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Old version by GripperBot on 2026-09-17 06:08:07 compared to new version by GripperBot on 2026-09-17 06:08:25

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1# Atomgripz 1# Atomgripz
2 2
3**Atomgripz** is a British torsion-spring gripper brand made by Lloyd Kelley. It is distinguished by a numbered "band" system and by extensive made-to-order options. The brand had an original production period in the early 2010s, disappeared from regular availability for roughly a decade, and returned with a new range by 2024.[^1][^2] 3**Atomgripz** is a British torsion-spring gripper brand made by Lloyd Kelley. It is distinguished by a numbered "band" system and by extensive made-to-order options. The brand had an original production period in the early 2010s, disappeared from regular availability for roughly a decade, and returned with a new range by 2024.[^1][^2]
4 4
5- **Status:** Active 5- **Status:** Active
6- **Maker:** Lloyd Kelley, United Kingdom 6- **Maker:** Lloyd Kelley, United Kingdom
7- **Official site:** [atomgripz.com](https://atomgripz.com/) 7- **Official site:** [atomgripz.com](https://atomgripz.com/)
8- **Related page:** [Atomgripz Certification](/Gripper_Certifications/Atomgripz_Certification) 8- **Related page:** [Atomgripz Certification](/Gripper_Certifications/Atomgripz_Certification)
9 9
10![AtomGripz 303Z Reaper with narrow spread and extra-low spring mount](https://www.grippervault.com/uploads/users/35/grippers/6a81bec68998c.jpg) 10![AtomGripz 303Z Reaper with narrow spread and extra-low spring mount](https://www.grippervault.com/uploads/users/35/grippers/6a81bec68998c.jpg)
11 11
12*AtomGripz 303Z Reaper, 2025. Photo courtesy of GripperVault user degradated.[^3]* 12*AtomGripz 303Z Reaper, 2025. Photo courtesy of GripperVault user degradated.[^3]*
13 13
14## History 14## History
15 15
16### Original production period 16### Original production period
17 17
18Atomgripz was established by at least 2011. Contemporary material described a range from the introductory 1-Band through the 6-Band Reaper. The number of bands provided the model name and a visible indication of the intended difficulty.[^4][^5] 18Atomgripz was established by at least 2011. Contemporary material described a range from the introductory 1-Band through the 6-Band Reaper. The number of bands provided the model name and a visible indication of the intended difficulty.[^4][^5]
19 19
20The brand was already connected to the organized grip community. The Atomgripz Cup was scheduled for June 18, 2011 at David Horne's Grip Factory in Stafford, England.[^6] A separate charity raffle that year offered a mirror-finished Atomgripz gripper with 24-carat gold plating, along with a 1-Band gripper and colored keyring versions. This is an early record of the decorative finishes and miniature format that later reappeared in the revived product line.[^7] 20The brand was already connected to the organized grip community. The Atomgripz Cup was scheduled for June 18, 2011 at David Horne's Grip Factory in Stafford, England.[^6] A separate charity raffle that year offered a mirror-finished Atomgripz gripper with 24-carat gold plating, along with a 1-Band gripper and colored keyring versions. This is an early record of the decorative finishes and miniature format that later reappeared in the revived product line.[^7]
21 21
22Contemporary advertising called the 6-Band model **The Reaper** and compared it with a Captains of Crush No. 4.2 to No. 4.6. That comparison was a promotional claim rather than an RGC measurement, but the Reaper name remains in use in the modern range.[^4] 22Contemporary advertising called the 6-Band model **The Reaper** and compared it with a Captains of Crush No. 4.2 to No. 4.6. That comparison was a promotional claim rather than an RGC measurement, but the Reaper name remains in use in the modern range.[^4]
23 23
24### Production interruption 24### Production interruption
25 25
26Public records do not establish one precise date or a single cause for the original line ending. GripBoard discussions in 2012 documented trouble with an anodizing contractor and, later that year, delayed orders and difficulty contacting the maker.[^8][^9] Follow-up posts in early 2013 referred to hopes for Lloyd's recovery and for Atomgripz to return.[^9] 26Public records do not establish one precise date or a single cause for the original line ending. GripBoard discussions in 2012 documented trouble with an anodizing contractor and, later that year, delayed orders and difficulty contacting the maker.[^8][^9] Follow-up posts in early 2013 referred to hopes for Lloyd's recovery and for Atomgripz to return.[^9]
27 27
28By May 2022, collectors were describing Atomgripz as no longer available.[^10] The surviving discussions indicate a prolonged interruption rather than a continuous production history. 28By May 2022, collectors were describing Atomgripz as no longer available.[^10] The surviving discussions indicate a prolonged interruption rather than a continuous production history.
