Rolling Thunder is a one-hand deadlift first developed in 1993 by IronMind Enterprises, Inc.. It primarily tests grip strength via a rotating, thick handle of 2 3⁄8" (6.03 cm) in diameter and 7 1⁄2" (19.05 cm) in length (rotating portion is 6" (15.24 cm)) attached to a weight loadable Olympic loading pin via a carabiner.[1] The thickness of the handle is derived from the Thomas Inch dumbbell.
Throughout the years, it became an internationally recognized method to measure 'support grip'[2] which is one of the three facets of hand strength along-with crush grip and pinch grip.[3]
Versions
The first version (V1), had a black coloured handle and was used from 1993 to 2008. However, as the records with this handle kept on increasing during the 2000s, it was observed that the handle drop test (which was used to verify the rotating nature of the handle) didn't work anymore. Despite rotating without added weight or upto moderate amounts of weight, it would not rotate at the verge of the world record weights at the time. To mitigate this, Randall J. Strossen developed the second version (V2) which featured a dark blue coloured handle. It was better than its predecessor however, uniformity of the device was not even. When some of the devices rotated well, some exhibited the same issue V1 had which was not rotating at world record weights in 2012/13. Further developments were made and the third version (V3) was introduced with a dark blue handle which featured distinctive closed end caps contrary to the hollow cylinder of V1 and V2.[4]
World record
287.7 pounds (130.5 kg) (with the V3) by Alexey Tyukalov (2013 Visegrip Viking)[5]
→ Regarded as the current all-time world record since previous records with V1 and V2 were affiliated with flaws in the units.
(Rule change: Previously, they allowed a competitor to use a thumbless (false) grip. Because it was later felt that this was not in the spirit of the lift, since it allowed strong-wristed competitors to remove the grip element of the event by cocking their wrists, thumbless grips are now no longer allowed.[7])
(Version change: It was noticed that both above performances including Snook's unofficial record[nb 2] were done with official but flawed V2 handles which resembled the same error V1 had, hence V3 was introduced and all the previous records were nullified).
Since IronMind, numerous other competitors have produced similar products specially following its flawed design with V1 and V2.
'Grip Genie RGT'[14] is known for being more difficult than IronMind V3 because it rotates more freely and rapidly due to less friction. The world record with this is held by Carl Myerscough at 226.0 pounds (102.5 kg).
'Gods of grip' Godlike rolling handle[15] and 'Titan' rotating deadlift handle[16] offer three handle diameter options at 2", 2.5" and 3".
Notes
^ abcConsidered a Rolling Thunder World Championship.
^The lift was displayed 332.2 pounds (150.7 kg) during the event, but it was later revealed that the actual weight was 323.5 pounds (146.7 kg) and it was a computational error on the scoresheet.
^On 8 Mar 2012 Laine Snook lifted an unofficial 332.0 pounds (150.6 kg) during training at his home gym.[13]
