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When it comes to working out and getting fit, one of the last things you might think about is your hands and wrists. What you may not realize is that strengthening these muscles will help you strengthen your other muscles as well. Even if you aren’t exactly a fitness enthusiast, you can still benefit from using a hand Grip strengthener. You use your hands every day, using a grip strengthener can make opening bottles, jars, and other things so much easier.

To help you decide what hand grip strengthener you need, we have put together a list of some of the best ones around.

Our Top Pick

Our Top Hand Grip Strengtheners Compared

What is a Hand Grip Strengthener?

A hand grip strengthener, also known as handgrips or grippers, are small exercise tools that you squeeze to build up hand and forearm strength.

Basic grippers have two handles you squeeze together, with resistance coming from the flexible metal the handles are attached to. This metal is spiraled into a loop at the top of the grippers. Other more advanced grippers actually look like a weird pair of pliers or a vice grip and have adjustable resistance.

Benefits of Hand Grippers

One thing working with hand grips will do is strengthen and tone your forearms. The flexors and extensors found in your forearm will be what is affected the most.

These muscles control your fingers and in turn control the opening and closing of your hand. Using a grip strengthener will help you gain strength in your hand by strengthening these muscles.

By strengthening your hand and forearm muscles, you are also increasing your hand endurance, which will, in turn, maximize what you get out of grip exercises — anything from opening jars to pull-ups.

This also comes in handy when you are carrying heavy objects like full suitcases or toolboxes. After continuous use of the strengthener, you will notice that your hands and arms won’t get as tired as quickly.

Another perk is that hand grippers actually up the overall strength of your hand. This is what will help you when it comes to building up other muscles. More hand strength means holding on to weights longer.

This perk also applies to sports — it helps tennis players as well as gymnasts, rock climbers, and athletes that need to be able to support your weight with your hands.

Even musicians can benefit from working with hand grip strengtheners. These tools help you build more than just hand and wrist strength, but also enhance your dexterity.

It can actually help build up your independent finger movement to help optimize pressure on your instrument. This same concept can also go for those that type a lot.

Hand Grip Strengthener Buyer’s Guide

At first thought, buying a hand grip strengthener would seem pretty simple. However, there are actually many different types of hand strengtheners — which can be confusing and overwhelming.

There are even whole kits or bundles that offer finger, hand, and forearm strengthening and stretching.

Which strength are you wanting to work on?

You have supporting grip strength which kicks in when you hold something for long periods of time. Then you have pinch grip strength and crush grip strength.

You now need to decide which strength you are wanting to focus on, or if you want to work on all of them.

There is also the difference between general hand strength and finger strength.

Finger strengtheners will help increase your pinch strength and dexterity in your fingers. These strengtheners come with buttons for each finger to press rather than just squeezing with your whole hand.

Actual hand strengtheners focus on the hand and forearm muscles.

What is your needed resistance level?

Now you need to decide if you want less resistance or more resistance. If your grip is weaker than you think it should be or you are just wanting to train your grip for enhanced endurance, a lighter resistance will work.

It may be easier to squeeze but it will require you to do more reps, which helps with the endurance.

For those with grips that are already pretty strong but are wanting to take up the power you have, then heavier resistance is what you should be looking for.

Keep an eye out to make sure the gripper you are looking at isn’t too intense. The higher-end and most expensive ones tend to be best suited for professional athletes.

Varying Resistance Levels

If you find that you need to work on every type of hand and finger strength, then you will need more than just one resistance level. Basic hand grippers come at a set resistance level which means you would have to purchase multiple grippers, each with a different resistance level.

The other option is to find an adjustable hand grip strengthener. These allow you to train with different resistances by purchasing one gripper as opposed to two or more. These are also good even if you are just working on one type of strength. You can adjust them as needed as your strength increases.

Remember to Keep Safety in Mind

When it comes to grip strengtheners, grippers made of steel are the safest. Steel is much less likely to break when you use it.

A breaking grip strengthener means parts are more than likely flying in all directions.

Another thing when it comes to safety is that you will want to be able to get a good grip on it. Grippers that come with rubberized handles are best at not slipping out of your hand as you work.

Best Hand Grip Strengtheners

The FitBeast hand grip strengthener actually comes as a kit. Included in the kit are an adjustable resistance forearm hand gripper, finger exerciser, finger stretcher, grip ring, and a stress relief grip ball. Plus, it all comes in a FitBeast carrying bag.

The hand gripper itself has a resistance that can be adjusted to anywhere between 20 and 132 pounds — so it’s great for most and allows you to add resistance as your hand gets stronger.

Another perk is that it not only comes with paper instructions but also access to tutorial videos to help you train more effectively. Who doesn’t love videos these days?

This kit is great for everyone from senior adults to younger teens. The grip strengthener is made from durable plastic and a heavy-duty stainless steel spring. The handles are soft, non-slip rubber for ultimate comfort.

This kit will come with everything you need at an affordable price.

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The Longang Grip Strengthener is a great device for enhancing wrist, finger, forearm, and hand strength. It is even commonly suggested for use for people who struggle with carpal tunnel, tendonitis, and arthritis.

Many professionals such as tennis players, rock climbers, other athletes, and musicians often use the Longang to help their performance.

The resistance on this hand grip strengthener is adjustable starting from 11 pounds up to 132 pounds. This device is great for forearm muscle toning, hand endurance, and increasing your fine and gross motor skills.

And at under $10, this hand strengthener can’t be beat.

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IronMind has an entire line of hand grip strengtheners called Captains of Crush. These grippers are known as some of the best tools in around.

Each gripper is made with sturdy and durable aircraft grade aluminum with knurled grips. The handles are diamond textured and connect to a three coil spring and is one of the most durable grippers out there.

IronMind provides customers with training instructions and access to a downloadable booklet of training tips.

These devices are at the top of the list for being the most effective and best hand grip strengtheners.