Are you searching for the best 50mm reach BMX stems?
Do you need a front load or a top load?
Either way, you came to the right place!
Choosing the right BMX stem greatly affects how your bike feels and performs.
A 50mm reach stem is the sweet spot for many riders, offering a great balance of control, comfort, and responsiveness.
Whether shredding street, tearing up the park, or sending it on the trails, the right stem can give you that extra confidence to push your limits.
I’ve been riding a 50mm stem for nearly all of my life.
I’m only lately starting to experiment with other lengths to create better stem-related articles.
I’ve rounded up some of the best 50mm reach BMX stems out there.
From CNC-machined options to affordable cold-forged designs, this list has something for every style and budget.
You’ll find top load stems for a bit of extra height and sleek front load stems for a clean, more traditional look.
Let’s go!
This post covers:
- Best 50mm BMX front load stems
- Best 50mm BMX top load stems
- How to make your 50mm BMX stem last longer
Best 50mm BMX Front Load Stems
1. Kink Track Stem
The Kink Track stem is made from CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum, which keeps it light but super sturdy.
The recessed fork cap bolt and engraved Kink logo make it look clean on any setup.
Plus, those oversized bolts and internal grooves grip your bars like a vice – no slipping here.
The contoured body profile trims unnecessary weight without sacrificing strength.
At 12.4 ounces, it’s sleek, functional, and totally worth it!
(Especially if you want a stem with a more original look.)
Track specs:
- Rise: 32mm
- Weight: 12.4 oz
- Price: $64.99 (may vary)
2. S&M Shredneck Stem
The S&M Shredneck stem is pure quality.
Made in the USA from CNC-machined 6061 aluminum, it’s built to handle anything.
I love the hollow center design, which cuts down on weight without compromising strength.
The engraved S&M logos on the faceplate and side add a classic touch, and the recessed compression bolt keeps the look clean.
It’s super solid, only 11.7 ounces, and a breeze to install.
Shredneck specs:
- Rise: 7mm
- Weight: 11.7 oz
- Price: $64.95 (may vary)
3. Cinema Projector Stem
The Cinema Projector 50mm stem has one of the more unique approaches to front load stems.
It gives you the clean, sleek look of a frontload stem but with the height and feel of a topload – 25mm rise feels so natural.
It’s seriously the best of both worlds.
The recessed fork cap bolt design makes it super versatile for any setup, and those oversized 6mm bolts hold your bars rock solid.
The Projector stem is also available in several different colors, allowing you to personalize your bike however you want.
Projector specs:
- Rise: 25mm
- Weight: 11.6 oz
- Price: $64.99 (may vary)
4. Merritt Inaugural FL Stem
The Merritt Inaugural front load 50mm stem is legit awesome.
The clean, minimalist design is CNC-machined from 6061 aluminum, ensuring it handles anything.
The hollowed-out center keeps the weight down, and the chamfered edges give it a flawless look.
The cast Merritt logo on the faceplate adds a unique touch that really pops. I love it!
The solid chromoly bolts keep everything locked tight, and at just 11.4 ounces, it’s perfect if you want a strong, stylish, and dialed-in stem.
Inaugural FL specs:
- Rise: 6mm
- Weight: 11.4 oz
- Price: $59.99 (may vary)
Need more option? Then don’t miss my list of the best front load BMX stems.
Best 50mm BMX Top Load Stems
5. Kink Bold HRD Stem
The Kink Bold HRD stem is an absolute steal for the price.
It has a top-load design and a cast aluminum body, so it’s tough while keeping costs low.
The 50mm reach and 32mm rise feel super comfortable, giving great control and just the right amount of height.
The laser-etched Kink logos and chamfered edges make it look neat, and the recessed compression bolt keep the area flush.
The forged aluminum faceplate and solid bolts lock everything down tight, so you can enjoy your session worry-free.
Bold HRD specs:
- Rise: 32mm
- Weight: 10.7 oz
- Price: $29.99 (may vary)
6. Odyssey BROC V2 Stem
Here’s a little secret I want to share with you: The Odyssey BROC stem is a beast!
Okay, you probably know that already.
Anyway, designed with Broc Raiford‘s input, it’s got a taller 33mm rise, giving bars a nice, comfortable lift. (Likely, you won’t even need spacers.)
The six-bolt clamping setup and unique surface contouring grip the bars so well – no slipping, even on the roughest rides.
Also, when you hold this stem, you know it’s a beast. It’s just built differently and slightly larger than others.
Moreover, the updated larger bolt heads make adjustments easy and solid.
