MXA TEAM TESTED: ODI’S NOMAD LOCK-ON GRIPS

WHAT IS IT? ODI is famous for introducing lock-on grips to the motocross realm, offering a variety of different options with respect to fit, function, and feel. Their brand-new Nomad lock-on grips were made for off-road racing and developed with D3O technology to absorb vibration and shock waves coming through the handlebars.

WHAT’S IT COST? $39.95. 

CONTACT? www.odigrips.com or [email protected].

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with ODI’s new Nomad lock-on grips for off-road.

(1) Technology. ODI Grips are designed, developed, and manufactured in Southern California. For their newest Nomad grip, they’ve partnered with D3O, one of the most trusted “impact ingredient” brands in the world. D3O is known for its orange protective guards that absorb impact while still remaining flexible and breathable. D3O technology has already been used in our industry on chest protectors and knee pads, and now ODI is using it in their rubber grip compound. The Nomad grip looks simple at first glance, but a closer look reveals that these are no ordinary grips.

Zooming in on the intricate details, the Nomad grips have evenly spaced mini traction pads that absorb shocks and cushion your ride. But, they aren’t all the same. On the inner grip, the square traction pads have a deeper floor and thinner walls, which makes the pads more flexible for added comfort, while the floor is shallower on the outer traction pads, with thicker walls to make the pads more durable in the area where the grip wears quickest. Also, the grips come with three traction bars for your fingertips to grab onto, and the square pads are trimmed down behind these bars to improve grip.

(2) Size. The Nomad grips use a medium-density rubber compound with a 31.5mm outside diameter, meaning they’re slightly bigger than the stock ODI lock-on grips that come on KTM, Husky, GasGas, Triumph, and Kawasaki KX450s, and slightly bigger than ODI’s popular Emig grips.

(3) Performance. MXA helped test the brand-new Nomad off-road grip while it was in its pre-production phase, and now we’re proud to put our stamp of approval on the final product. At first, these felt like off-road grips because of how thick they are, but you get used to them as soon as you leave the pits. One test rider thought he would get arm pump because of the bigger size, but then walked away from a day of racing with notably less hand fatigue than usual and zero arm pump. The Nomad grips are made with a medium durometer, so they aren’t as soft as other off-road-dedicated glue-on grips, but they do absorb vibration and handlebar shock exceptionally well, and they’re much easier to install than glue-on grips.

The OEM-spec ODI lock-on grips that come on the aforementioned models are the hardest version ODI makes, and the Emig Pro V2 lock-ons are the softest lock-ons they sell. The Nomad grips don’t feel soft, but they do offer the best hand feel with the most vibration and absorption, something important for riders who are doing long motos and for riders who struggle with hand fatigue.

After spending time with the prototypes, we got our first production set and took them straight to Glen Helen’s 10-Hour Endurance race. Mounted on our KTM 450XCF, the grips held up much better than competing lock-on grips. Three testers did five 40-minute motos each, and the grips looked like they were just starting to break in. Plus, all three testers walked away blister-free and impressed with how good their hands felt after a grueling race.

(4) Options. Like all of ODI’s lock-on grips, the end caps can be knocked out for riders who utilize wraparound handguards. The grips also come with the necessary throttle cams for all the major OEMs (Beta not included). Additionally, the new Nomad grip is available in six colorways: black/white, orange, grey, red/white, blue/grey and black/orange.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We aren’t mad about these “No Mad” grips. However, one drawback is that they resemble adventure bike grips.

MXA RATING: These have become our go-to grips for off-road racing. If you suffer from blisters or hand fatigue, the Nomad grips were made for you. We’re thoroughly impressed with ODI’s attention to detail.