Extra Volume
The infinitely adjustable pressure setting in the extra volume (EVOL) air chamber regulates spring rate in the final portion of the stroke and controls the bottom-out characteristics of the shock.
Increasing air pressure in the EVOL air chamber will give a more progressive spring curve to protect against harsh bottom-outs. Decreasing air pressure will provide a more linear curve to maximize usable travel.
When combined with the infinite adjustability of the main air spring, the EVOL air chamber allows the shock's spring curve to be tuned for any conceivable rider weight and/or terrain condition. The pressure in the EVOL air chamber is adjusted to control the bottom-out characteristics of the shock. Adjusting this pressure is similar to changing the main spring on a coil over shock.
Progressive Air Spring Curve
Changing EVOL air chamber pressure adjusts the bottom-out resistance of the shock.
As the main air chamber pressure is held constant, changes in the EVOL air chamber will alter the final portion of the spring curve.
The EVOL Air Flow Path
The main air chamber and the EVOL air chamber are connected by the port highlighted with a blue dotted line. As the shock is compressed, the main air chamber pressure will increase due to a decrease in volume. Eventually, the pressure in the main air chamber will match the pressure in the EVOL air chamber, at which point the EVOL piston will begin to move.
Factory Series genuine Kashima Coat is standard issue on the FOX FLOAT 3 product line. Its distinctive gold color is backed by its high performance attributes - properties that provide an exceptionally smooth feel and extreme durability. Developed by the Miyaki Company of Japan, Kashima Coat offers superior durability, hardness, and less friction. Factory Athletes who have raced and ridden with Kashima Coat-treated FOX suspension have reported better overall traction and small bump compliance, and the significant decrease in friction has proven to give riders a tangible increase in suspension performance.
Dual Speed Compression
With DSC, you can adjust the shock's high and low-speed compression damping by simply turning the external adjusters. DSC allows you to maximize small bump compliance and traction while still having the extra damping required for big hits.
LSC Adjustment Range
The Low Speed Compression (LSC) adjuster primarily affects compression damping during slow suspension movements such as G-outs or smooth jump landings. It also affects wheel traction and the harshness or plushness of the vehicle (note that low-speed has nothing to do with the speed of the vehicle). Choose an LSC setting that gives good body control without causing excessive harshness or loss of traction.
HSC Adjustment Range
The High Speed Compression (HSC) adjuster mainly affects compression damping during medium to fast suspension movements such as steep jump faces, harsh flat landings and aggressive whoops. The goal is to run as little high-speed compression damping as possible without bottoming.
Rebound damping controls the rate at which the shock returns after it has been compressed. The proper rebound setting is a personal preference, and changes with rider weight, riding style and conditions. A rule of thumb is that rebound should be as fast as possible without kicking back or feeling bouncy. For slower rebound, turn the rebound adjuster knob clockwise. For faster rebound, turn the rebound adjuster knob counter-clockwise.
FOX's position-sensitive damping technology, available on select ATV and UTV shocks, provides extra resistance against bottom-outs. Position A shows the uncompressed state.
As the shock is compressed (Position B), the secondary piston will enter the bottom-out cup in the final 25% of travel to produce up to 3000 lbs of additional damping force. This allows the shocks to be tuned to give improved small bump compliance in the upper portion of the stroke, while still maintaining the ability to absorb huge impacts effectively.
No springs attached
FLOAT stands for FOX Load Optimized Air Technology; our unique and patented FLOAT air springs offer the perfect adjustable spring rate synergy to our refined, oil damped performance. The spring rate is controlled by air pressure in the main body. Air pressure is infinitely adjustable anywhere from 50 PSI to 300 PSI, making the FLOAT the most progressive and adjustable air shock on the market — zero tools are necessary to change plushness.
Air Spring vs. Single Rate Coil Spring
Depending on the application, air shocks can offer a number of distinct advantages over their coil spring counterparts. While single rate coil springs offer a linear curve that can work extremely well when used in conjunction with today's advanced linkage designs, air springs give a progressive spring rate, offer infinite adjustability, and can provide significant weight savings (up to 6 lbs.)
Spring preload adjustability is used for setting sag or vehicle ride height. As a general rule, your ATV's sag should be 35% to 45% of full wheel travel, in order to provide optimal traction. To increase sag, you want to turn the spring preload ring counter-clockwise when the shock is viewed from the top. Alternatively, if you want to decrease sag (increase vehicle ride height), turn the spring preload ring clockwise.