For me, Fox gear is usually categorized in the out-of-my-style realm. The company runs high fashion and I run whatever is cleanish. Although I think its stuff looks fine on other guys, I usually find something a little tamer when left to my own ways. But then the new Access gear showed up.
I was stoked on the semi-camoesque print with enough red in it that I didn't look like I was going all-out militia. I was surprised to find the material was much tougher and stronger than previous Fox off-road apparel I'd used, specifically the Panther line, which has been a little on the light side. And when I tried it on, it fit perfect. Plus, it had pockets in all the right places.
After about two months of exclusive use (at least a year, if not two, in average rider time) the gear has proven bombproof, and I'm still loving it. I pretend my friends can't see me on the trail and it makes me feel cool-even though I know I'm not!
The set is perfect when it's 80 degrees out thanks to great zip vents (underarm and front leg) and when it gets down to the 40s if you wear the right garments underneath. It's not waterproof but is plenty water resistant. It will deflect light rain and handles getting doused through that water crossing just fine, thanks buddy! The over-the-boot pant has zippered lower legs to make getting your boots on easier and button-strap cinching to ensure the pants don't snag while riding. You can even tuck the pant legs into the boot like I and a few other goons do on nice riding weather days. Overall the parts fit well, are easy to move around in and the pockets are dope!
The jacket comes with great elbow pads that stay in place, and since the cut of the sleeve is spot-on, you hardly know they're around unless they save your elbow in a fall. Oh, the sleeves zip off completely, too. The hand-warming pockets come in handy when you're waiting for slower riders to catch up to you and your hotly styled, camo-clad body.
My only gripe was that almost all the zippers have fine teeth which work poorly when infested with sand, silt or mud. I've found a little WD-40 goes a long way, and spitting on them works in a pinch. So far the only thing broken is a button on each lower boot cuff, though both showed signs of being smashed into something. At $129 for the jacket and $139 for the pant the gear is priced in the game and is also available in straight black in all the regular sizes. You'll continue to see me in this gear, or maybe not! -Jimmy Lewis