strength overall. 

[Related: The Best Punching Bags for Price, Speed, Free-Standing, and More]

Lastly, I will say that the stretching movement employed with these grip strengtheners is pretty intuitive. However, I would have appreciated a little guidance from Title Boxing to determine how to best utilize these training tools. Even a small card outlining how long to hold the stretches (or how many reps to complete in a given set) can do wonders for beginners.

Best Heavy-Duty Grip Strengthener: ProsourceFit Hand, Grip, and Wrist Strengthener

Heavy-duty hand grippers can be great tools for stronger athletes, or those with larger hands that need a little more intensity in each rep. Thanks to their aluminum makeup, 100- to 350-pound resistance range, and affordable price point per unit, the ProsourceFit Hand, Grip, and Wrist Strengthener should be on the shortlist for athletes wanting the toughest of the tough. The prices range from $11.99 up to $16.99, which is still below the $20 average of other similarly-styled units.

I also enjoy these grippers for heavier workouts because of the fully-knurled handles. The medium pattern sits perfectly in the hands for optimal control, and I enjoy how the aluminum gives off a nice sense of lightweight yet sturdy composition. For these reasons, I rated the durability at 4 out of 5.

[Related: What Is Barbell Knurling? + Other Barbell Features to Know About]

In terms of the resistance range, I feel ProsourceFit is targeting stronger athletes from the jump with this 100- to 350-pound range. One hundred pounds is by no means an “easy” starting weight, and I’ve had to work my grip strength up through years of training to accomplish such a feat. 

While I do think this can be a great range to work in if you’re serious about improving your hand muscles, I do wish the brand offered one level lower for the entry level unit. Hence, I scored the range at 4 out of 5.

Thankfully, though, there’s no question as to which weight is which — these grippers feature an etched poundage at the base of the handle for added clarity.

As far as conveniences are concerned, I’d score these ProsourceFit grippers at 3.75 out of 5. Each unit features a single resistance, so there aren’t any adjustable features for a more travel-ready design. 

Additionally, the brand does not offer a storage rack or carrying case. You’ll need to keep these profiles loose on a shelf or tucked away in your gym bag. I often keep my ProsourceFit Hand, Grip, and Wrist Strengthener at the edge of my desk, though, just in case I want to crank out a few sets in-between work emails and Zoom calls.

[Related: Yes, Office Workouts Are a Thing — Here’s What You Need to Know]

Best Grip Strengthener with a Barbell: Fat Gripz Extreme

Want to focus on your hand strength while also giving your regular muscle targets a taxing circuit, too? Consider a pair of Fat Gripz Extreme barbell grips. These rubberized profiles create a thicker contact point across your weight, giving each lift more of a challenge as your hand and wrist work harder to control the thicker diameter through your plane of motion. While heavier than other grip strengtheners, I’ve kept a set of these Fat Gripz in my bag for years now, breaking them out for a new sense of intensity every now and again.

Admittedly, I haven’t trained with these particular Fat Gripz, but have instead utilized the Fat Gripz Pro model, which showcases a 2.25-inch diameter as opposed to the Extreme’s 2.75-inch thickness. Still, the technology and design remain the same, so I can have a good understanding of what these hand exercisers can bring to your regimen.

Overall, I’ve had a positive workout experience with my pair of Fat Gripz, rating them at 4 out of 5 for the category. While they are a bit of a challenge to get onto and off of a bar through the first few uses — the rubber needs to loosen up a bit — I do appreciate how easy it is to give my bench press sessions a newfound intensity. 

Plus, the knurled pattern across the silhouette gives me a subtle sense of traction, which is ideal considering that you actually need to squeeze these units for better control throughout a lift.

The durability of the Fat Gripz Extreme is also top notch, earning a 4.5 out of 5 rating. I have no qualms about the rubber and have yet to experience any rips, tears, or breakdowns. That’s definitely saying something given the multi-year relationship I’ve had with these simple yet challenging training tools.

Finally, I will say that Fat Gripz tend to fit better over straight bars, so I’d recommend using them with Olympic barbells, kettlebells, or straight-bar dumbbells. Contoured dumbbells, a common design aesthetic popular for home gym enthusiasts, can create a gap between the bar and rubber, which requires you to squeeze more through a lift to eliminate any potential spinning in-hand.

[Related: What is Fat Grip Training and Is it for You?]

