Grip strength is very important to a climber because it can largely determine whether or not they’ll be successful on their next adventure. However, with the pandemic still raging on, training your grip strength may not be as easy as it used to be. That’s where a good grip strengthener comes in handy.
These strengtheners will help you train or retrain your grip, in addition to whatever daily workout routine you may do. Grip strengtheners are also beneficial for beginners and those with less forearm strength. They can help your fingers gain the needed strength and muscle memory required for your next mountain climbing expedition.
Grip strengtheners can also hasten rehabilitation from an injury, treating pulled tendons and improving blood flow. Interested in some grip strengthener recommendations? Here are some products you can trust.
Our Top Picks for Grip Strengtheners
1. Ronisek Hand Grip Strengthener, Climbing Pull Up Power Ball
Let’s call this versatile grip strengthener the “complete package.” With it, you’ll get all-around improvement in your arms, biceps, shoulders, and fingers. Even if you’re not interested in climbing, you can still utilize the power ball for your daily exercises.
The strengthener is made of quality materials that won’t break and will easily hold your weight. At first glance, you might notice its stainless steel fittings, reliable bearings, and ergonomic design. The hand grip is made of an elastic plastic ball that has a good feel and won’t slip. This ensures your safety while training your forearms, fingers, hands, and wrists.
The product is packed with workout accessories, including two plastic balls, karabiners, straps, and weight brackets. They are all lightweight, compact, and easy to use.
The hand weights are even adjustable. Men, women, and even teenagers can easily change the weights to what they can comfortably handle, and if you’re trying to recover from an injury, using this strength trainer regularly can hasten your recovery process.
Specifications
- Item Package Dimensions: 8.74 x 4.92 x 3.58 inches
- Package Weight: 1.25 kilograms
- Manufacturer: Ronisek
- Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Ronisek Strengthener Pros
- Effective in building arm and grip strength
- Easy to set up
- Versatile in use
- Made from quality materials
- High-end accessories
Ronisek Strengthener Cons
- The manufacturer does not ship to every location
- Might be too much for someone looking for a simple grip strengthener
2. 5BILLION Hand Strength Grip & Finger Stretcher
Sports and fitness enthusiasts will find this next grip strengthener to be an ideal choice because it’s designed to gradually improve hand and finger strength. If you have parents or family members who are suffering from carpal tunnel, tendonitis, tennis elbow, or arthritis, this grip strengthener can also make for a good gift.
The strengthener is made from a durable and flexible rubber that is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It has an ergonomic design that fits all hand sizes well, is lightweight, and can fit into your bags when commuting from one place to the other.
This product is a three-piece set with three resistance levels that help you gradually increase your grip strength, making this one of the best grip strengtheners if you’re just starting out climbing.
Specifications
- Item Package Dimensions: 7.6 x 6.8 x 2.5 inches
- Package Weight: 0.32 kilograms
- Manufacturer: 5BILLION Fitness
- Customer Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars
5BILLION Strengthener Pros
- Made of durable material
- Easy to use
- Has a comfortable feel
- Helps with injury recovery
- Has 3 adjustable strength levels
5BILLION Strengthener Cons
- Some customers reported that it broke after a few days of purchase
- May be too small for larger hands
3. DaKuan Hand Grip Strengtheners, Pack of 6
With ergonomically-designed rubber rings that fit all hand sizes, these strengtheners are ideal for beginners and experts alike. With three resistance levels and colors, you can gradually increase your grip strength, train your fingers for climbing, focus on the task at hand, and even get some stress and anxiety relief.
The rubber material of the rings is environmentally-friendly and free from any odor or irritation to the skin. Aside from helping your climbing, if you’re learning to play a musical instrument that requires finger strength, like the guitar, this grip strengthener from DaKuan can help you out too.
The set is designed to increase your hand and finger strength in various ways. You can extend, crush, pinch, and wrap with this silicon grip device.
Specifications
- Item Package Dimensions: 6.89 x 6.14 x 2.24 inches
- Package Weight: 0.22 kilograms
- Manufacturer: DaKuan
- Customer Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars
DaKuan Strengthener Pros
- Three strength levels
- Includes a carrying bag for smart and easy storage
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
DaKuan Strengthener Cons
- Some users state that the grips need better tension
- Sizes may run small for larger hands
4. Luzon 2 Pack Hand Grip Strengthener
This is the most budget-friendly grip strengthener you can get. It comes in a pack of two. It is versatile, effective, and easy to use even for starters. It may not look complex as other strengtheners, but it does what is expected.
