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If you struggle lifting weights at the gym or carrying weights, look for ways that strengthen your hand grip. The best hand grip strengtheners are the right tools that can help you with it.
Robert Savin, a fat loss expert, muscle hypertrophy specialist, and founder of Primal Breed Fit, says, “Hand grip strengtheners are beneficial for people who rely on hand and arm strength. They help improve grip strength, promote hand dexterity and coordination, and alleviate pain and stiffness caused by conditions such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. These tools are also portable and easy to use at home or office or when traveling.”
To understand how you can use a grip and how to buy one, we have listed some top-rated grip strengtheners you can consider. The post also discusses the types of grip strengtheners and their benefits and includes a buying guide to help you choose the right product and develop a powerful grip.
Types of Hand Grip Strengtheners
There are three major types of hand grip strengtheners.
- Coiled strengtheners: This adjustable hand grip strengthener is the most durable as it consists of a coil and handles made of metal, with no moving parts. This adjustable grip trainer is extremely durable and produces less friction when in use.
- Strengtheners with a spring: This grip strengthener with a length-adjustable spring is usually created with ABS plastic and stainless steel. The spring is made of steel, and the plastic handles are coated with slip-resistant rubber.
- Articulated spring-based strengtheners: Using this hand grip strengthener composed of several springs can help you strengthen specific fingers, as it helps squeeze each individual finger.
Top Picks
13 Best Hand Grip Strengtheners And A Buying Guide For 2024
1. Best Overall:FitBeast Hand Grip Strengthener Workout Kit (5 Pack)
This tried-and-tested hand grip strengthener has five tools that help you work your muscles and improve your physical fitness. Included in the pack is a stress relief grip ball ideal for relieving stress and an adjustable strengthener for the hand. The other tools you get are an exerciser for the fingers, a grip strengthening ring, and a resistance band. The five items could help improve the strength of the fingers, wrist, hand, and even the elbows when recovering from an injury. They could also be helpful when you want to strengthen your grip for ice or rock climbing. Watch this review video and learn how to use this finger-resistance device.
Pros
- Good selection of tools in the pack
- Includes a stress relief ball
- Ideal for various hand sizes
- Video-based tutorials provided
- Adjustable resistance levels
Cons
- Parts may break
- Difficult to adjust
"This kit with resistance tools for various grips and strengths has been of great help after my surgery. The instructions and tips in the user's guide are also pretty helpful."
2. Best Durable:IronMind Captains of Crush
With this option, you can develop a strong grip in no time. The tool is specifically suited for increasing hand strength when you want to prevent injuries or are healing from carpal tunnel syndrome. The grip strengthener comes with 11 settings for different strengths and can be used by everyone, from a beginner to a pro. Here is an informative video that tells you more about the trusted hand-strength exerciser.
Pros
- Made of durable alloy steel and aluminum
- Ideal for grip training for athletes and golfers
- Can be used easily in both right and left hands
Cons
- Handle may detach suddenly
3. Best For Rehabilitation:Pnrskter Hand Grip Strengthener
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Do not miss out on this product that has earned 25,697 positive reviews on Amazon.
Consisting of six pieces, this set allows you to do the best hand grip exercises. Made of silicone, the set of hand strengtheners come in striking colors and do not wear out in spite of frequent usage. The time-tested set can also be maintained and cleaned easily by washing. The finger strengtheners are specifically designed to help you when recovering from an injury. The three finger stretcher resistance bands have a strength value of 6.6lb to 11lb, while the hand grips have a strength rally value ranging from 30lb to 50lb.
Pros
- Color-coded as per resistance level
- Dries quickly after washing
- Can be easily carried in a bag
Cons
- Thumb area has less resistance
- Instructions for use are not provided
"I received this grip strength therapy set as a gift from my wife. It has been an effective aid in strengthening my hand and forearm. The durability is yet to be determined, but the variety has impressed me."
