Comparing Edits

Old version by Gripperpedia Admin on 2024-10-10 10:31:59 compared to new version by GripperBot on 2026-09-17 06:56:37

Old Version New Version
1# Robert Baraban 1# Robert Baraban
2 2
3## Status 3**Robert Baraban** is an Austrian maker of fixed-resistance and adjustable hand grippers. Baraban grippers have been sold since 2003 and are known for a large number of resistance levels, handle finishes and production variations.[^1] New grippers and other grip-strength equipment are currently sold by Robert Baraban GmbH in Traun, Austria.[^2]
4 4
5- **Active**: Making and selling new grippers currently. 5![Robert Baraban RB 160 with chrome handles](https://cannonpowerworks.com/cdn/shop/files/95RB160CHROME_150x150.jpg?v=1755035344)
6 6
7- **Homepage**:https://shop.handgripper.net/aluminium-handgripper-with-chrome-spring.html7*RB 160 with chrome-plated handles. Photograph: Cannon PowerWorks.[^1]*
8
9- **Maker:** Robert Baraban
10- **Country:** Austria
11- **Introduced:** 2003
12- **Products:** Fixed-resistance torsion-spring grippers and adjustable grippers
13- **Status:** Active
14- **Official shop:** [shop.handgripper.net](https://shop.handgripper.net/)
15
16## History
17
18Cannon PowerWorks dates the line to 2003 and describes the grippers as hand-built in Baraban's one-person Austrian workshop.[^1] A GripBoard discussion from December 2003 documents an early group of models already in collectors' hands: the RB 210, 240, 260, 300, 300N and 330.[^3] Those model numbers should not be treated as a complete catalog, but they provide a dated record of the young brand and show that the historical range differed from the range sold today.
19
20The current fixed-resistance range distributed by Cannon PowerWorks contains ten levels: **RB 70, 100, 130, 160, 180, 210, 250, 300, 330 and 365**.[^4] Older discussions and surviving collections also document such names as RB 240, RB 260, RB 300N and RB 400.[^3][^5] A historical model appearing in a collection therefore does not necessarily remain in regular production.
21
22## Model numbers and actual difficulty
23
24The number in an RB model name is a nominal designation, not a modern RGC rating. Cannon PowerWorks explains that Baraban's original 2003 poundage estimates were intended to fit alongside IronMind's estimated difficulty scale. As a current example, Cannon lists the **RB 160** at an average of about **95 lb RGC**—not 160 lb RGC.[^1]
25
26RGC measurements describe an individual specimen under a particular rating procedure. Spring dimensions, spread, mounting depth and manufacturing variation can all influence the result. Model names are therefore useful for ordering the series, but should not be converted directly into another brand's level or assumed to predict the exact rating of one gripper.
27
28## Current fixed-resistance range
29
30| Model | Currently listed finishes |
31|---|---|
32| RB 70 | Aluminum, amber |
33| RB 100 | Aluminum, chrome, crimson |
34| RB 130 | Aluminum, chrome, lilac |
35| RB 160 | Aluminum, chrome, cerulean |
36| RB 180 | Aluminum, chrome, cyan |
37| RB 210 | Aluminum, chrome, teal |
38| RB 250 | Aluminum, chrome, scarlet |
39| RB 300 | Aluminum, chrome, onyx |
40| RB 330 | Aluminum, chartreuse |
41| RB 365 | Aluminum, bronze |
42
43This table records Cannon PowerWorks' current catalog and may change as colors or stock rotate.[^4]
44
45## Handles, finishes and spread
46
47Current grippers appear in three broad handle treatments. Cannon describes plain **aluminum** versions as having aggressive knurling, **chrome-plated** versions as having fine knurling, and colored **anodized** versions as using a medium knurl.[^4] The colored finish is part of the model's appearance, not an independent guarantee of resistance.
48
49The chrome RB 160 listing specifies a spread of approximately **70–75 mm**.[^1] Period owners also noted that some RB examples were wider than contemporary Captains of Crush grippers.[^6] Spread and knurl can vary by model, finish and production period, so photographs and measurements are more reliable for cataloging a particular specimen than the handle color alone.
50
51Baraban has produced numerous combinations of aluminum, chrome-plated, blackened, brass-colored and anodized handles and different spring finishes. An early 2003 collection, for example, included silver-colored, black and brass-handled examples.[^3] These variations are part of the brand's history and explain why two authentic RB grippers bearing the same model number may not look identical.
52
53## Earlier and special versions
54
55Early model numbers did not perfectly match the present lineup. The RB 240 and RB 260 filled intermediate positions in the first documented range, while **N** was used on at least the RB 300N.[^3] The extremely difficult **RB 400** is documented in a 2008 GripBoard discussion and in surviving collections.[^5]
56
57Period reports also show that individual grippers could overlap in difficulty. This is especially important at the highest levels, where an unusually hard RB 365 could approach an RB 400. Such reports document particular specimens rather than an official factory calibration and should not be generalized to every example.[^5]
