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1# Gillingham High Performance (GHP) 1# Gillingham High Performance (GHP)
2 2
3**Gillingham High Performance**, usually abbreviated **GHP**, was an American line of torsion-spring hand grippers created by Wade Gillingham. Production began in 2010 and the main range ultimately ran from **GHP Level 1** through **GHP Level 10**.[^1] Gillingham announced in January 2024 that the company had no immediate plans to continue manufacturing grippers after working through its remaining parts during 2023.[^1] 3**Gillingham High Performance**, usually abbreviated **GHP**, was an American line of torsion-spring hand grippers created by Wade Gillingham. Production began in 2010 and the main range ultimately ran from **GHP Level 1** through **GHP Level 10**.[^1] Gillingham announced in January 2024 that the company had no immediate plans to continue manufacturing grippers after working through its remaining parts during 2023.[^1]
4 4
5![Early GHP grippers photographed in 2011](https://www.gripboard.com/uploads/gallery_19587_1292_47653.jpg) 5![Early GHP grippers photographed in 2011](https://www.gripboard.com/uploads/gallery_19587_1292_47653.jpg)
6 6
7*Early GHP grippers photographed and RGC-rated by GripBoard member macaz in December 2011.[^2]* 7*Early GHP grippers photographed and RGC-rated by GripBoard member macaz in December 2011.[^2]*
8 8
9- **Founder:** Wade Gillingham 9- **Founder:** Wade Gillingham
10- **Country:** United States 10- **Country:** United States
11- **Known production period:** 2010-2023 11- **Known production period:** 2010-2023
12- **Main range:** GHP Level 1 through Level 10 12- **Main range:** GHP Level 1 through Level 10
13- **Other range:** Five smaller Junior levels 13- **Other range:** Five smaller Junior levels
14- **Status:** Production inactive; remaining retail stock is depleted or intermittent 14- **Status:** Production inactive; remaining retail stock is depleted or intermittent
15 15
16## Development 16## Development
17 17
18In his 2024 manufacturing announcement, Wade Gillingham said the project began in 2010 with the goal of making a high-quality torsion-spring gripper with a reproducible feel.[^1] Period owner reports show full-size GHP grippers reaching customers by December 2011.[^2] 18In his 2024 manufacturing announcement, Wade Gillingham said the project began in 2010 with the goal of making a high-quality torsion-spring gripper with a reproducible feel.[^1] Period owner reports show full-size GHP grippers reaching customers by December 2011.[^2]
19 19
20The line used numbered difficulty designations rather than names. Ten full-size levels were made, ending with the unusually difficult Level 10. The printed or advertised poundage attached to a level was a manufacturer designation, not an RGC result and not the literal force applied by a user's hand. Individual examples vary. 20The line used numbered difficulty designations rather than names. Ten full-size levels were made, ending with the unusually difficult Level 10. The printed or advertised poundage attached to a level was a manufacturer designation, not an RGC result and not the literal force applied by a user's hand. Individual examples vary.
21 21
22## Design 22## Design
23 23
24GHP grippers used aluminum handles, a steel torsion spring and several distinctive handle features. 24GHP grippers used aluminum handles, a steel torsion spring and several distinctive handle features.
25 25
26### Two handle textures 26### Two handle textures
27 27
28A 2011 owner examining Levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 reported that the finger-side handle had a slightly smoother texture while the palm-side handle used more aggressive knurling.[^2] This intentional difference helped the palm handle remain planted while allowing the finger-side handle to move during the sweep. 28A 2011 owner examining Levels 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 reported that the finger-side handle had a slightly smoother texture while the palm-side handle used more aggressive knurling.[^2] This intentional difference helped the palm handle remain planted while allowing the finger-side handle to move during the sweep.
29 29
30### Finger-index bands 30### Finger-index bands
31 31
32Machined bands around the handles provided visible and tactile finger-position references. These bands are also useful for distinguishing the two main production generations. 32Machined bands around the handles provided visible and tactile finger-position references. These bands are also useful for distinguishing the two main production generations.
