I couldn't close the #1 the first time I tried it.
I started with a trainer and have since got the #1, #2, #2.5, and #3. The trainer and #1 are basically toys now, I use them for warmups and specialized crushes, like with only a few fingers. The #2 I can close routinely in my right and left hand with almost no set at all. #2.5 I just missed with my right and left hands from a more narrow set. The #3... well, that thing sucks! I use it for negatives, but its even hard to get close with two hands.
There's tons of good advice at gripboard.com, but some of the best bits were:
- Train with your target gripper. If you are trying to close the #3, make sure you are doing negatives and such with the #3.
- Don't overdo it. My hands and knuckles would hurt for days cause I got overzealous with grip work (not just CoC grippers)
- Primarily singles are the way to go for training grippers. Lots of 'em.
I think Dan has closed the #3, I'm sure he has some more tips.
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