MXA TEAM TESTED: SCOTT SXII LOCK-ON GRIPS

WHAT IS IT? Ed Scott’s invention of tapered aluminum ski poles in 1958 was the origin of Scott Sports. The brand first entered the motocross market in 1970. Although Scott is most recognized for its goggles, its hot-off-the-presses SXII lock-on grips are worthy of their own recognition. The new grips were created to simplify the installation process without sacrificing comfort and control.

WHAT’S IT COST? $28.95. 

CONTACT? www.scott-sports.com or (800) 893-5294.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Scott SXII lock-on grips.

(1) Concept. Not only do lock-on grips eliminate the need for glue or wire, they also eliminate the need for a throttle tube, because the grips are molded onto their own plastic throttle tubes. The clutch-side grip secures onto the bar with an Allen tool, and the throttle side is secured by the throttle housing. You use brand-specific throttle cams, which are provided by Scott, to attach it to the throttle cable. 

(2) History. When lock-on grips were first invented in the early 2000s, they were harder and thicker than standard glue-on grips. Companies like ODI have found ways to improve bump absorption while making the grips slimmer, and the Austrians have helped increase acceptance by adding ODI lock-on grips on all KTM, Husqvarna and GasGas models starting in 2016.

(3) Design. The Scott SXII lock-on grips have a full-diamond design with rubber that is tapered down at the very inside of the grip to boost comfort and control. The grip uses dual-density rubber with a firm inner compound and a softer rubber on the outside. The Scott grips also have a unique anti-vibration design. There are two cutouts in the plastic tube on the left-side grip that are filled with rubber to help absorb vibration and improve hand comfort. (4) Performance. It is easy to perceive the strengths and weaknesses of the Scott SXII lock-on grips. The SXII grips are thinner than other lock-ons, which was a benefit for most of our test riders, especially the riders with small hands. Generally, thicker grips increase arm pump while thinner grips lessen it. Our test riders praised the SXII grips for how slender they were in their palms; however, the drawbacks of a thinner grip are less cushioning and less comfort in the bumps. Even with the dual-density rubber and plastic cut-outs, the new Scott lock-ons are much more rigid than standard glue-on grips and slightly more rigid than ODI lock-ons. The inner hand guards on the grips are also stiffer than other grips. Some testers appreciated them, while others liked the flexible feel of standard grips. 

(5) Install. Lock-on grips eradicate the need for messy glue and the waiting period that comes with it. The throttle cams have a unique snap-in design that makes them easier to install when compared to throttle cams from other brands. We found the tolerances between the grips and the handlebars to be tighter, which meant the throttle wasn’t as free to move. To help, we adjusted the throttle cable to have more play in it. That gave us a normal throttle feel.

(6) Options. The SXII lock-on grips come with all the cams you’d need to fit the grips on most modern four-strokes and two-strokes. They also fit the KTM/Husky/GasGas 85 minibikes. Additionally, they are only available in a full-diamond pattern. If you want Scott waffle grips, you’ll need to try the standard glue-ons. As for colors, the Scott SXII grips are available in red, blue, orange, yellow, green and grey. 

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We wish we could have our cake and eat it, too. We’d like the same diameter grips with a little more comfort. 

MXA RATING: We’re impressed with how thin Scott was able to make the SXII lock-on grips. The choice is all about personal preference. If you want thinner grips, go with Scott. If you want more comfort, go with ODI’s Emig Pro V2 lock-ons.

 

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