D'Addario Accessories Varigrip Finger Strengthener with Fiddilink - Finger Exerciser & Guitar Trainer with Simulated Strings for Callus Building - Strengthening & Coordination Tool for Guitar Players

Pros: Compared this to the other types. I prefer this product due to the stability of each finger press. They sit in their own slot with their own adjustable spring. I feel more isolation of the finger being worked out, whereas the other types move around quite a bit with the shared spring. The adjustability makes this product more versatile. I think I could have spent 2-3x as much to cover the range this handles. Overall great comfort, well formed grip, fantastic value, and top tier performance for the product category.Cons: If you need a very light hand/finger exerciser you may want an extra light in the other design. If you hand very strong fingers/grip, you will probably be purchasing an extra strong version of the other type of product as this only adjusts to a certain amount of tension.Overall great product that covers what 3 or 4 individual hand exercisers would of the other brand's product, and great stability for focus in the exercise.

Background: I bought this at the request of my fiance. He had recently undergone a hand procedure and thought the Varigrip would assist in his rehabilitative physical therapy. He says it is helping with his progress. He didn't care about the Fiddilink so I figured it would be a fun little toy that I could play with, (even though I'm not really into the whole fidget-spinner thing).I have to admit the Fiddilink is fun to play with and kind of relaxing once you get used to it. My only recommendation to D'Addario for version 2 would be to modify the shape of the six links that make up the Fiddilink so as to allow a cord to be threaded through the device. This is so that you could clip it to something (or wear it around your neck, if that's your jam). That would help it not get lost among one's clutter.As it is, the links line up so tightly that only the thinnest string could be threaded through it.Nevertheless, both items seem quite robust and do their jobs admirably. And that's not just because the company is 30 minutes away from me...or that the D'Addario family comes from the same part of Italy as my dad. :)

I found this really heled finger strength, especially my pinky. As an older player, I’ve learned to stretch for chords I couldn’t reach before.It’s not easy to push down the individual buttons all at once but you can use it to isolate individual fingers. Haven’t really used the side that helps builds callusesThe first one I got had a malfunctioning spring but D’Addario sent me a new one. Great customer service. I only buy D’Addario strings . Great company.

Great exercise. Use while walking or watching TV.

I ventured into using the D'Addario Accessories Varigrip Finger Strengthener with Fiddilink not for its intended musician audience but as a tool in my physical therapy routine. It has proven to be a valuable asset for building both strength and dexterity in my hand. The quality of the product is evident in its build and functionality, making it a reliable addition to my therapy exercises. It's been effective in meeting my needs, demonstrating its versatility beyond just music practice. This tool has been a solid purchase, aiding significantly in my recovery and strengthening process.

as advertised

I bought my first Varigrip over 10yrs ago and didnt like it then. I thought it was useless. However, I started playing guitar again and realized that I couldnt get through some technical shredding the way I could when I was younger.Im in my 30s and I can already feel my hands starting to crap out. My fingers felt sore and weak after playing. I Came across a medical store that sold all kinds of arthritis and hand exercising equipment and saw these 2 products. Decided to give it a try again, and to my surprise, it actually worked at strengthening my hand.First few days, I didnt think It was helping at all. The Varigrip plungers where uncomfortable and very stiff. I thought I thought I needed a lighter version, but I just kept fidgeting with it. After 2 weeks, my grip felt stronger and I currently have the resistance cranked all the way high on the Varigrip. I might have to buy the stronger heavier version.At first, i thought that I had just loosened up the tolerances from wearing it out, but it wasnt until I saw my younger brother (7 yrs younger) struggling with the varigrip, that I realized that it actually helped strengthen my grip. Most people that use the Varigrip will struggle with depressing the pinky and ring finger plunger. Those of us that use the grip frequently will have no problem with that.My advice, is to just stick with it past the first week at least. Its annoying to use at first, but now it actually feels good to squeeze the varigrip. I find it kind of soothing.Now for the Fiddilink review. This thing sucks. its stiff the first time you try flipping it, but now its so loose and floppy. I really do not see any benefit in flopping the fiddilink around. I see it more as a fidgeting toy. I prefer to pump the varigrip instead.

D'Addario makes excellent musical accessories. This is not an exception. But, all that arrives is the product and instructions to use it and see a doctor if you feel pain. Believe it or not, there ought to be videos online by the manufacturer on how to use. Yeah, I know - hold it in your hand and squeeze. How about something like :Use twice a day for 1-2 weeks, then increase frequency. Increase tension only when it becomes too easy." I have no idea if that's appropriate, but shouldn't the manufacturer know?I looked at the accompanying Fiddilink probably like the indigenous people looked at the first Europeans to invade their land: "What in the world is this?" It's a, well, thing you hold in your hand and maybe turn it around in your hand. SUrely the manufacturer has some recommendations on how best to use this little contraption. So, who knows how to make this thing help you strengthen your hand?