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The Best Grip Strengtheners for Climbing of 2024

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In all competitive sports, regardless of the physical intensity, gym work is necessary to achieve great success. But for the longest time, to train in climbing, most didn’t do any training off the wall. But as skill progressed in the sport, physical ability had to keep up, and we can’t progress our athleticism just by practicing the sport itself, we need to put in work in the gym. Especially in a physically demanding sport such as climbing, climbers needed to up their training time to get better.

So, as the sport grew and competition rose, different training methods to address weak points in climbers were created. Because grip strength is one of, if not the, most important pieces of climbing outside of skill, it is essential to train it in and outside of the gym to be a successful climber. Additionally, having weak grip strength can actually limit how much you climb, for, with weak grip strength, you won’t be able to improve your skill as fast as if you could stay on the wall for longer periods of time, this alone demonstrates how vital grip strength can be in climbing. From Gripmasters to Powerfingers, our list covers some of the best grip strengtheners for climbing.

On to our favorites!

By the way, when you finish reading this, be sure to also check out our other climbing gear reviews here.

Our Top Favorite
IronMind Captains of Crush Caddy for 5 Grippers
Our Top Runner Up
SQUEGG Smart Hand Dynamometer - A Bluetooth Enabled Hand Grip Trainer Supported with App to Evaluate, Track & Improve Your Grip Strength - Hand Exerciser Tool Suitable For Adults & Kids
Our Top Value Pick
Hand Grip Strength Trainer Exerciser - Adjustable Hand Grip Strengthener is Perfect for Improving Hand Strength, Forearm Muscularity, Finger Dexterity, Wrist Strength, and for Combating Grip Fatigue
Grip Strengtheners
IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper
SGUEGG Digital Hand Dynamometer and Grip Strengthener
Hand Grip Strengthener by Outdoor Sport
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
-
Amazon Prime
Our Top Favorite
IronMind Captains of Crush Caddy for 5 Grippers
Grip Strengtheners
IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Our Top Runner Up
SQUEGG Smart Hand Dynamometer - A Bluetooth Enabled Hand Grip Trainer Supported with App to Evaluate, Track & Improve Your Grip Strength - Hand Exerciser Tool Suitable For Adults & Kids
Grip Strengtheners
SGUEGG Digital Hand Dynamometer and Grip Strengthener
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Value Pick
Hand Grip Strength Trainer Exerciser - Adjustable Hand Grip Strengthener is Perfect for Improving Hand Strength, Forearm Muscularity, Finger Dexterity, Wrist Strength, and for Combating Grip Fatigue
Grip Strengtheners
Hand Grip Strengthener by Outdoor Sport
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our Favorites for the Best Grip Strengtheners for ClimbingOur Favorites for the Best Grip Strengtheners for Climbing

IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper

Type: Full hand
Adjustability/Resistance: Non-adjustable but has many resistance levels

This wouldn’t be a proper grip strengthener list if I didn’t mention the famous Captains of Crush Hand Grippers! These bad boys are as simple, heavy duty, and reliable as you get. Featuring aircraft-grade aluminum handles with a sturdy spring in between, not only will these last you forever, but they will give you a great workout as well. Perfected for strength athletes, the Captains of Crush still work great for athletes of all kinds, climbers especially. These come in eleven resistance levels to ensure you can find the right one for you, the only downside of this style is that in order to improve, you need to buy a new gripper every time.

What makes the IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper unique:

  • The high-durability design sets these grip strengtheners apart from most of the rest which may require occasional replacement.
  • These hand grippers are of the best for developing pure grip strength

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you want to train your crush grip to the max – these are for you
  • Captains of Crush are popular for their durability and reliability

IronMind Captains of Crush Caddy for 5 Grippers
  • Keeps your trusty Captains of Crush Grippers safe, in order, handy and ready for action
  • Perfect for your desk, workbench, counter or shelf
  • Small size holds 5 Captains of Crush Grippers

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Prohands Gripmaster

Type: Fingers
Adjustability/Resistance: Non-adjustable but has many resistance levels

Another popular product in the grip training world, the Prohands Gripmaster is a top-selling, quality grip strengthener. It features an isolated finger system to train each finger in addition to the whole hand, all in fourteen different resistance levels from three to thirteen pounds per finger, not to mention the three other versions of Gripmaster. The Prohands Gripmaster has spawned off many duplicates in the grip training market, so you know they did something right when they popularized the finger-focused style.

