11 Best BMX Grips: My Top Picks For Comfort & Control

Finding the best BMX grips sounds simple… until you actually start trying different pairs.

Some feel amazing at first but get sticky fast.

Others are too thin, too short, too hard, or just don’t give you enough grip once your hands start sweating.

And because grips are one of the main contact points between you and your bike, even a small difference in thickness, length, rubber compound, or pattern can completely change how your bars feel.

I’ve ridden and tested a lot of BMX grips over the years, from super-thin options to chunky 32mm grips, soft mushroom patterns, micro-flanges, and everything in between.

Below are the BMX grips I’d recommend most right now.

Whether you want more comfort, better control, extra thickness, longer grips, or simply something that feels great session after session, here’s a grip for you.

Note: You may also be interested in my collection of the best BMX bar ends.

This post covers:

• Best BMX Grips With & Without Flanges
• What Makes A Good BMX Grip?
• Thin Vs Thick BMX Grips
• Best BMX Grips For Sweaty Hands
• Conclusion: Which BMX Grips Should You Get?
• FAQs About BMX Grips

Note: Don’t miss my tutorial on how to install BMX grips.

Best BMX Grips With & Without Flanges

1. ODI Longneck SLX – Best Soft BMX Grips

The ODI Longneck SLX are one of the most popular grips for many, MANY years, and that’s for a good reason.

Although these look very basic, they feature a soft but long-lasting compound that feels good but will stay on your bars for many sessions without wearing out any time soon.

The mushroom rib pattern ensures a comfortable grip regardless of your riding style – they’re particularly nice for barspins.

ODI Longneck SLX grips are sold in pairs and come with rubber bar ends. Length: 160mm.

Note: Also available with flanges, but the length of those is 143mm.

Before you take action, check out my extensive ODI Longneck SLX grips review.

Price: $12.95 (may vary)

GET YOUR ODI LONGNECK GRIPS NOW! GET YOUR ODI LONGNECK GRIPS NOW! (FLANGED)

2. Cult X Vans Waffle – Best Stylish BMX Grips

The Cult X Vans Waffle Grip might be one of the MOST RECOGNIZABLE grips in all of BMX.

If you somehow haven’t seen these grips yet, Cult and Vans took their signature Waffle shoe pattern and used it as a pattern for a BMX grip.

These grips are made in the USA by ODI and come in many colors, including black, gum, rose pink, purple, red, army green, blue, white, and orange.

These grips look super stylish.

Note: Here’s my extensive Cult X Vans Waffle grips review.

Price: $11.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR CULT X VANS GRIPS NOW! GET YOUR CULT X VANS GRIPS NOW! (FLANGED)

3. S&M Hoder – Best Thick BMX Grips

Have you tried the Hoder Grips from S&M? These are Mike Hoder‘s signature grips and are one of the current favorites for all of the THICKER grip lovers of the BMX world.

They are in a small club of larger grips at 160mm in length and 31.5mm in diameter. They have a wide array of 12 colors!

The Hoder grips are also made in the USA by ODI and each pair comes with a set of bar ends.

I highly recommend these!

Note: I found these working very well for sweaty hands.

Need more info? Then read my S&M Hoder grips review.

Price: $11.95 (may vary)

GET YOUR S&M HODER GRIPS NOW!

4. Odyssey Broc – Best For Barspins

Here is a look at the Odyssey Broc Grip. These are Broc Raiford‘s signature grip which was updated from the original to have SMOOTHER ends and to include his BR logo.

The Broc grips come with Odyssey’s Par End bar ends and are 160mm long with several color options available.

Currently, they are available in billiard green/black swirl, midnight purple, hot pink, toothpaste/navy swirl, bright red, sky blue, and solid black.

Price: $10.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR ODYSSEY BROC GRIPS NOW!

5. Alienation Backlash – Best Thick BMX Grips For Control

Alienation’s Backlash grips are a really nice option if you prefer something slightly thicker in your hands.

That is actually one of the first things I like about them.

At 31mm in diameter, they are just a little thicker than many BMX grips, which should give you a fuller, more comfortable feel without going overly chunky.

Since I personally prefer slightly thicker grips, this size immediately appeals to me.

Alienation uses an alternating micro-finned, bi-directional pattern, which gives the grip plenty of texture without making it look too aggressive.

They are also made from Alienation’s proprietary rubber compound, so the focus is clearly on combining comfort with grip.

The grips are 155mm long, flangeless, and come with AA nylon/plastic bar ends.

I also asked around a few of my buddies who run these, and they all described these grips as soft and very grippy.

If you don’t like thin, super-long grips, these are likely it.

Price: $10.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR ALIENATION BACKLASH GRIPS NOW!

6. Shadow Maya – Best Micro-Flange Grips

The Shadow Conspiracy’s Maya grips are Joris Coulomb‘s signature, made from DCR rubber that guarantees softness and longevity.

