Fox Racing has been making waves in the offroad arena, and their Ranger line is designed to appeal to a wider audience. This review focuses on the Fox Ranger Jersey, Pants, and Gloves, offering insights into their features, comfort, and performance.
Fox Ranger Wordmark Jersey
The new jersey is made from 100% recycled plastic and has a couple of tricks up its short sleeves. This starts at the shoulders, where Fox has cut and sewn the fabric from the shoulders back for a better fit in riding position. The Wordmark Jersey is long!
My size Large sample (I am usually a medium but this large does fit nicely on my 5'9" body) has a 30" (76cm) length from the neck to the tail and a 20" (51cm) boxy cut across the back. This is a welcome feature for anyone who wants to make sure their back is covered from flying tire debris or anyone who rides with a hip pack. I generally find the hip pack slowly pulls the jersey up until it exposes my lower back to the elements. This has been a non-issue with the Fox jersey.
The material is comfortable, light, and resists odours well but, in this lovely blue, is prone to staining. It is not specific to this one, but jerseys in general in this part of the world. Our soil seems to have staining characteristics. Much like frames, the Fox Wordmark Jersey is versatile in its sizing.
Pros:
- Ample back coverage
- Attack position fit along the shoulders
- Low price per square inch of fabric
Cons:
- Prone to staining
Fox Ranger Pants
Simple pants make a whole world of difference. I am generally not seeking high tech materials when it comes to covering my legs. Give me abrasion resistant, lightweight materials for the summer and some water repellence in the winter. The fewer adjustment features, the better. Fox seems to have read my mind, and the Ranger pants are almost perfect.
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I am a size 31 waist with 30" inseams. These samples came in size 32 Waist and 31ish leg. There is also a "Tall" version with 32.5" legs for even more ankle coverage.
Made from very breathable and seemingly durable ripstop material, the single ratchet belt adjustment has won me over. While I am maxed out on adjustments for my waist, the rest of the pants seem to fit well. So I either need to put more weight on my belly (gladly) or need to size down to 30" waist for a better fit. Side pockets are zippered and so deep that my Google Pixel 9 Pro phone can fully rotate during a ride. It makes getting it out a bit of a hassle, but I appreciate the space. You can securely toss your gloves, keys, wallet, and snacks in there with room to spare. Most of these pants are made from recycled plastic as well. These came in at 268 grams (9.45oz) on my scale.
I've washed these pants a few times, and they do not retain odour. I have managed to stain the thigh with something white. I am not sure what, as it won't come off. It looks to be a lack of pigment rather than a stain. I probably splashed some brake cleaner on it while working under my truck. I regularly ruin my clothes while wrenching on stuff.
I like these pants from Fox. They are very comfortable and will do great all summer with pedalling and park riding.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Abrasion-resistant material
- Deep, zippered side pockets
Cons:
- May require careful sizing for optimal fit
- Prone to staining
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Ranger Gloves
These are lightweight trail gloves to match the rest of the kit, with velcro tabs on the wrist and mesh uppers and a soft suede-like palm. There is neoprene along the wrist and conductive touch screen compatible fabric on the thumb, index and middle fingers. These thin gloves are comfortable and easy to get in and out of thanks to the velcro.
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They seem durable and held up to a couple of tumbles and slides along the forest floor. I generally wear size large gloves but these fit on the smaller side. Whie I don't think I can move up to XL, the Rangers leave some marks on my hands after a few hours. They do not feel uncomfortable by any means, but the markings are strange and not something I have experienced with other gloves. Definitely try them before committing but I like the functionality so far. Some of the stitching is coming loose here and there, but no holes have appeared.
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Touch screen compatible
- Durable
Cons:
- Fit on the smaller side
- Some stitching may come loose
Fox Racing's All Weather System
The All Weather System is designed for adaptation to a variety of conditions, including snow, rain, wind, cold and moderate temps. Mix and match to suit your needs.
Designed to be layered or worn on its own in moderate temps and dry conditions, the Defend Thermo Jersey is all about cool weather versatility. It was paired with the Flexair Pant and Defend Pro Fire Glove for this review.
Featured Items:
- Defend Thermo Hooded Jersey: Polartec Power Grid provides lightweight, moisture-wicking insulation. Abrasion-resistant, wind-blocking fabric helps keep you warm while descending. Form-fitting hood fits underneath your helmet. Zippered stash pocket on the hip keeps your stuff in place. Fabric: Polartec Power Grid - 93% polyester / 7% spandex. MSRP: $149.95
- Flexair Pant: Ratchet closure provides a secure fit and quick on-the-fly adjustments. Secure zip hand pockets. Tapered lower leg reduces snag & drag. TruMotion all-way stretch fabric for increased mobility. TruDri fabrics move sweat away from the body to keep you dry. Body-mapping laser perforated on front and back to keep you cool. Durable Water Resistant finish sheds moisture, dirt, & debris. Fabric: 88% polyamide nylon / 12% elastane. MSRP: $139.95
- Defend Pro Fire Glove: Axe Suede slim fleece waterproof palm to keep your hands dry and warm. Durable Water Repellent finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris. Longer compression molded cuff for a secure fit that keeps the elements out. Conductive thread at index finger and thumb for touchscreen compatibility. 3 Layer softshell fabric to protect against the toughest elements. MSRP: $69.95
Fox Ranger Fire Jacket
The Fox Ranger Fire Jacket is a rather simple and straightforward insulated softshell, with no fancy gimmicks or technologies. The shell has a polyester exterior with a brushed fleece interior to provide an ample amount of heat, and 5% spandex throughout to allow it to move with you. The Ranger Fire Jacket has three pockets, the two hip pockets have been ergonomically placed with the 3rd being placed over the left chest area. Each pocket doubles as a vent should you not use them as storage for any essentials. Fox added an elastic cuff and waist to provide added comfort to the jacket.
The size large Ranger Fire jacket fit my 6’1” torso like many of my other size large shirts and jackets. The jacket has a rather snug fit, ideal for those looking for a jacket with an athletic cut that could see a waterproof shell added on top. The sleeves are a little longer than some of my other long-sleeved tops, a bonus in my book as I would rather a sleeve be too long than too short, especially when it comes to keeping warm. The elastic cuffs also help keep the sleeves over top the gloves, ensuring there’s no chance for wind to get in and chill the wrists.
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Being insulated, the Ranger Fire jacket shines out on the trail when the temps are frigid. I’ve worn the jacket in a number of temperature ranges and have yet to find the goldilocks number. Just about every ride I’ve worn the jacket on, I’ve unzipped it by the time we reached the top of the trail as temperatures get too high inside. The jacket is impressively hot, which can be both good and bad, and requires some careful management once effort levels increase.
Fox’s Ranger Fire Jacket is a staple when it comes to having to ride in anything in the mid-30s and cooler and is reasonably priced for the quality you are getting. I have no problem recommending this jacket if you live and ride where temps are less than ideal.
tags: #fox #snowboarding #gear