DMR DeathGrip review

DMR’s DeathGrips deliver unparalleled traction and form, proving to be top performers in all conditions.

With a well-considered design that spares a thought for gear shifting and braking, the DeathGrip is a key contender if you’re in the market for the best mountain bike grips.

The DeathGrip is available in two sizes and two compounds, with this being the ‘Thick’ 31.3mm-diameter and ‘Soft’ 20A Kraton-compound variation.

A single-clamp design sees a locking collar on the inside of the grip, while the Tapered Core is said to remove the need for an outer locking ring.

The grip uses a dual-grip pattern, with a mushroom section nestling up to the lockring and a knurled diamond pattern featuring on the outside three quarters.

The DeathGrips measure 133mm in length and came in over DMR’s claimed weight of 100g, at 113g for a pair on my scales.

DMR DeathGrip performance

The DeathGrips are easy to install, with the single clamp providing plenty of security and ensuring the grips don’t twist on the handlebars.

A 3mm Allen key, found commonly on the best multi-tools, makes adjusting the grip position easy when out on the trail – these are also less likely to round out when it comes to swapping the grips out compared to 2.5mm bolts.

The thicker mushroom texture on the inside of the grip gives your hand a reassuring purchase when using the brakes and shifting gears, increasing your connection with the bar.

This also helps to give the grip a conical shape to better fit your hand. It adds cushioning between the knuckles of the thumb and forefinger, boosting comfort on long, punishing descents.

I found the knurled diamond grip pattern to create good adhesion with MTB gloves and skin alike, and there was never any question of my hands slipping off the bars, even in wet conditions.

The ribbing on the underside of the grip adds a good purchase for countering backward hand rotation, enabling you to dig your fingers into the horizontal tread to maintain a good hand position.

DMR’s soft 20A Kraton compound aids in this, creating a tacky surface even in cold weather, where some rubber struggles.

The DeathGrip provides a good level of cushioning without isolating your hands from the feedback that's fed into your bar, making them feel comfortable and precise for long days in the saddle.

My grips didn’t suffer much wear over the test period, and I like how the 20A Kraton compound extends over the bar-end of the grip, protecting it from the hard plastic scratches I've seen on other grips.

The construction of the DeathGrips doesn’t match some higher-end rivals, with the two sides of the mould on my test grips not lining up perfectly, though this made no difference to their performance.

DMR DeathGrip bottom line

DMR has produced one of the best grips on the market in the DeathGrip.

The grips have ample traction and well-placed cushioning, making this an essential entry on any shortlist.