ODI were the early pioneers of the lock-on handlebar grip and have been in the grip game since the 1980s. They’ve adorned my bikes from the early 2000s, with the ODI Ruffian being a firm favorite from its line-up, and I’ll admit to a shameless need to procure a set of the Vans collab grips when they were released.
ODI stands for Observe. Design. Innovate, and that shows in the creation of its new grip, the Vanquish, a new partnership with D3O. Employing the new D3O Grip Compound, it claims increased vibration dampening, shock absorption and deep comfort and control levels.
D3O is commonly used in kneepads and body protection, from big hitters like Fox Racing, Troy Lee Design, and Endura for its impact protection and energy absorption. It makes sense that it could be the perfect compound to use for handlebar grips. With your handlebar grips being one of the most critical contact points, it will be interesting to see how they perform against the best MTB grips currently out there.
Design and specifications
Measuring 135mm in length with a 32.75mm diameter, ODI uses its V2.1 single lock-on collars at the control end to secure them via 3mm Allen key bolts, with double reinforced durable ends to protect your bar ends. The multi-layered grip uses a flower-like waffle pattern that offers deep padding at the palm with a crossed diamond pattern section underneath for easy located grip. The small orange wedge on the end of the grip ensures proper grip alignment when facing down. Both ends feature small tapered flanges, with the larger of the two at the control end offering a bit of support and extra comfort. Weighing in at 118 grams for the pair, they are currently available in Black, Grey and Orange colors.
D3O created its new anti-vibration compound for use in the F1 and Space industries, and ODI have used it here. Claiming two times more compression dampening, 25 percent better impact absorption, and deep levels of comfort, I’m interested to see if they live up to the hype, reduce the dreaded arm pump and deliver on comfort.
Performance
Handlebar grips are a deeply personal preference, and never has the market been so saturated with so much choice. I’m no different, with a preference for lo-profile designs with high grip levels, having suffered on some bikes with arm pump.
Fitting the grips, I appreciated the deep 3mm bolts – it’s pretty easy to round off 2.5mm bolts (well, for me, at least) and they provided a secure grip on the bars. I could immediately feel the initial squish of the palm pattern, feeling familiar – a bit like the old Spectrum 48K computer keys (if you’re old enough to know what that is) when I fingered an individual cell. My fingers easily locked into place into the crossed diamond pattern underneath. They are very tactile grips.
Straight away, I noticed that they were a bit on the thick side for my hand size. I take a size medium glove and compared to the ODI Ruffian at 30mm diameter and the Renthal Ultratacky grips at 30.5mm – both of which have a low-profile design, the Vanquish certainly felt a bit chunky for me.
Riding them on repeated runs, I didn’t experience any arm pump or soreness in my palms. I was worried the 32.75mm diameter would reduce my ability to get a relaxed amount of connection to my bars, and this would induce overgripping and arm pump. I would say that, yes, I didn’t feel as connected, and I did have to grip that bit harder, but the D3O ability to actuate a greater level of vibration-dampening came into play for sure.
In wet weather, the deep pattern offered lots of grip – especially for the fingers in the deep recessed underside of the grip. But I can’t see these being a mainstay on my current bike purely based on thickness for my hand size. There is no denying the comfort levels and shock absorption on offer, and these will suit bigger hands and those that ride hard.
Verdict
The Vanquish Lock-On grip will suit those who like to ride hard and need the extra cushioning. The claimed vibration-dampening seems to work, and there’s no denying the deep levels of comfort and connection you can get – especially if you have bigger hands. They may also appeal to heavier and e-bike riders too.
Tech specs: ODI Vanquish Lock-On grips
- Price: $44.95 / £34.12 /€40.96
- Materials: D3O Grip Compound
- Dimensions: 32.75mm diameter, 135mm length
- Weight: 118 grams
