Gripmaster Pro Edition

I have two other gripmasters. On is medium (red) and the other is heavy (black). I use this primarily as a guitar player. I figured I'd get the pro version (extra heavy, 11lbs). It's ok I suppose. The different design is awkward. It's bulkier than the design of the others I have. I has a slightly cheaper feel. The spring loaded pads seem to knock against each other a bit and the bump design on the finger pads isn't as nice as the more concave design of the other models. I'm going to try the silver digi-flex (11lbs model). It looks to be the same design as the others. This gripmaster pro is certainly usable, but when you're used to the standard models (which I still use) this just feels strange to use.EDIT:Well, I'm modifying my review. I've had this for a while and I also got a digi-flex (11 lbs). The digi-flex maintains the thinner design, but it's not as smooth as I thought it would be. This gripmaster is actually very nice to use. I was originally put off by the bulkier design, but in fairness it works very well. I could probably give this 5 stars just as easily as 4. Maybe I'll say 4.5!

This is a great exerciser to keep your fingers (really your hand muscles) in good shape. I pretty much type all day, but do a lot of high dexterity physical work on the weekends/nights (ie working on cars, soldering, building whatever, climbing, hiking, etc). This not only keeps my hands strong, and hoping to ward off arthritis, it is also a pleasant break for my hands after hours of programming. They give you many different examples of how to hold it and use which fingers to use at a time. A buddy of mine recently broke his pinky finger and part of the physical therapy recommended a device to exercise - I showed him this - and it has greatly helped him through his recovery.

After having Carpal Tunnel AND Cubital Tunnel surgery at the same time, my surgeon said to take all the wrap off and start moving my arm and wrist within 3 days after surgery so it wouldn't not stiffen up...he said let pain be your guide. I didn't start using the Gripmaster until stitches were taken out 10 days later. I originally bought the 7 pound Gripmaster at REI. Great for my good hand, but a little tough for my weak hand (more repetitions are better for rehabilitation). So I decided to order the 5 pound Gripmaster from Amazon (less expensive too). Tension was perfect. Once I build up strength over time, I'll switch over to my 7 pound device. The only issue is that when squeezing, I wish the black rubber material were softer on the palm side. It tends to dig-in to the tender lower palm area and I have to stop due to pressure from the unit, not because of weakness in my hand. In other words, if it were softer, I would be able to squeeze many more reps! Other than that, its about the only thing out there that works your fingers individually (there is another mfgr, but it looked like it wouldn't work as well). I would have given the product 5 stars if the palm cushioning were softer.FYI...the median nerve travels through the carpal tunnel in your wrist, affects your thumb, forefinger and middle finger and half of your ring finger...you'll have weakness and pins and needles feeling if you have the "syndrome". Cubital tunnel is in your elbow (radial nerve, aka "funny bone" which affects your little finger and half of your ring finger. So individual finger exercising is best for total recovery. Take it from me, I've had both surgeries and thankfully I'm progressing much faster and better than expected! Gripmaster is a must.

I wanted a product to strengthen my fingers and grip. This product does both. You can squeeze with all your fingers for the grip or just individually press with each finger. It is built well and holding up so far. I use it while on the computer changing back and forth between hands. It seems to relax me as well. I would buy again. I bought the blue light tension version which is perfect for me. If you already have strong hands I would go up higher in tension.

I work out regularly and recently started doing exercises to strengthen my hands and forearms. I found this and thought it would be a good way to work out my hands and fingers but when I got it the device was so easy to squeeze it's hard to believe any of the reviews praising how good it works. There is absolutely no resistance to work out any muscles in the hand or fingers and I can't understand why it has gotten such a good rating. If you read the description it tells how much resistance each finger should have (in pounds) but there is no way it could be accurate. This would be a great thing to use if it actually worked the muscles with any type of tension. It is small, convenient to carry around, durable, and seems to be put together well and that's the only reason why I didn't give it one star. It was a waste of money!