Last year, Fox updated its family of trail-oriented forks, starting with the 34 SL and then the 36 and 36 SL models. All three models received a host of updates, including the generative arch design, increased bushing overlap, Glidecore air springs, and more. Now, following recent updates to the brand’s gravity forks, including a new GRIP X2 damper, Fox announces a redesigned GRIP X damper for the trail fork lineup.
Fox says, “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.” As such, the GRIP X damper is used in Fox’s lighter, trail-oriented forks, the 34 SL, 36 SL, and 36, covering the needs of the ever-broadening “trail” category. Mirroring some of the changes to the GRIP X2 damper, Fox aims to bring gravity-level performance to your trail bike.
Fox Fork Dampers
If you’re reading this and thinking, GRIP X2, GRIP X, what’s the difference, and why should I care? Well, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick rundown of Fox’s different dampers and who they’re for.
Fox has moved its suspension products into three categories: SL (XC), X (Trail), and X2 (Gravity). For the fork dampers, these categories also get the word GRIP added to them. Here’s how Fox describes them:
- GRIP SL for maximum weight savings and Firm mode functionality
- GRIP X for balanced Trail performance
- GRIP X2 for maximum descending capability and adjustability
Updated GRIP X Damper
Fox says its GRIP X damper was originally developed to be the industry’s first trail-specific damper. The idea behind it was to provide a balanced on-trail performance at a lower weight to better match the needs of lighter bikes and their riders. Additionally, it’s meant to be user-friendly and intuitive, with simplified, usable adjustments limited to High Speed Compression (HSC), Low Speed Compression (LSC), and Low Speed Rebound (LSR).
Now, Fox says it is taking that concept even further. In response to rider feedback, Fox has removed the Firm mode from GRIP X, which they say allowed for big changes to the damping system to enhance its downhill performance. This includes changes similar to the new GRIP X2, with a redesigned mid-valve piston and valve stack.
With a 2-port piston and cut-valve design, Fox says the updated architecture allows oil to flow more freely at the mid-valve. Additionally, they were able to add bigger bleed valves, which can be customized for OEM fork tunes. Altogether, Fox says these updates increase sensitivity and mid-stroke support while improving consistency in rough terrain.
Weight
With GRIP X, Fox says its striving to give trail riders performance as close to its GRIP X2 gravity forks, but at a lower weight. To that end, the GRIP X damper is claimed to weigh 120 grams less than GRIP X2. When you combine that with the already lighter weights of the 34 SL, 36 SL, and 36 forks, you’ve got a good fit for most bikes and riders that identify as “trail.”
FOX Trail Forks
FOX 34 SL
Built for modern XC and Downcountry riders, the 34 SL delivers increased stiffness and control in a lightweight package designed for technical terrain.
- 120–130mm travel
- Starting at 1475g
- Available with GRIP SL or GRIP X
FOX 36 SL
The lightest 36 ever produced, the 36 SL blends short-travel efficiency with the stiffness and confidence of a full-width chassis.
- 130–140mm travel
- Starting at 1755g
- Available with GRIP SL or GRIP X
FOX 36
The benchmark for All-Mountain performance, the 36 delivers Enduro-level control in a Trail-optimized package.
- 150–160mm travel
- Starting at 1920g
- Available with GRIP X or GRIP X2
Fox GRIP X Forks: Pricing and Availability
- Fox 34 SL GRIP X Factory: $1,199 USD / $1469 CAD
- Fox 36 SL GRIP X Factory: $1,259 USD / $1,539 CAD
- Fox 36 SL GRIP X Performance Elite: $1,159 USD / $1,399 CAD
- Fox 36 GRIP X Factory: $1,299 USD /$1,599 CAD
- Fox 36 GRIP X Performance Elite: $1,199 USD / $1,469 CAD
Fox’s new GRIP X-equipped forks are available now. Head to the Fox website to learn more.
ridefox.com
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