A lot of strongman competitors are at the top of the charts in grip strength and the latest to make his mark in a big way is Brad Ardey, who has just been certified on the Captains of Crush (CoC) No. 3.5 gripper.


“I hit grip pretty hard when training strongman,” Brad Ardrey told IronMind, and proving that it works, the 6’ 2” 270 lb. strongman competitor has just been certified on the Captains of Crush No. 3.5 gripper.  IronMind® | Photo courtesy of Brad Ardrey.


Ardrey has been training strongman for about 10 years he told IronMind, “I heard about the CoC grippers from Steve Slater with Slater’s Hardware.  I was immediately attracted to them.I believe I was able to close a #2 the first time I tried it.

“Grip work has become a huge part of my training over the past 6 months and it has shown.   I used to only train grip here and there as needed for strongman, now I specifically set aside events twice a week to work on my grip.

“I train grip twice a week. One medium intensity day in the gym, and a more intense training during strongman training. I usually hit grippers once a week.

“I remember closing the [CoC] #3 for the first time late 2008, so I trained it hard and certified on it during the Arnold Classic in 2009.  I hit grip pretty hard when training strongman, I have been training strongman for about 10 years now.

Brad’s official attempt took place at TEAM BOSS (Brothers of Stone & Steel), where he has been training strongman for 10 years.  Andrew Durniat (himself certified on the Captains of Crush No. 3.5 gripper) told IronMind, “Success. 3rd attempt and then 3 more solid closes to follow.  Great energy at Team BOSS.”

And what might the near future hold for Brad?   Talking about his goals, he said, “What else but to get stronger and certify on the COC #4! & win The 2013 North American Strongman National Championships.”

Many thanks to Andrew lending his expert eye to Brad’s official attempt, and congratulations, Brad - it’s official and your name has been added to the Captains of Crush No. 3.5 gripper certification list.

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