Are you looking for the best and the strongest BMX sprockets?
Welcome to my collection of ultimate chainrings that any rider can use.
Whether you want a sprocket with a guard or without it, small or large, it’s all here.
I ride a 25T one with a guard because of the grinds, so I don’t destroy the chain.
But that’s more recently.
I was rocking a 28T sprocket without a guard for a very long time. No problem, but the guard just makes it all a tad easier.
This post covers:
Here are the BEST ONES – something for everyone. Go.
You may also be interested in my collection of the best BMX chains.
Best BMX Sprockets
1. Odyssey Utility Pro Sprocket
Let’s take a look at the Utility Pro Sprocket from Odyssey. This is a sprocket designed to have a rad look by itself and also be compatible with Odyssey’s Utility Pro plastic guard.
The sprocket is CNC’d from 7075 aluminum and compatible with all BMX chains.
There are 3 size options on the Utility Pro in 25T, 28T, or 30T, but the 30T option is not compatible with the guard.
The sprocket comes in red, blue, or black, with or without the guard.
Note: Here’s my extensive Odyssey Utility Pro sprocket review if you need more info.
- Weight: 6.7 oz (no guard version)
- Price: $47.99 (may vary)
2. Merritt Ackerman Sprocket
The Merritt Ackerman sprocket is one hell of a street tool that’s ready for any abuse – even without the guard!
It’s made from CNC-machined 6061 aluminum, so it’s both super strong and lightweight – only 2.6 oz for the 25T version.
The clean and sleek design has laser-etched logos that add a stylish touch.
It fits perfectly with its 15/16″ (24mm) bore, and it even comes with adapters for 19mm and 22mm spindles, so you’re covered no matter what crank setup you have.
Ackerman is definitely a solid upgrade if you’re looking for something durable and fresh for your BMX.
- Weight: 2.6 oz (25T)
- Price: $44.99 (may vary)
3. Odyssey Boyd Sprocket
The Odyssey Boyd sprocket is seriously built to last. Hey, if it holds Boyd Hilder, it must hold anyone!
In other words, yes, it’s made for extreme riding.
This thing looks awesome with its five-spoke directional design, and is CNC-machined from top-quality 7075-T6 aluminum.
Thanks to the material, the Boyd sprocket is strong but keeps the weight down – only 2.8 oz for the 25T.
I love how the spoke thickness increases toward the center for added longevity.
Finally, you get it with 19mm and 22mm adapters, so it’s ready to go. But it supports 24mm crank spindles without any adapters.
If you’re looking for something tough, ready to send it, this is it.
Note: Don’t miss my in-depth Odyssey Boyd sprocket review.
- Weight: 2.8 oz (25T)
- Price: $47.99 (may vary)
4. Sunday Knox Sprocket
The Sunday Knox V2 Guard Sprocket is a beast of a sprocket, ready for the street, park or any other abuse.
It’s made from 7075-T6 alloy, so it’s super tough. The guard design is perfect for protecting your chain from hits when riding hard.
The updated look is clean, and the refined geometry makes it feel even better. It fits all BMX chains, which is awesome, and the 5 rotatable bolt holes give you plenty of mounting options.
It has a 24mm bore and comes with 19mm and 22mm adapters, so it works with different setups. The 25 T weighs about 5 oz, which is still pretty lightweight for a guarded sprocket.
For all the ins and outs, check out my Sunday Knox sprocket review.
- Weight: 5.0 oz (25T)
- Price: $64.99 (may vary)
5. Kink Imprint Sprocket
The Kink ImprintsSprocket is the perfect mix of style and durability.
Made from 6.35mm thick 7075-T6 aluminum, it’s tough enough to handle serious riding while keeping things lightweight.
The four-spoke design with sunken spokes not only looks sleek but also adds strength and cuts down on unnecessary weight.
With chamfered teeth for a smooth ride and great chain fit, this sprocket delivers reliable performance.
It’s compatible with 24mm spindles and even comes with 19mm and 22mm adapters to fit any modern crank set.
If you’re after a sprocket that’s strong, stylish, and built to last, the Imprint is a solid choice.
Gain more ins and outs by reading my comprehensive Kink Imprint sprocket review.
