Get a Grip Offroad Grab Handle
Shootout common grab handles on the
market
Grab Handles. So a few of us decided to put together a page describing some of the
common grips that we have used or those that our friends have used then
describe those that we like, and ultimately pick the best of the bunch.
Some of the photos that are below are not shots of our vehicles, rather
stock manufacturer pictures since we didn't always have a good photo of
the grip installed (we're usually too busy getting pictures of the
action or wheeling ourselves).
Of the grips we looked at or used extensively were: MasterCraft's Grab Handles,
three varieties of the Rugged
Ridge Grab Handles, Skyjacker Grab Handles, Rampage Grab Handles, EK
Motor Sports Grab Handles, Teraflex Grab Handles Quadratec's China Made
Grab Handles and Gnarly Grips Grab Handle (A.K.A. "Oh Sh!t Grips").
Many other known grips on the market are very similar to these that we
looked at.
The elements of a grip that we looked at were mainly comfort and
durability. Comfort included how the grip felt to the grasp, how
well it held its form when you really put your weight on it and how it
felt if you're using it for a length of time, i.e. would he fatigue your
grasp. Under the definition of comfort we also including how well the
grip stayed in place on the bar under heavy use. Typically we
found that a lot of grips would move around on a bare roll bar.
This was especially true if the hook and loop (Velcro® as most people
call it) wasn't as tight as it should be. A situation where your
grip might roll around on the roll bar is not always good as you might
be relying on the grip to help you say in your seat. In most situations
they moved less on padded bars. Comfort also included the part of
the grip that you grab and whether that rotated in your hand. Some
of the grips have a grasp that does rotate, which can lead to loosening
of your grip as it tends to rotate open especially if your grip is
tired. We tended to like those that did not rotate.
Durability was more of a long term observance. Most of the
grips owned by us or people we talked to didn't have them too long, at
most a few years with nominal use. A few though had some older
grips that had seen better days.
Rampage Grab Handles
Jeep.
The spreader bars bridged the front Rollcage hoop just behind the windshield
and the rear Hoop behind the seats. They were also used to hoist driver
and passenger into the vehicle. They did their job. The foam on
the deluxe handles held up pretty good under the strain, mud and summer heat.
The foam covered grip was a bit large but overall it was comfortable.
The roll cage is not padded so these grips were secured right to the painted
metal. The only complaint we had about these were that they rotated
under strain. The foam handle could rotate on the loop and the entire
grip rotated on the roll bar. Generally this wasn't a problem.
Occasionally the grip's hook and loop would be tightened to give it better
grip to the bar. For the most part they didn't feel like they were
collapsing under weight since the wrap that goes around the roll bar did it's
job to hold the grip attach points separated. They were nothing
spectacular but they did what they were designed to do and never failed in any
way.
The
Sport Grab Handles I've had the opportunity to ride passenger in a TJ with
these mounted on a padded roll bar. The
Sport Grab Handles were not comfortable. More like holding onto a small
nylon strap which is essentially what they are. Not something I'd
personally recommend. You'd be better off with the Deluxe if considering
the Rampage grab handles. About the only good thing I'd say about them
is that they are durable as a tow strap would be. But I wouldn't want to
tie my tow strap around the roll bar and use that to hang on over the rough
stuff.
What the Manufacturer says:
Rampage products cramper killer sport handles are a universal
fit for Jeeps. These extremely useful grab handles allow passengers to hold on
during off-road adventures. Made of durable nylon webbing and feature easy
hook and loop attachment to virtually any sport bar including the Jeep CJ
models and Jeep Wrangler TJ and YJ models. Easy to install and available in
pairs. Choose from two models. The universal sport handles which are available
in black and the universal deluxe sport handles which comes with a comfort
grip and are available in black. These extremely useful grab handles allow passengers to hold
on during off-road adventures. Sold in pairs.
Rampage Products carry a 90 day warranty from date of purchase
on all products. Stainless Steel products carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Black powder coated products are backed by a 1 year warranty. Rampage Products
are guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship. Please read all
instructions carefully before begging any installation. Improper installation
of Rampage Products voids warranty. Rampage Products reserves the right to
replace product with similar item in lieu of a refund.
