Ivanko Super Gripper vs. Captains of Crush Grippers?

**Ideal Paradigm** · 08-16-2009, 11:46 PM

I have been looking into supplementary grip training and I have come across this gripper that looks like it is very versatile. Not only can you use it for crush grip, you can use it for pinch grip as well.

You can also adjust an amazing amount of increments, and thus train your progressive overload.

I just wanted to know if anybody on this forum has used the Ivanko Super Gripper and how it compares to the Captains of Crush grippers?

I found some websites that actually calculated out the poundages of each resistance setting on the Ivanko Super Gripper, and the increments are smaller than the Captains of Crush.

Edit: Another question, what are the different types of training effects you will see if you hold the gripper upside down (torsion spring closer to your pinky finger) as opposed to right side up (torsion spring closer to your index finger)?

Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

**inferno** · 08-17-2009, 02:46 AM

I got a Woody Super Griper a couple weeks ago, wich I think is the same as the Ivanko.
Yes, it is very versatile and allows for you to regulate better the increments as you progress.
I cant really compare to the COC because I never experimented with this ( I started grip training recently) but i think i made a good choice, and the disconfort some people talk about is not big deal (at least for the 3 or 4 workouts i made with it) just start easy out on your first tries.

**Mr.Q** · 08-17-2009, 06:12 AM

The Woody vice gripper is similar to the ISG but I like it better because it comes with the COC style gripper attachments. I really like the ISG, it's affordable and it's versatile. But I still prefer the torsion style grippers for working crushing strength. If you're looking to certify then you'll obviously need to get a few COC's at some point. But if you're just looking for some supplemental grip work then by all means get the ISG/Vice Gripper.

Also, take any sort of poundage ratings pertaining to grippers with a grain of salt. Closing a 195 lb. setting on the ISG doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to close a #2 COC.

**Steve W.** · 08-17-2009, 08:40 AM

I have the Ivanko Super Gripper as well as a set of COC grippers.

I never touch the Ivanko.

It just doesn't feel as good in the hand and it is much more annoying to adjust the springs than to just reach for a different COC. A good idea in theory, but an inferior tool in practice (IMO).

**Zach Coulter** · 08-17-2009, 10:00 AM

The Ivanko is a no go. The adjustability is usually what people look at first instead of buying a number of grippers, but it's just not the same. The few times I've used the ISG, I've been very unimpressed. If you want a better alternative to buying a bunch of grippers, then check out David Horne's Vulcan Gripper. It's expensive to ship outside the UK, but it's a FANTASTIC piece of equipment. Feels almost exactly like a well-oiled torsion spring gripper in your hand, the set is tough so it forces you to get better at one of the hardest parts of the gripper close, and it's infinitely more adjustable than the ISG. It comes with a spring, but you could order a second spring, you could put rubber bands around the top with the spring and build up to the next level VERY gradually if you so chose. I really can't say enough about it.

I'd also caution you against the Ironmind grippers. I've recently heard some less than stellar and extremely unprofessional stories about their customer service. Instead, go with the man who made the original CoC's and is largely responsible for grip's popularity today, Warrent Tetting. The Advanced is about a #1, the Master is about a #2 in strength, the Grand Master is a tad easier than most #3's, the Elite is always harder than most #3's, and the Grand Elite is basically a hard #4.

If the Vulcan is out of your price range and you still don't want to buy a few grippers at a time, the ISG is a good alternative, but not for overall handstrength.

**Ideal Paradigm** · 08-17-2009, 11:29 AM

Originally Posted by Zach Coulter

I'd also caution you against the Ironmind grippers. I've recently heard some less than stellar and extremely unprofessional stories about their customer service. Instead, go with the man who made the original CoC's and is largely responsible for grip's popularity today, Warrent Tetting. The Advanced is about a #1, the Master is about a #2 in strength, the Grand Master is a tad easier than most #3's, the Elite is always harder than most #3's, and the Grand Elite is basically a hard #4.

Advice taken.

Another question, what are the different types of training effects you will see if you hold the gripper upside down (torsion spring closer to your pinky finger) as opposed to right side up (torsion spring closer to your index finger)?

Any more input is greatly appreciated, all this information so far is great, thank you all.

**xafier** · 08-17-2009, 12:29 PM

That Vulcan Gripper looks great, I was thinking about buying some more Robert Baraban grippers as I am close to closing my 130ip one, but the Vulcan Gripper looks a much better option!

**wv2de** · 08-17-2009, 07:17 PM

I have a CoC #1 (my hand feels better now after overdoing it at first...). I have found that choking up on the handle slightly and/or closing without positioning or assisting with the alternate hand (no credit card width check) will make the single gripper as good as having 4+ different 'settings'. If I choke up so my hand is hanging slightly over the top of the handles, I cannot close the gripper - therefore I do not need another gripper until I can do that.

4 suggested difficulty levels to progress with from easiest to hardest:

1: choke down (away from spring), position to credit card width (certification start)
2: choke down, start completely open
3: choke up, position to credit card width
4: choke up, start completely open

Obviously you can vary your starting width and choke more than this, but this gives you the basic idea, and this is how I'm using my gripper to get the most benefit.

Good luck!

wv

**Adam T Glass, RKC** · 08-17-2009, 07:53 PM

Zach is dead on! The ISG is crap. You get what you pay for, its cheap and is too far out of groove for any real grip application. The only thing the super gripper is good for is building better SG closes.

and who cares about that...

Get tetting grippers

**Ideal Paradigm** · 08-17-2009, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by Adam T Glass, RKC

Zach is dead on! The ISG is crap. You get what you pay for, its cheap and is too far out of groove for any real grip application. The only thing the super gripper is good for is building better SG closes.

and who cares about that...

Get tetting grippers

Mr. Glass, is there any difference in training results when you train with the crush gripper upside down (spring near pinky) or right side up (spring near index finger)? And which one is recommended for just general grip training, rather than specialization?