Late last year Stay Strong released the Stay Strong X ODI Reactiv lock on grip. A grip that literally screams Stay Strong. I found it interesting from the get go for couple of reasons but mostly because of the larger outer diameter and it was using the ODI V2.1 clamping system, and then of course ODI’s reputation for comfort, long wearing, reliability and durability. Also while the Stay Strong logos in the grip area looked random they were designed in a specific way to increase grip and comfort.

It’s great to see a wide range of colour options to allow you to customise the look of your bike the way you want it too. They are available in Black, Grey, Blue, Red or Pink.

I got myself a set in black as soon as they landed in Australia, I wasn’t sure what I was going to use them for, I just knew that I had to check them out, but they sat on my desk for months until finally I had a new build to put them on. Exciting times (well, for me anyway).

The Stay Strong brand was initially kicked off with a lot of apparel and collaborative products. They paired with some of the BMX industries biggest names to raise money to help highly decorated dirt jumper Stephen Murray cover medical costs after a career ending crash put him in hospital. ODI was one of those brands, with a limited edition ODI Ruffian grip with custom etched Stay Strong locking collars. Well over a decade has past and Stay Strong is a highly regarded brand in it’s own right.

My go-to grip is the ODI Rogue, it offers a large outer diameter and offers a little shock absorption and a lot of comfort for me since I do about 95% of my riding without gloves, but I’m always up for trying something new.

Fitting the grips is easy with just a single Allen key for the lock on each grip. There isn’t a left and right specific grip, but there is a recommended rotation. You just need to make sure your ODI logos on the end of the grips are up the right way, but of course it’s up to you if you want to rotate them to suit you better.

You won’t need to worry about bar ends either, they are built in to these grips and they are reinforced for your safety and for increased durability.

So they look great, but how do they feel?

While the outer diameter is bigger than other ODI grips with V2.1 clamps, like the popular AG-1 and AG-2 it’s not as large as the Rogue, but still not too bad for a bigger hand, and definitely wide enough too.

Initially the compound doesn’t feel all that soft, but it doesn’t take much riding for them to soften up. You really notice the raised logos straight away and they really do add to the traction of the grip.

Manufacturer’s Description

STAY STRONG X ODI REACTIV 135mm LOCK-ON GRIP

• BRAND NEW RACE SPECIFIC DESIGN
• RAISED LOGO PAD SECTION
  For additional traction out of the gate.
• V2.1 LOCKING SYSTEM
  Single clamp design for more usable grip space.
• SOFT VARIABLE LOGO PADS
  Designed to flex for optimal impact dampening.
• REINFORCED SOFT ENDS
  For added comfort and durability.
• DESIGNED FOR RACING BY RACERS
• MADE IN THE USA
• HOLD TIGHT!!

Available in Black, Grey, Red, Blue and Hot Pink!

Final Words

The Stay Strong X ODI Reactiv Lock On Grips is another great example of two great brands teaming up to create an awesome hand grip that is design by BMXers for BMX. Who wouldn’t want to support a brand like Stay Strong with the quality and all the benefits that ODI has to offer; comfort, long wearing, reliability and durability. I highly recommend the Stay Strong X ODI Reactiv Lock On Grips.

Gallery

Rating 20/20

Comments

• ODI quality might come at a cost but it will pay for itself in the end. The Stay Strong X ODI Reactiv Lock On Grips are built to last…for comfort…and for speed.
• If you are looking for a good balance of durability with a lightweight grip and all the benefits of a lock on grip the Stay Strong X ODI Reactiv Lock On Grips might be exactly what you are looking for.
• A BMX grip designed by BMXers and built by the best in the business, you couldn’t ask for more from a grip.
• The Stay Strong X ODI Reactiv Lock On Grips is a great looking BMX grip built with a level of quality that’s unmatched!

Want To Know More?

Check out the ECI website www.eciimports.com/brand/stay-strong to see the wide range of Stay Strong products.

Reviewed by Shane Jenkins/bmxultra.com April 29, 2022