Fox Racing Friday | Split Decisions w/Flexair & 360

Fox Racing Friday | Split Decisions w/Flexair & 360

Presented by Fox Racing

Fox Racing’s MX20 apparel release includes a wide variety of motocross and off-road gear, with something to fit every rider and budget. On the high end of the spectrum, the two choices include Fox’s staple 360 line, as well as the newer Flexair kit, which is super lightweight and performance-oriented.

The Split Decisions marketing campaign behind this year’s Flexair and 360 presents the two lines of apparel as Breathable Mobility (Flexair) and Durability (360). If you haven’t seen the video that Fox produced for this campaign, do yourself a favor and invest the two minutes…it is amazing from a cinematic point of view.

 
Having ridden in both lines of apparel, we thought we would offer some of our own insight about the fit and performance of each. Both Flexair and 360 are among our favorite sets of gear we’ve worn thus far in the 2020 apparel season, and they are both improved over the previous season’s offerings.

360

$59.95 (jersey), $179.95 (pant), $39.95 (glove)

When Adam Cianciarulo debuted this particular kit at the MX Nationals a few weeks ago, we lost our mind as the bright colors and inclusion of green really got us pumped. It seems like gear that includes green is becoming less common these days, even though Kawasaki motorcycles are as popular as they’ve ever been. Regardless, Cianciarulo and the rest of the MOnster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team looked great and stood out in the new 360 stuff.

The 360 line was – until the release of Flexair several years ago – the pinnacle of Fox’s apparel offerings. As best we can recall, Fox was the very first apparel brand to give their pants an ergonomic cut with the riding mind: crouched in the attack position. Instead of laying flat like a pair of jeans, the 360 pant is built with a bend in the knees and hips, and this translates into absolute comfort while riding as there is no binding or pinching in the 360. Strategically placed stretch panels allow a complete range of motion in the 360 pant. A couple of years ago, after Flexiar was introduced, some of that pant’s high-end technology filtered down to the 360; namely the four-way stretch fabric in the crotch area of the pant that provides a ton of movement. The new 2020 360 pant features 600D Zonal polyester and Dobby-weave nylon in the high-wear areas like the saddle area of the pant, as well as the side hip area, where you are likely to land in a crash. In addition to providing some wear and crash resistance, these fabrics give the 360 pant a substantial, yet lightweight feel. The knee area boasts genuine full-grain leather panels to both grip the bike and provide burn resistance from the exhaust system. Inside the knees is an abrasion-resistant fabric to help guard against your knee brace hinges wearing through. Our favorite new feature about the 360 pant is the redesigned waist harness and closure, as an internal stretch belt is used to secure the pant after they are zipped up. Both sides of the belt – which are sewn to the outer sides of the pant – are housed inside a channel in the waistband, and can be stretched forward before the ratchet closure is activated. The stretch feature allows the pant to give slightly as you ride, and is much more comfortable than a rigid, fixed waistband. 

The 360 Jersey, meanwhile is constructed of Fox’s TruDri moisture-wicking material and like the pant, is also cut with the riding position in mind. The sleeves are pre-curved for the attack position, and the shoulder areas have a zonal pique fabric for abrasion resistance in the instance of a crash. Generous vented panels in the front, sides, and rear of the jersey provide great airflow. 

The 360 gear line has a standard-cut, which is not baggy, but not as slim and athletically cut as the Flexair line. 360 is available in nine different  colorways, including a Monster Energy/Pro Circuit colorway,

FLEXAIR

$69.95 (jersey); $$199.95 (pant); $39.95 (glove)

The first time we rode in Flexair gear a few years ago, we could have sworn we were wearing a Lycra cycling kit, as we had never before experienced a set of gear that felt so light and airy before. Through the years, Fox has refined the Flexair line and the 2020 kit is better than ever with greater durability and comfort. For 2020, Fox has reduced the price of its premium Flexair kit, making it more attainable for riders seeking the ultimate in performance.

Flexair pants feature the same ergonomic cut as the 360, and the construction of the pant features much more of the four-way stretch materials for the ultimate in mobility and comfort. Notice in the photo above the baggy area above the knees…that is because of the ergonomic cut that is designed for the attack position! The fabric flows a lot of air, even without its laser-perforated venting, and the backside of the pant features 600D saddle panels for durability and abrasion resistance. The waistband of the pant has been redesigned for 2020 and no longer features the extensive external yoke, and instead has a new system that slips on easier and stays put better. The knees feature a double-layer that combines full-grain leather and abrasion-resistant inner fabric, just like the 360-pant. Having ridden in pants with either synthetic leather or heavy duty nylon inner knee panels, we can say with certainty that nothing grips the sides of a motorcycle like full-grain leather. Furthermore, full-grain leather stands the test of time and does not wear out like synthetics. Inside the Flexair pant, the inner liner is minimalistic and included only in the upper portions to reduce chafing against seams.

The Flexair Jersey is super lightweight and flows an unmatched amount of air. Made of the TruDri fabric for moisture-wicking, the Flexair Jersey features a slim cut in the ergonomic riding position. Bonded seams in the collar and cuff area We can’t emphasize just how light and flowy the Flexair Jersey is enough…it feels like you’re riding in next to nothing and this is amazing on hot or humid days.

Flexair gear boasts an athletic fit that is not for everyone, but if you are in shape and have the build of an athlete, there is nothing better. We have found that the pants run slightly smaller in the waistline than the 360, so trying a pair on or sizing up to be safe would be a good strategy.