Rogue Multi-Grip cable attachment vs Pinch blocks

This is a comparison between the Multi grip cable attachment and the 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 Multi-Grip cable attachment

This is an overview of the Rogue Multi grip cable attachment 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 Multi-grip Attachment

Price: $175

The Rogue Multi-grip cable attachment is the big mamma of the cable attachments from Rogue. It weighs in at 25.5lb and is based on the multi-grip bar designs from Rogue. This cable attachment is a great tool for strongmen or powerlifters who like to train on the westside method and have push/pull days. In a strong gym, you will have fans. If you own a commercial gym with clients who are mainly focused on fitness and weight loss, then this attachment might be oversized. The full specifications are:

Made in the USA
Compatible with most Lat Pull Down / Low Row machines
Length: 48"
Width: 7" depth
Height: 8.25"
(8) Knurled Handles: 1.31" OD, spaced at 12" - 23.375" - 34.75" and 46.125"
(2) End Plates: 0.1875" laser cut steel w/ laser-cut Rogue logo on each
Black Carabiner included
Finish: Standard Textured Black Powder Coat

This is a well made, heavy-duty cable attachment where you get what you buy. In most gyms, it will mostly lie in the corner, unless you are massive yourself or have multiple towers to work with.

Pros of the Multi-grip Attachment

The pros of the Multi-grip cable attachment are:

Very wide grip possible
Grip variation on the usual stainless steel bar
Simulates strongman scenarios better

If you are big, you need bigger toys. That is just how it goes. The multi-grip attachment delivers just that. Compared to a usual stainless lat bar you can also work with a grip variation in very heavy pulls. The handles are also closer to anything that you might face when someone welded on a handle to a heavy object. A lot of fun to be had for $175.

Cons of the Multi-grip Attachment

The cons of the Multi-grip attachment are:

Very heavy
You probably already have a bar
Not versatile

If you are not big or use this in a fitness-focused gym it is quite heavy to get on the tower. Especially if you only have one or two for attachment are regularly swapped. If you have a four-way tower setup where you can permanently install it, it is a good option, but not when people have to lift it themselves. If you bought a lat pull machine chances are big that you already have a stainless steel bar. That is more than enough for most mortals, so why spend more money on the multi-grip attachment. If you buy more equipment you might look into a back widow or small handles that you can use to pull in different directions.

Alternatives to the Multi-grip Attachment

Alternatives to the Multi-grip cable attachment are:

The back widow can be a great addition to your gym line up or replace the Stainless lat bar you might already now. The back widow is versatile and can be used in many different configurations from wide to narrow including different hand positions. It can also be used as a T-Bar row handle for a barbell and deadlift jack. The only thing not to like about the back widow is the price of $300. A great option for a home gym with a dedicated user.

The Stainless lat bar is the standard lat bar from Rogue that comes with the CT1 or Monster lat pulldown machines. If you want more of these, lost the one that came with your purchase, or acquired a lat pull machine without a bar, this is the safe option.

A simple handle can also do wonders. These are usually $20-$30 and can be used for more applications than the Multi-grip Cable attachment. With a simple handle, you can use your pulley in many different directions. The only downside is that this is not made for very heavy pulls and is also not as much fun.

Conclusion for the Rogue Multi-grip cable attachment

This is a great option for very big athletes or for a commercial gym that wants to offer some variety on many different weight stack towers. Most home gym users who already own a lat pull-down will have a bar and not really have a need for this, unless for fun or as a nice treat for a birthday, Christmas, or another occasion as men always like their new toys.