Wolf Tooth Components Announces New Mega Fat Paw Foam Grips

Feb 13, 2020
by Ed Spratt  
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Wolf Tooth Components have launched a new version of its Fat Paw grips which claim to be the thickest foam grips available to buy.

The Mega Fat Paw and the Mega Fat Paw Cam build upon the already thick Fat Paw grips to push the foam to 11.5mm thick with a huge diameter of 40mm. Wolf Tooth say that they been designed to reduce hand fatigue and finger numbness for riders with gloved or large hands.

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Side profile of the Mega Fat Paw (left) and the Mega Fat Paw Cam (right)

Using their own proprietary dual-density silicone compound Wolf Tooth state that both models of the grips will provide "excellent vibration damping and conforms to your hand for improved comfort while maintaining durability." Also, they feature a "tacky texture" which should give a good level of in all weather conditions no matter if you are wearing gloves or not.

Of the two new grips, there is the Mega Fat Paw Cam which differs from the standard grip in one way, which features a more ergonomic shape when compared to the standard grip profile. Wolf Tooth claim that the Mega Fat Paw Cam offers "reduced circumference compared to non-faceted grips, providing padding and comfort only where you need it." In addition to the more ergonomic shape, the more angular design of the Cam grip creates a higher level of grip due to the four edges created by the unique shape.

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The whole Mega Fat Paw grip range in made in the USA and will cost $32.95 a pair. Find out more here.

Author Info:
edspratt avatar

Member since Mar 16, 2017
3,021 articles

104 Comments
  • 116 7
 I have never heard of this company before!
  • 49 5
 Well, they are lesser known, so that's completely understand. I've come to grips with not knowing every bike company out there........so it's ok.
  • 7 1
 @truenorthsimon: Come to ‘grips’ - nice.
  • 1 3
 BAHAHAHAHAHA
  • 24 0
 Dear Wolftooth, your cam grips are awesome. But how do you not sell legit bar ends to protect these puppies?
  • 35 6
 110% looks like ESI grips and bar ends. I have a feeling they're outsourcing production on this.
  • 1 2
 @sherbet: most likely
  • 11 2
 Makes sense since ESI are awesome!
  • 11 0
 @sherbet: having owned both, they don't feel similar and have a different material composition and appearance

In fact, I have a new set of each in front of me now
  • 2 4
 @onlyDH: thanks my dude. Thinking hard on these. Got opinions?
  • 4 1
 @sherbet: the wolf tooth has been more durable and firm. The ESI tears a lot easier and wears out more quickly, but also has a cushier feel. I like them both pretty equally, even though they feel similar. I prefer the wolf tooth since I broke my hand and need a larger diameter grip to fill my grip.

If I had to choose one or the other, I would go with the wolf tooth since I like their level of firmness.
  • 5 1
 For sturdy bar ends with foam grips, consider the Odyssey Par Ends. I stumbled on these at a local shop that also sells BMX. The outside diameter is really similar to ESI Chunky grips. If you don't like the outer lock collar on lock-on grips you won't like this. But they are sturdy, very cheap, and not too heavy (measured mine at 26g)

shop.odysseybmx.com/products/par-ends
  • 7 1
 @sherbet: The Wolf Tooth grips are made by Red Monkey Sports. In my experience they’re better than ESI but I am now using ODI foamies and they’re awesome.
  • 2 1
 And while you're answering that, what are "contures"?
  • 1 1
 @sherbet: I used ESI chunkies for a couple years, but switched to WT Fat Paw a few years back and have to say they feel way different and better for me. Also, they are legitimately better for an XL sized hand.

I was an Oury fan for two decades, but these WT are way better for me in terms of comfort and longevity. I’m tempted to try the Mega Fat Cam, those look sweet.

