Rolling Handles: Types and Brands
A rolling handle (also revolving or rotating handle) is a thick handle whose outer sleeve spins freely around a fixed core. Weight hangs from the core, usually on a loading pin, and the lifter pulls it with one hand. Because the sleeve turns, the load cannot settle into the fingers: any loss of grip pressure lets the handle roll out of the hand. That makes a rolling handle a much harsher support grip test than a fixed handle of the same diameter. The best-known model is IronMind's Rolling Thunder, introduced in 1993.
Key facts
- The sleeve revolves on bearings or bushings around a fixed core
- Main lift: the one-hand deadlift, usually from a loading pin
- Common diameter: about 60 mm (2-3/8 in), the size of the Rolling Thunder
- Results only compare on the same handle model and diameter
What makes them hard
On a fixed thick handle, the lifter can let the load pull the handle into the crease of the fingers and lock it there. A rolling handle removes that option. The fingers must squeeze hard enough to stop the sleeve turning for the whole lift, and the thumb, which cannot reach far around a thick handle, gives little help. Diameter adds to the difficulty: the thicker the handle, the less of it the hand can cover. How freely the sleeve spins matters too. A handle that binds under load trains an easier skill than one that turns freely, and it will not match a competition handle.
Models by maker
| Maker | Model | Diameter | Construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| IronMind | Rolling Thunder | 60 mm (2-3/8 in) | Revolving sleeve, 6 in rotating portion |
| Gods of Grip | Godlike Rolling Handle | 50, 60 or 76 mm | Bright zinc-plated steel |
| Gods of Grip | Omega Rolling Handle | 89 mm | Not stated |
| Gods of Grip | Essential Rolling Handle | 60 mm | Stainless steel body, nylon handle, bearings |
| Grip Genie | RGT ("Rolling Grip Thing") | 60 mm | Stainless steel body, nylon handle, ball bearings |
| Fat Bastard Barbell Co. | Crusher rotating handles | 1.5 to 4 in | Solid steel with bronze bushings |
| Arm Assassin Strength Shop | Napalm Nightmare 2.0, J Handle, Toproller | Various | Not stated |
IronMind Rolling Thunder. The handle is 2-3/8 inches (60 mm) thick and 7-1/2 inches long, of which 6 inches revolve. IronMind keeps world records for the one-hand deadlift on it under a published rule set. See IronMind Rolling Thunder.
Gods of Grip. The UK maker offers rolling handles from 50 mm to 89 mm. The 60 mm sizes match the Rolling Thunder's diameter, while the 76 mm Godlike and 89 mm Omega are much thicker.
Grip Genie RGT. A 60 mm handle on ball bearings, sold by Grip Genie alongside its grippers.
Fat Bastard Barbell Co. The Crusher rotating handles are solid steel turning on bronze bushings, made in sizes from 1.5 to 4 inches.
Arm Assassin Strength Shop. Arm Assassin's rotating implements include the Napalm Nightmare 2.0 handles, the Napalm One Hand Nightmare (a frame that takes the Nightmare 2.0 handles), a J Handle, the Toproller, and a children's set with a 1-1/4 inch rolling handle.
Contests set their own equipment. Armlifting USA, for example, includes a 2-inch rotating handle of the Rolling Thunder type among its implements. A lifter training for a particular event should train on the handle that event uses.
A rolling handle result is a result on that handle. Diameter, bearing type and length all change the lift, so records and personal bests should name the model.
Training
Rolling handles are trained much like other heavy single-arm pulls: low reps, full rest, and a few heavy singles. Timed holds at a submaximal weight build the ability to keep the sleeve still. Many lifters also use fixed thick handles and thick bars to build general support strength, then add the rolling handle as the specific test. For programming, see Support Grip: How to Train It.
Buying
When choosing a handle, check:
- Diameter, measured with calipers rather than taken from the label.
- Spin, loaded and unloaded. Grit or binding means worn or poor bearings.
- Loading: whether it hangs from a standard loading pin and clip, and whether those come with it. The Rolling Thunder's pin and clip are sold separately.
- Competition match: if you plan to compete, whether the event specifies a particular handle.
See also Evaluating Grip Equipment.
See also
- IronMind Rolling Thunder
- Support Grip: How to Train It
- Axle and Thick Bars
- Grip Equipment Makers
- A–Z of grip tools
Heavy one-hand pulls load the fingers, wrist and lower back unevenly. Learn the lift with light weights and see safety.
Sources
- IronMind, Rolling Thunder rules and records: https://ironmind.com/certification/rolling-thunder/
- Gods of Grip product catalogue: https://www.godsofgrip.com
- Grip Genie: https://www.gripgenie.com
- Fat Bastard Barbell Co., Crushers: http://www.fatbastardbarbellco.com/CRUSHERS.html
- Arm Assassin Strength Shop: https://www.armassassinstrengthshop.com