FitBeast Hand Grip Strengthener Workout Kit (5 Pack) Best Overall | IronMind Captains of Crush Best Durable | Pnrskter Hand Grip Strengthener Best For Rehabilitation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Plastic | - | Silicone |
| Color | Black | - | Multicolor |
| Shape | Variety | - | - |
| Weight | - | - | 0.2 Pounds |
| Dimensions | - | - | 7 x 5 x 2 inchess |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 17,054 | 7,991 | 25,697 |
| Price | $14.99 | $25.95 | $9.99 |
4. Best Ergonomic Design:Prohands Pro Hand Grip Strengthener
The trusted Prohands grip strengthener is designed to improve finger and hand grip strength. This spring-loaded finger exerciser is suitable for professional athletes and musicians. It enables you to exercise the whole hand or each finger individually, depending on your needs. This grip resistance tool is suitable for improving grip endurance, strength, and agility. In addition to providing strong hands, it may help with arthritis, neuropathy, carpal tunnel, and improper blood circulation.
Pros
- Has a compact design
- Improves hand, wrist, and forearm strength
- Available in five color variants
- Made of high-quality materials
- Great grip device for musicians
- Provides greater spring resistance
Cons
- Might make noise while gripping
- Some may find it challenging to use finger keys properly
"After extensive use and comparison with similar products, I'm impressed with these exercisers. Their comfortable design and resistance levels are great for extended sessions. I also like that they facilitate both individual finger and whole-hand exercises."
5. Best Portable:Bob And Brad Hand Grip Strengthener Kit
Build up your strength and improve the flexibility of your forearms, wrists, fingers, and hand with the Bob and Brad hand grip strengthener kit. Tested by multiple reviewers, this hand and forearm exerciser features a heavy-duty stainless steel spring, and high-quality silicone-grade handles to match your finger shape. Those recovering from a hand injury, broken wrist, tendon surgery, and more may use this strengthener kit to develop a strong grip. You may adjust the resistance from 11 to 132 lb to provide variation for hand exercise.
Pros
- Offers digital counter display
- Includes a hand grip resistance band for fingers
- Comes with a carrying case for portability
- Features mechanical counting from 0 to 99
Cons
- May not withstand rough usage
- May be less suitable for heavy exercisers
"This hand-strengthening kit has proven to be quite helpful after my surgery. While a few items are less functional, the hand-strengthening tool has become a staple in my routine."
Quick tip6. Best Lightweight:ProsourceFit Hand Grip And Wrist Strengthener
The ProsourceFit hand strengthener supports six different levels of resistance–from 100 to 350lb. This hand grip workout tool may help enhance your performance in tennis, weight lifting, golf, tennis, and more. Designed durably, this kit is suitable for heavy daily use. Moreover, it promotes overall muscle development, making your daily tasks simpler.
Pros
- Durable aluminum handles
- High-quality spring
- Compact and portable
- Non-slip textured grip
- Lightweight
Cons
- May have to wear gloves while using it
- May be noisy
"These are well constructed and have shown incredible performance–I especially like the knurled grips for secure handling. They can be rough on the hands with extended use but are a reliable choice for improving hand and grip strength."
7. Best Non-Slip Handles: Boldfit Resistance Adjustable Hand Exerciser
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The whopping 774 positive reviews on Amazon reflect the superior quality of this product.
The Boldfit adjustable hand exerciser is designed to strengthen your forearms and improve wrist strength. With an adjustable resistance knob, this tool allows you to select strength levels from 11 to 88 lbs. This hand and finger gripper enhances your workout performance, making it a hit among the reviewers. The adjustable grip strengthener is equipped with textured rubberized handles for better grip. In addition, this kit provides a silent operation.
Pros
- Suitable for gym and home use
- Easy to operate
- High-quality stainless steel spring
- Helps improve finger strength
Cons
- May be smaller than expected
- Screw fitting may be looser than expected
"The adjustable weight option is the standout feature of this grip strengthener. It adds versatility to my workouts and has helped improve my forearm strength."
8. Best For Beginners:JFit Starter Hand Grips
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 319 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
The Jfit starter hand grip is specially designed for beginners getting into hand exercises. It features soft foam grip handles to keep users comfortable. You may train your fingers, wrist, and hand with this finger strengthener. This trusted grip-strengthening equipment also enhances your performance in lifting objects and helps get rid of numb hands.
Pros
- Helps build injury resilience
- Helps improve finger strength
- High-quality chrome steel spring
- Compact to carry
- Simple to use
Cons
- May not have an adjustable resistance knob
- May squeak while using
"I have arthritis, and this has helped a lot in improving my hand agility and strength. The foam handles start peeling with regular use, but still, they are an excellent tool for casual hand workouts."
