3 FOX Mountain Bike SHOCKS Compared - DPX2, Float X2 and DHX2 Coil

What's up, mountain bikers? Have you ever thought about changing your rear shock and how it can impact your rear suspension? In this feature, we're going to ride three of the new 2021 FOX shocks on a Pivot Switchblade, back-to-back, and give you our impressions. Does the coil out-perform them all? Big air volume or small? By the end of this, you'll know our favorite out of the DPX2, Float X2 or DHX2 coil shock.
For this test, we're using the 142mm-travel Pivot Switchblade with a 160mm FOX 36 FACTORY GRIP2 fork up front and 29-inch wheels. The progressive DW-link suspension design is compatible with both coil and air shocks. If you'd like to see a full rundown of everything on this custom build visit www.vitalmtb.com/features/Sic...
Our tester, Brandon, is 153-pounds, 5'10" tall, and riding a size large. He spent time tuning each of the shocks beforehand and runs a consistent 30% sag. The Durango, Colorado, test loop has a mix of technical, rocky terrain, some jumps, some steeps, and some fast, pumpy flow to round things out.
#MTB #mountainbike #shocks

[@vitalmtb]

Air or coil shock for you?

[@noejuliansaavedra]

Coil.🤙

[@baralg1n]

Fox float x 👍

[@bitumen83]

Air !

[@justinsiever710]

X2 air, but I want to try a coil

[@sorinvladu7021]

I wish I could say but I'm on a hardtail

[@Monsterislandkrew]

the thumbs up counter is how many times he hit his rim in this vid

[@famuse257]

How can you tell?

[@micarbine7722]

Could be pedal dead zone & his rear hub Usually rear hubs with less engagement you will get that clacking noise, even when you go to engage pedaling. I’m guessing over the bumps and jumps, he lessened the downward force on pedals when jumping/popping up, then the “rim” noise happens when he is landing or again putting force down on the pedal and once his back wheel touches dirt again, the pedals hit that engagement point and that is the noise we hear?

[@topspot4834]

@@famuse257 the sound

[@TheJofrica]

Possibly they might have used the same audio for some of the clips. Or actually just the same clips repeated

[@johncoons1666]

Sounds like wheel to me. I’ve had the worst hubs ever and my shits never sounded like that! I know I’m late to the party.

[@Tannervmtb]

Someone get this man some cushcore or just a few extra psi

[@cartermacrenaris705]

Lmao ikr

[@colebrimhall5612]

lol I was thinking the same thing

[@JoJoLaPompa]

that sound in the first video sequence.... poor rim !

[@topspot4834]

LOL thought the same thing!

[@noeserd]

He is the guy that destroys alloy rims every 3 months on pinkbike

[@vitalmtb]

You're on Vital here, in case you hadn't noticed... ;-)

[@meesterbingbong5641]

I really appreciate that this video isn’t 28 minutes long. I see a lot of other comparison videos out there and I’m curious about some this stuff but when it comes to watching a video that’s over 25 minutes I could’ve just done basic research online and come a similar conclusion. Thanks for the great vid

[@KurtisPape]

So true. It felt like a long video but it wasn't! I don't like watching 20 minute videos time is limited hahaha

[@mlee6050]

​@@KurtisPapemore so, here is 19 minutes of filler and last minute we will give you info you wanted

[@brianwood9610]

Your really putting that rear wheel though the wars. Maby need a few more psi or tyre inserts

[@hpkiunzy]

@Marko Borovyk well carbon wheel warranty is generally amazing.

[@ousqa]

@@hpkiunzy it really depends where you buy them from

[@hpkiunzy]

@@ousqa most of them have at least 4 no fault warranty or lifetime.

[@ousqa]

@@hpkiunzy idk how many would consider bashing it as no fault

[@hpkiunzy]

Not sure, should check the reviews and the policies. I know that Santacruz, we are one, nobl, Enve , Ibis have great warranty. I Don't know much about other companies.

[@j_a_k_o_b4861]

poor rim

[@alextokmakoff6521]

Get this man an insert 🥴

[@Nit2315]

30% sag on the tyre :')

[@h82fail]

7:45 Is that the sound of the rim or shock bottom out? My bike makes that sound sometimes in g-out ravine with rocks at the bottom or something and I think its my rim but I can never find any marks in the rim. Got some cush core coming because I want to try lower pressures (currently run 22/25psi). I keep wondering If that sound is my shock bottoming because I do use all its travel allot...

[@Ethanator-fy3cm]

@@h82fail shocks don't make noise when bottoming out, its definitely the rim.

[@sebastianlukevillaruz3397]

@@Ethanator-fy3cm some shocks make a huge clunk when they bottom out.

