US manufacturer, Snap BMX Products, have been around for some time now and support some of the biggest names in BMX, including the likes of Olympians Jill Kintner, Mike Day, Maris Strombergs and the Free Agent team. It's really saying something when riders of that calibre put their reputation and titles on the line. Snap's growing reputation of great looking high quality products that are 100% made in the USA finally lands them in Australian stores through A Team Distro (contact a_team_distro@yahoo.com.au for a store near you).
Snap products include
We first got a good look at some of the Snap products earlier this year at BSX where A Team Distro were very generous and donated hundreds of dollars worth of product that were quickly snapped up at the auctions (punn intended). Snap products are truely a great looking product and it's great to see their distributors are very community aware helping out with charity events like BSX.
This review is on the Snap Series II Pro stem, it's the stems and chainrings that Snap are most well known for. 100% USA Precision CNC machined out of 6061-T6511 billet aluminium. The stem comes with 18-8 stainless steel bolts, so no more rusting, a nice touch which also looks great...especially on the polished stem. The one thing I found a little strange about the bolts though is they are the first I have come across on a stem in a while that are non-metric, no biggy, just unusual.
I like the look of the Snap Series II Pro stem, rather than just stripping the stem back to bare minimum to satisfy the weight weenies they have also been able to maintain a stylish curvy look that's quite unique. The top loader is quite versitile, designed to also work flipped upside down, much like a front loader stem, you should be able to find a height that suits you.
The Snap Series II Pro stem with a 44mm reach weighs 10.84 oz. (310grams), the 57mm reach weighs 11.95 oz. (340grams). That's just a little heavier than the S&M Race XLT, but it's only a matter of about 20grams and if you ask me the Snap stem kicks ass in the looks department.
The big question here is "how does it feel on the bike?". I can answer with confidence that it feels great and stiff...very stiff.
The Snap Series II Pro stem is available in Black, Red, Blue Anodized, White, Shocker Green powder coating and Polished finish.
Most top loading stems from other brands come in 3 to 4 sizes with 5mm increments. If you are looking for finer increments, check these options out: 44mm, 51mm, 53mm, 57mm, 60mm and 63mm reach.
Rating 19.5/20:
| Value for money: | 5/5 |
| Weight: | 4.5/5 |
| Functionality: | 5/5 |
| Looks/Finish: | 5/5 |
Comments:
Check your local dealer for pricing.
Snap is distributed throughout Australia by A Team Distro (a_team_distro@yahoo.com.au). For more information about Snap Products check out their website at www.snapbmxproducts.com
Reviewed by Shane Jenkins/bmxultra.com February 10, 2011