Differences between Grip X and Grip X2

[stefighters]

The Fox Grip X and Grip X2 were released last year. But it's difficult to know what their real differences are on the trails....

Marketing explains that the first would be made for "trail" practices while the second would be more "enduro".

The Grip X2 has the HSR setting and more valves.

Aside from the Grip X's relative ease of use, what can we expect from the Grip X2? Would the latter be a more "capable" fork?

 

[Rod B.]

The Fox Grip X and Grip X2 were released last year. But it's difficult to know what their real differences are on the trails....

Marketing explains that the first would be made for "trail" practices while the second would be more "enduro".

The Grip X2 has the HSR setting and more valves.

Aside from the Grip X's relative ease of use, what can we expect from the Grip X2? Would the latter be a more "capable" fork?

stefighters,

The Fox Grip X and Grip X2 are basically the same fork design wise. The key difference between the two forks is in the damper. The Grip X2's damper has a larger base valve and more shims. The larger amount of shims available for tuning, allows for a much wider range of internal custom damper tunability. I had the damper on my Grip X2 custom tuned so that the fork's air spring compression rate is very progressive for larger hits, yet the top end of of the spring rate is very supple.

I found this article online which helps explain the difference in damper between the Grip X and Grip X2:

The main difference between the Fox Grip X and Grip X2 shim stacks lies in their number and size. The Grip X2 has a larger 24mm base valve and a more extensive shim stack with 23 shims, while the Grip X has a smaller base valve with a smaller shim stack. This difference in size and number allows for a wider range of adjustability and a more sensitive, supportive feel in the Grip X2 damper.

Detailed Comparison:

• Base Valve Size:
  The Grip X2 features a larger 24mm base valve, while the Grip X uses a smaller, unspecified size.
  
• Shim Stack:
  The Grip X2 has a much larger shim stack with 23 shims, compared to a smaller number in the Grip X.
  
• Adjustability:
  The larger base valve and shim stack in the Grip X2 allow for a wider range of adjustment and more fine-tuning of compression and rebound damping.
  
• Support and Sensitivity:
  The Grip X2's design is intended to offer more support and sensitivity, allowing for firmer damping without compromising bump absorption, as detailed by Bikepacking.com.
  
• Purpose:
  The Grip X2 is designed for more aggressive, gravity-focused riding, while the Grip X is geared towards all-mountain and trail riding.

​

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[stefighters]

Very interesting, thank you! So there's more to it than just marketing there.

So I feel this fork is only worth considering under three conditions:

- riding on fairly rough terrain (enduro)

- riding fairly aggressively

- doing individualized preparation to take advantage of the cartridge's resetting possibilities