The brainchild of Brendan Fairclough and Olly Wilkins has been refreshed after a lengthy tenure as one of the best MTB grips. Now, the DMR Deathgrip2 grips get a boost in general durability as well as a sleeker and more refined aesthetic. The result is a grip that’s mega secure and repairs flaws found in its previous generation. If you are a fan of the first grip, DMR has only made it better. If you weren’t, the new features may not be enough to win you over.
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DMR Deathgrip2 - Technical details
When bringing one of the most beloved grips on the market back to the drawing board, DMR wanted to keep everything that made it special, while building upon the foundation laid. With that, the grip’s pattern and texture are exactly the same. There’s still that mushroom area inboard, a knurled texture at the main body, and a waffle for the fingertips. This pattern was created to provide plenty of damping as well as an excellent bar feel when racing downhill without gloves. Then, the waffle boosts control, says DMR.
As before, the Deathgrip2 is available in 20a and 25a Krayton rubber compounds as well as a Race model that gets a softer 15a compound. There are also two diameters on offer - 29.8mm and 31.3mm. Finally, the Deathgrip2 can be bought with or without a flange. The core is also tapered for security on the bar.
Where the Deathgrip2 departs from its predecessor is in its construction. Now, the core end is exposed with an injection-moulded DMR end cap that’s colour-coordinated with other features on the grip. This is set to add durability to the end cap, where the previous grip’s bar end was prone to tearing.
The locking collar is now a little narrower, and the brand says that it’s more refined. Rounding off the tech features are six colours, including the gum colour that's only found on the firmer compound. The softer compound Race model can be picked up for an extra three quid, and the old-style Deathgrips are still available to purchase.
DMR Deathgrip2 - Performance
With the Deathgrip2 essentially being the same as the old grip at its core (pun intended), it’ll appeal to those who are seeking more durability without compromising on the unique feel it provides. If you weren’t a fan of the grip, there’s not an awful lot that’ll change your mind, and for the record, the Deathgrip wasn’t a favourite of mine.
During my time with the Deathgrip2s, I ran both the regular 20a compound grip and the 15a Race edition and had a fairly mixed experience. But in general, the blend of bar feel and damping that made the Deathgrip a staple in the market is still present.
The diamond knurl pattern provides tonnes of traction, and because there’s not a whole load of material under the palm, bar feel is direct. Then, the mushroom pattern inboard adds helpful cushioning around the soft parts of the thumb and the area between the thumb and forefinger. Dialling in the position of the waffle took a little bit of trial and error, but it didn’t take too long to find the sweet spot.
Installing the Deathgrip2 is just like before in that it requires a tap with a hammer on the end of the grip to seat it fully. This creates an incredibly stable and secure grip that will not budge, but it takes a bit of foresight and planning before sending it home with a big old whack from a hammer - just make sure the waffle is lined up how you want it because it won’t twist once in place.
While the tapered core provides locked-in stability, it can be tricky to remove. Granted, not everyone changes grips every five minutes, but I needed a hammer for removal, too. In one case, I gave up completely and sentenced that handlebar to a life with Deathgrip2s.
Your choice of rubber compound is probably the most important that you’ll make when purchasing a pair of Deathgrip2s, especially if you ride without gloves. Although the 20a, Soft model blends traction with durability, there’s not all that much in the way of vibration damping, and I found the diamond knurl to be pretty sharp without gloves. Over longer rides, it got somewhat uncomfortable. However, the 15a Race edition is much softer and much more comfortable while bringing a boost in overall grip. But then, the 15a compound does wear far quicker. I’ve not run the 25a gum grips yet, but having found mild discomfort issues with the 20a, it’s not likely to get any better.
That said, DMR’s move to an exposed core end pays back well. You may not be able to lean the bike up against a van, but it’s a serious boost to overall durability. The hard end cap can put up with a good deal of abuse, and if you’re one to catch trees with your bar ends, the end cap is much more likely to slide over the tree, rather than get caught up.
Another benefit is the sheer amount of choice that the Deathgrip2 provides. Whether that’s the rubber compound, flanged or flangeless models, grip diameter and colour, there are few rivals on the market that come close in that respect.
DMR Deathgrip2 - Verdict
At £24 for the regular grip and £27 for the Race grips, the Deathgrip2 remains a good value option. That said, there are a number of solid grips at this price point. ODI’s Reflex grips are £28. They don’t provide as much choice, but they do provide better vibration-damping without compromising bar feel. Traction is similar to the Deathgrip2 Race, but it’s longer-lasting.
Peaty’s Monarch grips are £25. They come in two diameters, two texture choices and a tapered diameter, which I quite like.
If you’re after proper thin grips, Burgtech’s Bartender grips can be picked up for £16. A grip that used to be a real contender was PNW Components' Loam Grip. However, that's now £29, so despite being a great option, it doesn't pack the value of the Deathgrip2.
Previous generation Deathgrips are being sold alongside the Deathgrip2, and they still pose a solid purchase. The texture is the same, as is the core, but if you're one for leaning your bike up against a car, the rubber ends add protection. They're a pound less than the Deathgrip2, too.
Although the days when you can pick up a pair of Deathgrips for £20 or less are over, there’s still some real value in the latest Deathgrip2s. If you’re a fan of the texture, they provide improved durability, all of the choice you could ask for and that now classic feel they provide. However, they still fall foul of the downsides that come with that pattern, and the brand hasn’t yet found the rubber compound sweet spot between durability and all-out comfort.
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