[@evanblackwell3920]

Amazing how you could visually see the added control of the Float X2 over the DPX2 just by watching the POV GoPro footage!

[@topspot4834]

How could you tell? Not being snarky, genuinely wondering.

[@evanblackwell3920]

@@topspot4834 With the lower volume air shock, you can see the bike ride a little more 'chattery' and less planted, whereas with the coil and larger volume air shock, there is less chatter visible in the footage and the bike deflects less. That doesn't necessarily mean the coil/high volume is faster or better, but its cool to be able to see the differences in the footage!

[@adventuroustrio7458]

This is the perfect time. I’m choosing between the three.

[@fcbotieno]

What have you concluded?

[@haydensupple7225]

Same lol

[@MrMarko369]

Dont write off the Ohlins TTX

[@adventuroustrio7458]

I’ll get the dpx2

[@justinwbohner]

Look at the Cane Creek DBIL. It's the same weight as the DPX2 but works oh so nice. I have one. It replaced the DPX2 on my Intense Primer.

[@thunderbot5708]

It's cool seeing these shocks tested on my local trails

[@petertyliszczak3411]

That first line is sick

[@BikingwithJP]

Watching even though I can’t afford these upgrades...

[@threeinchesoffury]

Awesome information...time to.order a coil for my switchblade

[@eliasdanieli5461]

Nice one Vital!

[@The_GreenMachine]

just road that trail a few months back, so tough yet so fun!

[@superawesomefuntimego]

I just recently swapped over to a DHX2 from a DPX2 on my 2020 RIP 9 RDO. So far I am impressed. I can feel the sensitivity difference over chatter and the traction climbing is great. I was sort of led to believe that coils do not pop as well on jumps, which may be true, but I just about launched myself off the trail, so the difference seems subtle.

[@spencerimre]

Those trails look so sick!

[@Antjan46]

This is a great review. I’m looking at buying a frame that comes with the DHX2 coil so I think you told me what I wanted to hear 👊🏽😉

[@lukesteele5013]

I love the switchblade. Such a good looking bike

[@edouardrenaud5517]

this channel is so underrated

[@oscarjolt1880]

Very nice manual at the end

[@NickBosshard]

Would be interesting to compare them to the DHX2 wit a progressive spring aswell, feel like it would blend the characteristics of the Float X2 and DPX2 even more.

[@raziasrazias7761]

I like that blue paint. It remembers me of an YT with Blue Camouflage paint.

[@nortondlcl]

Great review, Thanks

[@nicom4996]

just want to say that the bike feels so fast and the trail is amazing. so go on with the shock review

[@Coerced]

those trails! Man, I'm so jealous

[@Kev.in-Bike]

Thanks for this great vidéo

[@mtbjump714]

very good comparison !!!

[@BowzKnows]

Just went from X2 to DHX2... now if the snow would go away so I can test it out!

[@ucsbewildered]

Great video! The tune ID on your DPX2 shows it's a 2020 model. I think the 2021 DPX2 is tune ID D5D7

[@lucacadianalbert]

Brandon went on quite a diet since the Pivot feature on Vital...170 to 153. Lean and MEAN!!! Oh and coil will always win for me.

[@gpearce11]

DHX2 with SLS spring, and a Fox 36/38 is the sexiest suspension combination available, especially if you spring for the Factory forks (even more so if paired with a Transfer Factory dropper).

[@LuLeBe]

I think the best one for me is the dpx2 since it's what came on my bike and I don't have $500+ for this xD

[@kx7kx782]

Great! Thank you 🙏🏾

[@meteormedia7021]

Watchers should keep in mind, that the feel of each of these shocks will also greatly vary depending on the leverage curve of different frames.

[@theshortestcharles6886]

Who else here is drooling over these shocks even though they own a hardtail?

[@brendanscott8989]

these are all amazing shox

[@freeridetony]

Thanks mate :)

[@ericmountainbiker]

Good video.

[@filmbynatelachmann8510]

my mans be pinging his rim on each rock

[@topspot4834]

Somebody get this man some Cushcore and psi ... Great review!

[@mau132]

Can you do this exact video comparison but with a fox 36 vs 38?

[@topspot4834]

I went X2 over coil for the adjustability since I go from bike parks to beginner trails riding with family/friends ... Since I got my FS though about 90% of my riding is DH, so might've opted for coil had I known I'd be riding so much park ... They close in October though and don't open again til late May, so I'll probably be happy I opted for air during the 6-7 months I'm riding local trails . Aesthetically the coil looks sick, especially on the stealth Mach 6 w orange fork.