The grips feature a unique honeycomb pattern, are 160mm in length and slightly thicker, with a 31mm diameter. Nylon barends included.

What I really like about these is the “micro flange” on both sides, so there’s no right or wrong way of putting them on.

Price: $12.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR SHADOW MAYA GRIPS NOW!

7. Cinema Reynolds – Best Medium-Thickness Grips

Garrett Reynolds’ signature grips are designed for comfort, control, and a clean look.

They’re 155mm long with a medium 30mm diameter – perfect for riders who want a balanced feel that’s neither too thick nor too skinny.

The micro-ribbed pattern runs the full length, giving you consistent grip whether you’re cruising, doing barspins, or hitting heavy street lines.

Made from a soft Krayton compound, they feel broken-in right out of the package but last through plenty of sessions.

Each set also includes low-profile Cinema nylon bar ends to keep your bars protected.

Note: I also have a comprehensive Cinema Reynolds grips review ready for your convenience.

Price: $10.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR CINEMA REYNOLDS GRIPS NOW!

8. Cult Solo – Best Thick & Comfy Alternative

Cult Solo grips are made by ODI, so you’re getting that nice proprietary rubber compound that feels tacky without turning into mush.

Feels. Nice.

The wavy rib pattern adds a bit of padding and gives your hands solid traction, especially on longer sessions.

They’re flangeless, 160mm long, and a comfy 32mm diameter, which fits most hands really well.

However, if you’re into thinner grips, these might not be the right option for you.

Moreover, you also get simple push-in plastic bar plugs, so installation is quick and clean. Plus, they come in a ton of colors, and they’re made in the USA, which is always a nice bonus.

For more info, read my Cult Solo grips review.

Price: $11.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR CULT SOLO GRIPS NOW!

9. Kink Samurai Grips – Best Short BMX Grips

Kink’s Samurai grips (best grip name ever??) are made in the USA by ODI, so the rubber feel is legit right out of the box.

ODI knows their rubber game DAMN well!

They use a diamond-style ribbed pattern that gives you a nice mix of comfort and control without feeling bulky.

With a 29mm diameter and 145mm length, they’re on the slimmer/shorter side, which some riders really prefer. (These can also work great if you ride brakes.)

They come with simple Kink nylon plug-style bar ends to finish things off clean.

Price: $10.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR KINK SAMURAI GRIPS NOW!

10. Cult Purgatory – Best Hybrid-Pattern Grips

The Cult Purgatory grips are Preston Okert’s signature, made for riders who want that sweet spot between comfort, control, and durability.

They’re made using a premium rubber compound (hey, OD!) that feels grippy but not extremely soft.

The pattern is split: one half has horizontal ribs for cushioning, and the other half has diamond knurling for a more locked-in feel.

Smart move!

You also get mini flanges on both ends (epic!), which is awesome for control when your hands get sweaty or you’re pulling hard.

Don’t like flanges? There’s a cut line so you can remove one flange and dial in the feel.

Size-wise, they’re 30.5mm thick and 163mm long, and they come with simple plastic plug bar ends.

Price: $11.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR CULT PURGATORY GRIPS NOW!

11. Merritt Itsy – Best Long BMX Grips

The Merritt Itsy grips are a clean, simple option if you like soft BMX grips without a bunch of extra features getting in the way.

Merritt uses a soft Kraton rubber compound with a geometric tread pattern designed to feel comfortable while still providing your hands with plenty of grip.

They are flangeless, so there is nothing interfering with your hand position when doing barspins or moving around on the bars.

One thing I especially like is the length.

At 175mm, the Itsy grips give you loads of room to move your hands around, which is great if you ride brakeless or simply prefer a longer grip.

You also get Merritt’s Insert bar ends, so the grips come ready to install without needing to buy separate plugs.

Price: $13.99 (may vary)

GET YOUR MERRITT ITSY GRIPS NOW!

What Makes A Good BMX Grip?

A good BMX grip should feel comfortable, stay secure in your hands, and give you enough control without causing unnecessary hand fatigue.

Here are the main things I look at:

• Comfort: Softer rubber and a bit of extra cushioning can make longer sessions much easier on your hands.
• Grip pattern: Mushroom ribs, micro ribs, waffle sections, and mixed patterns all feel different. The right pattern can also help when your hands get sweaty.
• Diameter: Thinner grips feel more direct, while thicker grips usually provide more cushioning. This mostly comes down to personal preference and hand size.
• Length: Longer grips give you more room to move your hands around, which is especially nice if you ride brakeless.
• Rubber compound: A softer compound usually feels better straight away, but it may wear faster. Firmer grips tend to last longer.
• Flange style: Flanged, flangeless, and micro-flange grips all work well. Pick the style that feels the least restrictive for your riding.

There isn’t one grip that works best for every rider.

Some dudes love super-thin grips, while others won’t touch anything under 31 or 32mm.

The best option is the one that gives you the right mix of comfort, control, and feel for how you ride.