Rampage Deluxe Sport Grab Handles
Rampage Sport Grab Handles
Rugged Ridge Grab Handles
Starting with the best of the three is the Rugged Ridge
Ultimate Grab Handle .
This grab handle is nice. It has a comfortable feel, it's strong and
it maintains it shape under load, something you come to appreciate when you
are grabbing for a hand hold. As with all of them, it's made of nylon
and uses hook and loop (Velcro as we all call it). The Rugged Ridge
Ultimate has a molded handle which is it's nicest attribute. The
molded handle has a decent feel, though it could use a little non-slip
ridges or something for those sweaty palms. It has three Velcro straps
that help to hold it tight to the roll bar or roll bar padding. The
only thing that we would add to these is some non-slip grippyness to the
back side. A friend of ours has these mounted on his early Bronco's
roll cage and when asked about the grip to the roll bar said they do slide
around a little and need to be tightened up occasionally. But
otherwise he likes them. Likes the color too.
The next grip down is the Rugged Ridge
Deluxe Grab Handle . The
Deluxe is very much like the most common grab handle style out there with
the soft foam sleeve over a nylon handle. Several of us have used
these types of grab handles and much of our thoughts are outlined in the
The final grip is what
Rugged Ridge calls the Dual Rear Grab Handle.
These are essentially, nylon straps with no padding or ridged support.
Rugged Ridge suggests these are for rear passengers to hang onto but unless
you are on a budget or rarely have rear passengers, there are much better
grips and these really are not comfortable. These grips were much like
the Rampage Sport Grab Handles above and we have used them on a trail
ride or two as a passenger and our final thoughts on those were they really
are not recommended.
What the Manufacturer says:
Rugged
Ridge offers three different styles for your grab handle needs. The rugged design
of the Rugged Ridge grab handles are constructed of weather resistant, tough
nylon webbing with either a molded sure-grip handle (Ultimate), soft foam
handle (Deluxe), or plain nylon webbing (Sport). The Ultimate grab handles are
easy to install and available in both red and black colors to accent your
Jeep's interior. Deluxe and Sport model grab handles fit all Jeep roll bars
and 3" roll cages with padding. Ultimate grab handles will fit 2" or 3"
rollbars, both padded and un-padded. All front grab handles are sold in pairs.
The Dual Rear grab strap gives back seat passengers a place to hold on to
while on the trail. Constructed of durable nylon webbing with soft molded foam
handles for ease of use and comfort. The dual rear grab strap easily attaches
with hook and loop closures around the center roll bar. No drilling is
required for installation. Special side pockets create a handy spot for
hanging clothes or other items. The Dual Rear grab strap fits all Jeep
Wrangler and Unlimited vehicles. Can be mounted on any roll bar
with a hook and loop style fastening system. All sets are sold in pairs.
30 Day Warranty
Three Styles of Grab Handles:
Ultimate Grab Handle:
The Ultimate Handle is Rugged Ridge's best grab handle featuring tough nylon
webbing construction with a molded sure grip handle.
Deluxe Grab Handle:
The Deluxe Grab Handle offers high quality nylon webbing construction with a
soft foam handle.
Sport Grab Handle:
The Sport Grab Handle features the same high quality nylon webbing
construction with a nylon grab handle.
Dual Rear Grab Handle:
The Dual Rear Grab handle offers two secure handles for back seat
passengers. The handles feature molded sure grip handles as well as
special side pockets that are convenient for hanging clothes.
Key Features:
Added Control:
Rugged Ridge grab handles give Jeep enthusiasts a secure place to grab onto
while offroading. These convenient handles give users an increased
level of control and safety.
Durable Construction:
Rugged Ridge grab handles are constructed of durable nylon webbing.
Tough nylon construction ensures these grab handles will stand up to all the
use and abuse your Jeep faces while on your backcountry offfroad expedition.
Easy Installation:
These nylon grab straps easily attach to the roll bars of just about any
Jeep. Rugged Ridge grab straps are snugged up using a D-Ring style
hook and loop, and can be easily removed in seconds for easy cleaning.
Fits Anywhere:
Rugged Ridge designed their grab straps to be easily moved and fitted along
the roll bar. This allows users to easily adjust the grab handle to
offer a comfortable fit.
3 Styles: Rugged
Ridge grab handles are available with 3 different handle options available.