58
59Colored “Spectrum” examples and fully chrome-plated versions also appear in collector discussions. Because Baraban has offered many finish combinations over time, a useful collection record should include the model marking, handle material and color, spring finish, spread, knurling and any original packaging.
60
61## Baraban Adjustable
62
63The **Baraban Adjustable** uses a scissor-like frame intended to reproduce the closing motion of a torsion-spring gripper.[^7] Resistance is changed by moving the spring contacts among holes in the arms rather than buying a separate fixed gripper for every step.
64
65The current version is made from chromed steel with knurled handles and is supplied with two springs. Cannon PowerWorks describes the lighter spring as covering approximately **25–115 lb** across its settings and the heavier, gold-plated spring as covering approximately **60–250 lb**.[^7] These are seller-stated resistance ranges, not RGC equivalents.
66
67The adjustable is useful for small progressions, repeated work and training above or below a user's collection of fixed grippers. Its frame, leverage and handle geometry differ from a conventional torsion gripper, so a setting should not be presented as identical to closing a fixed RB model.
68
69## Identification and documenting a specimen
70
71A useful record of an RB gripper should include:
72
73- The exact model marking
74- Handle material, color and knurling
75- Spring color or plating
76- Handle spread measured at a stated point
77- Spring-wire diameter, if measured accurately
78- Mounting depth and visible construction details
79- Packaging, retailer label and purchase date when known
80- A calibrated rating only when the method and rater are identified
81
82Original packaging varies. In a 2025 GripBoard discussion, Cannon PowerWorks explained that some large factory blister packs could abrade anodized handles in transit, so the retailer sometimes substituted protective bubble wrap.[^8] Packaging differences alone are therefore not proof that a gripper is counterfeit or incomplete.
83
84## Collecting and rating context
85
86Robert Baraban grippers are especially useful for studying how nominal model numbers, finish changes and individual spring variation interact. GripperVault records rated examples and photographs contributed by collectors, while Cannon PowerWorks publishes averages for current stock.[^1][^9] Neither should be mistaken for a permanent factory specification: a database entry describes the submitted specimen, and a retailer average describes the sample the retailer measured.
87
88For historical examples, contemporary forum posts are valuable evidence when they are dated and accompanied by measurements or photographs. Subjective statements that one gripper “feels like” another brand are less reliable and are best treated as owner impressions.
89
90## External resources
91
92- [Official Robert Baraban shop](https://shop.handgripper.net/)
93- [Cannon PowerWorks Robert Baraban collection](https://cannonpowerworks.com/collections/baraban-handgrippers)
94- [2003 GripBoard discussion documenting early models](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/6413-rb-grippers/)
95- [2008 discussion of the RB 400 and high-level variation](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/29121-robert-baraban-400/)
96- [GripperVault gripper database](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers)
97- [Wayback Machine captures of handgripper.net](https://web.archive.org/web/*/https://www.handgripper.net/)
98
99[^1]: Cannon PowerWorks, "[RB 160 (Chrome)](https://cannonpowerworks.com/products/rb-160-chrome)," current product specifications and company history.
100[^2]: Robert Baraban GmbH, [official shop](https://shop.handgripper.net/), current catalog and business contact information, accessed 2026.
101[^3]: GripBoard, "[RB Grippers](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/6413-rb-grippers/)," December 30, 2003; contemporary owner inventory and finish descriptions.
102[^4]: Cannon PowerWorks, "[Robert Baraban](https://cannonpowerworks.com/collections/baraban-handgrippers)," current model and finish catalog.
103[^5]: GripBoard, "[Robert Baraban 400](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/29121-robert-baraban-400/)," 2008; owner discussion of RB 365 and RB 400 specimens.
104[^6]: GripBoard, "[RB Grippers](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/13894-rb-grippers/)," April 2005; contemporary observations on RB 160 and RB 210 spread and construction.
105[^7]: Cannon PowerWorks, "[Baraban Adjustable](https://cannonpowerworks.com/products/baraban-adjustable)," construction and resistance-range description.
106[^8]: Cannon PowerWorks reply in GripBoard, "[RB Grippers Back in Stock](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/68295-rb-grippers-back-in-stock/page/2/)," 2025; explanation of retailer packaging.
107[^9]: GripperVault, [gripper database](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers), collector photographs and specimen records.

Back to Page