TESTED: Fox Flexair Pro Long Sleeve Jersey

Words and photos: Georgina von Marburg

Fox have been producing some highly technical women’s (and men’s) apparel over over the past seasons and we’ve had the pleasure of testing several of them. Next up is the women’s Flexair Pro Long Sleeve jersey (also available in a men’s cut), the most premium offering in the jersey department of this well-established brand. 

I was very apprehensive about being sent a white jersey, as we all know what happens to white garments – they don’t stay white. Fortunately, it’s actually an off-white, or “Vintage White” as they call it; this meant cosmetic wear and tear wasn’t as visible as the Flexair embarked on multiple wash cycles. The varied conditions of Maydena was the predominant testing ground for this jersey, along with some dusty runs back home in Bright. 

Fit and features

The highest priority of the Flexair range is breathability, and the Pro indicates a tighter, race-ready fit. I tested a size medium, as is my usual size in Fox. I didn’t find the Flexair Pro uncomfortably tight, and there was ample room for body armour and enough hem to tuck into pants. The sleeves have ample length, meaning skin was never showing down even the steepest slopes. 

The jersey is incredibly light (126g to be precise), and each section of the garment is comprised of different materials. The front panel is Polartec Delta; for those familiar with the technical fabric giant, Delta is supposedly their most breathable fabric yet. It’s designed to enhance airflow through sweat instead of simply wicking it away, therefore working in conjunction with your body’s natural cooling system. The shoulder panels are Dyneema fabric, which is much lighter than nylon or polyster while still being UV and water resistant. And the sleeves are Italian fabric Carvico; these feel luxuriously smooth and almost slightly plastic, but the fabric is designed to be particularly abrasion resistant. Topping off the jersey are laser cut sleeve and neck openings for reduced chaffing. 

On the trail

Day 3 of the Maydena Enduro jam was characterised by long shuttle lines in the blasting sun, steep and physical trails, and some token puddles at the top of the mountain. It was a day for staying cool and hydrated, but also a day for long sleeves and body armour. The Flexair Pro was in its element. 

The jersey kept my core temperature at a comfortable level, despite wearing a full chest and back plate beneath it. Even back on the mainland with 35 degree shuttle days, the Flexair Pro kept me cool and calm. Being a denser material for abrasion resistance, the Carvico sleeves were definitely less breathable than the front and back panels. However in the unlikely event of an emergency, I think all gravity riders would appreciate having some reinforced elbows on their $150 jersey. 

I did come across a snagged thread on the back during the second week of testing. This was undoubtedly normal wear and tear, but it does expose the tradeoff with ultra lightweight jerseys. I’ve had a Fox Defend jersey for much longer and still haven’t found a stray thread. 

Our take

Being their most expensive jersey, I came into this test with high expectations. Based off this season’s sizing, I knew the fit would be excellent, and it was. It’s tight enough to feel fast with body armour, but loose enough for casual riding without. But the breathability was the real standout feature, even if the fabric does feel too thin to withstand long-term abuse. 

The Flexair Pro has combined so many different fabrics with intention and purpose throughout the jersey. It’s another highly technical women’s specific garment from Fox, and an excellent pick for the fiercest races and hottest climates. 

RRP $149.99
From: foxracing.com.au

Hits

• Incredibly breathable 
• Excellent fit for gravity racing
• Vintage White is the new white

Misses

• Not as durable as a heavier weight jersey