MTB Grips: Thick vs Thin (Deity Supracush vs PNW Loam Grip)

Words by Adam Englander

As with most things in the mountain bike world, personal preference is the name of the game. Some people like SRAM, others like Shimano. Both are great but everyone has their own personal bias. Today we are not talking about drivetrains, we are talking about MTB grips. They are one of the main contact points between you and the bike so you better have a pair you like! In this review, we will be comparing the overall feel, comfort, and durability of the Deity Supracush and the PNW Loam Grip. Let’s get into it!

Deity Components Supracush Grips

Deity launched their revised grip line up earlier this year with a heavy focus on comfort. For the Supracush specifically, the goal was to create the most comfortable grip possible without compromising control, precision, and durability. The grips utilize Deitys TRC+ rubber compound which is a fairly thick and padded rubber with plenty of “cush” as the name suggests. The Supracush is available in just about every color imaginable so you can mix and match with your bike or other components. 

If you typically run a thinner grip, the Deity Supracush might take a few runs to get used to. The extra padding provides significant dampening which at first, can feel a bit weird or disconnected. Once you adapt to that though, the comfort that these things provide is next level. On chunky and fast rock gardens, the Supracush used that vibration dampening to smooth out the feedback from the trail. This results in a much more comfortable and controlled riding experience.

PNW Loam Grip

The PNW Loam grip was an instant success from the moment it launched. We loved it so much that we made an entire video on them! Unlike the Supracrush, the Loam grip has a much thinner profile. The idea was to create a grip that was strategically shaped to provide padding where you need it while keeping the ends thin for a better grip feel. To help with grip, PNW added two contrasting patterns that give you a better grip and feel especially if you like to ride without gloves.

While the PNW Loam grip might not be as soft as the Deity, that comes by design. Through testing, they found that ultra-soft grips can wear quickly and that by making it a bit harder, durability would be increased. And to be perfectly honest, I have to say these grips will stay fresh for a long time. Many of us at the shop have used the Loam grips on our personal bikes because they look great, are comfortable, and last. For me personally, I really enjoy riding these grips without gloves. The material and pattern feel great and keep your hands locked on even through sweat and grime. 

Thick vs. Thin

There is no denying that both of these are great mountain bike grips and yes much of this is my personal preference. However, depending on you like your bike to feel one of these might work better than the other. As someone that tends to ride lots of chunky and rough terrain, the added dampening provided by the Deity grips is something I really enjoy. It might not be a ton, but it is noticeable and something that I missed when switching to the PNW grips. 

With that said, I do feel that the Loam grips allowed me to feel much more connected to the bike. This was really noticeable on jumps and flow trails. Much more of the terrain was translated from the bars/grips to my hands whereas with the Supracush it felt a bit muted. I also feel like the Loam grip had the advantage when they were wet. The contrasting patterns give your fingers a bit more to grab on to if needed.

Final Thoughts

I choose...Deity Supracush! The rubber compound and style of grip is just a better fit for what I ride and how I like my bike to feel. Not only that but the purple they come in matches my bike perfectly so I am obligated to run them. In all seriousness, both PNW and Deity make amazing grips and you cannot go wrong picking either.