Rogue Dinnie ring set vs pinch blocks

This is a comparison between the Rogue Dinnie ring set and pinch blocks including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which grip strength tool to get from Rogue. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Rogue pinch blocks

This is an overview of the Rogue pinch blocks including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which grip strength tool to get from Rogue. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview of the Rogue pinch blocks

Price: $49-$62.50

The Rogue Pinch blocks are simple but effective. They come in three different sizes, 3x3,2x3, and 1.5x4. The thinner the block, the harder it is to hold onto. This is a simple tool that will improve your grip for a long time to come and has many applications. You can hold weights or hand from a rack as long as possible. As with all rogue products the finish is great and they hold chalk well.

Pros of the Rogue pinch blocks

The pros of the rogue pinch blocks are:

Cheap
versatile
Hardcore
Easy on the hands

The pinch blocks are relatively cheap and have a big impact on your grip strength. They are easy to use, as long as you know your way around a carabiner and a strap. Compared to other hardcore training tools for your grip, they are easier on the hands and less likely to rip your calluses and skin on the fingers.

Cons of the Rogue Pinch blocks

Cons of the Rogue pinch blocks are:

Not for beginners
Carabiner and strap setup

Pinch grip blocks are challenging and therefore not for beginners. If you consider buying without any prior experience in grip training, be prepared to get frustrated fast. In this case, you might be better off to get a set of low-level Captain of Crush grippers or the grandfather clock grips. The setup with a carabiner and strap is also not for everyone as it can be fiddly.

Alternatives to the Rogue pinch blocks

Alternatives to the rogue pinch locks are:

The cannonball and grandfather grip have roughly the same price. Both of them are easier for beginners than the Pinch blocks if you want to progress slowly. I personally see them as a set to be bought together to keep things interesting, but not everyone wants to invest that much money from the start for something they are not sure about.

If you prefer to work with a bar rather than an attachment to a random weight than the branch and beam are for you. The branch and beam are bars that have been made fat to be better for grip strength training. They are a good option to train lifts in strongman competitions like lifting wagon wheels or car axles.

Conclusion for the Rogue pinch blocks

The pinch blocks are a must for anyone serious about strength training. They are a good purchase together with the cannonball and grandfather grips. Be aware, that these are the more advanced options and that you will start humbled. With time, your hands will turn into beasts.

Overview and review of the Rogue Dinnie ring set

This is an overview of the Rogue dinnie ring set including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which grip strength tool to get from Rogue. Follow the links for more details.

Overview of the Dinnie ring set

Price: $45

The dinnie ring set is not for the faint-hearted. You will get bare metal rings which are anything but smooth. These have been modeled after the famous dinnie stones in Scotland which have been a legend to lift among strongmen for decades. As such they are handmade from metal and show their raw finish. The specifics of these rings are:

Strongman Rings - Grip Strength, Ring Lifting Exercises
Sold In Pairs
Hand-Forged in Logan, OH
American Steel construction
Large and Small Size Options
No 2 Rings are Identical

You will get two rings, one small, one big. Use them wisely.

Pros of the Dinnie ring set

Pros of the dinnie ring set:

Hardcore
Bets preparation for the dinnie ring lift

If you use these rings as handles for most of your lifts, you will not fail in competition on grip strength. Almost any kind of handle you will face in a strongman competition will be smoother and more forgiving on your hands unless it is an ancient metal like the handles of the dinnie stones themselves. If you want to lift these stones, the dinnie rings re also the best way to prepare for it.

Cons of the Dinnie ring set

Cons of the dinnie ring set:

Almost certain to rip a callus or two
Cumbersome setup

As these rings are not smooth and unfinished they will rip some calluses and hurt some hands. Just be sure that you have the kind of clients that take rawness over comfort in their training. Otherwise, you might get some puzzled looks or members canceling their subscription. As with most rings, it takes getting used to how to set up the straps and loop them to a carabiner to make it work.

Alternatives to the Dinnie ring set

Alternatives to the Dinnie ring set are:

The gymnastic wooden rings might be the better choice if you want round handles for some lifts, but be easy on the hands. These can also be used for several calisthenics exercises.

The Rogue echo rings are a more economical alternative to the gymnastic wood rings. If you buy in bulk these are the better option. If you buy for yourself tread you to the feel of wood. It's worth it.

If you are looking into the Dinnie rings for strongman purposes you can also opt for the Rogue ring power pin. This will be easier to set up for your lifts and be more forgiving on your hands.

Conclusion for the Dinnie ring set

The dinnie rings are a very specialized application of strength. They can be fun, but can also turn into a pain in the backside when you do not know how to use them. If you are already familiar with working with straps and carabiners on your strength training, this is a nice addition to your arsenal. If you aren't, stay way clear of them.