@showmethemountains agreed on BMX bar ends for anything but an XC weight weenie build. Although, they can scratch up a bike if not careful on a shuttle rig.
  • 1 1
 @sherbet: except ESI uses a harder material and wolftooth uses a softer material. also the ends are different
  • 1 1
 Well that would probably affect the price of the grips at least. Plus a lot of different handlebars have different inner diameters to each other, these are made of plastic so you can actually trim them down to make them fit with just a pair of scissors which I've had to do a few times.
And you can also just order extra sets of ends for cheap when you buy a set of grips. Smile But ya some different aftermarket ends work well too
  • 2 1
 Someone needs to sell a "soft" bar end similar to Odyssey Par End buts more comfortable, maybe smaller diameter.
  • 1 1
 @PHeller: I like this idea! Safer for your buddy’s ride on the shuttle and you in a crash. I have to admit, I didn’t know Odyssey is making plastic ones now, my BMX bar ends I ran for years were anno aluminum, nothing soft about those but they protected the bars/ grips when you came loose from your bike.
  • 1 1
 The bar ends seem goofy, until you realize that you are supposed to put the bar ends in first then slide the grips over them. Bigger bar ends would prevent that from happening.
  • 2 1
 @ertman: I just slide ESIs on normally then put a proper bar end plug on after. You don't need the bar end installed to install the grips. Their bar ends are goofy.
  • 1 1
 The end caps would be like silver dollar size. I like the foam grips in cooler temps, the foam gets crazy slime and squishy in the heat from my experience.
  • 1 3
 check us out at chucksgrips.com

we just started this company in New Mexico and we carry 3 sizes, 6 colorways for the 2 sizes and just black for recently came out Biggy Smile We have our awesome name embedded in the silicone grips itself!

just chuck it!!
  • 1 2
 @chucksgrips: Wow... You are a joke
  • 3 1
 @sherbet: Thanks for thinking of us. We don't outsource to any other company. After 21 years on the market people are going to notice you're doing something right Wink Silicone is the bomb!
  • 2 1
 @ESIgrips: Thank you for making rad products! Going to be trying the road tape this year for sure. Coworker got it and is in love!
  • 17 5
 Good use of air conditioner piping insulator.
  • 9 1
 It's funny to me that people write about esi grips when I rode fatpaws well before I had ever even heard of esi's. both are great grips for the same purpose, and i've ridden with both of them. When i asked on forums about grips to ride while my hand was severely bruised from a crash several years ago, all i got was fatpaw recommendations, so i'm pretty amazed by all the exclusive esi comments. Both companies make great fat grips though. both serve the same purpose. both work fantastically well. i have smaller hands for a 6'1 guy. i wear medium gloves. still rock the fattest grips from both companies on all my rigs (both dh and enduro). after riding regular grips for almost 30 years of mtb, i can say that they are most certainly not only for guys with giant hands. and i send pretty much every jump i encounter so it's not about safety with regard to holding on. they serve two purposes that are noticeable immediately: 1. vibration dampening (great for bruised palms and everyday riding) and 2. less arm pump. after i switched to them for my injured hand, i kept them on because they were already on the bike and noticed how epic the fatpaws were at the bike park. no more death claw at the end of the day! the larger circumference reminds you to keep your grip mellow while still allowing you to send everything as well as you normally do. i still ride them exclusively now because they're so forgiving. riding a demo or a buddy's bike seems way harsh now because their grips are unnecessarily narrow... amazing how much grips can do. they're like suspension u don't realize you've gotten used to until it's gone. highly, HIGHLY recommended.
  • 2 0
 I've tried installing esi grips twice, once using rubbing alcohol, once using window cleaner as recommended. The grips spun both times, even after several days. Any tips on getting the grips to stay put?
  • 4 0
 @dthomp325: I use compressed air with a small nozzle on the blower. I little blast of air under the grip let’s the grips “float” onto the bar and you don’t have to deal with any mess.
  • 3 0
 @dthomp325: Clean the bar of any oils using isopropyl alcohol. Then use cheap hairspray to lube them up to get in place. When it dries it acts as an adhesive. If that doesn't work you can use golf club grip tape, liek what is included in the Lizard Skins grips. But the only way to remove the grips after you use this is to cut them off.
  • 2 0
 Spray automotive clear coat in the grip and on the bar and then push it on. It should stay locked down for a long time. If you're really worried, learn to use safety wire.
  • 1 0
 @Skidsy: I was installing onto carbon bars that were extremely smooth. Seems like I would need some type of adhesive like suggested by @WestwardHo, but does it clean up easily next time you need to change grips? I usually swap my rubber lock-ons once or twice a year as they wear out.
  • 1 0
 ESI is a much older company. They/He started in 1999. That's why more people seem to know about them and suggest them.
  • 1 0
 @dthomp325: Hairspray totally breaks free when you use an air compressor to get the old grips off. Golf club grip tape can be easily removed once you cut the old grips off. I've never used clear coat, but that does sound a good deal sticker than hairspray.
  • 1 0
 @Skidsy: hairspray is water soluble and can fail in wet weather.

