The 7 Best Power Twisters
This wiki has been updated 16 times since it was first published in March of 2020. Whether you're an amateur enthusiast or a professional trainer, power twisters can help build upper body strength without the hassle of buying weights or gym memberships. While they are convenient, these devices can cause serious injury if misused, so be sure to be safe, follow all operating guidelines, and start with low weight settings before progressing onto tougher resistances. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
June 11, 2021:
While we still recommend the same range of items as before, we did decide to move the A-System Adjustable up a few spots to #2. It doesn't offer quite the same versatility as traditional springs do, but its wide tension adjustment range makes it far better for graduated workout plans. As such, it's suitable for a wider range of users. If you want to choose from springs with set tension levels, consider the iHuniu Dual Spring line, which offers light duty to ultra-high-resistance models at a reasonable price.
March 24, 2020:
Any and all exercise, especially that which involves equipment, can lead to serious injuries. Using power twisters is no different. They have unshielded springs that can pinch you. They can snap mid-rep causing a lot of unpleasantness. They might bounce back faster than intended and smack you or bystanders if you lose control of them. If you don’t start with a lower weight, they can cause burnout or worse. They should be taken seriously and approached with conscious caution.
Sweat and slippage are of particular concern, so twisters with straps are preferable, although depending on what sort of resistance you’re up against, even the straps themselves can contribute to wrist injuries. Always lift only what you can handle, start with lower weights, and get to know your device and how your body works with it before you increase weight. Definitely consider getting some gym chalk or weightlifting gloves to assist your grip. As ever, follow all instructions and guidelines that come with your device, and consider working with a trainer if you aren't 100% sure what you're getting into.
Both the A-System Adjustable and Reliancer Strengthener ride the line of what can be acceptably considered power twisters. We have included them here not only because they work a lot of the same muscle groups, but more importantly, they have adjustable weight settings, making it possible for them to cover the same range it would take several traditional bars to tackle. Similarly, while the long pommels of the Core Prodigy Python give it versatility when choking up or down, it is still limited to an 80 pound maximum, so if you want to move beyond that, you’ll have to turn to graded individual units.
Special Honors
Fitness 4 Charity If you've leveled up beyond the weight resistance of your old power twister and you know you won't use it anymore, rather than throwing it away or giving it to the Goodwill, consider donating it to this charity that will distribute it to those in need, from students at low-income schools, to seniors in hospice care. fitnessforcharity.org