In theory, working out is a simple enough process. You decide on what you want to achieve, figure out (or find) a workout schedule, and get right on it. You progress steadily, then hit a wall. Somehow, for some reason, you just can’t pull off an advanced move.

More often than not, this wall is a result of one of your weak links, the most common of which is an insufficiently strong forearm grip. Luckily, this is easily fixable by getting a grip strengthener (or a forearm strengthener). These grip strength tools come in many forms, and are easily available via all kinds of retailers.

But with such an overwhelming choice and supply, how do you determine which hand exerciser to pick?

Well, no need to worry, because we’ve gone over some of the more popular hand exercise tools, and listed what we think of each, with pros, cons, as well as our own, more informal opinions.

Model One: The Prohands Gripmaster Hand Exerciser

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This one is listed as Amazon’s best of the best, and for good reason. Among the vast majority of available finger exercisers, the Prohands Gripmaster is most likely to give you the complete package.

What sets it apart from almost every other product out there is its design, which forces you to use individual fingers instead of the whole grip. This isolates each finger, preventing the stronger ones from compensating for the weaker ones.

If there is a downside to this model, it would have to be its relatively small size. If you have large hands (like this reviewer), you might end up having some trouble keeping each finger in its proper place when you grip. But with everything else on offer, the positives far outweigh the negatives.

The Verdict

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Pros: 

• Small and easy to carry around. 

• Targets your individual fingers, to amazing results.

 

• The ability to set it to five different resistance levels.

Cons: 

• The model’s small size can also be a detriment if you have large hands.

Our rating: 4.7 out of 5

Model Two: Outdoor Sport Hand Grip Strengthener

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As opposed to the Prohands Gripmaster, this is a more traditional model, albeit with a modern design. Meant to fit comfortably in a hand of any size, this reviewer found working out with it a joy. It is easily adjustable for increased (or decreased) resistance, and quiet to boot!

Out of the whole bunch, this one treats you most like a training buddy, which is both an up and downside. Namely, the plastic warms to the touch, potentially getting slippery from sweat. This doesn’t have to mean a thing, but is something to consider.

The Verdict

Pros: 

• Ergonomic design makes this one a joy to hold and squeeze. 

• 4 adjustable levels of resistance.

• Quiet to grip.

Cons: 

• The grips are made from plastic, so they can get slippery.

Our rating: 4.3 out of 5

Model Three: Ironmind Captains of Crush Hand Gripper

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Aptly named, this rough-and-tumble hand gripper comes with whopping eleven adjustable levels of resistance, making it the best one on this list for increasing overall grip strength. The Prohands Gripmaster may be better at singling out individual fingers, but the Captains of Crush hand gripper will give you the overall strongest grip you can possibly have.

Even the grips follow this brute force philosophy: made of metal and rough to the touch, these will outright refuse to slip out of your grasp, even if they can get harsh on your palms. This heaviness also aids in its role as a wrist strengthener.

Unfortunately, this thing squeaks like mad whenever you squeeze it, which sort of rules out using it in public places. If on the other hand you like the sound of your own strength, feel free to lock yourself in  a room and go nuts. It can be liberating.

The Verdict

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Pros:

 

• A whopping eleven adjustable levels of resistance give it a lot of potential mileage. 

• The large, durable grip means that it won’t break or get damaged.

 

• Easy to hold no matter your hand size, and it won’t slip.

Cons:

 

• The grips can be harsh on the palms, even if that means that they won’t slip. 

• The thing is loud, and isn’t ashamed of it.

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

Model Four: Heavy Grips Handgrippers for Beginners to Professionals

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Want a classic hand gripper, but don’t want to deal with the brutality of the Captains of Crush Hand Gripper? In that case, Heavy Grips has you covered!

These feel much like Captains of Crush’s little brother, and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. More comfortable and easier to grip, not as prone to squeaking, and with 6 adjustable levels of resistance, they will take you a long way.

While there’s nothing really wrong with them, in comparison to the other three models we’ve covered, they do come off as lackluster. If you want a jack of all trades though, the Heavy Grips Handgrippers will do their job.

The Verdict

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Pros:

 

• 6 levels of resistance. 

• Doesn’t slip.

 

• The size is about perfect for all hand sizes.

Cons:

 

• Doesn’t stand out in any real way. 

• Can get squeaky with extended use.

Our rating: 4.0 out of 5

Conclusion

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As is the case with all kinds of training, one should always start with a destination in mind. For those wanting a more thorough finger workout, there is the Prohands Gripmaster. 

For comfort, the Outdoor Sport Hand Grip Strengthener. For raw strength, the Captains of Crush Hand Gripper.

At the end of the day though, a workout inevitably comes down to the “work” part. Whatever your priorities may be, get any of these bad boys, and with regular use, your grip strength will inevitably skyrocket!