What makes the Prohands Gripmaster unique:

  • The unique individual finger design sets these hand trainers apart
  • They are one of the more popular grippers on the market

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you want to focus on your finger training with high-quality training tools
  • For the high reviews and popular support from the climber base

Prohands PRO Hand Exerciser, Finger Exerciser (Hand Grip Strengthener), Spring-Loaded, Finger-Piston System, Isolate and Exercise Each Finger, (7 lb Medium Tension, Red-Pro)
  • THE ORIGINAL SPRING-LOADED HAND & FINGER EXERCISER: Prohands is used by professional athletes, world-class musicians, and as a rehabilitation tool. Made from high-quality components ABS plastic, stainless steel springs and approved santoprene.
  • STRENGTH, POWER & ENDURANCE FOR ATHLETES: Exercise each finger individually, or the entire hand. Isolates and exercises each finger individually for strength, dexterity, and endurance. Develops outstanding hand, wrist and forearm strength.
  • REHABILITATION & PREVENTION (STRONGER, HEALTHY HANDS): Ideal for anyone wanting to develop and maintain strong healthy hands. May help with arthritis, carpal tunnel, neuropathy, and poor circulation.

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Prohands GripMaster Pro Edition

Type: Fingers

Adjustability/Resistance: Non-adjustable but has many resistance levels

This grip trainer for climbing is a beefed-up version of the regular GripMaster. It features a larger range of motion for the fingers, heavier levels of resistance, and is slightly larger in profile. Some downsides include a higher price point, less padding, and no thumb pad which buyers state as making the gripper less comfortable than its regular edition. If you are excelling past the first GripMaster in strength, then you might want to consider switching over to the Pro Edition for a more testing workout.

What makes the Prohands GripMaster Pro Edition unique:

  • The Pro Edition features a heavier range of tensions for more experienced athletes
  • A larger range of motion and larger profile than its predecessor

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you want to try the GripMaster but have some grip training experience under your belt already
  • For the intense finger training focused design

Prohands PRO Hand Exerciser, Finger Exerciser (Hand Grip Strengthener), Spring-Loaded, Finger-Piston System, Isolate and Exercise Each Finger, (5 lb Light Tension, Blue-Pro)
  • THE ORIGINAL SPRING-LOADED HAND & FINGER EXERCISER: Prohands is used by professional athletes, world-class musicians, and as a rehabilitation tool. Made from high-quality components ABS plastic, stainless steel springs and approved santoprene.
  • STRENGTH, POWER & ENDURANCE FOR ATHLETES: Exercise each finger individually, or the entire hand. Isolates and exercises each finger individually for strength, dexterity, and endurance. Develops outstanding hand, wrist and forearm strength.
  • REHABILITATION & PREVENTION (STRONGER, HEALTHY HANDS): Ideal for anyone wanting to develop and maintain strong healthy hands. May help with arthritis, carpal tunnel, neuropathy, and poor circulation.

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Metolius GripSaver Plus

Type: Full hand and fingers
Adjustability/Resistance: Non-adjustable with few resistance levels

The GripSaver is a uniquely designed product which features the use of a stress ball and elastic finger loops to offer both flexion and extension training, this provides a healthy level of antagonistic muscle work to keep your hands and forearms healthy. Targeted more at those looking for injury prevention or rehab tools, the GripSaver might not be the best choice for intense grip training, but rather a tool for keeping healthy and balanced.

What makes the Metolius GripSaver Plus unique:

  • The design is one-of-a-kind, with a ball and rubber finger loops which sets this trainer apart
  • It trains both sides of grip-strength, the flexion and extension, keeping your hands healthy

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you want to build well rounded strength for injury prevention
  • If you don’t mind the lower tension on the flexion side, and have another flexion-improving grip strengthener

Metolius GripSaver Plus - Assorted 3 Pack
  • Includes all three versions in one pack: Soft (Blue), Regular (Red), and Hard (Orange).
  • Aggressively priced so you get all three versions for about the price of two.

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


MummyFit Grip Strengthener

Type: Full hand
Adjustability/Resistance: Adjustable

While MummyFit’s product may be one of the more expensive grip strengtheners on the market, you do not lose out on quality with this product. The adjustability on this grip trainer spans from 55-154 lbs! Such a large resistance range will ensure that this trainer remains useful for a long time. Additionally, features include a silent design, so you don’t have to worry about squeaking, a safer design by compressing versus stretching the spring, and such a solid design that a lifetime warranty is included.