A hinge connects the two handles, and it is easily adjustable. When you lengthen the hinge,the tension at the handle increases. When you shorten it, the tension reduces correspondingly. The resistance ranges between 20 and 120 pounds. The lowest is ideal for beginners while the highest is just perfect for more serious trainers.
Specifications
- Item Package Dimensions: 8.77 x 5.66 x 1.25 inches
- Package Weight: 0.34 kilograms
- Manufacturer: Luxon
- Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars
Pros
- Effective in building finger strength
- Comfortable feel
- Versatile in use
- Sturdy and robust design
- Durable
Cons
- Resistance cap won’t stay in place through extended use
5. AllCare Finger Stretcher Hand Resistance Band
This three-piece grip strengthener set is small, lightweight, will fit your hand perfectly, and has a comfortable feel. The strengtheners are made from an environmentally-friendly rubber that will in no way irritate the skin. This product is not only great for athletes, but for senior citizens as well, gradually improving muscle strength for basic outdoor and indoor activities.
For those who suffer from arthritis or are recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, this set provides a great way to rehabilitate those muscles and prevent further injury. You don’t have to spend hours learning how to use them either. These strengtheners are easy to use, lightweight, and easy to transport.
The set comes with three different colors that indicate its three tension levels for gradual grip improvement.
Specifications
- Item Dimensions: 4.65 x 2.91 x 0.55 inches
- Item Weight: 0.04 pounds
- Material: Silicon
- Manufacturer: AllCare
- Customer Reviews: 4.2 out of 5 stars
AllCare Strengthener Pros
- Great for rehabilitation from injury
- Easy to use
- Odorless and lightweight
- Highly durable
- Three strength levels
AllCare Strengthener Cons
- Floral design is not the most gender-neutral
- Bands may slide a little on the fingers
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Grip Strengthener
There are two types of grip strengtheners available on the market: compression strengtheners and expansion strengtheners.
They only differ in the way your hands and fingers move when using them. Compression grip strengtheners depend on the closing of the hands, while expansion grip strengtheners are all about the opening of the hand movements.
Both types of grip strengtheners focus on different sets of muscles. Depending on what muscles you need to train, the decision is yours when it comes to choosing the right type of grip strengthener for you.
Hand Strengthener or Finger Strengthener
Hand strengtheners generally have tongs and focus on building strength in your arms, from the forearm to the shoulder. Finger strengtheners, however, have pushable or stretchable parts that can build compression strength. If you enjoy rock climbing and want to improve your performance, go for finger strengtheners. They are often also recommended for those who develop an interest in playing an intricate musical instrument, like the guitar and piano.
Fixed Strengthener or Adjustable Strengthener
Apart from making your training easier, adjustability can save you a lot of money. In designing these products, manufacturers make use of two main designs: fixed and adjustable resistance.
Each has its pros and cons. For example, fixed strengtheners are made of durable metals, and thus, they last longer. However, they can’t be adjusted, which means if you don’t find that your grip strength is improving with the product, you need to buy another type.
Adjustable strengtheners are cost-effective, because you don’t necessarily need to buy a new product once you start noticing your grip is improving. All you need to do is adjust the product to your current grip strength. On the other hand, because adjustable products are often more flexible, they may not be made of very durable materials.
Ease of Use
One thing’s for sure, the best grip strengthener for climbing must feature an ergonomic design and must feel comfortable in your hand. A grip strengthener should never hurt you, even when used for a long period. Finger exercises should be stress-free and pain-free.
Final Verdict
You shouldn’t delay now that you’re aware of where to get the best grip strengtheners for climbing. As a precaution, keep in mind that training muscles and finger strength is a gradual process. Don’t beat yourself up in frustration if you feel results are not as fast as expected. So, do it, but don’t overdo it!
If you will like to use a grip strengthener for injury rehabilitation, don’t do it alone. Follow the advice of your medical doctor for a controlled use, which your injury needs to heal.