MXA TEAM TESTED: FOX RACING HC/180 GEAR

 

WHAT IS IT? Heralded for its high quality and low price tag, the HC/180 gear combination is Fox’s best-selling gear and is often worn by Ryan Dungey and Ken Roczen.

WHAT’S IT COST? $32.95 (HC jersey), $109.95 (180 pant).

CONTACT? www.foxhead.com or (888) 369-7223.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Fox Racing HC/180 gear.

(1) HC jersey. This is a no-nonsense jersey, but that’s not a negative. The HC jersey has many of the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line piece without the excess fluff. Articulated sleeves are pre-bent and nonrestrictive. The cuffs are wide without being baggy, and the jersey collar is comfortable. Our only beef with the HC jersey is that it doesn’t come with sewn-in elbow padding.

(2) 180 pant. Like the HC jersey, the 180 pant is articulated for a natural riding shape. Fox Racing didn’t skimp on the quality of their leather pipe guards, which is one reason the 180 pant is so durable. The leather pipe guards extend into the rider’s boots, so the risk of the nylon being melted by a four-stroke pipe is greatly reduced. Gussets have been strategically placed in areas where the pant needs to flex, such as the knees, buttocks and inner thighs. The ratchet waist closure is simple and easy to use. There’s also a sewn-in, half-length mesh liner that’s necessary to prevent skin abrasions and post-ride discomfort. Fox also minimized the use of rubber logos to reduce weight and keep the price point low.

(3) Fit. Fox Racing gear is tailored to riders built more like Ryan Dungey than a cream puff. The 360 pant, which is Fox’s top-of-the-line offering, has more wiggle room than the 180 pant. We discovered that the knee area is rather snug for knee brace wearers, and the waist runs slightly small. Size-32 pant wearers could still fit into their normal size but had to avoid the buffet if they had any hope of continuing to fit into the same-size pants.

(4) Performance. Fox Racing’s low-cost 180 pant and HC jersey are better than any high-end gear set from five years ago. We love the 180 pants’ quality and construction, as well as the fact that Fox used the same technology found on their premium pant when creating the 180. Aside from a few small differences, the 180 pant is remarkably similar to the 360 pant. That’s a great thing.

(5) Options. Younger riders will love the vibrant colors and styles, while older riders can appreciate the traditional color combinations and retro designs. Fox also makes lines specifically for kids.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We have a few very minor quibbles. The 180 pant is snug in the waistband and knees. A few test riders wished that the HC jersey came with elbow padding.