Many sports such as rock climbing involve a lot of pulling movements which mobilise the use of the arms, particularly the forearms.
With constant exertion, this part of the body can be subjected to overuse and over strain.
From light abrasions and scratches to more severe conditions such as the flexor digitorum tendon pulley injury among many others, sports such as rock climbing can cause serious chronic problems if proper treatment and conditioning is not adhered to. Good news is that a proper exercise regime as well as the use of what we call a grip or hand strengthener can help overcome these issues.
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What is the Best Hand Strengthener for Beginners?
Picking the right hand strengthener requires research and prior knowledge. Going through every single tool available online is time-consuming. Already considering giving up? Don’t worry! We’ve done the research for you so you won’t have to!
We reviewed tons of products to make the job easier. This article features the best hand grippers, pros & cons of each one of ‘em, and a few handy suggestions that will guide your action. Pay a visit to the Buying Guide and FAQ sections at the bottom of the article to learn more about the topic!
1. Ironmind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
Popularly known as “one of the best hand strengtheners online”, this item stands out for its crafting quality. It substitutes plastic with resistant, built-to-last alloy steel and billet aluminum.
The design allows for 11 levels of strengths, from beginners to experts (starting from 60 lbs to 365 lbs). It focuses mainly on developing a strong crushing grip, but it can be used for a vast variety of purposes (we really appreciate that it can be used for rehab too!).
Pros
- Catered for gymnastic athletes
- Also suitable for golfing, shooting, and baseballing
- Made with alloy steel and high-quality crafting
- Owns the The Gold Standard of Grippers
Cons
- Could cause blisters despite of the good design
2. Squegg Smart Hand Grip Trainer Bluetooth Wellness Device
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.06 pounds (0.03 kg) |
An interesting technological idea Saves progress updates in real-time Perfect training instrument for older people 80 hours-lasting battery
This product provides assistance to elderly people. In fact, this hand strengthener comes with handgrip assessments that function as a biomarker. This way, aged people can measure their own physical and vital functions.
Pros
- An interesting technological idea
- Saves progress updates in real-time
- Perfect training instrument for older people
- 80 hours-lasting battery
Cons
- Smartphone app is occasionally inaccurate
3. Camry Digital Hand Grip Tester
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1 pounds (0.45 kg) |
User friendly Adjustable hand grip resistance Tracks individual parameters with high accuracy Value for money
This professional device tests hand grip power with great accuracy thanks to the gauge sensor. The design really makes this product easy to use: pull the hand dynamometer and the LCD screen will tell you how strong your grip is, based on age and gender info that you set.
Pros
- User friendly
- Adjustable hand grip resistance
- Tracks individual parameters with high accuracy
- Value for money
Cons
- Not very ergonomic in the long run
4. Iron Crush Hand & Forearm Exerciser
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
Allows for training of 3 types of grips for rock climbers Three levels of resistance, from 60 to 80 lbs Can be used for training musicians resistance too
This set of hand grippers differentiates itself from the others due to its versatility: in fact, it’s a 3-in-1 tool! It is one of the best hand strengtheners as you can train all 3 types of gripping: crushing, pinching, and extension. Plus, the set includes pieces of 60, 70, and 80 lbs each, offering 3 different levels of resistance.
Pros
- Allows for training of 3 types of grips for rock climbers
- Three levels of resistance, from 60 to 80 lbs
- Can be used for training musicians resistance too
Cons
- Splitting may occur although it happens rarely
5. Simien Flexible Rubber Twist Bar
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
Excellent for relieving muscle tissue and joint pain Offers 3 levels of resistance to increase difficulty It’s compactness suits many shapes of hands Lifetime warranty
Thought to provide joint pain relief, you might need it if you are experiencing tennis elbow or any other form of muscle tissue pain. Not only does this bar help you with relieving pain, but it also prevents future injuries just by twisting and flexing it.
Pros
- Excellent for relieving muscle tissue and joint pain
- Offers 3 levels of resistance to increase difficulty
- It’s compactness suits many shapes of hands
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- People with little strength may find twisting difficult
6. FitBeast 5 Pack Hand Grip and Forearm Strengthener Workout Kit
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
Ergonomic design that suits everyone Perfect for sports training as well as rehab Reasonable pricing at less than US$20
With one click you get a practical set of 5 tools, which features an adjustable hand strengthener, a finger exerciser, a finger stretcher band, a grip ring, and a hand strengthener ball (which also relieves stress).
The resistance varies from 22 to 132 lbs, so it is perfect for every age and every purpose. You can also learn how to use the tools more effectively by watching the video tutorials provided!
Pros
- Ergonomic design that suits everyone
- Perfect for sports training as well as rehab
- Reasonable pricing at less than US$20
Cons
- Silicone pieces might feel a bit stiff to some
7. Serenilite Tri-Density Stress Balls
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.13 pounds (0.51 kg) |
Different densities for each stress ball Promotes a relaxed state of mind when gripping Material is soft but doesn’t deform
An excellent set of 3 tools that is perfect to relieve stress and gain back hand mobility. Each hand strengthener ball has different densities, and is made of premium, non-stick fabric that retains its shape. A dear friend of ours has reportedly experienced high levels of comfort when gripping for rehab. He also said that this set is very good for improving well-being and promoting a relaxed state of mind.
