First Look: Fox's New Float X & DHX Shocks - Pond Beaver 2021
The Float X and DHX model names are back in Fox's lineup for 2022, this time in the form of a new air shock and a new coil shock aimed at aggressive trail riders. Both shocks use a single tube design instead of the twin-tube layout used in the Float X2 and DHX2, and offer externally adjustable low-speed compression and rebound, plus a climb switch.
The Float X requires approximately 40psi less pressure than the DPX2 to achieve the same amount of sag thanks to its larger piston area. That means heavier riders will be less likely to get tennis elbow inflating their shock to the correct pressure, and it also broadens the range of bikes that the Float X should work well with. The DPX2 is going to be phased out, with the new Float X taking its place in the lineup.
The rebound and low speed compression dials are numbered, and there's lever to firm things up.
External Adjustments
The Float X and DHX both have 11 clicks of low-speed compression and 11 clicks of rebound, with numbers printed on the dials to make it easier to keep track of settings. The rebound dial on the DHX is a little different than the one on the Float X, but the damper design of both shocks is identical.
Along with the compression and rebound adjustments, there's also a two-position lever that's used to switch the shock into a firm mode for climbing. The firm mode is tunable by Fox service centers if a rider wants for a different amount of support than the stock configuration provides.
Fox will also be offering a remote lever option for both shocks that will allow the firm mode to be selected on the fly.
There are five different volume spacers, along with an additional .1 spacer that can be added to any of those five sizes.
More Volume Spacer Options & A Bigger Bottom-Out Bumper
The current Float X2 has received praise for how well it deals with big hits, praise that's due in part to the generous bottom out bumper that prevents any clanging or harshness at the end of the stroke. Fox's designers carried that over to the Float X, equipping it with an MCU foam bumper that's much more substantial than the rubber o-ring found in the DPX2.
The Float X comes with five volume spacer options: -0.2, -0.4, -0.6, -0.8, -1.0, plus an additional .1 spacer that can be added to any of those five sizes. That should make it easier to fine tune the amount of end stroke ramp up, and make it less likely that a rider will find themselves caught in a middle ground between not enough and too much progression.
DHX
The DHX receives several of the features that were first seen on the DHX2, including detents on the preload collar to keep the spring securely in place, and a full spring collar and C-clip to hold the spring to the shock.
As mentioned, the rebound dial is in a different location than on the Float X, with a design that allows it to be accessed from multiple angles. If frame clearance allows, it can be turned by hand, or a 3mm hex can be used instead. There are also indents along the outer edges that'll allow it to be turned with a 2mm hex for frames where it's an extra-tight fit.
There are three different possible methods to turn the rebound dial.
Like the Float X, the DHX has 11 clicks of low speed compression adjustment.
Versions, Lengths & Mounting Options
The Float X is available in a Factory and a Performance Elite version, while there's only a Factory model for the DHX.
Both shocks are compatible with Fox's bearing mount hardware on both sides, as long as the frame it'll be going on is compatible. Weights will vary depending on size, but for reference the 210 x 55mm Float X weighs 478 grams, and the same size DHX with a 450 lb/in spring weighs 745 grams.
Float X Factory sizes:
Standard eyelet: 190x45 / 210x50 / 210x52.5 / 210x55 / 230x57.5 / 230x60 / 230x65
Trunnion eyelet: 185x52.5 / 185x55 / 205x60 / 205x62.5
Float X Performance Elite sizes:
210x50 / 210x55
DHX sizes:
Standard Eyelet: 210x50 / 210x52.5 / 210x55 / 230x57.5 / 230x60 / 230x65
Trunnion eyelet: 185x52.5 / 185x55 / 205x60 / 205x62.5
Prices
Float X: USD $499 - $569 / CDN $699 - $799 / EUR €699 - €799
DHX: USD $549 / CDN $769 / EUR €759
I have two rides on the Float X so far, and one on the DHX, so it's still very early in the review process. Setting up the Float X has been trouble free, and I've subjected it to a few big hits that put the bottom out bumper to the test, a test it passed with flying colors. Look for a review later this summer once I get in enough time on both shocks. A Commencal Meta TR will be serving as the test sled, and I'll also be comparing them to the stock Float X2 that the bike came with, and other options from a competitor or two as well.
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Don’t get me wrong. I’m on your side. I would love to support a more local brand, but it’s all just super-high-end with boutique prices.
It's 6 weeks of paid vacation !
Anyway, no need to buy FOX, as long as there's EXT and Fast Suspension.
I wish the same could be said in Australia, I had to pay 1950 for my fork here because I wanted an orange fox 38... I kinda wished I'd just gone and bought an intend fork tbh. I dont actually like the way the fox fork deals with chatter (loved my previous DVO and Coil Totems), a day in the bike park leaves my hands battered and literally bruised.
DHX RC4 FTW
This means a so say shit shock with low settings costs as a high oerforz, high end boinger of other brands?
f*ckoff
Twin tube dampers are far superior in controlling suspension movement plus they are more tunable and quieter. I’m a heavy guy at 240 lbs and all single tube dampers make an awful racket under me even when new. Twin tube dampers flow oil soooo much better.
Penske road racing shocks for indycar/F1 are monotubes.
The performance differences between *well designed* monotube vs twintube are minimal
Any difference you feel about how they "flow oil" probably comes down to the setup/design of your shock vs what you have ridden in the past, not the fundamental design concept.
Monotubes are easier to tune with shim stack changes for a home/local suspension tuner.
Completely different construction and use.
I ride a dhx2 and it's a great shock. I've ridden plenty of monotubes that were great too.
It's much more complex than monotube = bad, twin tube = good.
www.ridefox.com/fox17/img/help/page890-8CH6/inline/EYELET-CLAMP-AREAB.jpg
Designing and tuning a shock for a car, for a very specific application, is far easier than making one that needs to work well across a huge variety of terrain and sprung masses.
Even making a shock for MX is very different. The motorbike is the primary sprung mass that needs to be controlled so you can design for a smaller change in total unsprung mass (rider + motorbike). It is the complete opposite in mtb which makes it very complicated due to to the huge variation in sprung mass. A twin tube damper works much better for this application.
The Fox X2 makes sense for Fox because they can go to the races with a dozen spare shocks and just turn dials to make them fit each riders bike. Even if it's an average solution it's easier for them than keeping a heap of custom tuned monotube shocks under control so the 90kg guy doesn't accidentally get the 40kg girls shock fitted.
If only Fox had put a gruntier HSC spring in them......
Pros ride what they're paid to ride. Their job is to sell product by making it look fast and awesome.
But I totally agree with you on that one, you can find better shocks for a way better price.
That seems to contradict Fox's website which has removed the dpx2 from it's shock lineup: www.ridefox.com/filter.php?m=bike&t=shocks
Admittedly, the names of rockshox top tier products are pure comedy. "super deluxe ultimate mega ultra best excellent splendid magnificent outstanding first-rate quality"
It's like they used a non-english speaking product marketer that just decided to chuck a thesaurus at the shock and go from there.
www.ridefox.com/fox17/help.php?m=bike&id=1138
So, in other words, no.
We will see how long it takes to get one, and if they can provide the correct tune. (LCM, LRL01, CML)
Do I go for the DHX or DHX2?
youtu.be/SPyfNNdWVi0
However ,it is 420