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BMX and GRAB ON GRIPS
The Glory Days
Grab On Grips started producing foam rubber grips in 1973 for a number of products. The foam rubber material was found to offer superior comfort and vibration/impact dampening, which was great for many things, including bicycle and motorcycle grips, as well as many forms of lawn equipment. The first BMX grip to use this material was the all-foam MX-1, which was soon followed by the MX-2 and MX-3, which used an injection-molded core with a foam rubber sleeve. These were great for a more comfortable ride, but the original material was not as durable and was easily torn. During our glory days, we sponsored legendary riders like Bob Haro, Greg Hill, and Bobby Encinas. The BMX grips did well through the 1970s, 1980s, and into the 1990s, but sadly, by the early 2000s, the market had dried up, and ultimately, BMX grip production was shut down due to a lack of sales. Still, the original MX-1, MX-2, and MX-3 grips are cherished by collectors today and can bring as much as $500 per pair.
Getting a Grip on Things
A couple of years ago, the BMX world began getting traction again, and after a few calls from loyal fans, Grab On started the process of resurrecting the BMX line of grips. Unfortunately, we had no original pairs of grips left to copy in order to bring back the original MX-2 and MX-3 grips, new injection molding tooling was also to expensive for our R&D budget, but we wanted to get back into BMX, so we found a way. We dug into the archives and found some original drawings for a version of the
MX-3 that ultimately didn't hit production. Using these drawings, photos of the originals, and some common grip dimensions, we set to work creating the MX-3 Next Generation.
Now we had to solve the problem of how to manufacture it, without the extra $15,000 per mold in the budget, another option had to be found. The solution came with additive manufacturing (3d Printing) and thermoplastic polyurathane. After many prototypes and materials tests, we settled on the currernt MX-3 NG design and materials. The MX-3 NG does have some benifits over traditional injection molded grips (Including the original MX-3). The MX-3 NG is larger, more durable, and it doesn't get sticky from getting warm in the sun or being used to much! The foam sleeve is also more durable than previor generations and will take a pounding, but replacements are avalible if it does give out.
We are very happy to see the BMX line becoming a reality again and hope that you enjoy the grips as much as we love making them.
What's Next?
New MX-2 and MX-3 Grips
Since the MX-3 NG was developed, many people have been asking us to duplicate the original versions of the MX-2 and MX-3. Recently, our R&D team has come into possession of an original pair of each and is starting the work of duplicating them. The company was also able to acquire injection molding machines for less than half the cost of the new molds. In addition, a new mold production option has become available that will drastically reduce the cost of new molds for this project. This means new, original style MX-2 and MX-3 grips will likely be available soon!
Custom Grips
Because of the use of additive manufacturing, custom grips can be made using a wide variety of materials and color. Customized Grips can now be made for indiviuals or companies in ways that would not have previously been possible. We are currently experimenting with a material that will allow us to print foam grips without a sleeve and in almost any shape. If you are interested in a custom grip, just send us a message and mention the BMX website.
Will there be an MX-4?
Shhhhhh, nobody is supposed to know ;)