29 29
30### Return 30### Return
31 31
32Atomgripz returned by early 2024. A March 2024 training log recorded receipt of the new 303Z line, and later reviews compared newly produced examples with grippers from the original run.[^11][^1] Participants familiar with the earlier brand described the return as following an absence of about ten years.[^1] 32Atomgripz returned by early 2024. A March 2024 training log recorded receipt of the new 303Z line, and later reviews compared newly produced examples with grippers from the original run.[^11][^1] Participants familiar with the earlier brand described the return as following an absence of about ten years.[^1]
33 33
34The revived business retained the band numbering and Reaper name while placing greater emphasis on made-to-order construction. Current buyers can specify handle spread, spring mounting depth, knurling, handle material and finish.[^2] 34The revived business retained the band numbering and Reaper name while placing greater emphasis on made-to-order construction. Current buyers can specify handle spread, spring mounting depth, knurling, handle material and finish.[^2]
35 35
36## Band system 36## Band system
37 37
38For a standard spread and spring mount, Atomgripz publishes the following basic ratings:[^12] 38For a standard spread and spring mount, Atomgripz publishes the following basic ratings:[^12]
39 39
40| Model | Maker's nominal rating | 40| Model | Maker's nominal rating |
41|---|---:| 41|---|---:|
42| 1-Band | 55 lb / 25 kg | 42| 1-Band | 55 lb / 25 kg |
43| 2-Band | 80 lb / 36 kg | 43| 2-Band | 80 lb / 36 kg |
44| 3-Band | 130 lb / 59 kg | 44| 3-Band | 130 lb / 59 kg |
45| 4-Band | 160 lb / 72 kg | 45| 4-Band | 160 lb / 72 kg |
46| 5-Band | 220 lb / 100 kg | 46| 5-Band | 220 lb / 100 kg |
47| 6-Band | 310 lb / 140 kg | 47| 6-Band | 310 lb / 140 kg |
48 48
49These figures are reference points for standard configurations, not calibrated ratings for every specimen. Atomgripz notes that spread and mounting choices can make adjacent band levels overlap. The company gives a wide 3-Band and a narrow 4-Band as examples that can both be built near 150 pounds.[^12] 49These figures are reference points for standard configurations, not calibrated ratings for every specimen. Atomgripz notes that spread and mounting choices can make adjacent band levels overlap. The company gives a wide 3-Band and a narrow 4-Band as examples that can both be built near 150 pounds.[^12]
50 50
51Community rating data show how large the difference can be. One 2024 6-Band recorded in GripperVault was rated at 355 RGC.[^13] A customized 2025 303Z Reaper with a 42 mm spread and extra-low mount was rated at 175 RGC.[^3] Those records should not be read as typical ratings for every 6-Band. They demonstrate why the exact spread, mount and individual rating matter when identifying a modern Atomgripz. 51Community rating data show how large the difference can be. One 2024 6-Band recorded in GripperVault was rated at 355 RGC.[^13] A customized 2025 303Z Reaper with a 42 mm spread and extra-low mount was rated at 175 RGC.[^3] Those records should not be read as typical ratings for every 6-Band. They demonstrate why the exact spread, mount and individual rating matter when identifying a modern Atomgripz.
52 52
53Cannon PowerWorks has also warned that very hard 6-Band grippers can exceed 300 RGC and that rating smooth-handled examples may create strap-slippage hazards.[^14] 53Cannon PowerWorks has also warned that very hard 6-Band grippers can exceed 300 RGC and that rating smooth-handled examples may create strap-slippage hazards.[^14]
54 54
55## Construction and customization 55## Construction and customization
56 56
57The current range includes classic aluminum handles as well as 303 stainless steel, brass and copper versions. Offered finishes have included mirror polish, carbon-grey steel and 24-carat gold plating.[^2] Modern community reviews also document normal or extreme knurling, narrow or standard spreads, and custom spring mounts.[^1] 57The current range includes classic aluminum handles as well as 303 stainless steel, brass and copper versions. Offered finishes have included mirror polish, carbon-grey steel and 24-carat gold plating.[^2] Modern community reviews also document normal or extreme knurling, narrow or standard spreads, and custom spring mounts.[^1]
58 58
59A 2024 comparison illustrates the material difference. A five-band 303Z gripper was reported at 535 grams, while a new five-band spring mounted in original old-stock aluminum handles weighed 323 grams.[^1] Weight is not a direct measure of closing difficulty, but it makes the stainless model feel substantially different in hand. 59A 2024 comparison illustrates the material difference. A five-band 303Z gripper was reported at 535 grams, while a new five-band spring mounted in original old-stock aluminum handles weighed 323 grams.[^1] Weight is not a direct measure of closing difficulty, but it makes the stainless model feel substantially different in hand.
