Rogue power pin vs grandfather clock grip
This is a comparison between the Rogue power pin and grandfather clock grip 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 Grandfather clock grip system
This is an overview of the Rogue Grandfather clock grip system 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 Grandfather Clock grip system
Price: $56.50
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Made in the USA
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Length: 6"
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Diameter: 1.875"
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Steel tube with welded loop
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Available to order with Rogue Grip System (straps and carabiners)
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Color: Black
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Knurling: None
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Applications: Towel Grip Pull-Ups, Farmer’s Carries, and more
This is a great addition to any gym framed by the rogue grip system. Ideally, you get all components in the set.
Pros of the Grandfather clock grip system
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Versatile
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Easy to use
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Cheap
Compared to other options to train your strength, the
grandfather clock grip is relatively cheap. It can also be attached to various weights or
racks using the strap and carabiner system from Rogue. This makes it easy to use, install, and transport. Not a lot you can do wrong with these.
Cons of the grandfather clock grip system
The
grandfather clock system is a great way to simulate
rope climbs if you have low ceilings. Still, they are not a
rope and therefore provide only a simulation and not the real thing. The grips will also be quite wobbly. If you don’t like this in your training go with an alternative that is attached to the
rack like the
spheres or the
crown pull up bar. Apart from all of this, if you have a big gym, travel a lot, or have a lot of people using these grips, it is easy to lose them.
Alternatives to the grandfather clock grip system
The
Rogue climbing cross-member simulates a
climbing wall on your
rogue rack. A couple of these will work best when installed on a longer rig or daisy-chained
racks. This setup is only minimally more expensive at $85 and provides stable grips which will be more challenging for your finger strength. This is the better option when you want to train for actual climbing and you do not want to get every tool under the sun.
A
climbing rope is a classic tool to train grip and arm strength. A good
rope climber always has a strong grip, too. When I used to do Judo semi-professionally we always ended the session with ten
ropes in camp. They are a great tool as long as you have a high ceiling. If you do not have a high ceiling or want to avoid heights, then the
grandfather grips are an alternative, but no replacement for the real thing.
The
crown pull up bar is the best pull up attachment you can get for your
rack. In terms of value for money, you get many different grip variations for only $225. If you were to buy all the attachments to get to the same amount of variety you would pay more. You will get narrow, wide, and neutral pull-up setups and two different sized
spheres.
The
cannonball and
pinch blocks are better options if you already have a
climbing rope and want to save money. I see the
pinch blocks,
cannonball grips, and
grandfather as a whole to be bought together and not separately. However, that can bring the bill to $300 -$500, which not everyone is willing to pay. If you get the whole set for your home gym, you will not regret it as it is versatile and keeps grip training interesting.
Conclusion for the grandfather clock grip system
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.