#!markdown
The biggest difference out of the box is adjustable low speed compression in
the open setting vs. micro adjust. This makes a huge difference to being able
to dial in support on rough/steep terrain without over pressurizing the air
system (compromising traction/performance in other situations) and still use
the other settings. The damper performance feels much more "refined" when run
in the firmer usable settings.
Beyond that, I assume someone spending this kind of coin on a mountain bike is
planning to keep it for some time. The Grip damper performs very well - it is
a huge upgrade over the Evolution series it replaced - but it is still a basic
system designed foremost to allow Fox to hit OE price points that their
bladder-style FIT dampers don't extend to.
The additional beauty of the bladder style FIT dampers is the valving is
custom tunable for different rider weights, terrain, and preferences.
Something easily done in addition to a full service.
Furthermore Fox has an excellent history of supporting their top-end FIT
dampers with ongoing upgrades. For example the new low friction sealheads
released in 2015 are backwards compatible through all generations of FIT
dampers.
If someone is spending $8400 on a bike I think compatibility with future
upgrades (and future tuning options) are nice to have.
One last note, I know Fox is calling the Grip damper "FIT" but that doesn't
fit with their past nomenclature where all FIT dampers used a bladder system.
Nov. 15, 2016, 12:11 p.m. - DrewM
#!markdown The biggest difference out of the box is adjustable low speed compression in the open setting vs. micro adjust. This makes a huge difference to being able to dial in support on rough/steep terrain without over pressurizing the air system (compromising traction/performance in other situations) and still use the other settings. The damper performance feels much more "refined" when run in the firmer usable settings. Beyond that, I assume someone spending this kind of coin on a mountain bike is planning to keep it for some time. The Grip damper performs very well - it is a huge upgrade over the Evolution series it replaced - but it is still a basic system designed foremost to allow Fox to hit OE price points that their bladder-style FIT dampers don't extend to. The additional beauty of the bladder style FIT dampers is the valving is custom tunable for different rider weights, terrain, and preferences. Something easily done in addition to a full service. Furthermore Fox has an excellent history of supporting their top-end FIT dampers with ongoing upgrades. For example the new low friction sealheads released in 2015 are backwards compatible through all generations of FIT dampers. If someone is spending $8400 on a bike I think compatibility with future upgrades (and future tuning options) are nice to have. One last note, I know Fox is calling the Grip damper "FIT" but that doesn't fit with their past nomenclature where all FIT dampers used a bladder system.