Do remember9. Best With Heavy-Duty Spring:Powerball Hand Grip Strengthener
Exercise your weak muscles and bones with the Powerball hand strengthener. This trainer tool rehabilitates your muscles post-injury. The tool comes with a lightweight-resistance grip, making it suitable for level-one strength trainers. With seven resistance levels between 50 and 350lb, this hand grip resistance trainer allows you to adjust as per your requirements. In addition, it offers a matrix-pattern handle design for better, anti-slip grip.You may enhance your performance in sports by training in forearm and wrist exercises using this tool.
Pros
- Helps improve finger strength
- Simple to use
- Compact device
- Comes with a training guide
- Helps treat numb hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.
Cons
- Sensitive skin may get blisters
- May not resist pressure exceeding the limit
"These grippers with multi-resistance levels are handy for my desk workouts. Initially, the texture felt rough, but I'm now used to it."
10. Best Compact:Niyikow Grip Strength Trainer
Boost strength in your hands post hand-injury with the Niyikow grip strength trainer. Made of rubber grip handles, this time-tested trainer tool can exercise your hands without hurting the skin. The ergonomic design also supports multiple exercise patterns. In addition, the high-strength alloy spring resists great pressure without damaging the tool. It is a suitable hand grip strengthener for rehabilitation, making it appropriate for those recovering from tendon surgery.
Pros
- Features an adjustable resistance knob
- Suitable for strength training
- Helps relieve stress
- Increases stamina
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- May be smaller in size for bulky hands
- May not provide instructions
"I have noticed a considerable improvement in my hand strength after using this hand gripper. The adjustable design is a bonus, and it works great for stress relief at work too."
11. Best Resistant-Adjustable: Sklz Grip Strength Trainer
Train your fingers, wrist, and forearms with this strength trainer by Sklz. This kit provides flexibility in your hand, relieving stress and tension. Its curved handle design is appreciated by several reviewers as it offers a secure grip. From beginners to advanced trainers, this tool kit provides custom workouts as it comes with resistance levels between 20 to 90lb.
Pros
- Features non-skid TRR rubber handle
- Suitable for strength training
- Portable design
- Provides occupational therapy
- Equipped with gold-plated steel spring
Cons
- Plastic threading may not fit well with the screw
- May not be crack-resistant
"This grip strengthener serves its purpose of enhancing my pincer strength. I particularly like its customizable resistance feature, and it works pretty flawlessly once it's adjusted to my desired setting."
12. Best With Contoured Shape:Vive Hand Exerciser
Get relief from arthritis and carpal tunnel pain with the Vive hand exerciser. Unlike other hand trainer tools, this hand therapy tool is designed with four spring-loaded pistons to improve finger dexterity. Each piston is secured with rubber grips for comfortable use. The hand grip device for athletes encourages target strengthening as you can work with independent fingers. It mainly builds your forearm muscles, fingers, and improves wrist strength.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Useful for musicians and athletes
- Offers three levels of targeted resistance
- Suitable for beginners and those recovering from injury
- Contoured design
Cons
- May get stuck while compressing
- May be less suitable for vigorous trainers
"They are straightforward to use and have been instrumental in my recovery from a hand injury. Their different resistance levels have been helpful, enabling me to customize my hand workout."
13. Best Stress-Relieving: Amazon Basics Adjustable Hand Grip Strengthener
Designed for users of all skill levels, the Amazon Basics hand strengthener enhances your sports performance and reduces stress. Besides strengthening your hand muscles and giving you a stronger grip, this hand strengthener helps prevent injury. The kit is made of ABS plastic and PP material with a durable spring. This tried-and-tested finger and hand exerciser comes with anti-skid rubber grip handles to prevent the kit from sliding off your hand.
Pros
- Helps relieve hand cramps
- Offers effective resistance
- Simple to use
- Supports multiple exercises
- Lightweight
Cons
- May be slightly smaller than expected
- May not have adequate instructions
"I’ve used various hand strengtheners over the years, and these stand out for their comfortable grip and adjustable strength levels. They have helped build my forearm muscles and improved my wrist strength."
