I glanced off a tree once, where the Counterpunch may have helped; but I also crashed once, and nearly crashed another time, and got my hand torn up by thorns a third time, when foliage got tangled in the bar end. So I'd say these are worth running if your main foe is large tree trunks, but are best avoided if you have loose, overhanging branches, brambles, bushes, etc that could get hooked by the Counterpunch.
Definitely a good purchase! Had a couple of crashes and tree strikes with them installed and they’ve proven indestructible so far
Ordered a set of Loamlab Counterpunch bar ends all the way from the Uk after finding out about the products from watching Charlie Murray’s video’s on Youtube. They arrived perfectly packaged and fitted really easily, they seem really well made and have so far saved my fingers on a few occasions with tree strikes! Really glad I ordered and was even kept informed regards shipping direct from Loamlab which was a nice added personal touch!
Thanks Team Loamlab!
Shortly after I got a set I put my bars into a tree on the trail. Got nothing more than a small bruise rather than a broken finger.
These go on all my and my families’ bikes now.
would have been nice it the retainer screws where made of stainless steel. would have pad extra. other than that they are greatv and easy to install.
Quick shipping. Have bought as gifts for friends before and they are always thrilled. Lots of comments on how product saved them from crashing or hurting fingers. Item well made, good price
Used in conjunction with Shredhit hand guards this is a pretty bomb proof combo for protecting my pinkies. I hve bounced off multiple trees and has zero issues. Money well spent. Will likely buy for my other bike as well. Very well made and finished. Quick shipping arrived in about a week 👌
Given the tight, twisty trails in many of the forests I ride, I happily put a pair on both my trail bike and my XC bike... Not only have they saved my fingers from various strikes, but they also mean I can ride that much faster with more confidence. And they can really take a beating, too! I hit one tree while trying to "thread the needle" hard enough that it pulled the grip away from the bar, and yet it didn't do any damage to the bar, grip, or the Counterpunch! I just moved everything back onto bar, tightened them up, and kept on riding.
Been using for a few weeks now. Grips are comfortable, and I don't notice the bar end. Have had one encounter with a small trailside tree, no hand injury and no crash. Having ridden through 560 mm bars and bar ends, I don't worry about these increasing my crash risk. Will likely put another pair on my trail bike at some point
These have already saved me more times than I can count. They are fantastic, however anyone purchasing the non grip version should be wary that they can come out with big impacts and so buy spares. I lost one after crashing into the ground and it got pulled out by tye plants/dirt and I almost lost a second one after a head on collision with a tree that bruised the bones in my hand. Tighten hard and buy spares but overall very good and do a job.
Still wondering if it helps more with possible tree hits or just catches bushes etc so that they cannot escape and turn your handlebar more than without counterpunch.
Thin, soft, grippy and saved my pinkies on numerous occasions. I’m fussy with hand positioning on the bike, these grips help massively as I can instantly place my pinky against the bar end for my ideal position. What’s not to like.
I thought I needed the bigger grips. Turns out not. Between the cutouts and smaller diameter numb hands are now a thing of the past.
Was a little skeptical of them at the start of the ride but by the time I got done with my first ride I was use to them. They work great and give me an extra sense of confidence when I’m pushing through trees or big boulders. Can’t see myself riding without them now. Great customer service as well.
I have been using these grips for approximately 2 years now and I am very happy with them. I love the ergonomics of the grip, but more importantly the size. I wouldn't consider myself to have small hands, but my hands fit perfectly with the grips. I use them on my Enduro and DH bike and will be adding them to my Downcountry bike once the grips wear out. I find the grip to be tacky, but not to the point of being too sticky. Although they have a soft rubber end, I have yet to blow threw the end of a grip. I recently had a crash that snapped my handlebar just after the lock collar of the grip and the grip itself sustained a bit of damage, but by no means does it need to be replaced. Even if it did, it is easy to purchase the replacement rubber. They will continue to be my go to grips for the foreseeable future! Thanks for making a great product LoamLab!
If you're considering this product just buy it. Best bolt on mod if you ride trees. They save your pinky, grips from tearing and probably a crash or two as your bars deflect rather than catch the tree bark as you clip a tree. The grips are great too with fit and finish being absolutely perfect. I just got another couple bikes so I'll be ordering another set or two asap. Plus it's a buy once product as it's built to last and super easy install. Oh, lay your bike down to rest or a crash and your grips are safe. Do it!
Saved me from what would have been busted fingers / ruined vacation in the Scotland a couple of years back - clipped a few trees on various trails at the Golfie, then properly hit a tree on a wild descent in the Cairngorms, yet survived unscathed! Loam Labs customer service also second to none - Mark went over and above what I'd have expected when I had an issue with a stainless bolt galling a thread (i.e. no fault of Loam Labs, stainless just does that sometimes). Replacement parts sent out promptly. Refreshing to receive such good service, and a finger/hand savingly good product! Having tried the grips too now, I'm a firm fan.
These things are great! First ride after I put them on they already saved me going through some narrow single tracks. They look more distinguished with some road rash on them. Super easy to install as well! I paired them with the grips and they are perfect!
I bought the Counterpunch a couple of years ago and liked them enough that I bought another set for my eeb. I ride with my hands hanging off the ends of the bars and they’re great for protection but I love how “locked-in” they make you feel with the bike when you’re charging or riding burly terrain.
If you ride with your hands way out like I do they take a bit of tweaking initially to get the position/angle right and there’s a brief period of getting used to the feeling of them against your pinky fingers but eventually they just become another part of the cockpit - you don’t even know they’re there until you need them.
Had to put a little elbow grease in the installation, but the process was very straightforward. The grips feel great and give a nice alternative hand position allowing my pinkys to rest against the counterpunch itself. I really enjoy how low profile they are for what they do and the competitive pricing against other regular grips on the market.
I haven’t hit a tree yet though. I think the installation instructions could use some pictures
Since installing the Counterpunch about a month ago, I have clipped two trees and it did the job as expected. I initially was concerned it might catch some vines hanging over the trail but it hasnt so far and I dont think it will. Easy install. I continued using my existing grips
I'm happy with the counterpunch.
On my first ride, I already tagged a tree. I have a trek Slash with what feels like the right side bar. But at 800+ mm I keep touching trees...
I think the bars and grips fell good.
I've been recommending these to my riding friends.
Love these grips!
Super thin but not buzzy or harsh at all.
The ends are a bit fragile so a crash can make them a little flappy but replacement rubber is cheap enough to always have on hand - no pun intended!
Easy to install, comfy grips and my hands feel tucked-in and protected.
Great product and great deal!