DT Swiss DEG Hubs - More Engagement, Same Reliable Star Ratchet System

DT Swiss Doesn't Often Create New Hubs, But When They Do...

The DT Swiss DEG 240 hub systems, with larger ratchet rings for increasing engagement angle to 4 degrees. To me, DT Swiss hubs scream precision and durability, they have been my go-to over the years as I think they are just too good to beat as an overall hub. If you want a hub that is reliable, fast-rolling, and previously had what I would say enough engagement, then DT Swiss is a no-brainer. Now you can also get a very fast engagement at 4 degrees, which puts it very competitive to other brand high engagement hubs, as well as the fastest ratchet system on the market. 

The DEG hub is aimed at the trail - enduro riders that are looking for very fast engagement on their hubs, dropping down from the previous 6.66 degrees of engagement that was offered with the 54t ratchet kits, the new DEG comes standard with a 4-degree engagement. By increasing the size of the ratchet rings, it has allowed for 90t rings that feature the same size tooth and profile of the 54t ratchet rings. You know the 54t star ratchets are extra durable, and now with a larger diameter, there is much more surface area engagement so in theory the DEG should be even stronger and less prone to slipping, if that ever did happen on a DT Swiss hub. 

What’s New? 

 As you can see, the overall design of the DEG system remains very similar to the classic star ratchet system, yet is pretty much just larger diameter ratchet rings. 

This photo further illustrates the size difference between the previous star ratchet and EXP ratchet systems compared to the new DEG. The DEG is so much larger than the previous rings fit inside of the new DEG, and you can also see the hub shell has to be larger in return. 

Specs:

• Size-optimized 90T Ratchets • 4° engagement angle 
• Load distribution across a larger surface,
• High reliability
• Easy, tool-free service
• Roughly 30g heavier than Ratchet EXP systems

Differences (if an old product is being replaced, or this is the new version)

The new DEG hubs split the 240 range with the DT Swiss EXP system. The EXP system remains the lighter option of the two different 240 hub ranges but with a maximum engagement angle of 6.66 degrees. The EXP system is focused at Road, Gravel, XC, and Trail riding. The DEG system has a higher degree of engagement at 4 degrees as well as tool-free maintenance. The DEG system is focused at Trail, Enduro and Gravity styles of riding. 

What's Worldwide's Takeaway?

It's few and far between when Dt Swiss comes out with a new product, truly they don't really have to. Their hubs have been amazing for decades with remaining the most consistent and quality options on the market. The new DT Swiss DEG 240 hubs are a major improvement over the classic DT Swiss Ratchet system. Larger rings provide a higher engagement at 4 degrees as well as more surface area contact. Aimed at Trail, Enduro and Gravity styles of riding, the DT Swiss DEG split the 240 level with the lighter DT Swiss EXP hubs.