dont mean to butt in on the posting, but Rob just in case you are looking to just work on some grip strength i was using this for a bit and it help me quite fast.
http://www6.mailordercentral.com/iro...sp?number=1254
im pretty sure you can get another gripper from anywhere. but this is the one i have used. and its heavy, durable, etc.
i dont know much about chalk and straps an di dont know the root of yoru problem but from my experience i feel like i have always had a strong grip and i just used it because i try stuff to see how it works. when i used it i notice a difference rather fast. i used it in between sets of pushup, military press, bench etc. from what i understand you shouldnt go crazy with it because you may runn the risk of over training.
F.Y.I i posted that link in another forum, but i posted it again because know it helps with grip strength through my own personal experience