[@MrPeter924]

Great video great . Motor bike ride great show

[@colinwatt00]

I wish Fox would add HSC/LSC and HSR/LSR to the DPX2 so you can get the small-volume benefits without sacrificing some of the more complex tuning adjustments. I think with these adjustments you could push the DPX2 closer to that middle-ground like the DHX2.

[@justinwbohner]

I don't bother with Fox anymore for my trail bike shocks. Manitou Mara Pro, Mara IL, and CC DB IL coil are all better options in this class.

[@johncoons1666]

They do!

[@vic8033]

For the DHX settings you have OPEN in brackets beside the HSC. Does that mean you adjusted only that setting from the open position instead of closed? Thx

[@alext4124]

I definitely would love some more plushness in the rear-end over the square edge chatter, but how much I want vs how much climbing efficiency I am willing to give up remains the question. I guess for the simple minded like myself, if the DPX2 were a 100 in climbing efficiency, what are the X2 and the DHX2. And for downhill plushness and control, if the DPX2 were 70, what about the other two? Of the X2 and DHX2, which one stays more poppy and playful?

[@stianjarnass]

Really great test and right to the point👏. Do you know if the Rochox super deluxe coil is a linear? I'm really a noob when it comes to suspension. But I'm basically really happy with it compared to air shock on my first bike. And my coil bike is even an ebike🤗

[@hannes6114]

All coil shocks are lineat. That's because of the coil constant.

[@jonathanangieri153]

haha those rim dingers made me cringe... hahaha! Going to coil completely changed the way my YT handled my local terrain. Such a huge improvement over air. I don't think i could ever go back to air in the rear again.

[@jirirada5276]

I did the same on my Reign .. CC Helm coil fork and CC DB IL shock and i dont want air any more 😅

[@gregcavanaugh6259]

cool video comparison! Gotta say, I just cringe every time you ping that rear wheel. Killer riding though!

[@user-rx9zm1iz7w]

The firm circuit not affecting the open-mode tune? Meaning if you forget to flip it DH, the shock still gets opened?

[@supashaker1]

Anyone know if you can change old du bushings to the newer low friction ones? I have the older ones on the fox dhx rc2 shock and wondering if you can and what difference it will make

[@BlitzMekanika]

Mountain bike shocks with variable valve control😮. Vtec just kicked in yo.

[@justinwbohner]

Coil is still best for progressive frames. Just needs a wireless lockout control.

[@L4J20]

Does the coil shock make a "thunk, thunk, thunk" sound when returning to the top?

[@rimbonker]

It would be interresting if a 60 and 100+ kg rider did the same test, i think maybe the result would be different.

[@tomrasmussen3990]

which shock was the best for lockout on steep climbs ? thx

[@evo5349]

The coil can have the harshness tuned out if not revalve. I hope the body failures I had last year will be improved.

[@evo5349]

No on my 4 body fail on my coil hope they have add more meat to the cast body on the new as the pre 2021 coil DH has spent more time off the bike. The latest is a pin hole next to the bleed port.

[@JasonDivock]

What trail in Durango was this? Rocky Road?

[@TheGazavman]

depends of the trail

[@timetrialist]

Holy cow crazy downhill is this guy still alive?

[@antrace92]

I'm getting the dpx since It's the only one I can afford ahahaha. I bet it will do better than my rs monarch plus

[@roderick9018]

Assuming these results will translate to e bike world as in levo right 😬?

[@cswann8]

Question: I'm about to pick up a used Specialized Epic Comp with the Fox mini-brain shock that has some issue and needs to be rebuilt. I'm OK with that, but I'm wondering if I might not want to install a current model Fox shock (thinking the DPX2). Does the DPX2 have a similar anti-bob action as the Specialized brain shocks?

[@MrChadLedford]

Def swap to dpx2 if it fits the bike

[@alexfuckinsteadman]

Frick I just bought a DPX2 let’s see if I made the right choice

[@jonathanguerdrum2863]

Where are these trails?! they look super fun!

[@vitalmtb]

durango colorado

[@stoneenforcer]

Guess this review was” which shock handled rocky dh better” as for peddling the dpx2 would win

[@afdv6393]

0:03 2:33 5:22 5:48 6:53 6:58 7:00 7:45 oof

[@garrett_turbod]

Lmao

[@noahmeinhold78]

What’s that

[@afdv6393]

@@noahmeinhold78 the rear rim

[@blitzfultime]

nice.

[@heihei1823]

he's running like 2 psi

[@jamesmeezan1254]

Lmao what up Hadrien, everyone wants ur sponsors. The aurum looks so sick

[@Phen0mable]

Whats the maximum weight of the rider for X2 ?