Best Forearm Grip Strengthener: Theraband Flex Bar

Grip strength is more than just your hands and fingers. Forearm strength is inherently linked to your grasping power through the kinetic chain, so it can be helpful to target those hocks every now and again to build up your grip for things like deadlifts, kettlebell swings, and even carrying in the groceries. (3) The Theraband Flex Bars can be an excellent tool for the job given their progressive resistance as you twist and torque each rod through flexion and extension.

I really enjoy these Flex Bars as they put greater emphasis on my wrist and forearms during training, which can be particularly beneficial for athletes dealing with issues like tendonitis, tennis elbow, or golfer’s elbow. I’ve even used the extra-light profile (providing 6 pounds of resistance) as a worthwhile warm-up tool before heavy carries in the gym.

[Related: Strength Athletes: Don’t Overlook Your Wrists]

It doesn’t take much to understand how these Theraband Flex Bars operate, but I do appreciate the included instructions that walk you through a handful of movements. I rated the workout experience at 4.5 because of this informed yet easy-to-digest sensation.

Each Flex Bar also comes with a ridged design for added traction across the dry natural rubber composition. Not only do I enjoy the feel of this pattern in-hand, but I also like the visual experience it brings to each completed rep. You can actually see how much torque you’re placing on the unit thanks to the raised ridges. 

In terms of the resistance range, I like how Theraband offers three schemes to judge from. There is a set poundage (6-20 pounds), nomenclature (extra light-heavy), and color scheme (yellow-blue) for each bar, so you can identify your training intensity in multiple facets. 

However, I scored the range at 3.75 out of 5 because the poundage and nomenclature aren’t present on the profiles. You’ll need to memorize the color scheme — a minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience nonetheless.

Finally, the Theraband Flex Bars are lightweight enough for travel, earning them a 4 out of 5 for portability. I’ll routinely keep a bar in my slowpitch softball bag for active warm-ups between games, for example. That said, I could see how carrying a full roster of these bars could eat up your bag space in a hurry, given their 12-inch length.

[Related: The 8 Best Wrist Mobility Exercises to Help You Lift Heavier Barbells]

Best Grip Strengthener for Stress Relief: Cubii Squishii Grip Strengtheners

Work stressing you out? Need to find a way to channel your energy away from an anxiety-riddled environment? Rather than fidgeting in place or nervously biting your fingernails, these moments can be great for getting a quick grip strength session in. I like the Cubii Squishii Grip Strengtheners for keeping stress levels low while also giving my hands and fingers a worthwhile workout throughout the day.

Each football-shaped ring features an ergonomic design with ridged valleys for your fingers to sit across. I scored the ergonomics at 4.5 out of 5 because you can easily pick one of these profiles up and get to crushing without much hesitation. 

Additionally, the value also ranked highly in my trials at 4 out of 5 thanks to Cubii’s inclusion of three different silhouettes with light, medium, and high resistance levels as indicated by the single, dual, or triple dots stamped onto the surface.

[Related: 4 Ways Stress Is Killing Your Gains]

While I do like how Cubii packs three silhouettes into this bundle, I’d reserve the Squishii Grip Strengtheners for mid-day stress relief over a dedicated grip strengthening regimen. I could easily close and crush all three intensities, and I assume that most would be able to as well. 

Still, though, the sensation of routinely closing and crushing your fingers inward can be a nice way to stay active throughout the day while also giving you a way to let out aggression. I rated the resistance range at 3.75 out of 5 — good for its purpose, but by no means a foundational kit for strength progression.

Additionally, this bundle comes with a convenient carrying pouch to keep your Squishii rings organized. This can be great for athletes that routinely travel for work, or who simply like to keep their stress relief fidgeters on-hand at all times.

I do recommend being mindful of where you place the actual profiles, though. The rubber used in the makeup has a tacky touch to it, which means it can easily pick up dust and debris. I’ve had to wipe plenty of rogue dog hairs off of these profiles before getting into a session, so it may be best to have a cleaning wipe nearby.

[Related: How to Clean Home Gym Equipment]

Benefits of Grip Strengtheners

While often overlooked in a typical training regimen, there are plenty of perks that can come from focus on your grip strength. Outside of better control during heavy lifts like the bench press, deadlift, or farmer’s walk, the benefits of grip strength can also play a role in your ability to function throughout the day with normal carries, typing, and other functions. 

Plus, training your grip doesn’t need to be an involved practice — you can get in a worthwhile session as you pass the time scrolling through channels or answering emails. Read more below on some of our favorite benefits that can be reaped through one of these top grip-strengthening tools.