60 60
61One made-to-order 3-Band was requested with a 65 mm spread, arrived at the specified width, and later measured 103 RGC by Gods of Grip.[^15] This is a useful example of the revived brand's custom-production approach and of why band count alone does not fully describe an individual gripper. 61One made-to-order 3-Band was requested with a 65 mm spread, arrived at the specified width, and later measured 103 RGC by Gods of Grip.[^15] This is a useful example of the revived brand's custom-production approach and of why band count alone does not fully describe an individual gripper.
62 62
63## Mini Atom 63## Mini Atom
64 64
65![Mirror-polished Mini Atom](https://atomgripz.com/cdn/shop/files/1000073664.jpg?v=1734995352&width=1100) 65![Mirror-polished Mini Atom](https://atomgripz.com/cdn/shop/files/1000073664.jpg?v=1734995352&width=1100)
66 66
67*Mirror-polished steel Mini Atom. Photo: Atomgripz.[^16]* 67*Mirror-polished steel Mini Atom. Photo: Atomgripz.[^16]*
68 68
69The **Mini Atom** is a functional keychain gripper made from 303 stainless steel. Atomgripz lists it at 53 mm high, 50 mm wide, 11.95 mm handle diameter and 67 grams. Mini Atoms can be ordered with one to six decorative bands, but the company states that band count does not alter resistance on this model.[^16] 69The **Mini Atom** is a functional keychain gripper made from 303 stainless steel. Atomgripz lists it at 53 mm high, 50 mm wide, 11.95 mm handle diameter and 67 grams. Mini Atoms can be ordered with one to six decorative bands, but the company states that band count does not alter resistance on this model.[^16]
70 70
71Miniature Atomgripz keyrings were documented as early as the 2011 charity raffle, making the current Mini Atom a modern continuation of an idea associated with the original production period.[^7] 71Miniature Atomgripz keyrings were documented as early as the 2011 charity raffle, making the current Mini Atom a modern continuation of an idea associated with the original production period.[^7]
72 72
73## Preservation and further reading 73## Preservation and further reading
74 74
75- [Official Atomgripz store](https://atomgripz.com/) 75- [Official Atomgripz store](https://atomgripz.com/)
76- [Official band-rating guide](https://atomgripz.com/pages/atomgripz-band-ratings) 76- [Official band-rating guide](https://atomgripz.com/pages/atomgripz-band-ratings)
77- [Archived captures of atomgripz.co.uk](https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.atomgripz.co.uk/) 77- [Archived captures of atomgripz.co.uk](https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.atomgripz.co.uk/)
78- [2011 Atomgripz material at GripTraining.co.uk](https://griptraining.wordpress.com/tag/atomgripz/) 78- [2011 Atomgripz material at GripTraining.co.uk](https://griptraining.wordpress.com/tag/atomgripz/)
79- [AtomGripz entries on GripperVault](https://www.grippervault.com/search) 79- [AtomGripz entries on GripperVault](https://www.grippervault.com/search)
80 80
81## References
82
83[^1]: GripBoard, "[AtomGripz 303Z Steel Grippers](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/67210-atomgripz-303z-steel-grippers/)," September 2024. Includes a comparison with original-production handles and discussion of the brand's return. 81[^1]: GripBoard, "[AtomGripz 303Z Steel Grippers](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/67210-atomgripz-303z-steel-grippers/)," September 2024. Includes a comparison with original-production handles and discussion of the brand's return.
84[^2]: [Atomgripz official store](https://atomgripz.com/), product descriptions and made-to-order options, accessed September 2026. 82[^2]: [Atomgripz official store](https://atomgripz.com/), product descriptions and made-to-order options, accessed September 2026.
85[^3]: GripperVault, "[AtomGripz 303Z Reaper Extreme Knurl](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers/1075)," 2025 example rated 175 RGC by Cannon PowerWorks. 83[^3]: GripperVault, "[AtomGripz 303Z Reaper Extreme Knurl](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers/1075)," 2025 example rated 175 RGC by Cannon PowerWorks.