- Weight: 2.7 oz (25T)
- Price: $44.99 (may vary)
6. Shadow Sabotage Sprocket
Shadow Conspiracy gained inspiration for their Sabotage sprocket from old-school sprocket/guard combos but added their high-quality twist to it.
It comes in two sizes (25T & 28T) with a removable/replaceable plastic guard that screws to the sprocket with four bolts.
The space between teeth and guard is wide enough to fit any modern BMX chain.
Plus, it comes in 8+ color variations!
- Weight: 5.3 oz (25T)
- Price: $38.99 (may vary)
7. Eclat Onyx Sprocket
Here we have the Onyx Sprocket from Eclat. This is a cold-forged sprocket which helps bring the price tag down to make it a more affordable option.
Size options on this one include 25T or 26T and it has a thickness of 6.35mm.
One cool feature of the Onyx is its two-sided design, which means you can decide which you want to show just by flipping the sprocket.
There is only one sprocket bolt hole on this one, which is understandable based on the affordable price point and color options: sandblasted black or sandblasted cyan.
- Weight: 5.1 oz (25T)
- Price: $31.99 (may vary)
8. S&M Mid School Guard Sprocket
The S&M Mid School Guard sprocket brings back that early 2000s bashguard style with updated features for today’s riding.
Made from 6061-T6 alloy, it’s strong, stiff, and built to protect your chain during grinds, stalls, and heavy street abuse.
With a modern tooth profile, smooth chain alignment, and compatibility with both full- and half-link chains, performance is dialed.
It offers four rotation points, so you can extend its lifespan and keep it running strong session after session.
Available in sizes from 25T up to 39T, it works for modern street setups or full mid-school vibes, with adapters for 19mm, 22mm, and 24mm spindles included.
The guard is integrated into the design, making it cleaner and stronger than bolt-on options.
And with colorways like Matte Black, Dark Roast, and Matte Purple, it looks as good as it rides.
Finally, don’t miss my S&M Mid School guard sprocket review.
- Weight: 4.5 oz (25T)
- Price: $84.95 (may vary)
9. Stolen Sumo Sprocket (Affordable)
The Stolen Sumo sprocket is a budget-friendly option that delivers legit performance without cutting corners.
CNC-machined from durable 6061 aluminum, it comes in two versions – clean and lightweight (Sumo III) or with a Thermalite guard for added chain protection.
The guard version uses Stolen’s proprietary nylon material, which slides smoother than aluminum and helps prevent snags during grinds.
Both options include 19mm and 22mm spindle adapters, making them compatible with most cranksets, and you can even run them directly on 24mm spindles.
Available in multiple colors and sizes, the Sumo looks sharp on any build and holds up well for park, street, and trails.
At just $29.99 – $39.99, it’s one of the best-value sprockets on the market, especially since you can upgrade to a guard later without buying a whole new sprocket.
Need more proof why this sprocket rocks? Then read my Stolen Sumo sprocket review.
- Weight: 2.3 oz (25T)
- Price: $29.99 (may vary)
10. Profile Racing Imperial (Includes The Smallest BMX Sprocket Option)
The Profile Racing Imperial sprocket is one of the most popular and best-looking BMX sprockets ever made, combining lightweight design with serious strength.
CNC-machined from 6061 aluminum, it features an 18-spoke cutout pattern that keeps weight low while maintaining stiffness and reducing flex.
With sizes ranging from 23T all the way to 45T, the Imperial offers more gearing options than almost any other sprocket on the market.
It’s only compatible with 19mm spindles (comes with a steel insert), which makes it a perfect match for Profile Racing cranks and other 19mm setups.
Available in a wide range of colors, it allows riders to fine-tune both performance and style to their liking.
The Imperial delivers smooth pedaling and excellent power transfer, making it a favorite for racers, park riders, trails, and even street (with the optional guard).
If you want a sprocket that’s strong, versatile, and iconic in design, the Profile Racing Imperial is tough to beat.
I talk more about this awesome sprocket in my extensive Profile Racing Imperial sprocket review.
