• TSG – Torsion Spring Gripper(s) – Grippers like the Captains of Crush Grippers
• Straight Coil Spring Grippers – Grippers like the Vulcan or V2
• RGC – Redneck Gripper Calibrator, a device which Rates Gripper Strength at Close
• Richard MacLean – Person who pimped out his RGC to rate Vulcans
• HG – Heavy Grips Grippers
• CoC – Captains of Crush Grippers, registered trademark of IronMind Enterprises
• #3, #4, etc – CoC Grippers from IronMind
• Level 3, Level 4, etc – Settings on the Vulcan or V2 Gripper
• Black Spring – Current spring issued with V2 Grippers. Equivalent to Gold, Silver Black Dip, possibly others.

How to Compare the Vulcan / V2 to Torsion Spring Grippers

There has been a decent amount of information put out regarding the strength levels and the ratings of Torsion Spring Grippers like the IronMind Captains of Crush and other similar grippers. With the development of the RGC device which is able to rate these grippers by testing how much weight it takes to touch the handles together, we are now able to compare grippers from different companies, despite the different numbering systems that the companies use.

In the following video, I talk at length about the results that we have found from rating grippers using the RGC device.

However, with all of the information out there for TSG ratings, where this type of information has fallen short is with the Vulcan V2 Gripper, and many people want to understand this better. They want to know where the various levels of the Vulcan V2 Gripper stand against the Torsion Spring Grippers.

Below is a chart that was put together by Richard MacLean. It shows strength ratings of the springs on the Vulcan V2 Gripper across various settings. But, before you check it out, you must understand a few important points…

Important Details about Gripper Strength Ratings

1. All springs vary somewhat. Some springs can be just naturally harder than others, even springs from the same batches. Frequent use, stretching the springs out on the hardest settings, and poor care or irresponsible use can all have an effect, but for the most part these numbers can be used to judge what you have as well.

2. Torsion Springs (regular hand grippers) act differently from Coil Springs (Vulcan). With Torsion Spring Grippers, when you squeeze them, there is also some twisting that can take place, so you have to redirect force in order to make the handles move together. With Coil Springs, they primarily just stretch and lengthen. The point is, the springs act differently, so you have to take that into consideration as well.

What is Included in the Table

So, let me explain exactly what the table below shows. In Column A, you will see the ratings results from Richard M. on a fresh spring with very few closes on it. He tested the spring all the way out to Level 24. In Column B, he tested the same spring again, this time going all the way to 27.

You will see that the strength levels dropped at almost all of the settings on the second time through, most likely because going out to Level 24 weakened the spring somewhat, dropping the numbers.

This spring weakening (to this degree) will most likely not take place in your training with the Vulcan or V2 because there will be no need for you to go out to Level 24. Also, if you do go out to Level 24, you won’t be holding it there for an extended time, which may have taken place during the strength rating process. Upon writing this article, I know of NO ONE in the world who has ever closed this Gripper at Level 24.

Long story short, to get an estimate of the strength level of your Vulcan and Spring, provided you have not use the spring way out on the ends and done foot stomping or chest crushing, and as long as you aren’t hanging weight off the spring to deliberately weaken it, your spring is probably closer to the first run of numbers that Richard produced.

Also, take note that Richard used a Silver Black Dipped Spring on his V2, which has been rated equal in strength to the Black Spring and the Gold Spring. So if you have those springs, you can bank on very similar strength ratings.

Rich MacLean’s V2 RGC Ratings Results

Here are the numbers that Richard MacLean found during his testing.

  Column A|     Column B |
  Fresh Spring|     Seasoned Spring |
  L3 = 66.8   |     L3=55.6 |
  L4 = 72.7   |    L4=61.1 |
  L5 = 72.7   |    L5=61.1 |
  L6 = 79.0   |    L6=64.7 |
  L7 = 84.8   |    L7=72.1 |
  L8 = 88.0   |    L8=75.2 |
  L9 = 95.5   |    L9=80.8 |
L10 = 102.2   |   L10=88.2 |
L11 = 106.6   |   L11=89.0 |
L12 = 114.5   |   L12=97.2 |
L13 = 119.8   |   L13=104.7 |
L14 = 121.5   |   L14=107.3 |
L15 = 131.7   |   L15=115.2 |
L16 = 139.1   |   L16=122.9 |
L17 = 141.9   |   L17=126.5 |
L18 = 150.7   |   L18=133.8 |
L19 = 159.4   |   L19=142.9 |
L20 = 160.9   |   L20=146.5 |
L21 = 172.0   |   L21=153.8 |
L22 = 177.7   |   L22=165.0 |
L23 = 182.2   |   L23=167.9 |
L24 = 187.7   |   L24=175.5 |
                       L25=184.3 |
                       L26=189.2 |
                       L27=197.4 |

Big thanks to Richard MacLean for not only producing these results, but also for letting me post the results here.

