RIDE FOX
GRIP X DAMPER | TRAIL FORK FAMILY UPDATE
RIDE YOUR TRAIL
April 8, 2026
Designed specifically for the way modern Trail riders ride, the updated GRIP X damper delivers a refined balance of descending performance, lightweight efficiency, and simplified usability – bringing more riders closer than ever to gravity-level performance without compromise.
Defining Trail Performance
Ask ten riders what a Trail bike is, and you’ll likely get ten different answers.
That diversity is exactly what drives FOX’s approach to the category. Trail riders span a wide spectrum—from efficiency-focused riders prioritizing long climbs, to aggressive descenders pushing lightweight bikes to their limits.
Rather than forcing a single solution, FOX has built a complete Trail ecosystem – allowing riders to optimize their setup based on how they ride.
At the center of that philosophy is GRIP X.
GRIP X: The First Damper Built for Trail Riders
Originally developed as the industry’s first Trail-specific fork damper, GRIP X was engineered to deliver the performance most Trail riders actually need:
- High descending capability – GRIP X evolved from our highly capable GRIP and GRIP 2 dampers
- Reduced system weight – Supporting lighter forks for lighter bikes in lighter categories
- Intuitive, usable adjustments – GRIP X utilizes 3 settings – HSC, LSC, HSR – and a familiar 180* sweep for the compression adjustment
For 2027, FOX has taken that concept even further.
More Descending Performance Where It Matters
The updated GRIP X damper removes the Firm mode, allowing us to redesign the damping system to prioritize what riders use most: descending performance. This shift reflects real rider feedback, where Firm mode saw limited use compared to open and trail settings.
New Mid-Valve Piston and Valve Stack
Borrowing directly from developments made in GRIP X2, GRIP X now features a completely redesigned mid-valve piston and valve stack.
The updated architecture improves oil flow characteristics, resulting in:
- Increased sensitivity
- Greater mid-stroke support
- Improved consistency on rough terrain
Near GRIP X2 Performance – At a Lower Weight
The result is a damper that approaches the performance of GRIP X2 while maintaining a significant weight advantage—approximately 120 grams lighter.
For the majority of Trail riders, this balance makes GRIP X the ideal damper choice.
Available Across the FOX Trail Fork Lineup
The updated GRIP X damper is now featured across FOX’s complete Trail fork offering:
- 120–130mm travel
- Starting at 1475g
- Available with GRIP SL or GRIP X
Built for modern XC and Downcountry riders, the 34 SL delivers increased stiffness and control in a lightweight package designed for technical terrain.
- 130–140mm travel
- Starting at 1755g
- Available with GRIP SL or GRIP X
The lightest 36 ever produced, the 36 SL blends short-travel efficiency with the stiffness and confidence of a full-width chassis.
- 150–160mm travel
- Starting at 1920g
- Available with GRIP X or GRIP X2
The benchmark for All-Mountain performance, the 36 delivers Enduro-level control in a Trail-optimized package
Optimized for Every Trail Rider
While FOX believes GRIP X represents the ideal balance of performance, weight, and features for the majority of Trail riders, the company continues to offer multiple damper options across its lineup.
This ensures riders can choose between:
- GRIP SL for maximum weight savings and Firm mode functionality
- GRIP X for balanced Trail performance
- GRIP X2 for maximum descending capability and adjustability
Ride Your Trail
The updated GRIP X damper reinforces FOX's commitment to building suspension that reflects how people actually ride.
Because Trail riding isn't one thing—and no single setup should be either.