I have a can of spray paint I've used for the last 15 years, quick squirt, slides right on and your golden. Requires cutting off grip though.
  • 1 0
 @dthomp325: I've always used isopropyl alcohol, on both aluminum and carbon bars, and haven't had trouble with them spinning. maybe there was a little grease or oil on your bars? I even take them off without ruining them by spraying some wd40 under them with a screwdriver to create a little space, then leave them soaking in soapy water overnight, let them dry, and they're good to reinstall. Sorry I couldn't be more help... not sure why yours would spin.
  • 1 0
 @dthomp325: We carry silicone grips and we have found that a couple of methods work well. with alu or steel bar, water and dishsoap. for all bars, hand sanitizing gel and air compressor
  • 2 0
 Dude, in right there with you. I bought the fat paws last summer whim after a buddy was rocking some "other" foamies... Needless to say, after that next ride I was sold and fat paw all the things. Also if anyone knows of similar grips for my Moto drop me a pm please Smile
  • 10 2
 Early to mid 90's grip technology, not that there's anything wrong with it. I've run foam grips recently and they were pretty good. I've gone back to good old non lock on rubber grips. Nothing quite like thick soft rubber.
  • 10 5
 Technically, these are silicone, not foam.
  • 5 15
flag powturn FL (Feb 13, 2020 at 23:39) (Below Threshold)
 Nothing wrong w/ non-locking grips, except for how they spin like a pinwheel when good & wet. Short of racing XC short track in the desert, I can't imagine a situation I'd be willing to put these arcane deathtraps on my bars, silicone, foam, whatever...
  • 10 1
 @Veloscente: If your grips are spining thats a user error Wink
  • 2 0
 Been running Ritchey WCS foam grips for years.. Fast forward to present time, now I run Lizard Skin silicone grips and they are nothing similar to those old foam grips
  • 3 0
 @sriracha: Technically, they are foamed silicone. Foam isn't a singular material.
  • 2 0
 Nothing like soft Oury slip ons.
  • 2 0
 @neimbc: Ridden loads of lock-on grips including Oury, but that first time with silicon ESI grips...ohh baby. It was like going from a regular to memory foam mattress.
  • 1 0
 @SvenNorske: My son has been having finger problems forever - likes the narrower grips, but they don't have any cushion - I'll have to get him a pair of those and see how he likes it. Thanks.
  • 1 0
 @neimbc: my current favorite!
  • 1 0
 @sriracha: So silicone foam then?
  • 2 1
 @neimbc: check us out at chucksgrips.com ! We carry three sizes and a couple of colorways, out of Santa Fe, NM!
  • 3 0
 The \ Fat Paws are my favorite grips to date and I don't have XL hands. Awesome dampening and fatigue resistance. The XL size help stop over-gripping and arm pump. I use ODI locking bar ends to prevent the foam from ripping on crashes/bouncing off trees. Highly recommend the Fat Paws, and very interested in the Mega Fat Paw Cams.
  • 6 1
 Tried em, hated em, hacked em off. Didn't seem to work with sweaty hands. Some people swear by them though so thats cool. I'm ODI Rogue 4 lyyyyyyf
  • 2 0
 +1 on ODI Rogue for those XXL hands.
  • 3 0
 Senses Meaty paws made in USA
  • 4 1
 I gave these foam type grips a pretty good shot one season. I just didn't get on with them that well. For whatever reason, they just don't provide the same level of grip with no gloves as my trusty ODI lock-ons.
  • 1 0
 Better with gloves, worse without gloves. Especially slick when wet/sweating.
  • 1 0
 Really keen to give the cam grips a go. I have a nerve injury and rely on the extra padding in the thick silicone grips, but they are a bit big to hold onto on descents. Side note, the grippy coating on the wolftooth grips makes them far better than the Esi chunkys.
  • 1 0
 Tried both these and the ESI versions. Ended up using a ODI slip on grip. Found them more durable . I tried the 33mm version , found them too big. Great on the ups but hand fatigued on the down. Extra dia of grip didn,t suit my hand size.
  • 1 0
 I run the regular Fat Paws on all my bikes. With a flip-around, I get at least a year out of them on my most heavily used bike. Longer on my other bikes.

