Fox Grip2 vs. Grip X2: Which Damper Reigns Supreme?
Fox has released its new Grip X2 damper, marking a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Grip2. This article delves into the key differences between these two popular mountain bike fork dampers, helping you decide which best suits your riding style and needs.
Key Differences: Performance and Feel
The most significant difference lies in the overall feel and performance. The Grip2, while excellent, is often described as having a plush initial stroke with less mid-stroke support. This can lead to a somewhat harsher ride over repeated hits or rough terrain. Conversely, the Grip X2 offers improved mid-stroke support, resulting in a more controlled and supportive ride. It maintains suppleness while preventing bottoming out, leading to increased traction and reduced rider fatigue, according to several reviews.
NSMB.com highlights the Grip X2’s increased tunability and smoother feel, attributing these improvements to a larger base diameter and increased number of valves (24mm with 23 valves compared to the Grip2’s 20mm with seven).
Tunability and Adjustability
The Grip X2 boasts superior adjustability. Fox claims it’s their most tunable damper yet. This allows for finer control over high and low-speed compression damping, enabling riders to precisely tailor the fork’s performance to various terrains and riding styles.
Weight and Design
While the Grip X2 is slightly heavier than the Grip2 (a 20-gram increase in a 160mm travel fork), this minimal weight difference is often overshadowed by the performance gains. The external design remains largely unchanged, retaining familiar adjustment dials and the same chassis.
Upgrades and Compatibility
Upgrading from a Grip2 to an X2 is possible, often involving an increased spring rate to maintain the desired sag. One forum user reported a significant improvement in performance after this upgrade on a Fox 36 fork. The new dampers are also backwards compatible with many existing Fox forks, requiring only updated bushings.
Summary Table
| Feature | Grip2 | Grip X2 |
| Mid-Stroke Support | Less | More |
| Overall Feel | Plush initial stroke, harsher over repeated hits | Supportive and supple |
| Tunability | Lower | Higher |
| Weight | Lighter | Slightly heavier |
Conclusion
The Fox Grip X2 represents a notable advancement over the Grip2. While the Grip2 remains a capable damper, the X2 offers superior mid-stroke support, increased tunability, and a smoother, more controlled ride. The slight weight increase is a worthwhile trade-off for most riders seeking enhanced performance. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual riding style and preferences, but the Grip X2 emerges as the clear winner for riders demanding top-tier performance.
