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AXESS UNLTD Get A Grip Bar Ends Review: Reduce Arm Pump

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TL;DR: A test of AXESS UNLTD’s Get A Grip bar ends, a modern take designed to reduce arm pump and add hand positions on the trail.

AXESS UNLTD GET A GRIP Bar Ends on Test

Bar ends are back—sort of. Not the long, ski-jump levers we bolted onto XC bikes in 1998, but a new breed that’s less about leverage on fire roads and more about surviving modern, brake-bumped descents with your hands still functioning at the bottom. The AXESS UNLTD GET A GRIP bar ends land squarely in that niche: a small, flexible “outer stop” designed to stabilise your hand position, reduce the death-grip reflex, and (in theory) reduce arm pump. They were developed with input from downhill racing, and they feel like a product built by someone who has genuinely suffered through long, violent tracks.Over the last few seasons, we’ve seen riders throw money at the arm-pump problem from every angle: softer compounds, bigger diameter grips, different bar sweeps, custom brake angles, thicker gloves, even massage guns and forearm routines. The GET A GRIP approach is refreshingly simple: stop your hand sliding outward when the trail gets chattery, and give your pinky side something to “hook” against so you can relax without feeling like you’re about to be ejected from the cockpit.

What the GET A GRIP bar ends actually do

The core sensation is immediate: your hands feel located. There’s a definite boundary at the outer end of the grip, and that boundary changes your default pressure map. Instead of squeezing harder when the bike starts hammering, you can let the bar sit in the heel of your palm with your outer fingers more relaxed—because you’re no longer relying solely on friction to keep your hand from creeping off the end of the grip.

That might sound subtle, but on long descents the subtle stuff becomes everything. Arm pump is rarely one single villain—it’s a feedback loop: rough trail leads to increased grip force, increased grip force leads to forearm fatigue, fatigue leads to poorer technique, poorer technique leads to more impacts, and the spiral tightens. Anything that helps you interrupt that loop is worth paying attention to.

Installation reality check: this isn’t plug-and-play

Here’s the part you must be okay with: these bar ends typically require modifying your grips. That means drilling a clean hole through the grip end so the mounting hardware can pass through. If that sentence makes you flinch, stop reading and buy a fresh set of grips first—because doing this on your last, half-worn pair is a recipe for an uneven hole, a torn end cap, or a fit that’s not as secure as it should be.

If you want to do the job properly, have a sharp bit, measure twice, and consider removing the grip from the bar for a cleaner, straighter cut. A simple tool like a grip-specific adhesive can help you reinstall without slip. For reference, a popular choice is
ODI Grip Glue.

Grip Glue, 30g Fast-Drying Grip Glues, Strong Handlebar Grip Adhesive for Dirt Bike, Motorcycle, ATV, Bicycle, Ebike, Snowmobile, etc (Clear, 30g)
  • Strong and Long-lasting: This grip glue and motorcycle grip glue is professionally formulated with super-strong adhesion. Once cured, it firmly holds grips in place, ensuring zero slippage under extreme vibration or pressure. It stays flexible over time and will not harden or become brittle, providing long-lasting, reliable grip performance.
  • Fast-Drying and Waterproof: This high-quality grip glue dries quickly in 10 to 45 seconds and fully solidifies within 24 hours to form a strong and lasting bond, allowing you to say goodbye to long waiting periods and enjoy efficient and reliable repairs! In addition, this handlebar grip glue adopts a waterproof formula that can effectively resist rain, mud, and sweat. It can maintain a strong bond even on rainy days or in long-term outdoor use.
  • Wide Application: This grip glue is suitable for a variety of handlebar materials and grip types. This handlebar grip glue can provide a reliable gripping solution for motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, bicycles, e-bikes and snowmobiles. The motorcycle grip glue is perfect for quickly installing or fixing vehicle grips, saving you the cost of professional handlebar repairs.
  • Easy to Apply: Just a few simple steps to install or fix the grip easily with the dirt bike grip glue. No additional tools are required, and no complicated operation. In addition, the grip glue for dirt bikes is thoughtfully equipped with 3 droppers, which ensure quick and precise application of it even in the trickiest or hard-to-reach areas.
  • Sincere After-Sales Service: We are committed to providing every customer with high-quality products and satisfactory service. If you are not satisfied with the effect of the grip glue, or if there is any problem with the motorcycle grip glue, you can contact us at any time via Amazon. We will provide you with a quick and worry-free exchange or refund service, or any other service you may need.

