In BMX, there are literally hundreds of options of pretty much any part that you might be looking for. For some people, weight, color, size or just the overall look are the biggest deciding factors for them. One product in particular that comes to mind when thinking about countless options are BMX grips. You would think something as simple as a piece of rubber on your bars to keep your hands in place would be pretty simple and straight forward, but it’s far from that. From length to diameter, pattern, rubber durometer, flange or flangeless and color, the combinations and possibilities are pretty much endless. We were thinking it would be rad to go through a handful of brands and pull out either their most popular, newest or most unique grip and put them all together to really see the differences that there are. Check out all of the grips below, then let us know if we missed any good ones that should be added to the list in the comments! Ready? Let’s do this!
Alright, to start things off here… We should probably talk about a few of the key words that we’ll be seeing popping up in the descriptions for the grips.
Length – As you would imagine, is the length of the grip from end to end. All though this is measured in millimeters, you would be surprised how much a few extra or a few less can effect the feel of a BMX grip.
Diameter – The overall thickness of the grip on the bars. This is another one of those things that a few millimeters can effect a lot from the overall feel of the grip to how long they can last and even how much shock they can absorb. All pretty key details that can make or break a grip and its reputation.
Durometer – This is the measurement of the hardness of the rubber. This is measured in degrees and a 0 is the softest and 100 is the hardest. To put it into perspective, a gummy bear has a durometer of about 10 and a car tire has a durometer of about 95. Most BMX grips range from the 25-35 range.
Compound – Rubber can be modified to have different characteristics to alter things like the durometer and even how rubber wears from use. This comes down to the chemical composition that is used to create the type of rubber used. We very commonly see Krayton rubber used on BMX grips, but in the past few years we have seen a few other types like VEX that was designed to increase the life of grips without making them harder. Rubber compounds are actually pretty interesting, so if you want to learn more, we would suggest Googling how rubber is made. You might be surprised what you will learn. For example, you might just learn what Vulcanized means — which a lot of shoe companies use that term. But yeah, back to grips!
Weight – Yeah, this is one of those weird subjects… Yeah, grips add weight. But, one thing to consider… The length, diameter and type of rubber being used can ultimately change the overall weight of the grips. So, if you want a longer, thicker grip with flanges, you will be adding a few more ounces than a thin, short grip without flanges.
Flanges – The rounded ends on grips to protect the side of your hands. There are three styles found on BMX grips; tall, short and none. Tall are traditional, but no flanges has gained popularity as barspins were more common. There’s the short version which is more or less just a thicker end to snug your hand up on.
Color – Once again, an obvious term. Grips come in all sorts of colors from standard black to see through clip, glow in the dark green, marble, swirl and more. Color doesn’t have much of an affect other than how it looks.
Pattern – This is just the pattern used on the grip like the classic ODI “Mushroom” style grip that many replicate in one way or another, to the Cult X Vans grip that uses the waffle pattern from the shoes. The design can change the overall feel of a grip, how it wears from use and give a specific look. It can also cause your hands to slip more or slip less, which can be a good or bad thing as well. Small adjustments to the pattern can alter air flow or pressure points on your hands, which is pretty interesting to think about.
Plugs / Bar Ends – Most BMX grips these days come with bar ends of some sort. The most common are the plug style that simply press into your bars. There are other styles like the plastic and metal screw in kinds that expand in the bars to hold them in place. Some grips simply have rubber over the end. As we learned from Dennis McCoy and Mat Hoffman – You should always run bar ends…
Alright, so that is kind of the run through on the terms… Let’s look at these grips.
ODI Longneck
“Classic mushroom style collapsible rib pattern
Constructed of our proprietary grip compound for comfort and durability
The grip of choice for top atheletes around the globe
Open ends with Thug Plug end plugs included”
Cult X Vans Grip
“After wearing Vans for most of our lives, we wanted to see if the Vans waffle pattern would work as well with our hands as it has with our feet. The grip was designed by Cult and sent to ODI for production. Using their proprietary rubber compound, we have created a grip that we hope will become as much of a classic as a pair of Vans.”
Flybikes – Devon Grip
“Smooth Mushroom style design
Micro flanges
25º hardness compound (soft hardness)
Black, Gum & Military green
Size: 160 x 29mm.
Weight: 113 grs. / 3.98 oz. (pair)”
Shadow Conspiracy – Chula Grip
“Lahsaan Kozba signature grip
Spiral rib pattern
Medium circumference / 144mm length
Soft 25 durometer compound
Shadow nylon bar ends included”
Wethepeople – Raptor Grip
“MATERIAL: VEX rubber compound
DURAMETER: 30°
SIZE: 150mm x 27.8mm
SPECIALS:
low flange design
Includes. Wethepeople nylon barends
COLOR: black, blue, camo, red”
Eclat – Sean Burns Grip
“Material: soft kraton rubber
Hardness: 25°
Size: 155mm x 29mm
Colours: black, gum
Features: Includes éclat nylon corkx V2 barends / designed in conjunction with Sean Burns / non-parallel shape designed for hand comfort / subtle contact areas for control, flange removal marking, VEX Material
Weight
100g (3.52oz : 0.22lbs) (per pair without barends)
Merritt – Cross Check Grips
“Charlie Crumlish signature grips, soft kraton rubber with a flangeless design that’s long and thin. Plastic bar ends included. 160mm long
Weight:
They’re grips
Colors:
Black, red, blue, gum”
Colony – Much Room Grips
“ Soft, yet durable Krayton Rubber compound.