Handles are available with a molded sure grip, a soft foam handle, or a
standard nylon webbing.
Rear Handles: A dual
rear handle is available offering a safe and secure location to grab hold of
for two passengers in the rear seat.
Rugged Ridge Off Road (the Company) warrants to the original
purchaser of this product that should the product or any part thereof, under
normal use and conditions, be proven defective in material or workmanship
within 90 DAYS from the date of original purchase, such defect(s) will be
repaired or replaced or credited at the Company’s sole discretion.
Gnarly Grip Grab Handles
Occasionally a company comes along and takes a new approach on a design and
based on shortcomings on other similar products, analyzes it and make
improvements on the design where improvements are needed. We think
that's what Off Road Trail Tools LLC did when they decided to create a new
grab handle, which they named Gnarly Grips (or Oh Sh!t Grips depending on who
you talk to or read). Learned from a friend that these grab handles were
a better design than what I was using so I decided to give a pair a try.
Without a doubt these were a better design than previous sets. The few
things on my older sets of grab handles that could have used improvement were
a better grip and some non-slip backing to keep it from slipping on the roll
bar. These Gnarly Grips had a better grip, which is a thermo molded
handle that according to the manufacturer has a built in stiffener in the
handle to give a more comfortable feel and ultimately a safer grip. The
handle also has a ridges incorporates into the molded design that I found
helped give a better grip to hold on to. Since the grip is molded to the
handle it doesn't rotate on the handle which with several other designs is the
case. The downside to a rolling grip is it loosens your grip as it
rolls. My old grips did that and I didn't particularly like it.
Another
feature that serves a good purpose is the fact that the backing has a
non-slip material applied to it. This is nice as it helps to keep
the backing from rotating on my painted metal roll bar, something my old
grip did that was annoying. Construction of the
Gnarly Grips is solid and much like some of the other grips on the
market with nylon material and hook and loop (Velcro) attach straps.
Another
feature of these grips that put them a cut above most common grips is
the fact that the handle is not too thick as the common soft foam
handles tend to be. The
molded design of the handle is a diameter that allows you to wrap your
grip around. It also makes it better to find when you are not
looking and you are reaching up to grab it.
Bottom line is these grips were really nice, better
than what we have been using to this point. The grip is stiff
enough not to collapse as well, which translates into a more comfortable
handle to hang onto and feels good even after a few hours of hanging on
it through the rocks of Rauch Creek. I was more inclined to use
the grips as where before I didn't always care to use them to stabilize
myself with them. Highly recommended if you want something
comfortable and well constructed.
What the Manufacturer says:
With out a doubt, the best grab handle out there. As the name implies, Gnarly
situations require the real thing! Often referred to as "Oh Sh!t Grips".
Because that's what your calling out when you get in that situation. Made in
the USA with the finest materials and workmanship. Offroad Trail Tools LLC use
a patent pending Non skid material which really grips your roll bar for the
most secure grip. Thermo molded handles, along with a built in stiffener
ensure a safe and comfortable feel. With this intelligent design your handle
will not collapse in on you. Only "Gnarly Grips" have this important feature
built in. Military Spec. quality threads and stitching ( Box "X").
Off Road Trail Tools
www.offroadtrailtools.com
Skyjacker Sport Handles
To be Reviewed ....
Features
Boost your stability, safety and comfort while charging over
rough terrain with the Skyjacker Rock Ready Grab Handles
Seize onto your Skyjacker Rock Ready Grab Handles and stay
firmly planted in your seat
Give your passengers a steady hold when your trips turn wild
Grab onto your Skyjacker Rock Ready Grab Handles for easy
mounting and dismounting of your lifted rig
Rock-solid construction—built from long-lasting nylon
webbing
Absolutely no drilling—your Skyjacker Rock Ready Grab
Handles tie right to your roll bar or roll cage with hook and loop straps
Works with or without padded roll bar covers
Backed with a non-skid rubber lining to prevent your
Skyjacker Rock Ready Grab Handles from slipping and sliding around
Comes in pairs-don't forget an extra set of Skyjacker Rock
Ready Grab Handles for the rear seat!
