FOX Racing Shox

36 Float 27.5 160 3Pos-Adj FIT4 Performance Elite Boost Fork

We're no strangers to FOX, and have long viewed its suspension prowess with respect, but we've also seen a bit of an empty space in its lineup. In between the prestigious Factory Series and more economical Performance Series, there was a bit of an empty space, waiting to be filled with a fork that can execute with the power and precision of the Factory, and at a slightly more pocket-friendly price, like the Performance. Fortunately it seems as though the designers at FOX have answered our wishes with the new Performance Elite Series 36 Float 27.5 160 3Pos-Adj FIT4 Boost Fork. This sleek stealthy fork combines the same 7000 series uppers, 36mm stanchions, weight, dampers, and adjustability of the Factory series with anodized black stanchions that save a few bucks, and keep your ride looking a little less flashy.

Impressively stiff 36-millimeter stanchions work to deflect torsional forces from bucking you silly when you're smashing across rock gardens, launching the biggest park hits, and dropping into freakishly steep lines, all the while staying sensitive to small bumps on climbs and straightaways. The Fit4 damper uses a slightly revised tune with a reconfigured shim stack making it all the more sensitive to variances in terrain and small bumps. Another benefit of this reconfiguration, it's easier to swap volume spacers for added progressiveness, as FOX removed a previous seal. This is especially welcome for downhill runs and park laps where extra progressiveness is needed to prevent bottoming out and excess harshness.

This particular 36 Float enjoys the 3-position adjustability of its Fit4 damper, which gives you the option of running it Open, Medium, or Firm. In Open mode, you'll find 22 clicks of low-speed compression tuning, which is great for dialing in its feel to your exact liking. Medium gives you more efficiency on smoother trails and long climbs where firming up the front end is welcome. Firm acts as a practical lock-out when you're slogging up fire roads en route to a blistering descent.