• 140mm & 30mm in diameter.
• Comes with plastic push-in style bar ends.
• Weight: Come on… it’s a grip !! OK, they’re 124 grams (4.37oz) per pair.
• Avaliable in Black, Red , Laser Green, Purple, Blue, Gum, red, Purple Storm & Bloody Black.”
Division Brand – Sierra Grips
“• Flangeless grip and extra long at 160mm.
• We tested 3 different compounds before choosing the most durable/comfortable mix for this grip.
• Vertical pattern where you would wear quicker for longer life.
• Krayton rubber.
• Available in Black, Gum or Grey.”
Deluxe BMX – Shovel Hand Grips
“They are back! No change to these legendary grips. 30mm diameter for a full, more comfortable grip. 150mm long for that perfect width on a full size bar.
Colours: Black, Brown, Titanium Grey, and Swamp Green (Limited Edition Colour) ”
Kink Bike Co. – Delta II Grips
“Color: Black, Gray
Length: 165mm
Diameter: 28mm
Made From New Softer But Longer Lasting Compound
Includes Color Matched Drive Barends
Sold In Pairs”
Federal Bikes – Contact Grips
“Our new Contact grip was designed to provide a comfortable and durable grip pattern which reduces unwanted hand movement when riding. They feature an improved compound which removes any plasticky or slimy feeling often associated with new grips making them perfect for use straight out the box!
More Info:
Soft Krayton (VEX) rubber grips
New style Nylon bar ends included”
Animal Bikes – Edwin Grips
“Edwin De La Rosa Signature.
Wavy Mushroom Style Pattern.
Soft & Comfortable.
Plastic Bar Ends Included.
Flanged Version.
Weight: 4.0 oz (pair)”
Odyssey – Boss Grips
“Aaron Ross signature grip. In addition to updating Aaron’s tire, we also wanted to update his signature grip. This updated “Boss” grip features a low profile block pattern which will match his tire, and comes in at 158mm. These will feel similar to his original grip, but improved and with all new styling.”
Sunday Bikes – Jake Seeley Grips
“We worked closely with Jake to nail down a grip that is perfect for him. Jake’s grip comes in at 160mm and features a gradually increasing rib width. This grip can be ran either way, depending on which side you prefer. The grip also features a tapered core for comfort.”
Demolition Parts – Enarson Grip
“Features:
Dennis Enarson signature grip. Made from soft krayton rubber w/ palm leaf logos broken up into multiple ribbed sections.
Plastic Plugs Inlcuded
Colors: Black”
Volume Bikes – VLM Grips
“FEATURES:
Our new VLM team grip features a 25º hardness kraton rubber and chevron ridges to make this one of the best feeling grips out on the market.
Available in flange or non flange. Complete with VLM Nylon plugs
DUROMETER: 25º
DIAMETER: 28.7 mm
LENGTH:
150 mm (non flange)
157 mm (Flange)
COLORS:
White/ Black Splatter, Green/ Black Splatter & Black”
Fit Bike Co. – Long Tech Grips
“An updated long version of a FIT classic. Has the familiar broken-in feel and tackiness of the original with a slightly larger diameter to help absorb impacts and an optional cutaway flange.
Proprietary extra soft and tacky Thermal Plastic rubber
Removable flange with groove to remove
Matching Bar Plugs included
Length: 155mm
Diameter: 31mm
Durometer: Soft”
S&M Bikes – Hoder Grips
“Mike Hoder’s signature grips are made in the USA by ODI from a Super Soft compound for the feel Mike wanted. At 31.5mm they are a little Bigger Than Most to help cushion some of Hoder’s infamous landings.
Diameter: 31.5mm
Length: 160mm
Compound: Super Soft
Bar Ends: Nylon Plug Style w/Sharpie Shield logo”
Duo Brand – Doyle Grips
“CHRIS DOYLE SIGNATURE TEAM GRIP
DIAMETER: 32MM
LENGTH: 140MM
FLANGE: 54MM”
Subrosa Brand – Skeleton Crew Grips
“Unique rib pattern designed for ultimate feel
New soft yet durable material – 25 duromter
Medium circumference / 150mm length
Subrosa Nylon Bar Ends included
Colors: black, purple, clear, red, gray marble, purple marble, blue, blue marble, army green, orange marble, party splatter”
United Bike Co. – Nathan Williams Grips
“Ultra soft compound
Staggered diameter ribs with horizontal slices for ‘squashy’ and comfortable feel
Medium diameter
Can be trimmed to 140mm or 130mm by using cut guides
155mm long
United nylon bar ends included”
A’ME – Trip Grip
“A’ME’s proven raised triangle surface pattern offers a tighter grip with less restricted hand movement.
No Flange.
Large end cap.
Easy installation.
Made in USA
Special colors available – Call manufacturer.”
All City Cycles – Star BMX (Previously made by Big Cheese)
“Length: 140mm
Weight: 104g
Origin: Made in U.S.A.”
As you saw about, BMX grips come in all sorts of lengths, diameters, colors, patterns, weights and rubber compounds. Overall, grips appear to be pretty simple, but there are in fact a lot of different factors involved that can change the feel of a BMX grip completely.
Let’s talk about this…
— What grips do you run? What do you think of them?
— What’s the best grips you have ever ran? What about the worst?
— What are some grips that should have made the list that we missed?
Please let us know in the comments!
