Are you trying to figure out which is better when comparing flanged vs flangeless BMX grips?
Okay, let’s go right into it, first by explaining what flanged and flangeless grips actually mean:
| Grip style | Description |
| Flanged | With a rubber flange on the inside of the grip |
| Flangeless | Without a rubber flange on the inside of the grip |
I rode both, but I prefer the flangeless grips way more.
And after 20+ years of testing endless grips, the Animal Edwin Delarosa grips are by far my favorite.
Of course, I’d probably choose differently if I’d ridden brakes.
But even then, I’d likely go with the flangeless grip on the side without the brake lever and with a flanged one on the side with the brake lever for extra protection.
This post covers:
- The difference between flanged & flangeless BMX grips
- Flanged or flangeless bike grips, which is better?
- How do I choose BMX bike grips?
- FAQs about BMX flanged & flangeless grips
The Difference Between Flanged & Flangeless BMX Grips
What Is A Flanged Bike Grip?
A flanged grip has a rubber flange on the inside of the grip.
What Is A Flangeless Bike Grip?
A flangeless grip doesn’t have a rubber flange.
Flanged Or Flangeless Bike Grips: Which Is Better?
There’s really no right or wrong answer to this.
But here are a few reasons why one may be better than the other.
Note: Find my collections of the best BMX grips and BMX bar ends.
1. Looks
Some of the riders prefer a flanged grip just because it looks better.
And vice versa, some (like me) prefer a flagless grip more.
I rode a flanged grip for a very long time before I started cutting the flanges off.
Surprisingly, flangeless grips weren’t as popular back then as they are right now.
But that’s probably because of:
2. Brakes
One of the main reasons for ridding flanged grips is the protection from brake levers.
However, others still don’t need that protection and ride a flangeless version.
You see, it really is more or less a personal preference.
But it’s worth trying to see what suits you best before making the final decision.
Hint: You can get a flanged grip, and cut the flange off if you find you don’t need it.
3. Barspins
Another thing that I found out is that a flangeless grip helps when it comes to barspins.
Note: Have you checked my tutorial on how to barspin on a BMX?
Even when you learn barspins, you won’t always catch it perfectly.
For this reason, the extra flange doesn’t feel too comfortable when catching it.
It won’t hurt you because it’s rubber, but the barspin instantly won’t look as good as without the flange (even when you don’t catch it perfectly).
4. Some Ride 1 Flanged & 1 Flangeless
I’ve seen many dudes ride both versions of the grip.
Why?
Because they prefer the extra protection (with the flange) on the brake side and don’t need it on the non-brake side (without the flange).
How Do I Choose BMX Bike Grips?
I recommend flangeless grips if you are riding brakeless and plan to learn barspins.
On the other hand, if you’re more into style and flow, not doing too many tricks that require releasing the handlebar, then a flanged grip is a great option.
But this is a really general statement.
My real advice would be to try both, ride them for a bit and see what works best for you. (And you can give the pair you don’t like to a friend.)
Yes, it’s that simple.
Because there are many dudes who do lots of barspins and ride flanged grips.
And there are dudes who’re style kings, rarely releasing the handlebar, and they ride flangeless grips.
But you may also be interested in reading what BMX grips size to pick so that you can make the right decision.
FAQs About BMX Flanged & Flangeless Grips
What are BMX bike grip flanges for?
Flanges act as a small lip at the inside edge of the grip, helping keep your hand in place and protecting your thumb from hitting the brake lever or bar clamp.
Do flangeless bike grips wear out faster?
No. The wear mostly depends on the rubber compound.
Which bike grips are better for barspins?
Flangeless grips are generally better for barspins since there’s no flange to catch your fingers during rotation.
Can you cut flanges off BMX grips?
Yes, many riders cut the flanges off with a razor blade if they prefer the flangeless feel without buying new grips. I cut my grips in the past a lot.
Do flanged grips work with all brake setups?
They work with most, but some riders find flanges can interfere with certain lever positions. Also, if the grips are too long, they likely won’t fit your brake side – but you can cut them to the right length easily. Also, some flanged grips have smaller flange diameter to better fit with brake levers.
Are thicker grips better for comfort?
Thicker grips can reduce hand fatigue and feel cushier, while thinner grips offer more control and direct bike feel – it comes down to personal preference. I like thicker grips.
What does flangeless bike grips mean?
Flangeless grips are BMX grips without the inner lip (flange) at the end, giving a cleaner look and more room for barspins and tricks.
What does flanged bike grips mean?
Flanged grips have a raised inner edge that helps keep your hands in place and protects your thumb from hitting the bar clamp or brake lever.