I've also used ESI's & Red Monkey. Both good, and all 3 seem to be made out of the same material. I choose the WT's simply based on the diameter.

If your bar-ends take a beating, Red Monkey makes a "lock-on" version, they will hold up a little better.

These MEGA versions are probably a step too far for my XL hand size. Good for the XXL guys though, nice to have options.

Side note: If you have a gravel bike.... I used to double wrap all my bars. I now use Tasis Bike Fat Wrap, best stuff I've ever used! Only one layer needed and more chush than previous double wrapped. Hell, I've considered making grips out of them on my MTB's.
  • 1 0
 might have to give the fatpaws a shot, rode Eron, then went to ODI, then Oury, which I loved but now really really like dreadlocks (go Tinker!). still the fatpaws look interesting.....

years ago ('90s) the pre-run sendoff was "tight grips dude!", with reason hahahaha!
  • 1 0
 I've been running the 36mm Fat Paws for a year and I absolutely love them! My buddies said I was crazy and I'd "die" using such old school grips but they are amazing. Great comfort no serious slippage, way less hand fatigue, good in the rain, and easy to install. I'll definitely be trying these 40mm grips out this season.
  • 1 0
 Bought some fat paws... They are almost impossible to fit. Followed the fitting instructions to the letter. Bloody things.

I wouldn't mind, but I'm.a 6'5" ex rower with decent grip strength. I just could not get them all the way on.
  • 6 2
 Two pieces of FOAM for $32.95, what a bargain, way to go, Wolftooth.
  • 1 0
 This is probably the biggest issue with these silicone foam grips (Wolf Tooth), ESI, Red Monkey, etc: they are just too damn expensive for how fragile they are. With silicone foam grips, they grips typically start to tear before they wear out. I had one season where I only rode a set of ESI Chunkies for a single ride before clipping a tree with a bar end and they were done. That wouldn't be a big deal if they were $5 a pair, but at $20-$30? Ridiculous!

At least with ODI Dreadlocks for $30 you get build in bar ends, lock-on ease of install, and the A.I.R.E compound is still far more cushioned than most traditional rubber grips, while not being as fragile as the Siicone grips.