Improved Functional Strength

Having a stronger grip can be greatly influential on your performance both in and out of the gym. Granted, muscular hands and forearms can go a long way in training, especially when it comes to strength sports like strongman, powerlifting, and Olympic weightlifting. However, the perks don’t stop at your training center’s entrance. Having a strong grip can make everyday occurrences more manageable, such as carrying groceries in from the car, opening jars, and even typing away throughout the work day.

[Related: Grip Strength, Better Posture, and More — 6 Benefits of Farmer’s Walks]

“From a functional perspective, grip strengtheners have proven to build the endurance and capacity for everyday tasks,” adds Kate Meier, BarBend editorial member and NASM-Certified Personal Trainer. “For example, one of my clients is in her 70s and her goal is to simply feel good day to day. I had her use a grip strengthener alongside other grip work like farmer’s carries. She recently told me she can now open her own jars — something she previously struggled to do.”

Fidgeting Relief

Grip strengtheners can also be a helpful tool for relieving stress or keeping your mind busy. There are plenty of fidget tools on the market, but why not supplement that activity with a movement that can actually benefit your overall health? Grip strengtheners, especially those focusing on crushing grip strength, can allow you to perform a simple act while multitasking, keeping your brain busy and allowing you to take out your aggression across the training tool.

Now, we wouldn’t recommend using a grip strengthener when you need full dexterity — you are sacrificing at least one hand at a time for training. For less-involved acts, though, like clicking through spreadsheets, watching your favorite streaming services, or talking on the phone, it can be an excellent way to maximize your time (and let off some steam in the process).

Compact Workout Tools

Unlike other fitness essentials, grip strengtheners don’t take up much space. “They are affordable and compact enough to travel with or keep in a gym bag,” says Meier. This means that you can conveniently tote these apparatuses around with you without much headache. For example, all of the included grip strengthening tools in this guide feature a lightweight design that can easily fit within the confines of your gym bag or regular tote. 

Plus, the compact size of each device can allow you to train your grip strength wherever you please. Sitting at the airport? Lounging on the couch? Waiting in line at the coffee shop? All perfect potential situations to keep our hand strength training in-check.

[Related: The Best Airport Workouts for Staying Fit During Travel]

Different Types of Grip Strengtheners

There are a variety of different grip strengthener types, and selecting the right one can go a long way in helping you reach your goals. If you want to improve your grip for everyday life, then it might be best to pick an option like farmer’s carry straps or a twisting trainer. 

Coil-Style Gripper

Resembling an over-engineered nutcracker, these grip tools feature a coil at the head for resistance along with a comfortable handle makeup, typically composed of metal like aluminum or alloy steel. These grip strengtheners can be excellent pieces for training crushing grip strength — a common movement where you close your hand inward.

Articulated Grip Strengthener

This style of hand exerciser often features a more ergonomic design, with emphasis on each individual finger as opposed to your ability to close your fist. These tools can be helpful for athletes that need to focus on supporting grip strength, i.e., your fingers’ ability to hold or grasp an object. This can be especially beneficial for baseball or softball players, as well as those invested in rock climbing as an outdoor (or indoor) activity.

[Related: 4 Grip Strengthening Exercises Borrowed From Rock Climbers]

Reverse Grip Strengthener

Rather than train your hands in a closing plane of motion, these grip strengtheners focus on the extension portion of your hand’s range. This can be a unique way to bolster your coordination through strengthened tendons while also giving your forearms a refreshing challenge. 

Other Profiles

You can also train your grip strength through more unique profiles that tend to focus on forearm and wrist strength over your hand and fingers. These units can be ideal for athletes looking to relieve common ailments such as tennis or golfer’s elbow, too, 

How to Use Grip Strengtheners

It may not seem like there’s much to using a grip trainer, but you should treat grip training just like any other muscle or body part. The forearms and muscles of the hand often recover much faster than other muscles and can handle significantly higher volume because they are meant to be used pretty much all day every day. (4)

Sets and Reps

Growing the forearms and strengthening your grip can usually be done at the same time by following a well-made routine, like any muscle group. When you first start out, aim for two to four sets per session and two sessions per week. Each of those sets should have somewhere between 10 and 30 reps. (4) We know that’s a wide range, but err on the lower side for more strength and the higher side for hypertrophy and endurance.

[Related: How Many Sets Per Muscle Group, Per Week, Should You Do?] 

Form

When using a gripper, make sure to open it as wide as possible and hold it fully closed for a full second in each rep. If you’re using a roller, make sure each twist is deliberate and not simply a race to the finish.

