The Ultimate Guide to OCR Grip Attachments: What Each One Trains (And When to Use It)

Not all grip attachments are created equal, and that's the point. The multi-rig is designed to test athletes across a full spectrum of grip styles, angles, and difficulty levels. The racers who make it across are the ones who've trained on every type.

At Race Ready Obstacles, we handcraft each grip to replicate what you'll actually encounter on race day. Here's a breakdown of our core attachments, what they train, and when to add them to your routine.

Twirly Beard:
If you've run a Savage Race, you've seen the Twirly Bird. Our version, the Twirly Beard (Aaron is a bearded guy, after all), is a set of ropes attached to a stainless steel ring.
What it trains: pull strength and rope grip endurance.
When to use it: once you've got some of the horizontal grips down, start here if you're newer to vertical grip training. The rope provides a more natural, forgiving grip surface than steel and is great for building confidence before progressing to harder attachments.
T-Bar Grip:
Our 2" T-Handle Grip is a powder-coated steel bar that tests your horizontal grip on a much less forgiving surface than rope. The shift in weight as you grab it mimics race-day conditions perfectly.
What it trains: horizontal grip strength on steel, body control, and shoulder stability during transitions.
When to use it: start here if you're newer to grip training. It's a critical step up in difficulty from a basic ring and one of the most commonly seen grip styles on race courses.
Steel Nunchuck:
Vertical grips are where most racers struggle the most. The Steel Nunchuck is all steel on the bottom half with a rubber grip on the upper half, letting you train progressively. Start by gripping the rubber-covered section. As your grip strength grows, work toward holding only the lower steel portion.
What it trains: vertical grip strength, finger endurance, and the mental toughness to hold on when every instinct says to let go.
When to use it: this is an advanced attachment. Build your foundation with horizontal grips first, then introduce the nunchuck. Expect humility. Expect growth.

Where to Start: Our Recommended Grip Packages
Not sure where to begin? We've done the curating for you:
Kind of Savage Grip Package: Best all-around starter kit for general OCR prep. Includes Twirly Beard, T-Bar, Steel Nunchuck, Rope Nunchuck, and Stirrup.
Vertical Grip Package: For athletes who need to tackle their vertical grip weakness. Includes Twirly Beard, Steel Nunchuck, and Rope Nunchuck.
Individual Grips: Want to build your own custom rig? Browse our full selection and mix and match.
All of our grip bundles ship free within the USA and come with the straps and quick links you need to hang them immediately.

Ready to train smarter? Browse our full grip lineup at racereadyobstacles.com and find the attachments that will make you race ready.