What makes the MummyFit Grip Strengthener unique:

  • One of the highest tension adjustability ranges on the market
  • The durable design puts it nearly up to par with the Captains of Crush

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • For the high-durability and adjustability
  • For building great hand strength silently and cheaply, yet still using a high-quality product

MummyFit Grip Strengthener. Adjustable Hand Grip for Grip Training. Forearm Grip Strength Finger Trainer and Hand Exerciser. Gripper for Arm Wrestling Equipment and Wrist Workout. Hand Exercisers
  • SILENT! The ultimate grip strengthener and finger trainer for men and women on the go. Whether you want to improve your forearm grip strength or have the best arm wrestling equipment, you can use this hand muscle strengthener anytime and anywhere. The Death Grip's completely silent operation allows you to strengthen your hand grip or do your wrist workout without detection. The Death Grip gripper is light enough to bring anywhere and doesn't make annoying squeaking noises that most grippers make
  • INDESTRUCTIBLE! Crafted entirely from thermoplastic nylon and steel, this grip strengthener is built like a tank. Even the adjustment wheel is solid steel. You can strengthen your hands every day for years to come and still be able to pass your Death Grip down to the next generation. You simply won't find a higher quality adjustable gripper anywhere. We're so confident in the quality of our equipment that we offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY that covers any problems resulting from normal, proper use.
  • ADJUSTABLE! When you lift weights, do you use the same amount of weight every day, or do you adjust the weight up or down based on your workout needs? Why should using a grip strengthener be any different? With the Death Grip adjustable gripper, you can start at the level of resistance that's right for you and increase the resistance as your grip strength improves. Don't limit your progress by using the same level of resistance day in and day out. Welcome to the future of grippers.

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


RitFit’s Hand Grip Strengthener Rings

Type: Full hand
Adjustability/resistance: Non-adjustable but has many resistance levels

Looking for fewer structures and more versatile grip trainer for rock climbing? RitFit’s Hand Grip Strengthener Rings might just be for you. They are silicone rings in a variety of weight levels, from 30 to 80 pounds. You can crush them, pinch them, warp them, or extend from inside them. The only problem might be that they are commonly observed as losing resistance over time. So, these may not be the best long-term, high-quality grip trainers for climbing that you are looking for, but their low price and niche style still renders them a good enough product to keep on the list.

What makes the RitFit’s Hand Grip Strengthener Rings unique:

  • The vast variety of exercises you can perform
  • Lower pricing and ease of use sets these apart from most of the higher-intensity grip strengtheners out there

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you aren’t looking to max out your grip strength potential or are newer to the climbing scene
  • For the versatility of the variety of exercises you can utilize with these rings

Hand Grip Strengthener Rings,A Forearm Wrist & Finger Exerciser,Life Time Warranty!Perfect Trainer for Rock Climbing, Athletes & Musicians Stress Relief & Rehabilitation,Set of 6 Resistance Levels.
  • ✓6 LEVEL RESISTANCES AND 4 MAJOR GRIP TRAINING TYPE: The grippers can be workout for crushing, pinching and even extension, with amazing results.And have 6 levels:30LB~80LB,allowing you to gradually increase the difficulty of your training as your strength improves.Which set from beginner to professional,relaxation or athletics.Useful and popular products make a perfect gift!
  • ✓AWESOME FOR REHABILITATION & FITNESS & RELAXATION :It can improve your finger strengthen and dexterity,more forearm Muscularity. So it workout for rehabilitation,long-time typing.Ideal for athletes(tennis, basketball, boxing, golf and shooting)and musicians (guitar players, bass players, pianists and violinists).
  • ✓EXERCISE YOUR HANDS FROM ANY WHERE AND NO SQUEAKY NOISE:The grippers are made of natural silicone, soft and odor-free.Whether you are at home, work, walking, in the car or doing your favorite sport as the rings are lightweight and easily portable.