Comparing Vulcan V2 Ratings to Torsion Spring Grippers

Unfortunately, if you are looking to use those numbers as direct comparisons to Torsion Spring Grippers, then you are out of luck. With the Vulcan, the force at close reads out much lower than with a torsion spring gripper.

For instance, the bolded numbers above are the ranges that I usually equate to the feel of a #3 Gripper, levels 13 to 15, depending on the stiffness of the spring.

David Horne has pointed out in many cases I have read that with the Black, Gold, and Silver Black Dip spring, level 13 is right near the difficulty of a #3, when the spring is fairly new.

Now, if you have used the same spring on a Vulcan, a V2, and a Wrist Developer and do one of those movements every workout, then the strength of the spring might be a bit reduced due to all the use, and so the squeeze may not feel like #3 strength until you get up around Level 15.

Either way, that range is what you want to shoot for if you are gearing up for closing the #3.

Other Comparisons and Estimates

We can also assume that a Level 22 is also pretty close to a #4 Gripper close. This is based on the fact that I have seen video of Paul Knight closing both a #4 and Vulcan Level 22. Harder #4′s would be up in the range of Level 24 or higher. These are just my personal estimations.

David Horne lists the following estimates on his site:

• #2 = Level 7-8
• #2.5 = Level 10-11
• #3 = Level 13-14
• #3.5 = Level 17-18
• #4 = Level 20-21

Remember, these estimations are for the Black, Gold, or Silver Black Dip springs. There may indeed be other springs that are equal in strength that I am not familiar with. I am just going on my own experience with them.

In addition, if you do not have IronMind CoC Grippers, in order to estimate where your Vulcan closing strength lies against Torsion Spring Grippers, you can use the estimates above and compare them against results taken from testing done with other similar Grippers.

For instance, if you know that your Beef Builder Elite Gripper rates at 159 on an RGC, then that is slightly above most #3 grippers, which these days come out around high 140′s and low 150′s. A 159 TSG would probably be around a Level 16 on a Vulcan (estimating).

I hope this post has been helpful for you. If you are in need of any further explanation, please let me know – since this topic has been such a source of confusion for so many people, I would be glad to go back and add in details where they are needed. Please just leave a comment below.

Thanks and all the best in your training.

Jedd

Similar Posts:

• Vulcan V2 Grippers from David Horne / World of Grip
• The Vulcan Gripper
• Highlights from USA Powerlifting Competition
• Gray Maynard – Rope Climbing – Grip Strength
• New Gripper DVD – CRUSH!

  Jedd,

Once again, CRUSH was great. Even though I am a Grip Authority member and follow all of your stuff, I still learned a tremendous amount from the dvd. A big thing for me was my set for the Vulcan 2. I noticed a huge difference in my next workout just trying to nail the technique. This dvd will help anyone but I would have to say that if someone is just starting out or somewhat new to grippers, they NEED to get this dvd. I can see how it could easily take months or even years off one’s learning time. I think most people would agree with me that I wish I had this video when I first started. I wouldn’t have so many bad habits to break and I could have saved a lot of time on trial and error. As usual, thanks for putting together an awesome product that is easy to follow and offers something for everyone.

Chase

When I started this project, it began just as a bonus video for those who were buying Vulcan Grippers from me, but before I knew it I had put together the Ultimate Gripper Training Resource.

I continually added to this video over the course of two months in order to make it as complete as possible. Still, as complete as it is, it does not drag on. The DVD is a little over two hours worth of material that is broken up into Modules so that you can focus on one aspect of Gripper Training at a time.

The video also contains close-ups and slow-motion clips, especially in the very important technique sections to ensure that the learning points are clear and well understood.

If you want to be good at Grippers, then feel free to just bounce around and try things here and there and learn by trial and error.

But if you want to cut to the chase and start going in the right direction, right now, then pick up CRUSH: Total Gripper Domination.

Click the Banner Above

All the best in your CRUSHing,

Jedd

• New Gripper DVD – CRUSH!
• How to Set a Gripper
• Top 10 Gripper Training Mistakes
• What to Do with Weak Grippers
• DVD Review: CRUSH – Total Gripper Domination

In just a few short hours, CRUSH: Total Gripper Domination will be available.

But now is the time to discuss the winner of the Free DVD Essay Contest.

The rules were simple. Write an essay with 100-words or more describing why you should win a free copy of the CRUSH DVD.

There were many entries – 40, to be exact, and they included many names I recognized from past emails, purchases, Facebook, YouTube, and more, as well as many new names I have not seen before, which was cool. Thank you to all who participated. For such a small window of just 24 hours, I thought the response was pretty darn impressive!

Within the essays, I was impressed by the wide array of background each of you come from. From Martial Artists, to Strength Enthusiasts, to Teachers, it was AWESOME to see such the diversity.

Of course in a contest such as this, it is tough to decide on a winner and it would be the easy way out to just do a random drawing, but I said I was going to choose a winner, and that is what I am going to do.

