FOX GRIP X2 DAMPER REVIEW

IS IT BETTER?

Words by Drew Rohde

February 23, 2025

Almost a year ago, we attended a media camp to ride and review the new Fox Grip X2 damper. A damper that has been designed to focus more on downhill performance and impact sensitivity that efficiency. As downhill-biased riders, we are thrilled that the industry is trending towards more DH-performance oriented products as it seems more and more riders agree that climbing isn’t where all the fun is, it’s just what we’ve grown to enjoy before the real fun begins! So, in the year since first riding the new Fox Grip X2 damper, have we been convinced that it’s actually any better or just another fluffed up marketing evolution? The short answer is, yes.

QUICK BITS ABOUT THE GRIP X2 DAMPER

WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT THE GRIP X2 DAMPER?
There’s a lot to it, but the shortened version is that the new Grip X2 damper has a larger 24mm Base Valve (instead of 20mm), which gives more room for the architecture inside to evolve. This allows for lower damper pressure, which increases sensitivity of the fork. This also opened up space to add valves (or shims) taking the fork from 7 to 23. This means more tuning and a faster damper response.

WHAT FORKS COME WITH THE GRIP X2 DAMPER?
Fox offers the 36, 38, and 40 chassis with the Grip X2 damper.

CAN YOU PURCHASE A GRIP X2 DAMPER AND UPGRADE A CURRENT FORK?
Yes, you can purchase the Grip X2 damper separately for all chassis however you should take care to note travel and other restrictions based on your equipment.

If you’d like to take a deeper look at the technology, features and details of all the new dampers Fox is offering, check out the detailed report and video from our time at Fox HQ here.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Over the last year, we’ve ridden at least 8 different forks with the new Fox Grip X2 damper in it. None have given us any problems and we’ve enjoyed improved suspension performance from each unit. That said, I believe the performance gains are incremental based on the chassis. For me, the Fox 40 was the biggest improvement as it had the most room for improvement in the sensitivity and trail feel department. The lower pressure and faster damper response time meant that our DH bikes rode much smoother over the chattery, blown out bike park trails last summer. The improvement off the top is notable, yet the mid-stroke support and big hit performance are top of the class.

Even on the smaller 36 and 38 forks that we rode on all mountain, enduro and eMTBs, the suspension gains were welcome. Comfort and reduced hand fatigue are added benefits as is a slight improvement in traction and control.

Will this fork take you from being a mid-pack racer to your first podium? Unlikely. However, it does deliver in all the areas Fox has made claims about and we are very happy about that. Fox have done a very good job in this next iteration of Grip damper, and we think a lot of riders will notice the changes, not just the podium chasers.

Price: $380 – $400 (Damper Upgrade)
Website: Ridefox.com

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