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Hangboards

Type: Fingers
Adjustability/resistance: Non-adjustable and no resistance levels

Hangboards are the OGs of grip strength training in climbing and for a good reason. Hangboards very closely reflect the type of strain your hands will go through when climbing, and then they up the intensity a bit, this is why hangboards are so widely recommended and used in both climbing gyms and at home. However, not everyone should start using hangboards, because of the intense pressure and strain they put on your fingers, for the tiny holds at least, anyone new to the sport should avoid training on these until they develop a stronger foundation. Another downside to these can be their inconvenience, unlike most other options on this list, hangboards are not very transportable, making it hard to get in grip training at convenient times. Furthermore, they are costly when compared to other grip training methods. They range from $80 at the lowest to a more average price range of $130, but if you are handy, then you might want to consider just making your own. It is hard to group together all hangboards into one succinct category and require an entire article on their own to fully dig into.

What makes Hangboards unique:

  • The only static grip trainer, utilizing your bodyweight and simulating the stress of climbing on your grip the best
  • The non-portable nature and their presence in nearly all climbing gyms

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you are a serious climber who wants to train their grip to the best extent possible for climbing
  • Because they simulate climbing better than any other grip-trainer

Metolius Project Training Board CNC - Blue/Blue Swirl
  • CAD/CAM master for perfect symmetry
  • Dimensions: 24.5" x 6" (622 mm x 152 mm)
  • Includes a training guide, comprehensive instructions, and mounting hardware.

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


 

Powerfingers

Type: Fingers
Adjustability/Resistance: Nonadjustable with five resistance levels

Not all grip training needs to focus on squeezing and crushing, exercising the antagonistic muscles in your hands and forearms is necessary to avoiding injury and pain to ensure a healthy climbing career. Powerfingers are stretchy disk-like shapes with holes for your fingers, there are a variety of exercises you can do with these, but most primarily focus on opening your hand and working the antagonistic muscles that you rarely use when climbing. Making sure to train these muscles can ensure that you maintain balance and tendon health in your hands and forearm. This is an especially good investment for climbers who have years of experience and need to keep healthy; newer climbers have typically yet to train enough so that the muscular development in their hands creates any significant levels of imbalances.

What makes the Powerfingers unique:

  • They focus primarily on working antagonistic, extension muscles in your hands
  • Powerfingers are smaller and ligher than nearly all other grip trainers which demonstrates their portability

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you value convenience of use, Powerfingers are a great buy
  • For the excellent antagonistic training to keep your hands healthy and your climbing career long

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Dynaflex Pro Gyro Exerciser

Type: Full hand
Adjustability/Resistance: Nonadjustable with no resistance levels

The Dynaflex Pro Exerciser is a baseball size device than generates torque and through a high-performance rotor inside which can reach speeds up to 13,000 rpms. This hand strainer can serve not only as a good strengthener but also as an excellent injury prevention tool. Because of the unpredictability of the Dynaflex, you are forced to control the torque which builds coordination and many minor muscles which can help with injury prevention. However, the strength-building potential is not that great overall, while the spinning is challenging to control, this won’t improve your grip strength to the same extent as Captains of Crush, for example. So, it may be smart to pair this with another grip trainer for a right level of balance.

What makes the Dynaflex Pro Gyro Exerciser unique:

  • It tests more than just your crush strength, but your ability to handle twists and unreliable holds
  • Not focused on improving solid finger or crush strength as many of the other grip trainers are

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you want a unique way of training your hand and forearm strength
  • To pair with another grip trainer for a well-balanced and versatile grip toolkit

RT Pro Gyro Exerciser, Build Strength with Variable Resistance, Fun and Therapeutic Exerciser for Hand, Forearm, and Wrist Strengthening
  • Balanced gyroscopic rotor inside compact sphere of polycarbonate plastic provides for an easy grip and minimizes fatigue and provides good control
  • Maximum RPMs approaching 9,000 and developing 32 lbs. of gyroscopic force provides quite a workout for wrists, grip and arms
  • No motor, no batteries and it's outer ball doesn't move (just the spinning rotor within)

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Our Runner Ups for the Best Grip Trainers for ClimbingOur Runner Ups for the Best Grip Trainers for Climbing

SGUEGG Digital Hand Dynamometer and Grip Strengthener

Type: Full hand
Adjustability/Resistance: Non-adjustable and no resistance levels

This grip trainer is a bit different from the rest – not only does it measure your grip strength with each squeeze, but it tracks it through an app where you can also play games by squeezing it. This may not be the best choice to improve your grip training seriously, but it can be a fun and unique way to test out your progress and mix things up.