Sleek lines under the clamp give it a clean look, and the CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum keeps it strong yet reasonably light at just 12 ounces.
The BROC stem is a no-brainer if you need a 110% reliable top load 50mm BMX stem.
If you want a stem that’s stylish, sturdy, and made to perform, this one’s a no-brainer.
BROC V2 specs:
- Rise: 33mm
- Weight: 12 oz
- Price: $69.99 (may vary)
7. Federal Element Stem
The Federal Element top load stem is a killer deal for the quality.
The cold-forged construction makes it strong while keeping the cost low, which is perfect if you’re looking for durability without breaking the bank.
With a 50mm reach and 32mm rise, it gives your bike a balanced feel, whether you go tech or fast.
It’s 45mm wide, so it grips the bars tight with the solid clamp and pinch bolts.
The Federal Bikes Element stem a solid upgrade that doesn’t disappoint.
Element specs:
- Rise: 32mm
- Weight: 11.3 oz
- Price: $50.00 (may vary)
8. Merritt Inaugural V2 TL Stem
Isn’t the Merritt Inaugural V2 top load stem a beauty?
This is the front load’s version bigger sister, built equally strong and durable.
It has a comfortable 30mm rise, which isn’t too high, but neither is it low.
The machined bottom section shaves off extra weight, and the chamfered edges add a sleek touch.
I love the cast Merritt logo on the faceplate – it really makes the stem stand out.
The solid chromoly bolts lock everything down tight, so there’s no slipping, even on rough landings.
It doesn’t matter if you shred street, park or trail, the Inaugural V2 TL 50mm stem will do the trick.
Inaugural V2 TL specs:
- Rise: 30mm
- Weight: 11.3 oz
- Price: $59.99 (may vary)
9. BSD Stacked Stem
I’ve been riding the BSD Stacked stem for over a year, and it’s a stem that will withstand any abuse.
At 33mm rise, it’s BSD’s tallest stem, and you can really feel the difference in comfort and control.
The recessed compression bolt area gives it a flush, clean look, and the machined bottom section helps keep the weight down to just 11 ounces.
It grips the bars like strong AF – forget about any movement!
The Stacked stem is an excellent choice if you want to raise your front end.
The only downside of this stem is that the bottom part could be made a little cleaner – at least I don’t find it too attractive.
Stacked specs:
- Rise: 33mm
- Weight: 11 oz
- Price: $67.99 (may vary)
10. Stolen Slab Stem
The Stolen Slab stem is an awesome mix of style and function.
The stem is made from cold-forged 6061 aluminum, which gives it a nice strength-to-price ratio.
The top load design gives your bars a pleasant 31mm rise (or you can flip it for a slight drop), and it feels super comfortable.
Yes, you can ride this 50mm BMX stem inverted.
The standout feature?
That brass Stolen badge on the faceplate – it adds such a classy touch to the setup. (Similar to the Merritt ones.)
Slab specs:
- Rise: 31mm (2mm drop inverted)
- Weight: 11.2 oz
- Price: $49.99 (may vary)
Need more option? Then don’t miss my list of the best top load BMX stems.
How To Make Your 50mm BMX Stem Last Longer
Taking care of your 50 mm-reach BMX stem is key to its longevity.
A stem might be one of your bike’s toughest parts, but that doesn’t mean it’s maintenance-free.
Here are my simple tips to keep it in top shape for a long time:
- Tighten your bolts properly: Over-tightening or leaving bolts too loose can cause unnecessary stress. Use a torque wrench if you have one, and tighten it “just right.” You don’t need to tighten it like a Hulk! Plus, tighten all bolts evenly.
- Clean it regularly: Dirt and grime can build up around the bolts and clamping areas, which might affect performance over time. A quick wipe-down every now and then can make a big difference.
- Check for cracks: Give your stem a good look every few weeks, especially if riding hard. Small cracks or unusual wear could signal it’s time for a replacement before things get worse. (Don’t wait too long when replacing your stem!)
- Avoid excessive force: If you’re swapping bars or making adjustments, take your time. Yanking or forcing things into place can damage the clamp area.
- Don’t throw your bike: Even though it’s hard to hit your stem when throwing your bike, your bike landing sketchy will put unnecessary stress on it (and on all the other parts and frame).
Take care of your stem, and it’ll keep your setup solid for years!
Further reading:
- BMX stem geometry
- What BMX stem size do I need?
- What are the different BMX stem types?
- BMX stem clamp (22.2mm or 1″?)
