Several innovative features of the DUO-GRIP line of brakes offer distinct benefits that cannot be found in other designs. The most unique of which is the use of an internal and external shoe that “Grip” the drum (or flat bar in the case of the linear brake) similar to a disk caliper; however unlike a disk & caliper design, the peripheral speed of contact over the lining area remains constant, resulting in even lining wear and heat distribution. This “gripping” feature also utilizes a thinner brake surface cross-section, resulting in lower rotating inertia than conventional drum designs.

Few brake designs produce the effect of compounding brake force or torque known as “self-energizing”. This multiplication in braking capacity is a feature of all DUO-GRIP brakes and is what causes far more braking force to be generated in a much smaller design. Upon spring application(1), the inner shoe of the brake assembly has a frictional tendency to follow the drum's rotational trajectory(2) while in the servo rotation(3) thereby increasing lever action and subsequently the force applied to the drum(4).

Unlike conventional drum brakes, each DUO-GRIP brake assembly utilizes only a portion of the circumference of the drum, thereby saving space. This also allows multiple brake modules to be added to a single brake drum to enhance the torque output required by some applications, providing economic and space savings rather than adding an entire additional or much larger brake.