Test of the FXR Isolated CX Monosuit
During winter, I was lucky enough to try the CX monosuit from FXR. For a few years now, the famous monosuit has become more and more popular among snowmobilers and even more for drivers like me, off-trail rider.
Description
This model has lots of elements and details. Let’s start with the materials used. The outer layer is made of thick polyester coated with Hydrx, a silicone sealant that makes it waterproof. The sealant is effective; you see the water slip on the fabric which helps you stay dry.
The insulation is rated at 5 in the FXR charter. It makes it a perfect combination to go from the trail to the mountain while being comfortable in all situations. The insulation is 120 g, with FXR’s Thermal Flex technology, which is more than enough for me, as I get hot quickly.
Then there is the bottom of the legs that open to put on your boots on easily. There is also an elastic band that goes around the boots to prevent snow from getting into the suit. I appreciated the two fabric rings to fix the elastic on the FXR boots, to avoid this layer from lifting. Also, the lower legs adjust with Velcro to change the length of the leg.
At the wrists, a Velcro strap tightens the wrist, and a layer comes in the middle of the hand with a hole for the thumb to prevent snow from getting into the suit.
To adjust the height of the pants, there are adjustable straps, so we are not limited in our movements, especially off-trail.
All the zippers are waterproof, and four of them are opening to let air pass (two on the chest and two on the thighs) but prevent snow and moisture from entering. Otherwise, there is a removable cap and a clip for the kill switch.
My impressions
On the trail, I liked the insulated CX monosuit because I tried it in very cold conditions and honestly, I didn’t get cold. The fact that there is no wind entering with the waterproof zippers helps a lot to keep the temperature constant. Then, when it is milder, we can control the temperature with the air vents, which I also liked.
Off-trail, I like the monosuit, however, even if it is categorized as a hybrid suit, it is too hot for me off-trail. There have been a few occasions when I was comfortable with the ventilation vents open, but otherwise, it gets hot quickly when you move a lot. One thing I would have liked is to have more vents to allow a draft to pass through the suit, instead of just having vents in the front. Otherwise, in terms of movement amplitude, the CX is excellent and of uncompromising quality.
In brief, for the very active off-trail riders, I recommend it less, but for the driver who likes to go off the beaten trails occasionally or on trails, the isolated CX is ideal.
I want to thank FXR for the test of the CX monosuit.
