Gripmaster hand exerciser review
As a rock climber (or beginning rock climber), you recognize the value of having strong hands and forearms. We discussed the best hand strengtheners in another article, so in this article we are going to look at one specific type of hand exerciser that keeps your hands and forearms strong – the Gripmaster.
Gripmaster Review
I’ve been climbing for about a decade now, and over the years have learned that grip strength is imperative to how well you climb. The stronger your forearms and fingers (in combination with your technique and core of course), the harder and longer you can climb each time.
I bought my first Gripmaster about seven years ago when I was going traveling internationally and wanted to keep my hands strong. At the time I was bouldering 3-4 days per week and had progressed to V4/V5. Climbing, other than work and friends, was the most important thing in my life.
Even now that I am climbing less often (once or twice a week), I still use my Gripmaster (the red Medium classic version) almost every day at my desk while on phone calls or sitting around thinking.
The Gripmaster has undoubtedly helped me become a stronger climber. The fact that it fits so easily into a bag that you can take with you while traveling, or fits easily into a drawer at your desk to be used from time to time, makes it a no brainer purchase for yourself or the climber in your life.
Difficulties
Gripmaster also has three models for your progression needs:
- GRIPMASTER
- Via
- Pro
Each has their own rating scale.
The Gripmaster by Prohands is the classic and original model and comes in four difficulty options:
- Extra-Light (yellow)
- Light (blue)
- Medium (red)
- Heavy (black)
The Via is their mainstream product, best for those needing dexterity. Most rock climbers will not make use of this, though the weights are
- 3lb – Extra Light
- 4lb – Lght
- 6lb – Medium
Finally, the Pro is their most advanced model and is best suited to those needing extra powerful grip strength, such as rock climbers and police officers. It comes in these weights:
- 7lb – Medium, perfect for an average male
- 9lb – Heavy
- 11lb – Extra Heavy, for rock climbers, strength coaches, and those needing extra strong grips
- 13lb – XX Heavy, the hardest of the bunch
Photos
Gripmaster Pricing
Gripmasters are surprisingly affordable.
The GRIPMASTER levels are all $15.95 MSRP.
VIA models are all $11.95 MSRP.
PRO models are $21.95.