Benefits Of Hand Grip Strengtheners
- Improves your handshake: Making a good first impression with a handshake is vital, especially during a job interview. Using a strengthener for the best hand grip exercises could help you develop a firm handshake.
- Helps improve sporting performance: Professional athletes and fitness experts use an adjustable grip strengthener to improve their performance. It is especially useful for people who are into tennis, cycling, rock climbing, or weight lifting.
- Gives you added strength when doing daily chores: Among hand grip strengthener benefits is the improved strength of various muscles that makes the process of doing daily tasks easier.
- Helps prevent injuries and aids in the treatment of chronic systemic diseases: Using the best hand strengthener for arthritis, you can alleviate the pain that you experience daily. A grip strengthening tool also helps avoid injuries and is a vital part of the rehabilitation phase when you are recovering from them.
How To Choose The Right Hand Grip Strengthener?
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a hand grip strengthener.
- Purpose: Some want a hand grip strengthener when they are recovering from injuries, while others may want it for grip improvement for their rock climbing. Keep in mind your current grip strength and buy one that is a perfect match for your needs. As your grip power improves, you should be able to adjust the resistance of the grip exerciser accordingly.
- Material: An adjustable hand grip strengthener can be made entirely from stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Metal versions are much more durable than others that are created with a steel spring and an ABS plastic body.
- Portability: If the tool can be easily carried in your pocket, then you can take it along when you are running or exercising in the gym.
- Versatility: The best hand grip exercises can be done when you have a good grip strengthener. Check the design of the grip training device to know whether it can be used for several exercises that improve the hand strength and fitness.
- Items in the set: Often, the best hand grip strengtheners come along with several others in a set. If you buy such a set that has five or more tools, you can exercise several body parts, including your wrist, forearm, and fingers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I test my grip strength?
The best method for testing grip strength is to use a dynamometer.
2. Do grip strengtheners increase forearm size?
A little or moderate increase in the forearm muscle size might be noticed when a hand grip strengthener is used.
3. Do hand grip strengtheners build muscle?
Yes, if you correctly use a grip strengthener, it could help build musculature.
4. Do grip strengtheners improve dexterity?
Yes, they do. This is the main reason why pianists and musicians use grip strengtheners as they experience better dexterity.
5. Can I use grip strengtheners every day?
Yes, you can use grip strengtheners daily. However, if you are recovering from an injury, check with your healthcare professional before creating a weekly routine of the best hand grip exercises.
6. Are grip strengtheners good?
Apart from improving dexterity and building your hand muscles, using hand grip strengtheners appropriately can enhance your hand’s gripping capacity, which in turn influences your visual, number, and prospective memories and reaction time (1). However, use them for post-surgery or post-injury recovery purposes only after consulting your physiotherapist.
7. How hard are grip strengtheners?
Most hand grip strengtheners come with adjustable tension levels ranging from 10 to 50 kgs or 22 to 110 lbs. You can tweak the hardness per your convenience.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah, our in-house writer and reviewer of exercise and fitness equipment, has compiled this list of the best hand grip strengtheners in the market after pro-level analysis and researching multiple trusted online forums and user reviews. This versatile tool has multiple resistance levels to gradually improve your performance and is handy enough to carry around with you. He has also offered pointers on how to choose the right hand grip strengthener from the wide range of options.
The Bottom Line
If working out and lifting weights seem challenging due to a weak grip, these strengtheners are what you need to improve your abilities. The best hand grip strengtheners make it easier to work your muscles and relieve stress while increasing your grip’s power, so you can perform better at the gym or when climbing rocks. The options listed here are efficient and durable and handy enough to travel with so you can work out on the go. Our top picks include the IronMind Captains of Crush for its adjustable strength levels and the Amazon Basics Adjustable Hand Grip Strengthener designed for all skill levels. We also highly rate the Bob And Brad Hand Grip Strengthener Kit for its portability and ergonomic design.
Infographic: Pros And Cons Of Using Hand Grip Strengtheners
If you love exercising on the go, you might have used a hand grip strengthener for a more firm grip. This equipment is also a part of many rehabilitation programs. The infographic below includes other benefits and potential risks associated with using hand grip strengtheners.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- What Does Your Grip Strength Say About Your Mental Health?
https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/grip-strength-say-mental-health/
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