After riding ESI Racer's Edge for years, then trying Revolution Grips, I think I'm going to back to Push-On Sensus Swayze.
  • 1 0
 @PHeller: there have been some knockoffs on Amazon in a rainbow of colors for around $2 a set. I picked some up for my kids razor scooters and they seem nearly as good as the esi.
  • 1 0
 @Duderz7: Oh I know. I've got about a dozen pairs of them. Still doesn't make them any more reliable, though!
  • 4 0
 Perfect for all the size queens...
  • 2 0
 Pick a grip size and be a grip size queen about it
  • 4 0
 They should sell them in a Pack.
  • 1 1
 The CAM advantage... creatively wording a foam grip shape idea we stole from other brands that did it first....Scott USA had foam grips of that profile about twenty years ago and I still have several sets of them. KCNC EVA Foam grips have been available for the past seven or eight years and come in many colors also.
  • 1 0
 I've been enamoured with the comfort of my foam grips that came on my cheapo commuter and now I wont' feel like total dork getting some for the MTBs. They really do feel better.
  • 2 0
 ESI extra chunky are tough to beat. How much are these? Because the CAM is interesting.
  • 3 0
 ESI all day every day on all my bikes.
  • 2 0
 @NoDHinKentucky:
they issue with ESI they last 1 week of bike park riding, other then that super dope
  • 1 0
 @nickmalysh:

I get a season out of my ESI and at the end they look like I was snacking on the grips when I got hungry over long rides
  • 2 0
 I like the Wolf Tooth Fat Paws better than my previous go-to grips the ESI Chunky's.
  • 1 0
 @nickmalysh: wrap the outboard side of each grip with black cloth (hockey) tape. Or wrap the entire grip if you want to make a bomber set of silicone grips. The vibration damping far surpasses any rubber grip out there. Install some bolt in bar end tabs and you should be good for the bike park. Worth noting, silicone grips are cheap. Going through a set every season is well worth the performance qualities.
  • 1 0
 Copying my post from another thread in this page:

For sturdy bar ends with foam grips, consider the Odyssey Par Ends. I stumbled on these at a local shop that also sells BMX. The outside diameter is really similar to ESI Chunky grips. If you don't like the outer lock collar on lock-on grips you won't like this. But they are sturdy, very cheap, and not too heavy (measured mine at 26g)

shop.odysseybmx.com/products/par-ends
  • 1 0
 @mountaincross: i agree with performance / weight / price ration, however even with bmx barends they wearout quite fast; this season i’ve put some ergon - comfort wise they are quite awesome, price weight ratio - not so good;

Last season i’ve cut seriously my chest with bmx barends so it is not always best solution
  • 3 0
 I didn't know she had the G.I. Joe, Kung Fu grip...
  • 3 0
 40mm!! Wow, and there I am trying to find the thinnest grips possible!
  • 1 0
 I took some five dollar foam grips and glued them to a worn out lock on grip. Then I covered the foam grips with bike tube. Light weight, waterproof and lots of grip.
  • 2 0
 How does something like this compare to some Ergon GA2's or Deathgrips?
  • 3 2
 Good idea, but foam grips suck, hope to see a better grip come from this, but not yet!
  • 3 0
 +1 on ODI Rogue for those XXL hands!
  • 1 0
 I'll have to give them a shot. I've wanted some bigger diameter grips for a while now.
  • 1 0
 I've got big hands, and a bit of a hand "issue" and the Fat Paws are my favorite.

Ordering up a set of these Megas ASAP.
  • 2 0
 New Mega Thin Grips, bigger than the bar, but not by much. Coming soon.
  • 1 0
 They look just like ESI which I love but aren’t super durable. They’re cheap though.
Options are a good thing.
  • 9 8
 Woah, this is a gripping news story...

(Sorry)
  • 5 2
 You don't want this article to slip by
  • 17 1
 @onemind123: Otherwise you may get FOAMO
  • 2 1
 Do those handlebars for hot water pipes work?
  • 2 1
 Now if they could just get them to last more than two months.
  • 1 0
 I need a wolf tooth bike seat
  • 2 1
 Pool noodle
  • 3 0
 Hmm. Hollow tire inserts that can be cut to length for different wheel sizes, the cut-off pieces can be used as grips... damn, where’s the nearest patent office...
  • 1 0
 @FuzzyL: Too late!
  • 1 0
 Looks like a Session.
  • 2 5
 Cam you believe it?
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