Fox Women's Riding Gear - Dirt Rider Magazine

||| |---|---| |Real Rider Tested| |Courtney Sullivan| |Age: |23| |Height: |5'8"| |Weight: |145 lb| |Ability: |Trail/off-road intermediate| |Location: |Oak Park, CA| When I started riding, there were few companies making girl-specific riding gear. Due to this, I began wearing Fox's lines of girls' gear early on. For 2010, Fox updated its color options, but the gear is essentially the same as '09, which I've been riding in for months.

The Women's HC jersey ($29.95) is very similar to those of previous years. The fabric is light and comfortable; it doesn't rub or suffocate like some heavier jerseys do. The cuffs on the arms are the perfect tightness; they don't allow too much dust in, but they also don't cut off the circulation to your hands. The only complaint I had about the jersey is that in recent years, Fox's sizes in women's jerseys have shrunk. The new medium size fits more like previous years' smalls. I ordered a medium thinking it would be the same as my older jerseys, but had to go out and buy a large since the medium was too tight.The Women's 180 pant ($99.95) is very comfortable and, more importantly, durable. Through months of riding, the pant has yet to tear or melt, which is something I usually see a lot of. It allows for movement and doesn't restrict my legs, even when I'm wearing bulky knee guards. However, I find myself ordering a size up from my normal pant size to accommodate the padded riding shorts and knee guards I wear underneath. The new prints are great, and my '09 versions lasted well. Dark colors can make the sun a bit hot, though.The V1 helmet ($159.95) I absolutely love. It's comfortable, fits just right and is easy to wash. I have always had a hard time finding helmets that fit comfortably since my head seems to be rather small for "adult" sizes, but this one's fit is perfect. Plus it looks great.

The Comp 5 boot ($169.95) is light, easy to walk in and very stylish. It's a super-comfortable boot but might compromise advanced-level support for that comfort. I had no trouble breaking them in and really enjoyed how comfortable they felt. On the downside, the buckles, especially the lower ones, are harder to close, and the level of support is more aimed at beginner riders than girls riding at the intermediate pace or on all-day rides in rough terrain. I found my ankles wanted more support, and the comfortable sole was a bit soft for hard, abrupt landings as I chased my brothers on our trail rides.Overall, I believe Fox has made women's gear that lives up to its reputation as a top-notch company. The gear's comfort, durability and slick designs keep riders like me coming back.