The ODI Nomad grips came out earlier this year. The size and the vibration dampening from the D3O material caught my attention because of my baby hands. I wanted to see if they were better than the ODI Half Waffles lock ons I usually run, or if they’d feel too big thanks to the raised “pillow tops” made from that same D3O compound.

What Grips I Usually Run

For most of my riding, I’ve stuck with the ODI Half Waffle Lock‑Ons. They’re around 30.5 mm, which puts them in that nice slim‑to‑medium zone. Perfect for smaller hands and for keeping a light, confident grip.

They’re simple, they last a while, and you can replace them in five minutes without glue or safety wire. That’s my baseline setup, thin, direct, and easy to install.

Enduro racer looking far ahead down the trail.
Final ride on the Nomads at the RRDR Enduro.

Why I Tried the ODI Nomads

After the Lead Belt Enduro, my half waffles were worn out. I also was beginning to notice I was wearing the grips differently on the four stroke, my thumbs were digging in a lot more. So instead of a direct half waffle replacement, I decided to test out the ODI Nomad’s due to the D3O material, small size, and marketing hype.

ODI lock-on dirt bike grips being compared next too each other.
Brand new ODI Nomad grip next to worn out Half Waffle lock-on.

The Nomads measure 31.5 mm, about a millimeter thicker than the half waffles. Doesn’t sound like much, but when you’ve got small hands, you notice.

ODI says the secret is the D3O material, a compound used in body armor that’s pliable during normal use but firms up on impact. That translates here to better vibration dampening while still staying responsive when you hit something hard. Whether that actually happens mid‑ride is tough to feel, but it’s an interesting approach.

On‑the‑Bike Impressions

Once I got riding, the Nomads felt surprisingly natural. I expected to notice the raised “pillow tops”, and the 1mm difference, but the size and texture disappeared once I started riding.

Here’s what stood out:

  • Comfort: They feel plush without the spongy, disconnected feel that thicker grips sometimes have.
  • Vibration: Slightly less bar buzz on longer rides, especially through choppy rock and root sections.
  • Control: The bigger diameter was noticeable at first, but my hands adjusted quickly.
  • Texture: Good bite, no slippery spots, and no odd wear patterns or blisters after a full race weekend.

As for that D3O claim, it’s hard to prove. I never felt a magical stiffening effect, but if the goal was a smoother, less fatiguing ride, it worked. The bike felt a touch calmer through the bars by the end of a long ride.

The Nomads sit right between the half waffle (30.5 mm) and the Rogue (32 mm). I’ve always found Rogues too bulky, but these strike a nice middle ground for riders who want a little extra cushion without losing feel.

ODI Nomad grips laid out for review pictures.
ODI Nomad’s as they came off the GasGas

Who The Nomads Are For (and Not For)

These grips hit a sweet spot for riders who care about comfort but still want direct feedback.

You’ll probably like the Nomads if:

  • You want a medium‑diameter grip that softens vibration.
  • Rogues feel too big, Half Waffles too small.
  • You like a quick lock‑on install with zero maintenance.
  • You’re chasing a smoother ride without losing control feel.

You might skip them if:

  • You have small hands and prefer the thinnest grips possible.
  • You want maximum bar feedback.
  • You go through grips often and don’t want to pay the premium price.

For long enduros, dual‑sports, or single‑track riders who spend hours on the pegs, the comfort difference is noticeable. For maximum bar feedback, probably not worth the extra thickness and cost.

ODI Nomad Lock-On grips after a lot of use.
Punched out ends for the bar ends; Always add protection!

Durability & Value

I went through a set in four enduros and a few practice rides. That’s not bad given how hard I ride and how often I’m at race pace. The D3O compound feels soft but held up better than I expected before the “knobs” started to smooth out or disappear.

Lock‑on grips cost more than traditional glue‑ons, but the easy install and consistent fit make them worth it if you’re swapping often. Pop off the old set, tighten the bolts, and you’re done. No mess, no fuss.

Final Take

Would I buy another set? Yes. The Nomads did exactly what I hoped, added a bit of comfort without making the bike feel vague.

Will I keep experimenting? Also yes. The new Renthal Aramid Half Waffle Lock‑Ons are next on my list so I can compare compounds head‑to‑head.

If you’re like me, the half waffles feel perfect most of the time, but your interested to see if you’re hands can last longer, the ODI Nomads are worth a try. They’re the middle ground between the Rogue and the Half Waffle, extra padding for comfortable while staying fairly thin for smaller hands.