It takes a fair compromise between the thermal element, protection from atmospheric agents such as the cold and the overall weight.
After having had the opportunity to experience the qualities of the products dedicated to rain; in this first part of winter we tried some of the garments that Fox has designed for adverse weather conditions and more precisely the trousers and vests of the line Defend Alpha fire and the sweatshirt Ranger Windblock.
SEE THE VIDEO TEST
The choice went to these products to go and test technical garments such as those of the Defend line, but also giving a slightly more casual touch by adding the sweatshirt. A mix that allowed us to pedal even in very cold temperatures while maintaining a cool approach.
Technologies
As mentioned, these products bring some very interesting technological choices as a dowry, which make them high-value garments.
Polartech Alpha
It is a product initially designed for the American special forces engaged in the mountains of Afghanistan, where it was necessary to use light garments that were able to protect the body from sudden changes in temperature, keeping it warm in all conditions.
Its composition allows you to maintain a constant temperature, managing to expel excess heat in moments of greatest effort. This quality is made possible by the structure of the product itself, in which the hydrophobic fibers are connected directly to a mesh structure. In this way, the material manages to regulate the body temperature both in the phases of effort and in moments of rest, as well as having high durability, speed of drying and lightness.

Polartech wind block
It's the membrane they put into the Ranger sweatshirt. Made of polyurethane, it has protective qualities from atmospheric agents such as water and wind while maintaining an excellent ability to disperse water vapor from the body.

Our products
Both the vest and the pants of the Alpha line share the same Polartec padding, with the vest having the outer part in stretch cordura and the pant with a lining in dry stop with treatment in DWR, great for waterproofing.
The sweatshirt, on the other hand, uses windlock technology for the upper part, including the hood, while a Polartec fleece is used for the rest.

while the forearm is sanded in fleece, also signed by Polartek.
The test
As mentioned initially, the choice of winter clothes is always very delicate. It is necessary to find the right compromise which allows to maintain the right thermal equilibrium
Thermoregulation
From this point of view, the Polartec Alpha padding was a very pleasant surprise; the thermoregulatory capacity is remarkable, one always has the sensation of a dry body and at the right temperature. Even during long climbs, in which the physical effort increased, I never had the sensation of extreme heat. A quality that I felt especially on the legs, which often, due to the great effort they make, tend to overheat a lot. The ability to expel excess heat is a quality I really felt. The balance given by the double construction of the sweatshirt is also very good. Often the limit of fleece lies in its inability to protect against the wind. In this case, the protection inserted in the upper part manages to guarantee the warmth typical of fleece with a protection that allows you to better retain body heat even on the fastest or downhill stretches.
The comfort
Another aspect to evaluate when it comes to winter products is the general comfort and weight of the garments. Once worn, these products give an excellent sensation of lightness and freedom of movement. The trousers are impalpable, giving an experience similar to that which one could have wearing a short one. The freedom of movement of both the sweatshirt and the gilet is also excellent, thanks also to the elastic cordura finishes.

I dettagli
We have seen how the choice of materials and the general fit has given a certain imprint to the products. But the research on these products didn't stop there. Some details pleasantly surprised me. Starting from the back pockets, with generous dimensions both in the gilet and in the sweatshirt, which make them look more like small bum bags. The presence of side pockets in the gilet and the cut of the trousers that allow you to comfortably house the knee pads are also good. On the other hand, I missed the side pockets even in the sweatshirt or alternatively a pocket at chest level, useful for housing the smartphone.
Conclusions
The overall assessment is very positive, thanks to these products from Fox also in winter the experience of riding manages to reproduce the sensations of freedom of movement typical of summer. The trousers could be defined as ethereal in their lightness, the torso remains warm all the time with a sensation of freedom of movement and priceless lightness.
I am often asked if the price difference between these products and cheaper ones is justified. As for these bosses the answer is definitely yes.
For info: https://foxracing.it/
