The Lab: FOX FLOAT DPX2 Factory Shock Review

In the “The Lab” we present the latest products and put them through their paces for you. Some undergo long-term tests, while we check others out only briefly. This time we reveal how the FOX FLOAT DPX2 Factory Shock fared.

Sitting between the do-it-all FOX FLOAT DPX and the high performance, but complex, FLOAT X2, the FOX FLOAT DPX2 Factory claims to be the magic bullet shock for trail riders. Weighing just 424g the FLOAT DPX2 combines the FLOAT X2’s low internal pressures and recirculating oil damper with the FLOAT DPX Dual Piston Base Valve providing a separate lockout circuit for a firm mode. Trev has been running a DPX2 for over 6 months now in a Pole EVOLINK and has ran it against many other shocks like the FLOAT X2, DHX2 and a RockShox Monarch Plus. Initial setup was very easy, with a standard medium compression factory tune, using one 0.4 in3 volume adjuster gave very sensitive initial travel, ramping up well and smoothing out even the worst line.

Trev is simple guy, so was happy to see clear and easy to adjust controls, just a rebound dial, three position compression adjuster and a fine-tune low speed compression adjuster. The three platforms are clearly distinguishable, and Trev has been using the climb mode frequently as it retains good grip with huge pedal stability. The progressivity of the shock can be adjusted with colour coded internal spacers, and after trying all from empty to the biggest 1.0 in3 spacer, Trev found they had a very noticeable effect, so many riders will be able to find a good tune. After 6 months of hard riding, the shock is still performing well, though could use some fresh oil and seals to bring it back to its former buttery glory, but the function and controls have all been 100% reliable. After back-to-back testing with many different shocks, Trev has found that with the FLOAT DPX2 the bike feels noticeably more planted at speed and recovers faster between hard repeated hits, .

Conclusion

Offering excellent performance that’s indistinguishable from its bigger and more complex brother, the FLOAT X2, the FOX FLOAT DPX2 Factory sets a new standard for aggressive trail shocks. With an effortless setup, easy on-trail adjustment and a firm climbing platform, the FLOAT DPX2 takes the gold medal – or should that be Kashima?

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