What makes the SGUEGG Digital Hand Dynamometer and Grip Strengthener unique:

  • It is the only phone-compatible product on this list and allows all sorts of interesting activities for testing and improving grip
  • This gripper can track your progress and help you to analyze your training in general

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • Great for a training twist and already have a solid grip tool
  • If you need a more accurate way of measuring and tracking grip strength

SQUEGG Smart Hand Dynamometer - A Bluetooth Enabled Hand Grip Trainer Supported with App to Evaluate, Track & Improve Your Grip Strength - Hand Exerciser Tool Suitable For Adults & Kids
  • SMART HAND GRIP TRAINER & HAND STRENGTHENER - Improve your grip strength by connecting your smartphone with Squegg’s Hand Grip Strength Trainer via Bluetooth connectivity App which comes with exciting built-in games and fun exercises that allows you to build strength, and revitalize muscle movement in a fun, and engaging manner.
  • MEASURE, TRACK AND IMPROVE WITH FREE COMPANION APP - The Inbuilt grip strength assessment in the app serves as a feasible, quick, and reliable biomarker to examine the vitality and physical function of both left and right hand separately with high sensitivity sensors. Exercise the small muscles in your hands and arm through the art of gamification by making it an ideal Hand therapy tool.
  • FOR ALL AGE GROUPS: Improve Motor Skills for 12 & Below YO Kids; A Gaming device for 12-20 YO that subconsciously helps to Strengthen Grip; A Stress Ball for 20 - 50 YO to Monitor Blood Pressure and a Grip Strengthening Device for 50 YO and Above

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Black Diamond Forearm Trainer

Type: Full hand
Adjustability/resistance: Non-adjustable and no resistance levels

Looking for an alternative to the RitFit’s Hand Grip Strengthener Rings? The Black Diamond Forearm Trainer is a singular ring with no resistance levels at a higher price point. It might not have the same issue of losing tension over time as the RitFit’s does, but it also comes in at a lower tension in the first place. A reviewer named Julien said it best when she stated that “it’s nothing special, though. It doesn’t have a lot of resistance. I can’t say I’ve used a lot of other finger strengtheners, but I don’t feel that this one has made a huge difference. But it certainly doesn’t hurt.”

What makes Black Diamond Forearm Trainer unique:

  • A singular ring which has no fancy adjustable tools or levels or springs, the Black Diamond Forearm Trainer is by far the simplest gripper on this list
  • While limited in its capacity for strength-development, this gripper is quite portable

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you are looking for a simple, easy to use, light-weight way of getting some extra grip work in on the go
  • If you need to work through an injury or around some pain, this trainer provides a lighter resistance level to fit your needs

Black Diamond Equipment - Forearm Trainer - NO Color
  • Essential companion for warm-up or travel between sessions
  • Improves your grip
  • Recommended use: Climbing and gym

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


The Rice Bucket

Type: Full hand and fingers
Adjustability/Resistance: Nonadjustable and no resistance levels

Ah, the old rice bucket method. Many climbers have sworn by this method of upping hand strength levels. If you are not already aware of how it works, you fill a bucket with rice and stick your hand in, you then move them around in the rice and do all sorts of exercises to strengthen the fingers and hands. So, if so many people swear by it, and it is relatively cheap and convenient, why do I put it in the Runner Ups section? Because this simply is just not going to cut it for any climber as they develop real grip strength over time. The rice bucket may be useful for someone going through rehab, trying to get movement in while working around an injury, or for recovery purposes – but it is not suitable for building solid grip strength, which is what this list is about. In the end, you will need more resistance than a bucket of rice if you really want to build some grip strength.

What makes the Rice Bucket unique:

  • It is another very simple product, but this time may not require any outside purchasing
  • While not very intense, it is a good active recovery and rehabilitation tool

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you want to mix up your heavier resistance training with some active recovery and balance out any underdeveloped muscles in your hands
  • To work through injuries in a cheap and effective manner

JapanBargain S-, Japanese Plastic Kome Bitsu Raw Rice Storage Container, 10 kgs
  • Japanese Plastic Rice Storage Container holds 22 pounds rice
  • 22 lbs capacity (10kg)
  • 14in L x 9in W x 13in H

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Our Value Picks for the Best Grip Strengtheners for ClimbingOur Value Picks for the Best Grip Strengtheners for Climbing

Hand Grip Strengthener by Outdoor Sport

Type: Full hand
Adjustability/Resistance: Adjustable

Similar in design to Mummyfit’s grip trainer, this product trades in a bit of quality for a much lower price. Its resistance ranges from 22 to 70 pounds, not bad, but it probably won’t last you long if you have been climbing and grip training for a while. Overall, a reliable product for the low price you are paying and is an especially good buy for any novices.

