Vald Dynamo and Kinvent K Grip Strength Dynamometer Review
There is a ton of supporting evidence, research and correlation of grip strength for longevity. I have multiple years of record keeping for grip strength with my client population. The record keeping aspect is why I love digital dynamometers. No more looking up clients numbers or I can't find that record.
Both Vald and Kinvent have great products for assessing grip strength. Vald uses an all in one dynamometer system and can be used for pushing, pulling, and various types of grip testing called the Dynamo. Kinvent has a simple one size fits all grip testing hardware, while Vald makes a robust grip dynamometer that can be adjusted for different size hands and/or hand positions. You can also do a magnitude of pinch grips and individual finger testing on the Vald Dynamo with the grip accessory. On the contrary Kinvent’s software has the ability to customize and create your own tests. So the sky's the limit depending on your creativity. Both tools are great for ROI’s, data collection, and showing progress over time. You can also see asymmetry right to left. Clients, coaches and trainers like to see the report card, before and after training and track progress.
Both systems, bluetooth to a phone and/or a tablet which makes it nice if you travel train or are mobile. Both tools show RFD, MVIC or maximum peak force and asymmetry analysis. They have great reports and the summaries are easy to read and share with clients/patients and/or athletes
Pros
One thing I admire about the Kinvent Dyno system is the option to add custom pictures to your custom exercise test. This makes it easier to find tests when sifting through hundreds of tests. Also Kinvent has a neat feature to allow you to add custom notes. So for example I might note the setup, maybe a chair height or certain position or compensation that I notice when testing. This is a cool bonus especially when going back 6 months and look at an assessment summary or for recreating an apples to apples retests.
Vald shows your PR when you are testing so it gives the client/patent or athlete a goal to shoot for. This might work against your testing protocol if the testing subject cheats or compensates to beat their score or previous PR #.
Cons/Limitations
Vald’s software is restrictive only allowing you to test with their set test protocols. No room for customizing. Kinvent allows for custom tests. You can create whatever version you wish. One thing I do is a pinch grip test with plastic credit card size attachment to the “Kpull” dynamometer to get pinching data points.
If you have issues and the Vald dynamo doesn't work you can’t do other tests for pulling/pushing. So if it is down you can’t do any other testing. Another issue or challenge is that you have to add the handle and grip accessories, it can take time. If you need to do a pull/push test and a grip test in the same session you have to disassemble the parts and switch out to the other parts. Vald only has peak force or maximum effort and RFD. No training mode at this time.
Kinvent is a one size fits all for grip strength dynamometry. So it is hard to get other data points like pinching or individual finger tests. You can’t change the position or hand size adjustments like with Vald Dynamo. If you are doing multiple tests with other Kinvent dynamometers you can use them in conjunction with other dynamometer tests. This is a perk if you are testing multiple people, a group, or a team. You can set up stations and expedite or maximize data collection. But you would have to purchase multiple sensors to do this. This might be a selling point for group or team testing.
Subscriptions/Purchasing
Another thought when purchasing these dynamometers is their subscriptions. Vald has a lease program where you pay a monthly rental fee with terms. You never own the equipment. Kinvent you can buy the grip strength dynamometer and you own it, but you might have to upgrade to a monthly subscription if you want to customize tests.
Vald Dynamo Plus Lease is $69/mo. (you are getting pull, push, and grip sensors)
Kinvent Grip Dynamometer is $590 (one time purchase) Plus $35/mo. for Starter allows for custom exercises and gaming. Or you can just do basic grip testing for no monthly cost if that is appropriate for you.
Size and Mobility
Vald is big and cumbersome to carry. The Vald Dynamo system comes in a nice hard carrying case. Kinvent is small and portable. You can fit the Kinvent grip dynamometer in your pocket for easy mobility.
Tech Innovation
Vald wins on the diversity of tests and position adjustment options. But Kinvent has a training mode with a visualization aspect. This feature is a gold nugget if you want to focus on proprioception, motor pattern work or nervous system stimuli.
Recommendation
I think my pick for 2026 is the Vald Dynamo grip strength testing system for its ability to do many variation options for testing only. From a practical standpoint I don’t need a ton of customization but I want to track progress and apples to apples tests. Having the ability to change the size of the testing equipment and run a magnitude of tests is the main selling feature for me. If you are just testing Vald provides a great testing solution. But if you want to train and really improve grip strength I recommend Kinvent Kgrip with training mode. You will get results and move the needle with this feature. So you have to determine if you want to test only or if you want to train for best results.
Final Thoughts
The needs as a trainer/coach drives which system is optimal for you and your situation. No matter what system you use, digital dynamometers are a great asset and will only help your ROI’s and peak the interest of your clientele.
Hope this helps
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