Pros
- Different densities for each stress ball
- Promotes a relaxed state of mind when gripping
- Material is soft but doesn’t deform
Cons
- No huge density differences when squeezing
8. Sportneer Wrist Strengthener For Beginners & Rehab
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) |
Good pick for beginners Suitable as a rehab device Ergonomic and practical to use Adjustable design
The forearm exerciser in question is perfect for beginners that are starting to train for rock climbing or other sports that include pulling. In fact, the adjustable tension is very low at a minimum level, which also makes it very good for therapy rehab. This product is focused mainly on strengthening the wrist.
This wrist strengthener stands out for its crafting quality and design: it is built using heavy duty carbon steel springs and features a foam stabilizer pad of 10mm, which makes the product very ergonomic.
Pros
- Good pick for beginners
- Suitable as a rehab device
- Ergonomic and practical to use
- Adjustable design
Cons
- May face occasional discomfort after a long session of use
9. Logest 14-Pieces Hand Grip Strengthener Kit
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) |
14 pieces in one kit Provides full workout and rehab equipment Convenient carry bag included. This set includes 14 forearms tools that you can carry anywhere you want! It features an adjustable hand strengthener, 3 finger stretcher bands, 3 hand rings, an egg-shaped hand strengthener ball, a finger grip exerciser and 5 hand bands. Although the set is numerous, it all fits into a convenient carry bag that is included in the kit!
Pros
- 14 pieces in one kit
- Provides full workout and rehab equipment
- Convenient carry bag included
Cons
- May get quite noisy when tightened
Verdict
After all of our long research about the Best Hand Strengthener for Beginners, we found that Ironmind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper is the best hand strengthener for beginners available today.
There’s also a Premium Option with all the best features and high-quality materials if you have more money to spend, namely Squegg Smart Hand Grip Trainer Bluetooth Wellness Device.
However, if you are on a slightly tighter budget, you can also consider the Camry Digital Hand Grip Tester as an affordable alternative.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying hand strengtheners for beginners
How to pick the best hand strengthener
Picking the right hand strengthener requires research and prior knowledge. Going through every single tool available online is time-consuming. Already considering giving up? Don’t worry! We’ve done the research for you so you won’t have to!
Benefits of a hand strengthener
A hand strengthener is useful to increase your forearms strength, and it is oftentimes used as a rehab tool.
Most Important Features to Look out for
Safety is the Number 1 feature that everybody should look for. High-quality crafting hand grippers last longer and, most importantly, avoid splittings and breakings. It may sound obvious, I know, but I’ve seen people getting splinters in their eyes and trust me, it’s not a good show nor a good feeling.
The material is also important. Steel-built hand strengtheners are more resistant than plastic ones.
The second most important feature is the type of training you’re looking for. If you are a rehab patient, then you should choose a light resistance hand gripper, while if you are a trained athlete you should pick a sturdier one.
Adjustability is also a very important feature, because it allows you to save money in the long run. Keep in mind that adjustable hand grippers don’t usually last as long as fixed ones, as they usually employ plastic materials to be able to move.
Precautions to take note of
Using a hand strengthener is no big deal as no much risk is involved. The thing you should look out for is a proper exercise regime: you shouldn’t use hand strengtheners that are too strong, nor you should over-train your arms if you’re not used to. In fact, this could lead to serious injuries to your forearms and fingers, preventing you from full recovery or going to adventure (which is very sad!).
Basic Setup and Usage
Setting up a hand strengthener is quite easy and the setup really depends on how the product is crafted. Usage comes along with its setup. All you have to do is make sure your hands are comfortable enough when pulling. If they’re not, you have to adjust the tool or get a new one, simple as that!
If you feel some pressure on the low end of your palm or wrist, you may need to consider using some cloth as a cushion. Also, some hand grippers tend to slip, which may cause improper training. In this case, you should consider putting something rough to increase friction.
What are some of the best hand strengthener exercises
Grip strength exercises: hold a soft ball and squeeze it for a few seconds, then release. Repeat it from 10 to 15 times for each hand. Do it three times a week, and let pass 48 hours between each session. Please, note that you shouldn’t do this exercise when your thumb joint is damaged. You can also practice grip strength with a hand strengthener by pulling for 3 seconds and releasing at the same pace. Reps are the same.
Questions and Answers About hand strengtheners for beginners
Do grip strengtheners really work?
Grip strengtheners as a hand exercise tool does work. Many people report better strength in their forearms after following a training regime. Of course, results may vary from person to person, and it takes time to see improvements. The secret is to keep exercising without over exaggerating.
How often should you use a grip strengthener?
A hand strengthener shouldn’t be used more than three times a week. Exceeding may cause injuries or even worsen the hand/forearm condition in case of rehab. If you feel you need to increase your exercise regime, it’s always best to contact your personal trainer or medic.
Which is the best hand strengthener for arthritis?
Hand exercisers do help those dealing with arthritis! The worst thing you can do if you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis is not moving your hands. In this scenario, an exercise regime that relies on the usage of hand strengtheners can provide great benefits to this chronic condition.
If you’re dealing with this severe condition, please consult a medic and start following a proper training routine.
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