On the trail: locked-in confidence versus freedom to fidget

Let’s be candid: the “outer stop” feeling can be a little restrictive. Riders who like to micro-adjust hand position—especially on long days with a lot of climbing—may find it interrupts their natural tendency to slide a hand outward, rotate the wrist, or change where the pressure sits on the palm.

On the other hand, that locked-in sensation is exactly what makes the product work on sustained descents. In rough braking zones, your hands tend to migrate outward, and the moment they do, your grip tightens to compensate. With the GET A GRIP ends, that migration is reduced. It’s not a magic cure, but it’s a real mechanical nudge toward calmer hands.

There’s also a secondary benefit that surprised me: they behave a bit like “micro handguards.” Not in the motocross sense—don’t expect miracle protection—but if you clip a tree or brush a rock, the outer edge can take some sting out of the impact. Riders who frequent tight, European-style singletrack or woods riding will understand why that matters.

Who they’re best for (and who should skip them)

Best for:

  • Downhill riders and park regulars doing long, uninterrupted descents.
  • Enduro racers who struggle late-stage with grip fatigue and hand migration.
  • Riders who like a very defined “home position” on the bar.

Maybe not for:

  • Trail riders whose days are climb-heavy, with lots of hand repositioning.
  • Anyone who hates cockpit “boundaries” (similar to how some riders dislike deep, locked-in saddles).
  • Riders with very large hands running short grips, where usable grip real estate already feels limited.

How to get similar benefits (or amplify them)

If your goal is less arm pump, the bar ends are one tool—not the whole toolbox. Consider pairing the concept with a grip that better matches your hand size and riding conditions. Options many riders already love include:

ODI Elite Pro Grips, Black, 130mm | ODI Elite Pro Lock-On Bike Grips - Ergonomic Half-Waffle, MTB & Road
  • Ergonomic design conforms to riders hand without feeling bulky, provides padding where it is needed most
  • Half-Waffle pattern on the front of the grip provides extra control when you are off the back of the bike
  • Variable knurl pattern alternates from smooth to sharp texture to provide more traction without irritating your hands
  • Country Of Origin : United States
Sale
Ergon - GE1 Evo Factory Ergonomic Lock-on Bicycle Handlebar Grips | for Mountain, Trail and Enduro Bikes | Regular Fit | Frozen Stealth
  • New unique in-house produced Factory rubber compound.
  • Design to be used on the wide handlebars found on most gravity mtbs.
  • Textured zones orientated against the direction of rotation of the hand.
  • Lightweight high quality inboard aluminum clamp.
  • Built-in handlebar plug.

Also: brake setup matters more than most people admit. If your levers are too flat, you over-grip to compensate; too steep and your wrists collapse. A small torque wrench helps you test changes and keep hardware consistent:
a compact bike torque wrench kit.

LEXIVON Bike Torque Wrench 1/4-Inch Dr. 15-Piece Kit | 72-Tooth Gear, Dual-Direction Click Type 2~26 Nm / 17.7~230.1 in-lb (LX-191)
  • THE ULTIMATE BIKE TOOL - This 15-Piece bicycle torque wrench features precise scales of 2~26 Newton Meter (17.7~230.1 in-lb) with micro-adjustments to 0.2 Nm. Includes bit sockets: HEX - H2, H2.5, H3, H4, H5, H6, H8, H10. TORX - T10, T20, T25, T30 | 3-inch Extension bar & 1/4-inch Adapter.
  • 72-TOOTH GEAR - Reinforced, Hardened & Heat-treated ratchet head; constructed from Chrome-Molybdenum alloy steel. The Quick-Release Button Mechanism allows secure fit as well as rapid socket swap.
  • PRECISION - This Dual-Direction bike tool torque wrench ships pre-calibrated and measures torque in both CW (+/- 4%) and CCW (+/- 6%). Includes calibration certificate with traceable & unique serial number. This bike multitool ensures that bolts and nuts are tightened to the correct torque, increasing longevity and preventing damage from over-tightening.
  • DURABLE - Rust & corrosion protection with unique and newly invented Electro-Black finish treatment. A non-slip knurled handle made of high-grade aerospace aluminum, equipped with our exclusive slide-to-lock mechanism to set your desired torque.
  • PERFORMANCE - Features an easy-to-read, highlighted yellow print, dual-range scale; identify the markings even in low-light conditions. Unlike other bike torque wrenches, our proprietary easy-to-rotate handle reduces efforts & prevents hand fatigue by up to 62%

And if you’re chasing marginal gains for race day, gloves can influence perceived hand security more than you’d think. A dependable, well-fitted option like
Giro DND gloves
can reduce the urge to clamp down when things get spicy.