As I had said previously, the winner would be the person who deserved it the most, and with so many deserving people, I decided to choose the person whose essay conveyed, in my eyes, the most passion in their essay.

With that in mind, my choice is Mike Watson. I chose Mike because when I read his essay about his love and drive for wrestling, it really resonated with me and I saw similarities with how I feel about the sport of Grip.

Below is his essay:

“First off I need help getting my grip power up for wrestling. I love wrestling more then anything, and nothing has been able to stop me from doing this sport, which I love. The key things you need in wrestling is: grip, neck strength, speed, technique and endurance. Each part is very important, grip is essential for performing moves and starting off in the match. I have wrestled in Japan for almost 3 years before I had to come back to the states. This sport means the world to me. It keeps me out of trouble, keeps my grades in check, keeps me fit and keeps me disciplined. People can talk about why they want it, but they don’t live and breathe something everyday. If you love something as much as I do, you would understand why I want help with my grip. Wrestling isn’t a sport, you don’t play wrestling. Wrestling is a lifestyle and you respect your opponent and yourself. It isn’t a game its life, and life isn’t something you play with. Thank you for your time to read this I hope I get this DVD would help me in my wrestling career in life.”

Mike, I thought your essay was great. Thanks for posting it and make sure to send me your address so I can get the DVD to you.

There were many other great submissions. Thanks again to everyone who posted.

All the best in your training.

JeddSimilar Posts:

• CRUSH DVD 24-Hour Contest
• Bending DVD Contest: The Winner is….
• One Hand Deadlift Submissions
• How I Broke The Record in the Two Hands Pinch
• Man of Steel Winners Announced!

You can enter the contest for free, and there is no purchase required.

All you have to do is write out an essay of 100 words or more telling me why you should win the free copy of the DVD and I will make a selection and announce the winner tomorrow, during Monday Night RAW.

This video will describe the process in more detail.

You must post your comment in the comment section below.

Thanks and all the best in your training.

JeddSimilar Posts:

• Bending DVD Contest: The Winner is….
• CRUSH DVD Contest Winner
• MEMORIAL DAY – AMD Release Date Announced
• Wild Card Qualifier #2 – Block Set Grippers
• The Road to the Record Documentary DVD

Hello DIESELS!

My new DVD is set to come out very soon. It’s called, CRUSH! Total Gripper Domination.

I have been extremely excited about it for the last few weeks. Let me tell you a bit about it…

This whole thing started when I first began marketing the Vulcan V2 Gripper through David Horne’s World of Grip.

Many of the guys who were picking them up were interested in a short demonstration of how to modify the strength level of the Vulcan, so, eager to oblige, I shot something to cover how to move the spring and how to tell which level you were on.

Once I got rolling, I ended up covering a bunch of other points, so I re-worked the entire thing into a complete How to Train with the Vulcan video.

As I edited that, I realized there was so much more training to do in order to improve performance on the Vulcan, that I needed to shoot that information as well.

So, essentially, this project kept growing and growing into the definitive resource for Gripper Training.

And now, I have amassed all the information anyone could possibly need in order to train with Grippers and develop a crushing grip.

And I know there are many of you out there who need help with Gripper Training.

From knowing what grippers to buy, to how to set them, to the number of reps to do, Gripper Training is the topic I am asked questions about most often, whether it is here on the site, through the newsletter, or on YouTube.

The fact is people love training with Grippers, and you can’t blame them, especially with the alluring Gripper certifications that are out there, like the Gripboard’s ever-growing Mash Monster Ladder and IronMind’s ever-evolving Captains of Crush list! It’s pretty damn cool to be part of an exclusive group.

I still remember driving to my witness’s location in order to get certified as a #3 closer, and when I mashed the handles of the Mash Monster 1 Gripper for several seconds was an even bigger day for me because my friends and training partners were there cheering me on.

Over the years, I have worked hard on grippers, since they are a key part of every grip contest. It’s important to get out of the gates on the right foot or else you’re battling back from behind right from the beginning.

And I also know there are hundreds of people who have their sites set on certification with the #3 Gripper, and many more who will try once they find out about it.

And even if certification and grip contests are not even near your radio, and you just want to use Grippers the right way to improve your grip strength for your job, your sport, or other reasons, this DVD will help you get there.

I want to help you all get there. That is why I have been working so hard on this Video the last two months.

Stay tuned, DIESELS. The wait will be over soon.

All the best in your training.

Jedd

P.S. Want to avoid the Top 10 Gripper Training Mistakes? Sign up for the video here: Top 10 Gripper Training Mistakes

Similar Posts:

• Top 10 Gripper Training Mistakes
• Wild Card Qualifier #2 – Block Set Grippers
• Comparing Vulcan Gripper Strength Ratings to Torsion Spring Gripper Strength Ratings
• Advanced Gripper Training Methods
• Feedback: CRUSH DVD