Rogue power pin vs Dinnie ring set
This is a comparison between the Rogue power pin and the 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 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:
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Strongman Rings - Grip Strength, Ring Lifting Exercises
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Sold In Pairs
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Hand-Forged in Logan, OH
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American Steel construction
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Large and Small Size Options
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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:
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Hardcore
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:
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Almost certain to rip a callus or two
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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
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.
Overview and review of the Rogue power pin
This is an overview of the Rogue power pin 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 Rogue power pin
Price: $136.50
The Rogue Power pin is a simple tool for narrow grip deadlifts like the power stairs or duck walks. It is mainly a tool for strongmen training and can also be used to improve your grip in general. It can be loaded up to 500lbs and there is also a ring attachment for it for $50. This is a practical, small tool to especially train weight holds in your home gym or simulate some strongman events. The full specifications are:
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Made in America
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Diameter: 1.96" loading pin, 4.5" ring
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Length: 12" loadable length
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Weight:12.5LB, 500+LB weight capacity
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10 holes spaced 1” on center for an adjustable height range of 19.75” to 28.75”
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Black Powder Coat Finish
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Available as Fully Assembled Unit or Just Handle (for use with original Rogue Power Pin)
A small amount of money well spent to put some variety into your deadlift training.
Pros of the Rogue power pin
Good price
Simple effective tool
Good finish
With these kinds of tools, it is all about making them easy to use and fit well with the plates. Rogue did a good job on the detail which otherwise can turn something simple into something useless. If you are considering a trap bar a power pin is cheaper and more fun to use.
Cons of the rogue power pin
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Only loadable to 500lbs
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Not versatile
The power pin can only be loaded to 500lb. While this is more than enough for most humans, this is a tool that will also raise interest for the strongest among us. They may want something that can take even more weight. In addition, the only thing you will do with the power pin is to pull something off the floor. For $140 you have other options like jumping ropes or slam balls that can be used in more ways.
Alternatives to the Rogue power pin
The rogue trap bar would be another way to vary your deadlift and grip training. A trap bar would still enable you to lift the weight with your arms outside the legs. This is usually a better variation for beginners. A trap bar can also be loaded with more weight. Downsides to a trap bar are the bigger price tag and space requirements.
The anvil grip attachment is an interesting twist on deadlifts and holds. You will need a power pin to make it work but it will be worth it. It is shaped like a cone and comes in two different colors, black, and chrome. This is a great tool to collect with other grip strength utensils to let nothing escape your hands.
If you want to get your core more rigid to be able to pick up things from the ground faster and stronger you can also get a decently sized MK D-ball. For the budget of the power pin, you can get a 40lb to 50lb ball. This leaves with more options for carries, slams, ball to shoulders, and similar exercises. The downside is that the ball can not be adjusted for weight and trains your grip less.
The dinnie rings are more an accessory to the power pin rather than an alternative. The dinnie rings in combination with two pins are probably the best way to simulate the famous Scottish stone lift at home and prepare for it.
Conclusion for the Rogue power pin
The rogue power pin is a cost and space-efficient way to mix up your deadlift and grip training if you already have the necessary plates. If you are only starting your grip strength journey you might be better off buying pinch blocks and cannonballs to start as you will not need Kanye’s to make them work.
