FOX Racing Shox

38 Float Factory 27.5in Grip X2 Fork

What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:

"The switch from the Grip 2 to the GRIP X2 damper is a meaningful upgrade and not just a rebrand. The wider base valve and higher valve count give you a tuning window that is genuinely wider than what the previous generation offered, and the ability to run lower pressures without losing support mid-stroke makes a real difference on rough, fast trail and enduro terrain. On a 27.5in build at 160mm the fork rewards precise line choice and the Kashima stanchions keep the feel consistent across a full day of hard riding even in dusty or dirty conditions."

The case for 27.5in wheels on a trail or enduro build comes down to agility, acceleration, and the ability to redirect quickly through tight, technical terrain where larger wheels can feel cumbersome. At 160mm of travel the 38 platform sits at a sweet spot for riders who want the structural integrity and damper capability of a stout fork without committing to maximum travel, and the Fox Shox 38 Float Factory GRIP X2 Fork delivers the full Factory experience at that specification.

The GRIP X2 damper represents the most significant internal development in the current generation of the 38 platform. A wider 24mm base valve reduces operating pressures throughout the stroke, and the valve stack count has been increased to more than triple that of the outgoing Grip 2 damper, producing a substantially expanded tuning range alongside meaningfully improved sensitivity from the very first millimeter of travel through to full compression. Four independent adjustment circuits covering high and low speed compression and high and low speed rebound give riders the granular control needed to optimize the fork for specific course characteristics, rider weight, and personal preference. The ability to separate low speed compression from high speed compression is particularly valuable on technical terrain, where the fork must handle sustained cornering loads and abrupt rock strikes within the same stage and often within the same turn. The FLOAT EVOL air spring complements the damper with a progressive ramp profile that keeps the fork active and sensitive early in the stroke while building firm, predictable resistance as travel is consumed. Kashima coating on the 38mm aluminum stanchions reduces surface friction to Factory-tier levels, ensuring consistent damper performance across a full day of hard riding regardless of changing temperatures and trail conditions. The Kabolt X floating axle further reduces friction at the dropout interface, contributing to the fork's overall sensitivity and smoothness under load. The revised crown and arch geometry maintains the torsional stiffness the 38 platform is known for while keeping weight in check, giving 27.5in builds the rigidity needed for precise steering without the penalty of unnecessary mass.

The 38 Float Factory GRIP X2 in 27.5in at 160mm is the correct specification for trail and enduro builds where the combination of Factory damper tunability, Kashima stanchion performance, and the handling characteristics of a shorter travel 27.5in platform represent the ideal configuration. It accepts rotors from 180mm direct mount up to 230mm, runs on 15 x 110mm Boost spacing, and is compatible with a full range of modern frame geometries via its 1 1/8 to 1 1/2in tapered steerer.