MotoOnline.com.au puts FOX’s latest dirt bike gear to the test in our latest product review.

MotoOnline.com.au's Alex Gobert in action wearing the 2011 FOX Platinum Race gear set.

WHAT IT IS…
FOX continues to excel when it comes to moto riding apparel, and for 2011 the American company has launched some of the coolest colour combinations in its history.

With guys such as American-based Aussies Chad Reed and Brett Metcalfe, AMA champion Ryan Dungey, the GOAT Ricky Carmichael, and Jay Marmont – just to name a few – all sporting FOX then you’ll be sure to fit in with the greatest riders in the world.

HOW IT WORKS…
The Platinum line features the latest in fit, function and material technology.

The Platinum jersey uses the latest in moisture wicking material and strategically placed vented panels.

It also has padded elbows, an athletic-stretch mesh collar, Lycra cuff gussets for perfect fit at wrists and its drop tail at back panel keeps jersey tucked in pants.

The Platinum pant features a Quad Stretch rear yoke and oversized Active Stretch accordion knee panel that are unique to Platinum.

The pant features new 900D polyester main body material with strategic laser perforation for enhanced durability and increased airflow.

You’ll also appreciate the ergonomic pre-curved RAP construction for the perfect fit in the ride position.

A Quad-Stretch front and rear yoke moves with the body on the bike, too.

There are also oversized Active-Stretch knee panels for unrestricted movement over braces or guards.

New double layer knees have a high abrasion resistant inner with heat and abrasion resistant leather outer to prevent premature wear from braces and guards.

The knee and thigh also have vented logos.

Finally, a Fly-Cam waist closure is featured on the pant.

The Perfect combination of support and feel, the Platinum glove utilises a single layer palm for form-fitting comfort in our most high-tech, minimally padded fit.

The latest FOX Platinum Race gear is first class for 2011.

HOW IT RATES…
There’s no doubt that FOX’s experience in manufacturing dirt bike apparel since the 1970s can be felt when sliding into its latest and greatest 2011 model gear.

Much of my early years in Motocross was spent wearing FOX, and straight away when I slipped into this new set for the first time I could feel the improvements right away – essentially taking FOX on a new level.

What got my attention first was the pre-curved RAP construction in the pant, designed to suit the riding position. The comfortable fit mixed with the pre-curve means the pant is super nice to ride in.

The venting is also good quality, while my Pod MX knee braces were able to fit perfectly. While out on the bike the elastic seems to be in all the right places and never have I experienced any restriction since wearing the Platinum Race pant.

FOX sells its moisture wicking feature pretty hard and it does work a treat, plus the overall fit of the jersey is again spot-on for my medium size that I wear.

Apart from that, the wrist cuffs are minimal and comfortable, while the neck is also a good fit. As for tucking the jersey in, the drop tail at the back makes sure it stays in place throughout your motos.

The gloves are also first class, the minimalist fit giving you that direct connection to grips that you’d expect in a 2011 model glove. Even after long days of bike testing, my hands remained in tact and that’s a positive sign for the Platinum Race glove.

Overall, FOX again sets the benchmark in riding gear and it’s really difficult to critique quality like this. If you do like the colour combos on offer, there’s very little chance that you’ll be let down by the fit and feel of the gear.

PLUS POINTS
+ Styling
+ Pre-curved RAP construction in the pant
+ Wrist cuffs

PURCHASE DETAILS
Available colours: Assorted (test gear is Electric Blue)
RRP: Jersey – $79.95; Pant – $229.95; Gloves – $49.95
Sizes: Jersey – S-XXL; Pant – 28-38; Gloves – S-XXL
Distributor: Monza Imports
www.monzaimports.com.au
More information: Visit the FOX site at www.foxhead.com.