Cycle News Staff | August 3, 2017
When you think of epic spots to moto, Zaca Station, located in Central California is definitely a bucket list destination. And for good reason, it’s scenic surroundings and loamy dirt attract riders from vast distances. To showcase the Fox MX18 line of moto gear, Fox gathered the dirt bike media world together in Los Olivos California for a night of wine and dining before a day at of riding at Zaca Station.
To check out the rundown on the new Fox products for 2018, check out the video below or if you prefer to read and check out the photos from the intro, keep scrolling.
The Fox MX18 line up features a lot of new color ways and some revisions to the premium Flexair line, but the big news for to 2018 includes the V3 helmet with MVRS and the new 180 boot.
The Fox MVRS (Magnetic Visor Release System) is truly innovative.
The all-new 2018 V3 with MVRS, which stands for Magnetic Visor Release System, uses a visor attached with magnets. Fox felt there was an opportunity to do a better job managing rotational forces externally so they found a way to mount a visor that easily breaks away in a crash. Fox also wanted to ensure the visor stays pops off in a crash situation, but doesn’t get knocked off by roost. It’s a very simple system and works well and it’s very easy to snap the visor into place. The MVRS is an exclusive feature for Fox helmets so you won’t see it on any other helmets on the market. The V3 still uses the MIPS system to manage internal rotational forces. Retail price on the new V3 with MVRS $499.95.
A sampling of the color ways on the Fox MX18 V3 helmet.
The other major announcement was the release of the new “mid-priced” boot, the 180. It retails for only $250 and takes a lot of function and features from the $550 Fox Instinct boot. Fox worked to capture the same fit and feel by building off the last used in the Instinct boot. The lower toe box, even the lower two buckles are the same as the Instinct boot. The major difference is the 180’s silicone closure at the top of the boot. It does a good job of sealing around the calf and leg. The silicone strap has four adjustments, offering a wide range of adjustment and closes easily. The inside ankle and leg area of the 180 features a nice flat design with a rubber burn guards, offering a good grip to the motorcycle. On the back of the 180 boot a plastic heel cap, an Achilles cover and a calf guard adds protection. A lock out system similar to an instinct boot allows the foot to flex forward, but it will lock out before hyper extension.
The new Fox 18 boot is part of the MX18 line and features a new closure system at the top.
Ricky Carmichael played a big role in developing the new Fox 180 boot and showed them off on the Zaca Station track.
When it comes to colors of the gear, it looks like Fox went a little more subtle, ditching a lot of the neon and flow colors. Fox’s premium line of gear, the Flexair has two new color ways for 2018. The Flexair pants received three updates, starting with a more rigid waistband system, keeping the pant from pulling down. The knee area is slimmer while still fitting over knee braces and Fox removed the internal liner system, making the pant lighter and cooler.
The high-end Flexair line received a few updates and some new color ways for 2018.
Not everyone has a body like Ryan Dungey or fat wallets, that’s why Fox offers the 360 and 180 gear lines. The 360 line (core racewear) has three new color ways, as does the 180 line (entry level gear).
The Fox 360 line includes some update and new color ways as well.
The 180 line is the entry level product that still provides great features.
To see the entire line of Fox gear go to www.foxracing.com.
Carey Hart was on hand to tear up the track on both his 4-stroke and 2-stroke Suzuki’s.
Fox did not forget the ladies and also added a new color way to the Legion Off-Road line.
