When Fox Head Inc. announced the release of its FLEXAIR range in May, it finally unveiled what is recognised as the next level up in high performance racewear. From concept to rider, Fox has been secretly developing and testing FLEXAIR for the past three years. Fox sent through this rare product interview – featuring questions submitted by exclusive media outlets around the world – with current AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross champion Ryan Dungey regarding his experience with FLEXAIR. To learn more about the research and development of FLEXAIR, visit your local authorised Fox dealer, www.foxhead.com/au or view the YouTube film below.

In case of a crash or fall, is the FLEXAIR gear easily damaged or not?

The FLEXAIR gear holds up great. I’ve crashed in the gear and never had any damage to the pant from when I went down.

With the moto bike seats having a lot of grip, do the pants keep in place?

Yes, they do the biggest difference for me was adjusting to the stretch of the pants on starts. I felt the stretch a lot during starts but got used to it and haven’t had any issues.

What do you think are FLEXAIR’s ‘competitive advantages’, in relation to other gearsets available in the market?

For me the biggest advantage is that the pant is so comfortable as well as lightweight. I love the fit and comfort of the pant. As you know the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team spends a lot of money to make our bikes lighter so when Fox can shave weight to the gear that helps us out as well.

Even with your sponsors printed on top of the FLEXAIR jerseys, does it still feel lighter than a normal ‘non-FLEXAIR’ jersey?

I love the feel and light weight of the jerseys. All of my racing jerseys have my sponsor logos built (sublimated) into the jersey fabric so no additional weight is added.

As a pro rider, what do you think are FLEXAIR’s key differences from the 360, that make the FLEXAIR the new pinnacle Fox MX kit for Pro riders?

If we are talking about the jersey it’s so light weight and breathable. It’s so important for an athlete to keep his body as cool as possible during competition and I believe the FLEXAIR helps do this. The pant is so comfortable and lightweight it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a MX pant. I think the pant allows me to get into position on the bike maybe a standard pant doesn’t allow due to binding.

How would you describe how FLEXAIR feels when racing in it? If you could only use three words to describe this, what would they be?

Comfort, light, breathable.

Do you think using FLEXAIR was key for you in your competition wins?

I think so, any way you can make a rider feel more comfortable on the bike that’s an advantage. My pants fit so perfect there is no binding, no areas that are tight just the best fitting pant I’ve ever worn.

What are the differences between a rider who is wearing FLEXAIR and one who is not?

The FLEXAIR gear is just a great fitting product the pants and jersey are amazing.

Graphics-wise, what do you think about the Union and the Libra FLEXAIR designs? Which one is your favorite and in which colorway?

I like simple clean design so the Libra is a perfect design for me. My favorite color is blue so blue Libra.

How important is wearing top-of-the-line racewear technology in your racing performance? How much does it affect your performance?

It’s very important to me. We put in countless hours of training and testing so the product I wear is just as important. We cannot have any product issues while competing there is no room for product issues and I believe I have the best in the industry with Fox.

How does it feel to have such an industry leader such as Fox support you?

It’s amazing, it was always my dream as a kid to be a Fox athlete. It’s just an honor to be part of the brand. I have won every one of my pro titles in Fox and I will retire as a Fox athlete.

What went through your mind when you first unpacked, saw, felt and analysed the new Fox FLEXAIR kit?

When I first picked up the FLEXAIR pant I was kind of tripping out because it’s so different feeling then the standard mx pant. It’s lighter, stretchy and just feels different. I loved the FLEXAIR jersey as soon as I felt it. I like vented jerseys and the FLEXAIR jersey is lightweight and breathable, perfect for me.

What was your first impression when riding with the FLEXAIR and how does it compare to the 360 and 180 gear sets in terms of pros and cons?

Let me say that the 360 pant is awesome; I have ridden in that pant for years and always loved the fit of it. When I first rode in the FLEXAIR pant I was so happy with it, its light very comfortable and fit is amazing. I guess the biggest difference between the 360 and FLEXAIR is that FLEXAIR is totally stretch while the 360 only stretches in a few areas. I had to get use to the fully stretch pant on starts I felt I was sliding back on the seat, but it just took a few starts at my practice track to get it dialed and now everything is perfect.

If you spent the day working in a Fox concept store, what would your sales pitch be to clients about the FLEXAIR motocross kit?

Well I’m a racer, racing at the highest level of our sport, and I believe the FLEXAIR gear gives me an advantage. The gear is lighter, fits perfect and I’m so loose on the bike there is no binding. I can get in any position on the bike. Just when I put the FLEXAIR on I feel great in it, just having that feeling gives me an advantage going to the line for a race.

From the V3 (or V4) helmet to the Instincts, you’re practically covered from head to toe in Fox Racing’s best. But what is your favourite piece of Fox racewear?

I don’t know if I have a favorite I really like all the products the Instinct boots are awesome, the V3 helmet fit is great and the FLEXAIR gear is the most comfortable gear I’ve ever worn.

When it comes to the Instincts and 360 racewear, 2015 has seen some pretty unique colourways, so what is your favourite so far?

I really liked the Image Limited Edition retro kits we wore at Atlanta, that stuff was cool and the matching pink boots were sweet.

Can you please tell us what ‘advantages’ the FLEXAIR jersey and pants give you, in relation to your fellow riders/competitors?

For me the biggest advantage is that the pant is so comfortable as well as lightweight. I love the fit and comfort of the pant. As you know the factory spends a lot of money to make our bikes lighter so when Fox can shave weight to the gear that helps us out as well. On the jersey I really like fully vented jerseys so the FLEXAIR jersey is perfect for me.

Did you and Marvin Musquin race with the same FLEXAIR jersey and pants when you swept both mains?

Yeah, Fox has been making our 360 pants in the FLEXAIR fabric since last year to test throughout the season.

In your experience, what have you noticed to be the main differences between racing in conventional jersey/pants and the FLEXAIR?

The biggest difference for me is lightweight, flexibility and comfort. The FLEXAIR gear is the lightest weight gear I’ve ever worn and its super noticeable when wearing it. The pant is so comfortable it doesn’t feel like you are wearing a MX pant at all. On the jersey I like fully vented jerseys so it’s perfect for me. I also like the feel of it.

Can you remember what your first impressions were, the first time you raced in FLEXAIR?

Yeah I just was blown away how loose I felt on the bike. You can really feel a difference compared to a standard MX pant.

When working with Fox to develop and perfect this new technology in racewear, what were your main concerns or input you gave Fox regarding what you wanted this new tier in racewear to provide you with?

My biggest concern was reliability; we have all worn the same MX pants design for a long time, so when Fox introduced FLEXAIR it was so different than anything we have ever used before. It’s super light and when you have it in your hands for the first time you question that it will hold up. I have been racing and practicing in the FLEXAIR pant for over a year and have never had an issue. It’s a great pant.