Cult Judgement Stem (2025 Review)

The Cult Judgment stem is an underrated gem if you want to tighten up your cockpit and make barspins smoother.

Designed by Trevor Holotka, this front load BMX stem brings a touch of old-school flavor with new-school strength and refinement.

Made from 6061 aluminum and machined to perfection, it’s clean, solid, and built to last.

The stem also looks very clean in both black and polished.

And I especially like the top recessed area where the Cult logo sits.

And, according to Garrett Reynolds, a front load stem makes all the difference if you’re into serious shredding and barspins.

Fun fact: He even convinced Lewis Mills to ditch his signature top load stem and replace it with a front load. (Okay, I just came up with that because I don’t know for sure – but it definitely looks like that.)

Anyway, let’s dig deeper into the awesome Judgement stem.

Cult Judgement Front Load Stem Review

1. Features & Build

Here’s a detailed look at what makes the Cult Judgement stem such a solid and smart choice for street and tech riders.

Whether you’re dialing in barspins or want a more responsive feel, this stem brings both style and performance to the table:

• 6061 aluminum construction
• Front load design for lower bar position
• Solid bolts for maximum clamping power
• Recessed compression bolt for a clean finish
• Sleek cap design with laser-etched logo
• Rise: 8.5mm
• Reach: 48mm
• Stack height: 32mm
• Clamp diameter: 22.2mm
• Bolts: 6 x 8 x 1.25mm
• Colors: Black, Polished
• Weight: 11.4 oz (323.2 g)
• Price: $69.99

While some riders are chasing higher-rise stems (I was one of them), the Judgement front load brings the bars a little closer and lower.

This makes a noticeable difference in how your bike feels and responds.

And it doesn’t matter if you’re a tall or a short rider, a front load can work wonders for both.

I started with a front load, switched to a top load, but I might go back to the front load actually.

2. Ride Feel & Performance

That shorter 48mm reach might not seem like a big deal on paper – but on the bike, it totally changes the game.

It puts your bars closer to your body, giving you a more compact setup that’s ideal for barspins, fakie tricks, and quick transitions.

I know, it’s only 2mm, but trust me, I tried and tested it and you really feel it.

I went from a 50mm reach stem down to a 48mm, and I’m never going back.

The lower bar position also gives your bike a more grounded, responsive feel, especially if you’re riding tech or street.

It may not be the lightest stem out there (but it’s definitely not on the heavy side), but it’s reliable and confidence-inspiring – exactly what you want when you’re going hard.

Some of the pros that ride the Cult Judgement stem: Devon Smillie.

3. Cult Judgement Stem Value & Pricing

For $69.99, you’re getting a stem designed with rider input, crafted in quality materials, and built to hold your bars through thick and thin.

No gimmicks here.

Just a solid stem that performs and looks clean on any build.

Plus, Cult parts have a well-earned rep for being both stylish and strong, and the Judgement stem lives up to that standard.

So far, I’ve been very satisfied with all the Cult parts I’ve ridden and tested.

4. Real Rider Feedback

• Lance P.: “I went from a 50mm to the Cult Judgement’s 48mm reach, and it made a huge difference in how easy barspins feel. Everything’s quicker.”
• Ty R.: “I like frontload stems, and this one has been perfect for keeping the bars right where I want them. Feels rock solid.”
• Nico G.: “Solid clamping, clean look, and feels very dialed. It’s one of those parts you forget about because it just works. And a polished one on an all-black bike looks terrific.”
• AJ B.: “I was worried 48mm might be too short but turns out it’s perfect. Way better control and less reach fatigue.”

Conclusion: Is The Cult Judgement Stem Worth It?

Absolutely.

The Cult Judgement stem is a smart pick for everyone who wants a clean, compact, and reliable front load stem that tightens up your ride and keeps your bars exactly where you want them.

It’s not just about looks – though it does look super clean – this stem adds a noticeable edge to your bike’s feel.

Perfect for tech-focused riders who want more responsive control, especially when it comes to barspins.

That slightly shorter reach and lower rise help bring everything in close, giving you the kind of control you don’t know you’re missing until you try it.

The Judgement stem delivers a clean look, dependable grip, and the confidence you need when pushing your limits.

This might be your next upgrade if you’re ready to unlock new tricks or make existing ones even easier.

Further reading:

• What BMX stem size do I need?
• What are the different BMX stem types?
• BMX stem clamp (22.2mm or 1″?)
• Best 48mm reach BMX stems