Suspension school · Brand-Specific Technology

Fox GRIP2 (2019-2024)

Both generations of the 4-way GRIP2 and how to tell them apart

GRIP2 appeared in 2018 on the model year 2019 Fox 36 and 40. The 34 gained it for 2020 and the 38 launched with it in 2021. It was Fox's 4-way flagship until GRIP X2 replaced it for 2025, and it remains on huge numbers of bikes, so knowing which version you have still matters.

Two Generations, One Name

• Model years 2019 and 2020: VVC fitted on high-speed rebound only
• Model years 2021 to 2024: VVC added to high-speed compression as well, arriving alongside the new 38
• Fox's own service documentation splits the damper at 2021, which is the cleanest way to date yours

What VVC Actually Is

Variable Valve Control uses a leaf spring that changes the leverage acting on the shim stack as you turn the adjuster. Instead of simply preloading the stack the way most adjusters do, it alters the stack's effective stiffness, so each click behaves more like a small internal revalve. This is why the VVC generation feels more usable across its range.

Identification

• Four adjusters: paired compression on the top cap, paired rebound at the bottom of the leg
• GRIP2 lettering on the damper-side top cap
• Model year from the fork sticker or the ID code on the back of the crown
• There is no visible difference between the rebound-only VVC and full VVC versions, so go by model year

Click Counts

The 2021 to 2024 damper runs 8 clicks of high-speed compression, 16 of low-speed compression, 8 of high-speed rebound and 16 of low-speed rebound, all from fully closed, the same convention GRIP X2 kept. The earlier version used a different high-speed compression adjuster with a different detent count, so on a 2019 or 2020 fork always count your own full range from closed rather than assuming.

Known Character

Plenty of riders found the original tune firm through the mid-stroke, and running the compression adjusters at or near fully open became a common fix on the 2019 and 2020 version. The full VVC damper from 2021 is smoother and its adjusters have more genuinely useful range, so its clicks are worth exploring rather than avoiding.

Setup Advice

• Start from the air pressure in Fox's weight table for your fork and travel, then set sag
• On a 2019 or 2020 damper, begin with compression nearly open and add clicks only if the fork feels vague or dives
• On a 2021 to 2024 damper, a mid-range starting point works: around 4 clicks HSC and 8 clicks LSC from closed, then tune
• If the fork still feels harsh with compression open, the tune itself is the limit and a suspension tuner can revalve it for your weight

Upgrade Path

Fox sells GRIP X2 damper cartridges that retrofit into many recent 36, 38 and 40 chassis, which is often better value than a new fork. Check Fox's compatibility listing for your exact model year before ordering.