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Unpacked Review: Fox Ranger vs. Flexair vs. Defend MTB Pants

If you want more protection, more sun coverage, or you just want to look good on the trail, nothing beats a pair of Fox Racing mountain bike pants. We break down the differences between its most popular MTB pants: the Ranger, Flexair, Flexair Pro, and Defend.

Written by: Bruce Lin

Published on:

Posted in:MTB

If you’ve been paying attention to mountain bike shreddits, social media, or just the fast groms out on the trail, you might have noticed that pants are in. It's not surprising because modern mountain bike pants are better than ever. They’re lightweight, breathable, and stretchy, so they can handle big days of pedaling. Plus, they provide more coverage to protect you from crashes, trail debris, and the elements. 

One of the most popular MTB pant manufacturers is Fox Racing. There are multiple pant models in the Fox line-up that will suit different riders: Ranger, Flexair, Flexair Pro, and Defend. We break down the differences so you can choose the perfect pair for you and your trails. 

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Fox Ranger Pants

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  • Adjustable waist cinch with snap closure
  • Two zippered hand pockets
  • Slim fit

Bottom line: The most casual-looking MTB pants for general riding that won’t look out of place off the bike.

Fox Flexair Pants

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  • Super-light, slim, tapered fit for on-bike performance
  • TruDri® fabric moves sweat away from the body to keep you dry
  • Race-ratchet closure for a secure fit and quick on-the-fly adjustments
  • Bonded zip hand pockets
  • TruMotion® all-way stretch fabric for a full range of mobility
  • DWR finish which sheds moisture, dirt, and debris
  • Body-mapped laser perforations on front and rear panels increase airflow to keep you cool

Bottom line: The most comfortable MTB pants for XC or trail, especially for hot days, climbing, and lots of pedaling. 

Fox Flexair Pants

​​[product-block handle="fox-racing-flexair-pro-pants"/]

  • Super-light, slim, tapered fit for on-bike performance
  • TruDri® fabric moves sweat away from the body to keep you dry
  • Race-ratchet closure for a secure fit and quick on-the-fly adjustments
  • Bonded zip hand pockets
  • TruMotion® all-way stretch fabric for a full range of mobility
  • DWR finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris
  • Body-mapped laser perforations on front and rear panels increase airflow to keep you cool
  • Dyneema® knee and leg panels reduce weight and increase abrasion resistance and flexibility
  • Dissolvable mesh on the back of the leg for increased cooling
  • Hidden zipper leg openings keep the ankle tight and allow for easy removal

Bottom line: The ultimate MTB pants for comfort, pedaling, and protection. Great for trail, enduro, or downhill. 

Fox Defend Pants

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  • Zippered hand pockets provide storage for all-day park laps
  • Cordura® fabric knee panels for increased abrasion resistance
  • TruDri® fabrics move sweat away from the body to keep you dry
  • TruMotion® all-way stretch fabric for a full range of mobility
  • Race-ratchet closure for a secure fit and quick on-the-fly adjustments
  • Tapered lower leg with stretch mesh inset reduces snag and adds cooling
  • Laser cut perforations front and rear provide increased cooling
  • DWR finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris

Bottom line: The ideal MTB pants for dedicated downhill or bike park riding where protection takes priority over pedaling comfort.

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