Giro DND - Men's Black (2022) X-Small
  • Comfortable and durable mountain bike glove for aggressive riding
  • Moisture-wicking, four-way stretch fabric is highly breathable
  • Microfiber wiping surface leaves our nose snot-free
  • Flex zones at the knuckle make for high flexibility
  • Touchscreen technology for use with mobile devices

Editorial verdict

The AXESS UNLTD GET A GRIP bar ends feel like a product made for a specific problem by people who have lived that problem: long, rough descents where your hands start to fail before your legs do. They deliver a more secure outer contact point and encourage a looser grip—if you commit to riding them properly and don’t fight the locked-in feel.

Would I put them on an everyday trail bike that climbs for an hour, descends for ten minutes, then repeats? Probably not. Would I recommend them for bike-park season, alpine trips, or riders who reliably get arm pump halfway down their local mega-descent? Absolutely worth trying—especially because the effect is immediate and easy to judge.

If you’re assembling a “hands survival kit” for a big trip, you could also consider adding inexpensive spares and cockpit essentials to your pack, like
Park Tool grip remover/installer picks
(handy for clean swaps) and extra grips you already know you like.

Sale
Vaveren Golf Club Grip Installer, Golf Shaft Change Tool Replacement,Black Repair Tool Golf Accessory Part for Golfer Golf Club Travel
  • 【Versatile application】: Ideal for a variety of scenarios including repairing, replacing grips, traveling, golf games, and practice sessions
  • 【User friendly design】: Featuring an ergonomic design, this golf shaft change tool offers an easy grip and allows for effortless installation without the need for excessive force
  • 【Efficient installation】: Engineered for quick grip installation golf club, this tool significantly enhances the efficiency of your replacement tasks
  • 【Quality material】: Crafted from quality PP, this golf club grip installer is designed to be sturdy and wear resistant, ensuring it can withstand repeated use
  • 【Compact size】: Measuring 7 cmx7 cmx18 cm/2.76 inchx2.76 inchx7.09 inch, this lightweight and portable golf accessory is nice for both enthusiasts and professionals alike

FAQ: AXESS UNLTD GET A GRIP Bar Ends

Do these actually reduce arm pump?

They can, primarily by reducing the need to squeeze hard to stop your hands drifting outward. The biggest gains come when you consciously relax your outer fingers and let the bar end act as a positional “stop.”

Are they only for downhill bikes?

No, but they make the most sense for downhill, bike-park riding, and long enduro descents. On ride days with lots of climbing and frequent hand repositioning, some riders will find them restrictive.

Will they work with any grip?

Fit depends on the grip’s end construction and how solidly it supports the hardware once drilled. Grips with sturdy end caps tend to work better than very soft, thin-ended designs.

Is drilling my grips safe?

It’s safe if done carefully and cleanly, but you can ruin a grip if the hole tears or the end cap deforms. If you’re unsure, practice on an old set or buy a fresh set first.

Do they interfere with bar width or control?

They don’t change bar width, but they reduce the “usable” outermost grip space and create a fixed boundary. Some riders love the security; others prefer the freedom to slide hands around.

What’s a good alternative if I don’t want bar ends?

Try different grip diameters/compounds, refine brake lever angle and reach, and consider ergonomic grips like
Ergon GE1 Evo.
For some riders, that’s enough to address the root cause without adding an outer stop.

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With more than a decade of hands-on cycling experience, Kristina writes practical, research backed content that helps cyclists make better decisions on and off the bike. Her expertise spans road cycling, gravel riding, bikepacking, commuting, maintenance, and cycling gear, with every article grounded in real riding experience rather than marketing claims. At Cycling Trend, Kristina focuses on creating clear, reliable guides for riders of all skill levels. Whether you're choosing your first road bike, comparing cycling accessories, improving bike maintenance, or planning longer rides, her articles are designed to provide honest advice you can trust. Browse her latest posts below to discover expert insights, detailed buying guides, and practical cycling tips for every type of rider. Kristina is the Lead Editor of CyclingTrend, where she has written or edited every review, ranking and race report on the site. Her testing spans road, gravel and mountain — from a 32-tire gravel test season to months-long e-MTB reviews — with a working rule that a verdict isn't ready until the honeymoon phase has worn off.

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