What makes the Hand Grip Strengthener by Outdoor Sport unique:

  • The Outdoor Sport gripper isn’t all that much to write home about, but it is a good design at a lower price
  • The spring design improves safety and durability over the stretching varieties of other hand strengtheners

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • If you are looking for a value pick similar to the Mummyfit trainer
  • Due to the lower resistance levels, this gripper may be a better buy for novices

Hand Grip Strength Trainer Exerciser - Adjustable Hand Grip Strengthener is Perfect for Improving Hand Strength, Forearm Muscularity, Finger Dexterity, Wrist Strength, and for Combating Grip Fatigue
  • Forearm Muscularity: Enhance forearm extensors and flexors with strength training hand strengtheners
  • Four Weight Settings: This hand squeezer offers adjustable resistance settings as you get stronger
  • Hand Endurance: A hand muscle strengthener trains the force your hands can apply, reducing fatigue

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Luxon Hand Grip Strengtheners

Type: Full hand
Adjustability/Resistance: Adjustable

Hosting a more conventional stretch-spring design, these grip trainers are similar in quality to the ones from Outdoor Sport, with a few different strengths and weaknesses. As a positive, the resistance on these trainers is adjustable from 22 to 110 pounds, not bad for fourteen bucks! On the downside, the spring may not be the most secure, with frequent complaints about the spring snapping from the frame of the device. It is also slightly less comfortable to use than other, more expensive grip trainers. Overall, this hand gripper for climbing provides excellent value for your money.

What makes Luxon Hand Grip Strengtheners unique:

  • The higher resistance levels at a lower price is certainly a solid combination which is not seen that often in the grip strengthener market
  • It sacrifices some comfort and durability to achieve the high adjustability of resistance

Why you should choose this grip strengthener:

  • Another decent buy for beginners due to the lower price and quality
  • If you climb frequently as it is and just want to pick up a grip strengthener to top off your training

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


Key Differences of Grip Trainers

Grip trainers can vary in a multitude of ways: from adjustability of resistance, to individual finger versus whole hand training, to abduction versus adduction, to level of resistance, to static versus dynamic strength, and more. All these differences can really complicate things, but this is where we come in!

The most significant difference to note is the style of grip trainer, primarily if it is either full hand or fingers. Most grip trainers fit into one of the two categories. Full hand grip trainers will be more helpful with general climbing strength and larger holds such as slopers or pinches, while finger trainers will be better for crimps, pockets, and edges. There is a ton of overlap between full hand and finger strength, of course. The two types of hand strength are pinch and crush grip, pinch grip tends to test the thumb more while crush grip tends to work the fingers. We can see both types of hand strength being used in rock climbing, and as well as in grip strength trainers for climbing. Different grip trainers have varying ratios of crush to pinch emphasis.

Another critical difference is adjustability/resistance. Some of these trainers offer adjustability, while many don’t. For the trainers that have no adjustability, we need to pay attention to the resistance levels, because if a grip strengthener only has one level and no adjustability, you will only be able to use it for a certain amount of time till you outgrow it and need to buy another one. Adjustability saves you money and improves your training.

Finally, there is the price. It’s kind of hard to rationalize spending $40 on a piece of metal to squeeze, we get it, so that’s why we included the price above with the other two main factors. Just remember with a higher price, typically comes higher quality, a more substantial amount of features, and a longer lifetime.

How to Choose the Best Grip Strengtheners for Climbing for You

We went over the main differences, it’s just time to put it in action! Knowing your experience and strength level, you should be able to gauge if you can handle higher resistance tensions or if you’ll need to go down a notch. You should also note your weak points in grip strength when climbing – do you tend to fail on smaller crimps or perhaps broader slopers? Knowing this will help you target your weak spots and improve your climbing game.