33 33
34### Spread and sweep 34### Spread and sweep
35 35
36Contemporary owners frequently measured spreads near 3 inches on harder examples and described the grippers as stiff through the sweep.[^2] Spread, spring mounting depth, wire dimensions and individual manufacturing variation all affect closing difficulty, so model number alone cannot predict the exact RGC rating of a specimen. 36Contemporary owners frequently measured spreads near 3 inches on harder examples and described the grippers as stiff through the sweep.[^2] Spread, spring mounting depth, wire dimensions and individual manufacturing variation all affect closing difficulty, so model number alone cannot predict the exact RGC rating of a specimen.
37 37
38## Full-size levels 38## Full-size levels
39 39
40The regular series contained ten numbered levels: 40The regular series contained ten numbered levels:
41 41
42| Training range | Models | 42| Training range | Models |
43|---|---| 43|---|---|
44| Introductory | GHP Level 1-3 | 44| Introductory | GHP Level 1-3 |
45| Intermediate | GHP Level 4-6 | 45| Intermediate | GHP Level 4-6 |
46| Advanced | GHP Level 7-8 | 46| Advanced | GHP Level 7-8 |
47| Exceptional | GHP Level 9-10 | 47| Exceptional | GHP Level 9-10 |
48 48
49This grouping is descriptive, not an official certification standard. The levels should not be converted to Captains of Crush numbers or other brands solely from nominal poundage. 49This grouping is descriptive, not an official certification standard. The levels should not be converted to Captains of Crush numbers or other brands solely from nominal poundage.
50 50
51## RGC examples and variation 51## RGC examples and variation
52 52
53The first large GripBoard calibration discussion began in December 2011. One owner recorded the following unseasoned examples straight from their sealed packaging:[^2] 53The first large GripBoard calibration discussion began in December 2011. One owner recorded the following unseasoned examples straight from their sealed packaging:[^2]
54 54
55| Gripper | Reported RGC | 55| Gripper | Reported RGC |
56|---|---:| 56|---|---:|
57| GHP Level 4 | 92.8 lb | 57| GHP Level 4 | 92.8 lb |
58| GHP Level 5 | 112.3 lb | 58| GHP Level 5 | 112.3 lb |
59| GHP Level 6 | 135.0 lb | 59| GHP Level 6 | 135.0 lb |
60| GHP Level 7 | 149.1 lb | 60| GHP Level 7 | 149.1 lb |
61| GHP Level 9 | 226.3 lb | 61| GHP Level 9 | 226.3 lb |
62 62
63These are measurements of five individual grippers, not official averages. The same discussion documented substantially different impressions and ratings from other examples, especially in the upper levels.[^2] A 2024 collector listed, among others, Level 4 examples at 87 lb RGC, a Level 5 at 110, a Level 6 at 128, a Level 7 at 143 and a Level 8 at 176.[^1] 63These are measurements of five individual grippers, not official averages. The same discussion documented substantially different impressions and ratings from other examples, especially in the upper levels.[^2] A 2024 collector listed, among others, Level 4 examples at 87 lb RGC, a Level 5 at 110, a Level 6 at 128, a Level 7 at 143 and a Level 8 at 176.[^1]
64 64
65A particularly hard Level 10 in a collector's possession was reported at 279 lb on that owner's rating setup.[^3] GripperVault also preserves photographs and collection records for surviving Level 10 examples.[^4] Differences in apparatus, procedure and individual grippers make cross-source comparisons approximate unless the same rating method is used. 65A particularly hard Level 10 in a collector's possession was reported at 279 lb on that owner's rating setup.[^3] GripperVault also preserves photographs and collection records for surviving Level 10 examples.[^4] Differences in apparatus, procedure and individual grippers make cross-source comparisons approximate unless the same rating method is used.
66 66
67## Production generations 67## Production generations
68 68
69Collectors identify two principal generations. Cannon PowerWorks founder Matt Cannon summarized the differences in 2024:[^5] 69Collectors identify two principal generations. Cannon PowerWorks founder Matt Cannon summarized the differences in 2024:[^5]
70 70
71| Feature | First generation | Second generation | 71| Feature | First generation | Second generation |
72|---|---|---| 72|---|---|---|
73| Handle-end stickers | Domed GHP level stickers on both handles | One GHP level sticker and one United States flag sticker | 73| Handle-end stickers | Domed GHP level stickers on both handles | One GHP level sticker and one United States flag sticker |
74| Finger-index bands | Wider bands | Narrower bands | 74| Finger-index bands | Wider bands | Narrower bands |
75| Top bevel | Rounded or curved, matching the bottom | Angled bevel, sometimes with visible machining marks | 75| Top bevel | Rounded or curved, matching the bottom | Angled bevel, sometimes with visible machining marks |
76 76
77These traits are more useful for dating an example than handle color alone. Replacement or missing stickers can complicate identification. 77These traits are more useful for dating an example than handle color alone. Replacement or missing stickers can complicate identification.