Frequency

Once you’ve become more advanced, you can increase the frequency to three or even four sessions per week (always with a day in between) and you should alternate the rep schemes between high, medium, and low reps with more resistance on the low-rep days. 

[Related: How to Survive (and Even Embrace) Rest Days]

What to Consider Before Buying a Grip Strengthener

Like other forms of strength training, there are multiple ways to go about improving your hand, wrist, and forearm muscles. When choosing a grip strengthener for your personal regimen, below are the factors we recommend thinking through before finalizing your cart.

Device Type

One of the first components you should decide on when choosing between hand grip strength tools is the device type itself. Popular profiles include coil-spring grippers, articulated grip strengtheners, reverse grips strengtheners, and others. While you can get plenty of worthwhile reps in with each individual unit, their effectiveness can differ depending on which type of grip strength you’re looking to improve.

For athletes wanting to focus on crushing grip strength, coil-style grippers can be your best bet. For finger-specific or supporting strength, articulated profiles can be ideal. Reverse grip strengtheners can be helpful when trying to target general hand and forearm strength, especially for those that often use their digits in highly-coordinated movements. Other silhouettes like rollers or stress balls can also yield fruitful results, but often focus more so on forearm and wrist strength over palm-based performance.

In the end, there is no right or wrong answer, as all of the grip strength types are intertwined with one another — you can get stronger forearms by training crushing grip, for example. Be sure to choose a device type you find interesting, and one you’ll likely use regularly.

Resistance Range

Grip strength is often overlooked by athletes, which means that this muscle group can be underdeveloped despite your prowess in other lifts. Additionally, you’ll likely need less resistance than you expect in order to give your hands, wrist, and forearms a worthwhile challenge. 

I recommend starting with a grip strengthener labeled as “light” or “medium,” since you truly need to ease into this training modality. In terms of poundage, that equates to resistances below 100 pounds.

[Related: The 15 Best Resistance Band Exercises for Mass, Strength, and Endurance]

While starting your grip strength journey is one thing, you also want to ensure that your progress isn’t capped prematurely. Be sure to opt for a grip strengthening tool with a few settings beyond your current strength levels. This can be great for providing motivation, while also giving your tendons, flexors, and extensors a stable amount of resistance throughout your training routine.

Comfort

There’s no sense in working out with a tool that’s uncomfortable to use. When looking for your ideal grip strengthener, pay close attention to its design and shape. Think about how the unit sits in your palm, and do your best to determine if that profile sounds comfortable enough for your needs. 

Some hand exercisers feature ergonomic brace points that fit seamlessly in your hand, while others may utilize a knurling pattern for added grip and control. Regardless of your decision, think through your comfort preferences and choose the silhouette that sounds most appealing.

Price

Grip-strengthening tools are typically budget-friendly given their compact frames and approachable useability. On average, you can expect to pay around $20 for a worthwhile unit. However, it’s always wise to think through your budget before confirming your order, regardless of how affordable the units are. 

Also, we recommend looking at the price range of the entire roster, particularly for profiles that don’t offer adjustable resistance. Eventually, you’ll need to purchase another hand gripper to keep progress moving forward, so think of it as shopping for future goals.

Final Word

Whether you’re looking to perform better in the gym, on the field, on the court, or just in each daily endeavor, having a strong grip can pay dividends in athletic performance. Being strong is never a weakness, and having a strong grip can be beneficial for both life and athletic performance. There’s even evidence to suggest that hand grip strength may be useful in predicting cardiovascular health and risk of other diseases. (1)

When looking to add a grip strengthener to your fitness equipment ensemble, be sure to choose a resistance that you can move and clasp without completely straining your digits. Also, if you want to focus on a particular type of grip strength — crushing, supportive, or others — it’s useful to match your preferences with a unit designed for such modalities. This guide can be a helping hand in your purchasing process, and sooner rather than later, you’ll be grabbing hold of improved strength and performance each day.

FAQs

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 13). What your grip strength says about you. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/grip-strength
2. Jewell, T. (2020, January 9). Grip strength: What it is, how to improve, and measure. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/grip-strength
3. Armstrong, G.-F. G. B. (2024, February 20). The importance of forearm strength and how to build it. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-importance-of-forearm-strength-and-how-to-build-it/
4. Forearm hypertrophy: Effective training volumes and Techniques. RP Strength. (n.d.). https://rpstrength.com/expert-advice/forearm-growth-training-tips