Furthermore, if you are new to the sport, all of these grip training tools might not be all that useful for you. Often, beginners benefit the most by just doing the activity more, so in this case, just climbing more often. Because you are new, climbing will provide a new stimulus which will be very useful in developing your finger and hand strength. Just like with weight training, you want to start with a good level of specificity and work it while it is still a novel stimulus, through this you will see significant development in your grip strength while also improving your skill. However, if you are unable to get into the climbing gym that much, as a beginner or not, a grip strengthener may make more sense so that you can keep up with your grip training even when not in the gym. But as a rule of thumb, if you can choose between climbing and grip training, always go with climbing.

What to Consider When Buying Grip Strengtheners

Consider your level of experience. Many grip strengtheners vary in their resistance levels and in their complexity. If you are new to the sport, you may find it unnecessary to invest in an expensive grip trainer when you can already get quite a bit out of just climbing. But as we advance in our training, we may find that it is necessary to introduce exercise variations such as grip strengtheners even if only for the sake of mixing things up.

Also, consider how often you can climb. If you are very busy and can only climb a few times a week or are recuperating from previous injuries and taking it easy, it may be wiser to invest in a grip strengthener. These devices can replace, to an extent, a lack of in-the-gym grip training if you are unable to make it to the wall enough. On the other hand, if you frequent the gym so often that you are constantly sore, you may find less utility out of a grip trainer.

A major point ignored by many are the muscular imbalances which arise from the overuse of certain muscles. While talked about a lot, many take little action in preventing these muscular imbalances from arising due to serious climbing. Grip strengtheners such as the Powerfingers can greatly assist injury prevention efforts by balancing the muscular development in your hands. Other, more rehab/injury prevention, methods such as using the rice bucket or other strategies can be great for complementing your muscular development in your hands. Because remember, we want to progress, but also keep a healthy level of balance in our physique, if we neglect this, it can come back to bite us in the form of pain or even injury.

Finally, something to keep in mind is how to train with these grip strengtheners for climbing. Typically, you are going to err on the side of more reps with less resistance, because the muscles in your hands are more so build for higher rep training rather than a lower rep range of higher intensity. Especially for climbing, grip endurance and strength is typically seen in slow movements with careful holds, you are not training for a max weight grip test, but for time.

Summary of the Best Grip Strengtheners for Climbing

Here’s a table of what grip strengtheners for climbing we evaluated:

Our Top Favorite
IronMind Captains of Crush Caddy for 5 Grippers
Our Top Runner Up
SQUEGG Smart Hand Dynamometer - A Bluetooth Enabled Hand Grip Trainer Supported with App to Evaluate, Track & Improve Your Grip Strength - Hand Exerciser Tool Suitable For Adults & Kids
Our Top Value Pick
Hand Grip Strength Trainer Exerciser - Adjustable Hand Grip Strengthener is Perfect for Improving Hand Strength, Forearm Muscularity, Finger Dexterity, Wrist Strength, and for Combating Grip Fatigue
Grip Strengtheners
IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper
SGUEGG Digital Hand Dynamometer and Grip Strengthener
Hand Grip Strengthener by Outdoor Sport
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
-
Amazon Prime
Our Top Favorite
IronMind Captains of Crush Caddy for 5 Grippers
Grip Strengtheners
IronMind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime
Our Top Runner Up
SQUEGG Smart Hand Dynamometer - A Bluetooth Enabled Hand Grip Trainer Supported with App to Evaluate, Track & Improve Your Grip Strength - Hand Exerciser Tool Suitable For Adults & Kids
Grip Strengtheners
SGUEGG Digital Hand Dynamometer and Grip Strengthener
Prime Eligible?
-
Our Top Value Pick
Hand Grip Strength Trainer Exerciser - Adjustable Hand Grip Strengthener is Perfect for Improving Hand Strength, Forearm Muscularity, Finger Dexterity, Wrist Strength, and for Combating Grip Fatigue
Grip Strengtheners
Hand Grip Strengthener by Outdoor Sport
Prime Eligible?
Amazon Prime

Last update: 2024-03-28 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

We went over everything from the classic Captains of Crush to Powerfingers to hangboards, this variety of grip trainers has given us an insight into many of the options, and our favorites, for you to choose from. Hopefully, you found the best grip trainer from our top picks, perfect for you and your climbing style and experience. Whether you aim to free solo a cliffside, or just climb a bit at your local gym, grip training can be an effective way of improving your climbing performance, especially if you choose the right grip trainer!

Did you find this helpful? Check out our other climbing gear reviews here.

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