78 78
79## Junior grippers 79## Junior grippers
80 80
81GHP also offered smaller **Junior** grippers in five levels. They were discussed as youth or small-hand grippers and used dimensions distinct from the full-size line.[^1] When production ended, Cannon PowerWorks purchased GHP's remaining Junior components—enough for approximately 120 grippers across all five levels—and stated that the assembled grippers would not carry GHP branding.[^1] Consequently, an unbranded gripper assembled from those parts should not automatically be cataloged as a production GHP Junior. 81GHP also offered smaller **Junior** grippers in five levels. They were discussed as youth or small-hand grippers and used dimensions distinct from the full-size line.[^1] When production ended, Cannon PowerWorks purchased GHP's remaining Junior components—enough for approximately 120 grippers across all five levels—and stated that the assembled grippers would not carry GHP branding.[^1] Consequently, an unbranded gripper assembled from those parts should not automatically be cataloged as a production GHP Junior.
82 82
83## Packaging 83## Packaging
84 84
85A 2011 owner reported receiving GHP grippers in heat-sealed plastic bags with a small desiccant packet.[^2] Original packaging can therefore help document provenance, especially when a handle sticker has been lost. 85A 2011 owner reported receiving GHP grippers in heat-sealed plastic bags with a small desiccant packet.[^2] Original packaging can therefore help document provenance, especially when a handle sticker has been lost.
86 86
87## GHP Gripper Challenge 87## GHP Gripper Challenge
88 88
89GHP operated a separate closing challenge or certification program. Wade Gillingham stated in January 2024 that the future administration and location of its results were still being discussed.[^1] Gripperpedia covers the rules and historical context on the separate **GHP Certification** page rather than reproducing the external athlete roster here. 89GHP operated a separate closing challenge or certification program. Wade Gillingham stated in January 2024 that the future administration and location of its results were still being discussed.[^1] Gripperpedia covers the rules and historical context on the separate **GHP Certification** page rather than reproducing the external athlete roster here.
90 90
91The Level 10 eventually became a documented certification gripper as well as a collector model. Because certification rules and approved techniques can change, a model close should not be described as an official certification unless it was accepted by the program. 91The Level 10 eventually became a documented certification gripper as well as a collector model. Because certification rules and approved techniques can change, a model close should not be described as an official certification unless it was accepted by the program.
92 92
93## End of production 93## End of production
94 94
95Gillingham said that GHP spent 2023 consuming the remaining component inventory and offered only limited sizes during the second half of that year. He attributed the halt to the cost of maintaining the manufacturing standards established when the project began.[^1] 95Gillingham said that GHP spent 2023 consuming the remaining component inventory and offered only limited sizes during the second half of that year. He attributed the halt to the cost of maintaining the manufacturing standards established when the project began.[^1]
96 96
97Cannon PowerWorks now labels GHP grippers out of stock for the foreseeable future and states that GHP is not currently able to supply wholesalers.[^6] This supports treating the line as inactive rather than merely temporarily sold out, while leaving open the possibility of a future restart. 97Cannon PowerWorks now labels GHP grippers out of stock for the foreseeable future and states that GHP is not currently able to supply wholesalers.[^6] This supports treating the line as inactive rather than merely temporarily sold out, while leaving open the possibility of a future restart.
98 98
99## Identification checklist 99## Identification checklist
100 100
101A full-size GHP should generally have: 101A full-size GHP should generally have:
102 102
103- A numbered GHP level marking 103- A numbered GHP level marking
104- Aluminum handles with finger-index bands 104- Aluminum handles with finger-index bands
105- Different palm-side and finger-side knurling 105- Different palm-side and finger-side knurling
106- Either two GHP end stickers or a GHP sticker paired with a United States flag 106- Either two GHP end stickers or a GHP sticker paired with a United States flag
107- A torsion spring sized for its level 107- A torsion spring sized for its level
108- On an unopened early example, heat-sealed packaging and a desiccant packet 108- On an unopened early example, heat-sealed packaging and a desiccant packet
109 109
110Photographs of the handle ends, top bevels, index bands and spring mounting are particularly useful when separating first- and second-generation examples. 110Photographs of the handle ends, top bevels, index bands and spring mounting are particularly useful when separating first- and second-generation examples.