[@juki_sendet2192]

Strong rims, strong tires

[@seagulls4life12]

coil shocks all day

[@arvinjohneoy5678]

I love watching your videos 😍 Can i have that one?🔥😱😇

[@stepheno.2730]

Coil 100%, although the air shocks are getting good.

[@LexZolnir]

1) i thought he retired 2) i didnt realize Durango is a Moab/Sedona combo just brown 3) i think the DPX2 for all the reasons Pivot got the Switchblade right!

[@vitalmtb]

he did retire. this was filmed before he decided to smash bikes and wheels for fun only : )

[@meteormedia7021]

DPX2 for me. The livelier, the better.

[@marinberndt4049]

Next video pls: rockshox vs rockshox va rockshox

[@gpearce11]

Would be a worthwhile video. SIDlux or Deluxe, Super Deluxe and Super Deluxe Coil (all Ultimate).

[@itsquick817]

That por rim 😂

[@rodrigopages1054]

I mean it was obvious, at least to me, that the best all around shock would be the coil one! There’s a reason cars and motorbikes use them for the rear suspension specially... in my opinion, other than bikes with kinematics not suited for coils, there’s no real reason for a bike with more than 130mm of travel to use an air shock specially because this new coils have a lock out which for most riders won’t be a hassle to use for their climbs and then just switch back to open for the descents, if you don’t live on a place where long climbs are a thing then you’re probably not gonna need more than 130 mm of travel or you can just pedal your bike wide open no issues regardless of the rear travel so again running a coil shock will not be a hinderance for your rides! Yeah They might be a bit more expensive but they are worth every single penny ! Plus they give you the best thing, set and forget ! Once you’ve set your coil shock properly, unless you are progressing your riding level and skill, you will never have to touch your shock but just to take it of the Bike and send it for servicing !!! Whereas for air shocks you’ll all ways end up fiddling with their setup much more often due to temperature affecting them both from the environment or due to long rides heating up the shock changing the feel of them, plus there’s way more things to fail on an air shock because of how they are. Run a coil and be happy forever !!!

[@pe3117]

What’s the point of hitting that way the rear rim? 🤷‍♂️

[@paradox963]

Somebody get this guy some cushcore.

[@colemitchmtb]

Is there any updates the the 34 or dps this year?

[@Oh_Sully23]

34 gets the GRIP2 damper as an option.

[@colemitchmtb]

@@Oh_Sully23 I thought grip2 was already an option last year... maybe it was not an oem option? Anyway thanks for the info

[@night1ish]

Those pings caused me physical pain

[@miktub1555]

So you're saying I need a new bike next year? Ok if you say so.

[@MT-js6ke]

Why is the coil not kashima? Fox missed a trick, that would look insaneee

[@Oh_Sully23]

My guess is Kashima parts are hard anodised aluminium alloys, the coil spring is a steel alloy. You're right though, it would look sick!

[@edouardrenaud5517]

Coil shock forever

[@biertastisch]

Hmmm... I would take the Fox

[@jakobzupet6135]

Holy rim ding

[@caderidenour642]

He def ain't picking up the tab for these durst rims at the end of this test session

[@smcruz13]

What trail is that?

[@vitalmtb]

loops outside of durango, colorado

[@scotthastings8845]

I shit you not I had NO idea my DPX2 had low speed compression adjustments (other than the open, mid, closed) learn something new everyday 😂

[@nejcpetric2732]

May I Just ask for explanation what that ping sound was please.

[@peytonjames9237]

Rim hitting rocks

[@nejcpetric2732]

@@peytonjames9237 thank you

[@justinwbohner]

Spokes detensioning because of the crappy lateral stiffness of that wheel.

[@peytonjames9237]

@@justinwbohner it’s just the rim hitting. Spokes getting loosened is a way different sound.

[@justinwbohner]

@@peytonjames9237 When the spoke gets de-tensioned then snaps back it pings.

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Mountain Rock Preservation Association already contacted VitalMTB with lawsuit for rock damages in this video :-P

[@antn8387]

when one MTB shock costs more than a full set of racing coil-overs for a race car. LOL

[@pbls43]

That bike needs an insert on the rear wheel :D

[@bullseye0112]

Is Brandon back or is this an old video you guys are just publishing now either way awesome stuff

[@mtb_8796]

Is that sound the coming from the wheel or is that the coil? I hear it from time to time and can’t figure it out. I also run a coil but do not ride as fast as you do lol

[@Nullking_]

It’s rim dings.

[@ShredReadyFilms]

5:40 “I feel like it needs a climb switch” (shows shot of the new firmer climb switch)

[@BrandonTurman]

Caught me mumbling! "I feel like it needs THE climb switch."

[@ShredReadyFilms]

@@BrandonTurman oohhh ok

[@CreatureSkateboardC2]

Float x2 is the best