Yes, when it comes to grips, you need to test a bunch to really find what suits you best.

Thin Vs Thick BMX Grips

Grip thickness can completely change how your handlebars feel.

Thin BMX grips usually give you a more direct connection to the bars. Some riders prefer them for barspins and technical riding because there’s less material between the hand and handlebar.

Thick BMX grips add more cushioning and can feel much more comfortable, especially during longer sessions. They’re also a solid choice if you have larger hands or simply don’t like your fingers wrapping too far around the grip.

I personally tend to prefer thicker grips, usually somewhere around the 31–32mm range.

Note: I truly find it annoying when BMX brands do not list the grip diameter. To me, diameter is even more important than length because it has a much bigger effect on how the grip actually feels in your hands.

But there’s no perfect diameter for everyone.

A 29mm grip might feel amazing to one rider and way too skinny to another.

If you’re unsure, starting around 30mm is a good middle ground before experimenting with something thinner or thicker.

Best BMX Grips For Sweaty Hands

If your hands get sweaty while riding, the grip pattern can matter just as much as the rubber compound.

I usually prefer grips with plenty of texture, such as mushroom ribs or deeper patterns, because they give your hands more to hold onto once things get slippery.

The S&M Hoder grips are one of my favorite options here.

They’re thick, comfortable, and the mushroom-style pattern gives you plenty of traction.

The ODI Longneck SLX is another excellent choice if you want something softer with that classic ribbed feel. But for me, these are a little too sticky.

I also have two simple tricks that work really well for me: climbing chalk and baby powder.

A little climbing chalk can help keep your hands drier and improve grip during hotter sessions.

Baby powder can also reduce moisture and that slippery feeling, especially if your palms sweat a lot. Plus, it smells nice.

Conclusion: Which BMX Grips Should You Get?

There’s no single BMX grip that will feel perfect for every rider.

Your best choice comes down to the thickness, length, rubber compound, and grip pattern you prefer.

And yes, you only find the perfect BMX grip by testing a bunch.

If you like a softer, classic feel, the ODI Longneck SLX is an easy recommendation.

Moreover, if you want something thicker with plenty of cushioning and traction, the S&M Hoder grips are a great pick.

For me, diameter is one of the biggest deciding factors.

I’d rather ride a grip that feels right in my hands than choose one just because it looks good or happens to be popular.

And luckily, grips are one of the cheaper BMX parts to experiment with.

Try a few different styles over time.

You’ll quickly figure out whether you prefer thin or thick grips, longer or shorter ones, and a smoother or more aggressive pattern.

Once you find the right pair, your whole front end simply feels better.

FAQs About BMX Grips

What are the best BMX grips?

The best BMX grips are the ones that match your preferred thickness, length, softness, and grip pattern. ODI Longneck SLX, S&M Hoder, Cult X Vans, and Animal Edwin grips are all strong options.

What are the most comfortable BMX grips?

Thicker, softer grips are usually more comfortable because they provide extra cushioning. I personally tend to prefer grips around 31–32mm in diameter.

What are the best BMX grips for sweaty hands?

Look for grips with plenty of texture, such as mushroom ribs or deeper patterns. S&M Hoder and ODI Longneck SLX grips are two excellent options.

Are thicker BMX grips better?

Not necessarily. Thick grips usually offer more cushioning, while thin grips give you a more direct feel of the bars. It comes down to personal preference.

How thick should BMX grips be?

Around 30mm is a good middle ground. Thinner grips are often around 28–29mm, while thicker BMX grips can reach 31–32mm or more.

How long should BMX grips be?

Most modern BMX grips are roughly 150–165mm long. Longer grips give you more room to adjust your hand position, especially if you ride brakeless.

Are flanged or flangeless BMX grips better?

Neither is automatically better. Flangeless grips give you more freedom to move your hands, while flanged grips create a small barrier near the brake lever and stem side of the grip.

Do BMX grips fit all handlebars?

Most BMX grips are made for standard 7/8″ handlebars, so compatibility usually isn’t an issue.

How long do BMX grips last?

It depends on how often you ride, how soft the compound is, and how much abuse they take. Soft grips can wear faster, while firmer compounds last longer.

When should I replace BMX grips?

Replace them once the rubber becomes badly worn, torn, sticky, hardened, or starts moving on the bars. If they no longer feel secure in your hands or your hands start to hurt, it’s time for a fresh pair.

Are lock-on grips good for BMX?

You can use them, but traditional slip-on grips are much more common in freestyle BMX. They’re lighter, simpler, and give you plenty of choices in thickness and length. Plus, they’re more comfortable.

How do you install BMX grips?

There are several easy methods. You can use compressed air, hairspray, rubbing alcohol, or another grip-safe method to slide them onto the bars, then let them dry completely before riding. My simplest method is using WD-40.

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Note: This article was originally published on February 18, 2022. But I regularly review it and update it with necessary improvements for accuracy.