The folks over at Fox Racing have overhauled its Ranger lineup, including the Ranger Pants. New is an updated closure, an all-new material, as well as a bunch of refinements. The result is a pair of riding trousers that tick almost all boxes, but the DWR coating could be more effective.
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Fox Racing Ranger Pant – Technical details
With an almost complete redesign comes a bunch of new features. This time around, Fox has opted to build the trousers from a new ripstop nylon that’s made using at least 85% recycled materials. It’s a four-way stretch material that’s finished off with a Durable Water Repellant (DWR) coating to fend off splashes.
The trousers are cut to form a slim profile with a tapered lower leg to keep them from catching on trailside objects.
Also new for the trousers is the race-ratchet closure, and they’re complete with two zipped pockets on either leg. Towards the bottom are a pair of stretch panels to make putting your feet through that bit easier.
These pants are available in sizes 28 to 40, with sizes 32, 34, and 36 coming in a ‘tall’ leg option providing a 32.5in inseam while the standard sizes come with a 30.5” measurement. Note that Fox’s sizing system is a little odd; for example, a 32 size is built with a 34in, or 86.4cm, waist, so it’s larger than the size’s name would suggest. Stick to the size guide here, and you’ll be golden.
Fox Racing Ranger Pant – Performance
I’ll admit, when testing Fox trousers before, I fell foul of the brand’s somewhat quirky sizing system, but having learned from my mistakes, I went for a 32 this time, and the fit is very good. Around the waist, I’ve got plenty of the ratchet to play with, so if I did find myself enjoying the beers a little too much, I’ve got some wiggle room.
Elsewhere, it’s certainly a closer fit and rings true to the brand’s description. The leg is certainly tapered, and there’s not all that much fabric to get snagged in bushes or whatever else may lie at the side of the trail.
Although there are no perforations cut into the trousers to encourage airflow, I’ve been really happy with the breathability they provide. I’ve ridden in these throughout the spring, and even on some warmer days that have reached the limits of trouser use, and I’ve remained cool, but somewhat protected against the elements. The fabric chosen for these is light and airy, yet they’ve shown little sign of wear throughout the test.
I say somewhat, because the DWR coating Fox has chosen for the Ranger pants isn’t as effective as I would like. Granted, it’s wrong to expect waterproof levels of water resistance, but the coating has easily been overwhelmed when splashing through small puddles. However, it is capable of fending off very low levels of spray and debris, so all is certainly not lost.
On the bike, the Ranger pants to very little to hinder mobility, and there’s a decent amount of space at the knee for knee pads. The elastic panels at the rear of the cuffs are super useful too, and they live up to their claims in that they make the trousers easy to put on and take off.
Fox Racing Ranger Pants – Verdict
With an asking price of a penny under £100, Fox has cooked up some fairly good value keks. To compare, Endura’s MT500 Burner Pants come in at £115 and they’re a lightweight and breathable pair of trousers. These boast more adjustment at the waist with a pair of hook-and-loop straps, which, if you’re in between sizes, makes them worth considering.
Since testing them, I’ve found myself wearing YT Industries’ £120 Gravity Cordura Zip Pants an awful lot. They’re built more for downhill riding, so they feature a burlier build, but there are more pockets, which is certainly handy. These get a velcro waist adjustment, too.
Madison’s Flux DWR Trail trousers pose more serious competition at £100. They’re very light, and their DWR coating is more effective than what’s on the Ranger. There is only one pocket, however.
If you’re looking for a bit of extra protection when riding from winter through to spring, and into the autumn, and aren’t too fussed about weather protection, Fox Racing’s Ranger Pants are a seriously good choice. They fit excellently, when referring properly to the size guide, they’re comfortable and impressively breathable. There are certainly worse ways of spending £100.
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Product purpose:
Build extra:
Slim silhouette and tapered lower leg reduce snag and drag
Technical ripstop stretch fabric is lightweight, durable, and pedal-friendly
Using at least 85% recycled materials, this ripstop nylon fabric is lightweight, durable, and 4-way stretch
Race-ratchet closure provides a secure fit and quick on-the-fly adjustments
Two zippered hand pockets to stash everything you need for a ride
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish sheds moisture, dirt, and debris
Inseam: Regular, 30.5″, Tall 32.5″
Product construction
Product construction extra:
Product performance
Product performance extra:
Product comfort
Product comfort extra:
product value
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