Customer Reviews
well-made and well worth it! 
2007-09-25
Captain of Crush is the gold standard of hand grippers. But this item (the #2) is not the place to start, even for a long-time strength training buff! If the 55-60 pound so-called extra-strength grippers at the chain Sports Shop are so easy you can squeeze them shut with two fingers and a snicker, go for the #1. If you aren't able to do that, start with the C of C Sport or Trainer.
Do it right (manufacturer IronMind sends instructions which do not include using these for hundreds of reps or every day!) and work up over time to the Number 2. If you can bring the #1.5's bottom ends together with proper form for several reps you are ready for this product.
When you are--you will NOT be disappointed. It is high quality, sturdy, and will last and last. Consider some other IronMind products (bands, gripper balls, etc.) if you really want to focus on your grip. But trust me--just getting competent at the #2 will give you a better grip than 99.99% of the population!
I have been strength training for 36 years and yet discovering Captain of Crush grippers a couple years back was a leap forward. If you are ready and know what you are doing--go for the #2, get your arms ripped!
CoC #2 2007-09-18
Really well made product. Captains of Crush are the standard for grip strength. If you can close the #2, you've got quite a strong grip.
Gripper is Addictive 2007-05-01
I've had the #1 for 7 years now and it still works as great as ever. I rep it in the car and have developed crushing strength over the years using the crusher in my car or office. You have to use W240 once a week or so because it squeaks. Once you can rep the #1 30 times or so, it's time to get the #2. Now that I'm repping the #2, I'm thinking about getting a 2.5 or a 3. Believe me, these crushers are addictive.
Make sure to avoid the temptation to rep the crusher partially. Make the tips touch and then you're getting true crusher strength. Mixed martial arts fighters will benefit mostly from this gripping strength, but of course any athlete will be at an advantage.
Tough 2005-09-21
Definitely not the gripper to start with. This gripper takes 195 lbs. of pressure to close and you will feel every bit of it. I was searching for a durable quality gripper that took some power to close. I figured that I would have no problem closing the Trainer and figured I would buy the Trainer and the #1 gripper. Glad I bought the Trainer. The Level 1 is pretty tough to close and I like to do it a few times then go work on the Trainer. Finally I progressed to the #2. I just received mine 2 weeks ago but I know it'll be a while before I master it.
As for quality like Mr. Baotic said, these are high quality. Now that I have two I want the whole set. I've heard people complain that the grips are a little rough, mine weren't that sharp so I have a feeling each unit is different. I understand the theory that they are rougher so they don't slip when you sweat. Like I said I haven't had a problem with them. If you want a quality, durable, gripper buy from the Captain's of Crush line. I know I will never go back.
If you are really interested there is a process to get certified for closing the 3rd gripper. I know that's my goal. If you are from the Northwest there is an independent site that certifies people that close the second one and on. It's definitely something to work towards.
The Ferrari of Hand Grips!!! 2004-12-24
If you are really serious about hand grips, and you want something that is not your standard sport shop model, this is where to go. I got the Trainer, and for someone like myself that has been using hand grips since childhood, it was too easy. Then I got #1 and that was tuff; but I decided to get #2 and #3 as well. I have just recently graduated from #1 and using #2, and maybe in a year or more I can go to #3 and get certified.
Let me tell you this, if you can squeeze #2 at least once all the way, you are good. You can't really understand what I am trying to tell unless you get one. So if you are person that has never used hand grips regularly if at all, then go with the Trainer. If you have been using hand grips for awhile, and looking for something harder, then get the #1.
Remember to always squeeze hard!!!
Captains of Crush No. 2 
2008-04-02
I have a C of C No. 1. I was able to close it a few times when I first got it and then went up to about 12 reps. I then bought the No. 2. I have had it almost a month and I still cannot close it completely. There is a big jump in level of effort between the No. 1 and the No. 2. I am considering getting the 1.5.
Wow. 2008-02-09
I still can't close this one, but that has nothing to do with the quality of this product. There is absolutely no other gripper that even remotely compares in quality. It's amazing.
It's all been said 2008-01-05
Great product. Does what it says. Do yourself a favor and buy these because you cannot get COC certified with anything else. And who wouldn't want to be certified in a category similar to Magnus Samuelsson and other strong men?
Actually when I got my #2 I was able to close it once the first time. Do yourself a favor like someone already mentioned, have #1 mastered by being able to do several sets of 10 of #1 or at least close to it. My personal goal is to close #3 some day and maybe beyond.
Do Not Start Here!! 2007-12-08
My personal COC grip strength progression has gone as follows.
COC Sport, COC Trainer, COC #1, and now, the COC #2. I have a #2.5 on order and I already own a #3 just for grins; keep in mind, the #3 is light years away from the #2.
Had I started with the #2 (as was suggested to me by an "expert") not only would I not have been able to close it to begin with, but my grip likely wouldn't have developed nearly as strong as it is today, having followed the proper progression.
There are a lot of people who think they should start with the #2.
Really, unless you're an absolute freak-of-nature beast- don't.
The #2 is the threshold for 'exceptional' hand strength. Once you get here, you can bet the farm that your hand strength is going to be superior to most any random person off the street. After conquering the #2, you can decide if you want to continue on the journey and shoot for "world class" hand strength via the #3.
As others have said, the COC #2 is just like all the other COC grippers. Top quality, super durable and high performance.
Incredible, Indestructible, Addictive 2007-12-05
As another reviewer put it, the Ferrari of hand-grips. I was tempted to call it the Cadillac of hand-grips but now that I think about it, that just wouldn't do it justice. These grips are solidly constructed, 100% metal with knurled gripping surfaces and easy to read engraving so you can tell which tension you've picked up (I own several tensions). I've tried every brand I've come across, and these are the best. They don't break, they don't slip, they're consistent and they are available in bone crushing tension levels and many stages between beginner and pro.