111 111
112## Research still needed
113
114Useful additions would include:
115
116- Original catalogs and complete dated price lists
117- Manufacturer specifications for handle diameter, length, spread and spring wire
118- Exact changeover date between the two generations
119- A documented table of nominal ratings taken from original GHP material
120- Packaging photographs across both generations
121- Specifications and photographs for all five Junior levels
122- Archived copies of the original GHP website and certification rules
123
124## External resources 112## External resources
125 113
126- [Wade Gillingham's 2024 production announcement](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66174-ghp-announcement/) 114- [Wade Gillingham's 2024 production announcement](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66174-ghp-announcement/)
127- [Cannon PowerWorks GHP collection page](https://cannonpowerworks.com/collections/ghp) 115- [Cannon PowerWorks GHP collection page](https://cannonpowerworks.com/collections/ghp)
128- [2011 GripBoard calibration and design discussion](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/37781-ghp-grippers-calibrated/) 116- [2011 GripBoard calibration and design discussion](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/37781-ghp-grippers-calibrated/)
129- [First- and second-generation identification discussion](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66645-ghp-grippers-difference-between-generations/) 117- [First- and second-generation identification discussion](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66645-ghp-grippers-difference-between-generations/)
130- [GripperVault GHP Level 10 example](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers/411) 118- [GripperVault GHP Level 10 example](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers/411)
131- [Wayback Machine search for Gillingham High Performance](https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.gillinghamhp.com/) 119- [Wayback Machine search for Gillingham High Performance](https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.gillinghamhp.com/)
132 120
133[^1]: Wade Gillingham, "[GHP Announcement](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66174-ghp-announcement/)," GripBoard, January 4, 2024. The thread includes Gillingham's production history and Matt Cannon's disposition of the remaining Junior components. 121[^1]: Wade Gillingham, "[GHP Announcement](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66174-ghp-announcement/)," GripBoard, January 4, 2024. The thread includes Gillingham's production history and Matt Cannon's disposition of the remaining Junior components.
134[^2]: GripBoard, "[GHP Grippers Calibrated](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/37781-ghp-grippers-calibrated/)," begun December 22, 2011; contemporary owner measurements, packaging notes and design observations. 122[^2]: GripBoard, "[GHP Grippers Calibrated](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/37781-ghp-grippers-calibrated/)," begun December 22, 2011; contemporary owner measurements, packaging notes and design observations.
135[^3]: GripBoard, "[Incredible GHP10 Gripper in the Mail](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/54546-incredible-ghp10-gripper-in-the-mail/)," June 5, 2021; owner measurement of an unusually hard Level 10. 123[^3]: GripBoard, "[Incredible GHP10 Gripper in the Mail](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/54546-incredible-ghp10-gripper-in-the-mail/)," June 5, 2021; owner measurement of an unusually hard Level 10.
136[^4]: GripperVault, "[Gillingham High Performance (GHP) Level 10](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers/411)," collection record and photographs. 124[^4]: GripperVault, "[Gillingham High Performance (GHP) Level 10](https://www.grippervault.com/grippers/411)," collection record and photographs.
137[^5]: Matt Cannon, reply in "[GHP grippers, difference between generations?](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66645-ghp-grippers-difference-between-generations/)," GripBoard, April 15, 2024. 125[^5]: Matt Cannon, reply in "[GHP grippers, difference between generations?](https://www.gripboard.com/topic/66645-ghp-grippers-difference-between-generations/)," GripBoard, April 15, 2024.
138[^6]: Cannon PowerWorks, "[Gillingham High Performance](https://cannonpowerworks.com/collections/ghp)," current collection status.126[^6]: Cannon PowerWorks, "[Gillingham High Performance](https://cannonpowerworks.com/collections/ghp)," current collection status.

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