Pick the grip by diameter and how it stays on
Wolf Tooth's mountain bike grips come down to two choices: how thick the grip is, and whether it clamps on or slides on. The Wolf Tooth Echo Lock-On is a 32mm rubber grip that bolts to the bar. The Wolf Tooth Karv is a 32mm silicone grip that slides on. The Wolf Tooth Fat Paw is a 36mm silicone foam grip that also slides on.
Wolf Tooth sums up its own lineup this way: lightweight Karv and Fat Paw grips for XC, and tacky, durable Echo lock-on grips for the biggest lines.
The Wolf Tooth Echo Lock-On is 32mm across and 132mm long, made of rubber, and clamps to the bar with an aluminum collar.
The Wolf Tooth Karv measures 32mm across once installed and 135mm long. It is silicone and slides onto the bar with no clamp.
The Wolf Tooth Fat Paw measures 36mm across once installed and 135mm long. It is silicone foam and slides onto the bar with no clamp.
Wolf Tooth's chart lists the installed diameter and material of its grips. The Fat Paw is 36mm, the Echo Lock-On and Karv are 32mm, and only the Echo is rubber. The rest are silicone foam.
Which Wolf Tooth grip should I get?
Wolf Tooth Echo Lock-On if you ride trail, enduro or DH and want a grip that clamps in place. Wolf Tooth designed it for all-mountain riding, from trail to DH. The alternating diagonal pattern is there to keep your hand in place with or without gloves. The rubber is 20A durometer over a rigid plastic liner, and Wolf Tooth describes the Echo as tacky and durable.
Wolf Tooth Karv if you spend long hours on the bike and want less hand fatigue at a standard size. Wolf Tooth says the Karv is great for longer rides because it reduces hand fatigue and finger numbness, and calls the 32mm installed diameter perfect for most riders. It sits between Wolf Tooth's thinner Razer and thicker Fat Paw.
Wolf Tooth Fat Paw if you have large hands or ride in thick gloves. Wolf Tooth calls the Fat Paw the ideal option for riders with large or gloved hands who want a big grip with a soft feel.
This is the lock-on version of the Wolf Tooth Fat Paw, which shares the 36mm diameter of the slide-on Fat Paw we carry. Next to the shifter you can see how much thicker it is than the bar.
Lock-on vs slide-on
A lock-on grip has a hard liner and an aluminum collar that bolts to the bar. On the Wolf Tooth Echo, the collar bolt takes a 3mm hex, with a maximum torque of 2.5 Nm.
A slide-on grip has no clamp. Wolf Tooth installs the Karv and Fat Paw with 91 percent isopropyl alcohol sprayed or wiped inside the grip and over the bar.
22.2mm barsWolf Tooth's lock-on grips, including the Echo, fit standard 22.2mm mountain bike handlebars.
6.5 vs 9.5mmWolf Tooth lists the uninstalled wall thickness of the Karv at 6.5mm and the Fat Paw at 9.5mm.
Right to RepairEvery piece of the Wolf Tooth Echo Lock-On, down to the clamp and bolt, is sold as a replacement part.
Karv V2The Wolf Tooth Karv V2 keeps the 32mm size but switches to silicone foam with a soft suede texture for wet traction. Wolf Tooth lists it at 58g per pair.
We carry the Wolf Tooth Echo Lock-On Grips, the Wolf Tooth Karv Grips, the Wolf Tooth Karv Grips V2 and the Wolf Tooth Fat Paw Grips.
Common questions
What is the difference between Wolf Tooth Echo, Karv and Fat Paw grips?
The Echo Lock-On is a 32mm rubber grip that clamps to the bar. The Karv is a 32mm silicone grip that slides on. The Fat Paw is a 36mm silicone foam grip that slides on.
Are Wolf Tooth Karv and Fat Paw grips lock-on?
No. The standard Karv and Fat Paw slide on with isopropyl alcohol and have no clamp. Wolf Tooth makes a separate Fat Paw Lock-On if you want the Fat Paw size with a clamp.
Which Wolf Tooth grip is best for large hands?
The Fat Paw. Wolf Tooth calls it the ideal option for riders with large or gloved hands. It measures 36mm installed, against 32mm for the Karv and Echo.
How do I install Wolf Tooth Karv or Fat Paw grips?
Wolf Tooth says to spray or wipe 91 percent isopropyl alcohol inside the grip and over the bar, then slide the grip on.
What torque do Wolf Tooth lock-on grip clamps need?
Wolf Tooth lists 2.5 Nm maximum, using a 3mm hex on the collar bolt.
Do Wolf Tooth grips fit my handlebar?
Wolf Tooth's lock-on grips fit standard 22.2mm mountain bike handlebars. Check your bar's grip diameter before you order.
Before you order grips
Decide on size first: 32mm for most hands, 36mm for large hands or thick gloves. Then decide whether you want a clamp. Wolf Tooth's grips page lists every size and color.
Questions about fit? Ask us. If you want the Lab to swap your grips, that is billed bench work.
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