Is the Grippūl Two the Best Finger-Training Device Ever?
Basics
The Grippūl Two is an upgraded version of the original Grippūl finger-training device, which came out in 2016. The package includes an aluminum mounting plate (the Grippūl), the Black Quad Crimp, and a 5/16” bolt. The Black Quad Crimp includes four variations on a 20-millimeter edge: a flat edge, sloped edge, 15-degree edge, and 30-degree edge. The back of the Grippūl also has an 11-millimeter flat crimp. The Grippūl has three threaded holes, allowing you to attach a variety of other holds from 3 to 5 inches in width; meanwhile, six large holes around the perimeter let you attach the device to a carabiner or sling in varying configurations.
Pros
Versatile // Skin-friendly // Lightweight and compact, making it packable // Low price-point
Cons
Assembly required (you need a 5/16” hex wrench to screw and unscrew holds)
Our Thoughts
The Grippūl Two is the most versatile finger-training device I’ve ever used. The simple design allows for complete freedom: It’s light, packable, endlessly adjustable, and can attach to a bar or tree for hangs or pullups, or to cable pulls or weights for grounded exercises. You can also swap out its default Black Quad Crimp for a pinch or sloper—whatever kind of hold you want. This complete customizability results in more targeted, systematic finger-training sessions.
n/a
15 ounces
$49
Beast Fingers Climbing
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I first started training at the Beast Fingers Climbing gym in Denver last fall. The gym is run by Aman Anderson, a climbing coach and the inventor of the Grippūl and Grippūl Two. Intrigued by his finger training protocol, in late December I began loosely trying his recommendations—only, I switched up the protocol based on what I wanted to train and the desired effects. Anderson first came out with the Grippūl in 2016. (Since that time, three generations have been released, with the Grippūl Two, the latest, coming out in 2017.) The first iteration was similar to the original, only it had a wooden crimp, rather than resin, mounted on a plate with three rim-attachment points, rather than six. Anderson introduced the upgrades based on customer feedback, revising the bolting pattern, adding texture, and reducing the weight.
With the Grippūl Two, six rim holes allow for six different attachment points, making it easy to rotate the Grippūl for a different side of the Black Quad Crimp. There are also three threaded holes in the middle, allowing you to easily swap out holds of slightly different sizes. These features mean you can hang the Grippūl anywhere, use any grip type, and focus on training specific muscles and tendon tissues. Compared to a fingerboard, the Grippūl offers vastly more diversity.
Training Specificity
Lately, my go-to has been focusing on one-handed hangs, typically with the Black Quad Crimp’s 15-degree edge. Hanging the Grippūl from a bar means utilizing more stabilizing muscles, in comparison to using a mounted hangboard. You can take weight off with a pulley system and a small plate, or via a pulley system and a resistance band. By attaching a sling to the resistance band, and anchoring the band to the floor or a nearby bar, you can have accommodating resistance, meaning that you pull harder on the band for more weight off, or less hard for a more difficult set.
I like to alternate my one-handed hangs with a one-hand deadlift system, lifting weight off the ground using the Grippūl and Black Quad Crimp. You can also do this exercise with accommodating resistance by anchoring a resistance band to two points on the floor and then placing the weight underneath the resistance band at the band’s midpoint. You end up doing the same one-handed deadlift, but with the added resistance from the band, which increases as you lift everything higher off the ground. This method brings stabilizing muscles in your hand and wrist into play to control the weight, resulting in faster gains.
They say variety is the spice of life. I love that there are so many training options with the Grippūl Two. Plus, I’ve been getting progressively stronger—since using variations of the above routines for the last couple of months, I’ve been able to take three pounds off my assisted one-hand hangs. Within the first month of training with the Grippūl, I noticed small crimps felt much easier, and, although I wasn’t doing any on-the-wall endurance training at the time, my stamina while climbing seemed to have improved as well.
Applications
In addition to gym training, the Grippūl Two is excellent for warming up at the crag. You can attach it to a sling, anchoring the sling to a low draw or tree to warm up your fingers or activate them before a redpoint attempt. You can also attach the Grippūl to a resistance band—step on the band and do upward pulls. The 11-millimeter crimp comes in handy here, for ensuring your fingers are ready for the smaller crimps on your project.
The Black Quad Crimp is resin-based with a wood-like texture. It’s soft, smooth, and just slightly sticky. Given that I sometimes attach tons of weight to the Grippūl for my finger deadlifts, I’m thankful it’s not too rough on the skin.
At just $49, the Grippūl Two is very affordable (most hangboards are $80–150). Since it’s small and lightweight (15 ounces), you can take it anywhere, from the gym to the crag, and from your home wall to the backyard. Given that there are so many things you can use it for, the Grippūl Two has become my new favorite finger-training device, bar none.