86[^4]: GripTraining.co.uk Blog, "[Captains of Crush #4 & Atomgripz 6 Band Comparison](https://griptraining.wordpress.com/2011/05/22/captains-of-crush-4-atomgripz-6-band-comparison/)," May 22, 2011. 84[^4]: GripTraining.co.uk Blog, "[Captains of Crush #4 & Atomgripz 6 Band Comparison](https://griptraining.wordpress.com/2011/05/22/captains-of-crush-4-atomgripz-6-band-comparison/)," May 22, 2011.
87[^5]: IRONARM.NET, "[Atomgripz](https://cookbob.wordpress.com/hand-grippers/atomgripz/)," preserved description of the original range. 85[^5]: IRONARM.NET, "[Atomgripz](https://cookbob.wordpress.com/hand-grippers/atomgripz/)," preserved description of the original range.
88[^6]: GripTraining.co.uk Blog, "[Atomgripz Cup](https://griptraining.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/atomgripz-cup/)," May 19, 2011. 86[^6]: GripTraining.co.uk Blog, "[Atomgripz Cup](https://griptraining.wordpress.com/2011/05/19/atomgripz-cup/)," May 19, 2011.
89[^7]: DIY Strength Training Gear, "[Grip Raffle for the Arni Trust](https://diystrengthgear.blogspot.com/2011/05/grip-raffle-for-arni-trust.html)," May 2011. 87[^7]: DIY Strength Training Gear, "[Grip Raffle for the Arni Trust](https://diystrengthgear.blogspot.com/2011/05/grip-raffle-for-arni-trust.html)," May 2011.
90[^8]: GripBoard, "[Atomgripz Supplier Issues](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/38732-atomgripz-supplier-issues/)," 2012. 88[^8]: GripBoard, "[Atomgripz Supplier Issues](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/38732-atomgripz-supplier-issues/)," 2012.
91[^9]: GripBoard, "[My Review on Atomgripz.co.uk](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/39348-my-review-on-atomgripzcouk/)," 2012-2013. 89[^9]: GripBoard, "[My Review on Atomgripz.co.uk](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/39348-my-review-on-atomgripzcouk/)," 2012-2013.
92[^10]: GripBoard, "[Your Most Treasured Gripper](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/51632-your-most-treasured-gripper/page/3/)," May 2022. 90[^10]: GripBoard, "[Your Most Treasured Gripper](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/51632-your-most-treasured-gripper/page/3/)," May 2022.
93[^11]: GripBoard, "[FOA's Bending, Feat'ing & More](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66585-foa%E2%80%99s-bending-feat%E2%80%99ing-more/page/5/)," March 26, 2024. 91[^11]: GripBoard, "[FOA's Bending, Feat'ing & More](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66585-foa%E2%80%99s-bending-feat%E2%80%99ing-more/page/5/)," March 26, 2024.
94[^12]: Atomgripz, "[Atomgripz Strength Band Ratings](https://atomgripz.com/pages/atomgripz-band-ratings)," accessed September 2026. 92[^12]: Atomgripz, "[Atomgripz Strength Band Ratings](https://atomgripz.com/pages/atomgripz-band-ratings)," accessed September 2026.
95[^13]: GripperVault, "[Atomgripz 6-Band](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers/412)," 2024 example rated 355 RGC by Cannon PowerWorks. 93[^13]: GripperVault, "[Atomgripz 6-Band](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers/412)," 2024 example rated 355 RGC by Cannon PowerWorks.
96[^14]: GripBoard, "[Rating Atomgripz 6 Band](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/67016-rating-atomgripz-6-band/)," July 2024. 94[^14]: GripBoard, "[Rating Atomgripz 6 Band](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/67016-rating-atomgripz-6-band/)," July 2024.
97[^15]: GripBoard, "[Atomgripz 3 Band 303Z Stainless Steel](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/67956-atomgripz-3-band-303z-stainless-steel/)," 2025. 95[^15]: GripBoard, "[Atomgripz 3 Band 303Z Stainless Steel](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/67956-atomgripz-3-band-303z-stainless-steel/)," 2025.
98[^16]: Atomgripz, "[Mini Atom - Mirror Polished Steel](https://atomgripz.com/products/mini-atom-mirror-polished-steel)," product specifications, accessed September 2026. 96[^16]: Atomgripz, "[Mini Atom - Mirror Polished Steel](https://atomgripz.com/products/mini-atom-mirror-polished-steel)," product specifications, accessed September 2026.

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