- Weight: 2.3 oz (25T)
- Price: $47.99 (may vary)
Further reading:
- Best 25T BMX Sprockets
- Best 28T BMX Sprockets
- Best 30T BMX Sprockets
- What BMX Sprocket Size Is Best?
- BMX sprocket installation tools
- BMX sprocket maintenance tips
How To Pick The Right BMX Sprocket?
Choosing the right sprocket relies primarily on the style of riding you do.
So let’s start with the most important one:
1. Gear Ratio (Sprocket Size)
Here are three scenarios (assuming you have a (most common) 9t BMX rear hub.)
Street: You have two options, either a 25t/9t or a 28t/9t combo.
The former is more for technical street riders where you don’t need to pedal fast to do giant gaps and stuff. That’s the gear ratio I ride.
I actually switched down from the 28t/9t ratio.
28t/9t is great if you also like to jump stairs or are more of an all-around rider, shredding skateparks and occasionally trails.
Note: I once did a 30t/9t gear ratio, but it just doesn’t work too well for street (if you’re into grinds and stuff; it works if you’re Sean Burns and like to do wicked stuff).
Park: Similar to street riding, park riders also prefer smaller/lighter gear ratios. A 25t/9t is an excellent pick, but some even go with a 24t sprocket.
Trails, bowls: This is where the larger, heavier gear ratios come into play.
While many riders still do the 28t/9t ratio, I’d recommend the 30t/9t gear ratio, so you can enjoy the power when needed.
Further reading: What’s the best BMX gear ratio?
2. Material (CNCed or Forged?)
In most cases, BMX sprockets are CNC machined from Aluminum, which gives the final product a more refined look. These are the most common and my favorite.
Forged sprockets, on the other hand, are forged from a raw Aluminum block under heat and pressure. It’s a cheaper process, so that’s why forged sprockets are significantly more affordable.
3. Guard or Non-Guard BMX sprocket
The riding style depends on whether to go with a guarded or non-guarded sprocket. But it’s also a personal preference because some riders like the look (like myself).
For the most part, guarded sprockets are exclusive for street riders, where you do a lot of grinding, and you regularly hit your chain.
I highly recommend going with a sprocket + guard combo if that’s the case. (It’s also chain-friendly if you do disasters and crooked grinds where the chance of hitting your sprocket is much higher.)
For me, it’s both for the looks and the chain protection.
Further reading:
4. Spline Drive Sprocket
This is a rarity, but I’m mentioning it because you may come across a spline drive sprocket and don’t really know its use.
It’s a sprocket with a hardened Chromoly insert that matches the crank spindle’s 48 splines. One of the current best examples is the Profile Spline Drive sprocket.
In this case, you don’t need sprocket bolts, you push it on the spindle, and that’s it.
I had the S&M L7 version once. It’s great because it makes the bike look much cleaner without the sprocket bolt.
But I could not take it apart when I tried to disassemble it. Do I recommend it? No. (Maybe only for BMX flatland.)
Further reading: Spline drive vs bolt drive BMX sprockets.
FAQs About BMX Sprockets
What sprocket size is best for BMX?
Picking the best sprocket size depends on your style of riding. 25 – 28T is ideal for street because it helps with grinding but still has enough pedaling power.
But if you like to go fast, anything above 28T would be perfect for you.
Is a smaller sprocket faster BMX?
No. A smaller sprocket is slower in BMX. If you want to go fast, pick a 28T+ sprocket.
How do I choose a BMX sprocket?
- A 25 – 28T sprocket is ideal if you ride street and do a lot of grinding.
- A 28T+ is perfect if you ride trails, parks and transitions and like to go fast.
What is the best BMX gear ratio?
- 25/9 gearing for street riding (optionally 28/9).
- 28/9 gearing for transitions riding (optionally 30/9 or heavier).
Why do BMX bikes have small sprockets?
BMX bikes have small sprockets to reduce weight, improve ground clearance for grinds, and give quicker acceleration with the modern 25/9 gear ratio compared to the old-school big sprockets.
How to install a BMX sprocket?
To install a BMX sprocket, slide it onto the crank spindle (using the right adapter if needed), line it up with the chain (using spacers), secure it with the sprocket bolt, and then reassemble the cranks tightly.
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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.