Available in 2 sizes to fit bars between 1.75" and 3.25" in
diameter
Skyjacker makes your Rock Ready Grab Handles in the USA
Description
White knuckles. They’re a sure sign of a truly radical
off-road adventure. Sometimes hanging onto your steering wheel just isn't
enough when you’re crawling over a Gibraltar-size rock or bogging through a
slippery mud hole. Grab hold of the Skyjacker Rock Ready Grab Handle for extra
stability, safety and comfort.
MasterCraft Sport Handles
What the Manufacturer says:
MasterCraft Sport Handles are manufactured from 1.5 nylon
webbing for strength and durability. 5" Thermo-Press handle does not collapse
in your hand, and there's a third mounting strap for extra support when you
really need it.
Sure, there are lots grab handles out there to choose from.
But when you really need it, wouldn't you rather know your grab handle was
manufactured by the same company that has provided racing seats and driver
restraints to off-road racers for over 30 years, and who has built their
reputation on safety and quality? We thought so. MasterCraft's Grab Handles
are manufactured from 1.5 nylon webbing for strength and durability. 5"
Thermo-Press handle does not collapse on your hand, and we add a 3rd mounting
strap for extra support when you really need it. Available two sizes (2" or
3") and in two colors (Red or Black).
EK Motor Sports Grab Handles
EK Motor Sports Grab Handles have been consistently rated as
the best performing and highest quality in the industry. Featuring a strong
hook and loop fastening system that quickly attaches to most roll bars and are
available in 2", 3" or the new 3.75". They are lined with a revolutionary
rubber pad that prevents slipping from roll bar connections. The soft rubber
grip is comfortable and won't sag when pulled on. The 100% nylon webbing is
available in the best color selection available in grab handles. Sold in
pairs.
TeraFlex Roll Bar Grab Handles
Tie-Rod Grab
Alright,
so it's not officially a grab handle that you can buy from a catalog or
website but it is one of my favorite grab handles.
Made from a cutout section of an old tie-rod that was on this Jeep, it's
welded into the front loop of my roll bar and acts as re-enforcement as well
as a grab handle. It's in the perfect place to grab and jump into the
Jeep. When I need a solid place to grip while wheeling, it's right there and
it's better than grabbing a 2 1/2" roll bar with a sweaty hand.
Sometimes the homebrewed grab handles are built from experience and are placed
right where you need them and can serve better than anything you can buy.
Plus you cannot deny the cool factor in a custom grip.
The Grab Handle We Liked and Why
Gnarly Grips or Oh Sh!t Grips
Without a doubt these were a better design than the others for a few simple
reasons. The most obvious thing is a better grip to hold onto, the whole
reason for Grab Handles. Another key feature was non-slip backing to
keep it from slipping on the roll bar. Gnarly Grips had a better,
stiffer grip that was very comfortable and easy to find. The handle
ridges incorporates into the molded design are really nice when your wet or
sweaty. The handle itself doesn't rotate on the inner handle which with
serves to keep a grip even when you're not grabbing with a lot of pressure.
Another
feature that serves a good purpose is the fact that the backing has a
non-slip material applied to it.
If you're hanging onto your grip, it's better if it's stable and not
sliding down or around the roll bar. We
like the thickness of the handle. Not too thick. Actually just
about right for a comfortable grip.
Bottom line is these grips were really nice, better
than what we have been using to this point and better than those we
played with. The grip is comfortable, stiff
enough not to collapse, and can be appreciated after hours of steady use.
Highly recommended if you want something
comfortable and well constructed.
Plus it's made in the U.S.A. by
hard working Americans and we like that.
Off Road Trail Tools
www.offroadtrailtools.com
Off Road Trail Tools has on YouTube
Onboard
Air
Grab Handles. One of those
accessories that you eventually come to appreciate on the trail.
Whether you are a passenger or the driver, there are times when you need
something to grab onto to stabilize yourself in an off-camber situation
or simply to get up into the vehicle. They typically are not
expensive to buy so the decision as to which to get may not be a high
priority; not like buying a winch or a set of offroad tires would be.
So then it isn't until you are using your grab handles extensively that
you begin to judge the quality of these aftermarket items. By that
time you need them to serve their purpose, not collapse in your hand,
slip down the rollbar or fatigue your grip.
Home-built
Serious Skid-Plate protection for the Oil Pan for under 20
bucks!