Hot on the heels of Fox’s new 36 and 36 SL forks, the Float X2 and DHX2 are next up for their complete makeover. Fox’s Float X2 and DHX2 shocks have been the benchmark for high adjustability, performance, and bling since their inception, and Fox has completely redesigned them for 2026. With a revised chassis, updated architecture, and the same external adjustability, Fox has designed their new gravity rear shocks with durability and high performance as a priority.

After seeing both the Float X2 and DHX2 on pro DH and Enduro riders bikes for the last few months, Fox is finally lifting the veil on their new top of the line air and coil shocks. While they definitely look similar to their predecessors, the new 3rd generation Float X2 and DHX2 are redesigned from eyelet to eyelet, and Fox has listened to feedback from both pro riders and normal folk like us. Lots of high level pros gave their input on exactly what kind of performance they wanted out of the new lineup of gravity shocks, and normal riders have not been shy in sharing issues they’ve had with the previous generation Float X2 and DHX2.

Inside the new shocks, both the Float X2 and DHX2 have switched from a Twin Tube to Monotube architecture, which Fox claims give a wider range of tuning options as well as increased durability. On the outside, there are the same HSC, LSC, HSR, and LSR adjusters, but their location has been shuffled around a bit. You can also get a climb switch on the non-DH sizes of both shocks for maximum uphill fun. Both the Float X2 and DHX2 are designed to increase grip, decrease harshness, and increase comfort.

Fox’s 2026 Float X2 comes in Factory, Performance Elite, and Performance variants, and is offered in either Trunnion or Standard Eyelet options with between 47.5 and 75mm of stroke. All models come with a larger ½” diameter inner shaft, up from ⅜” on the 2020-2025 Float X2. Inside the damper body, the Float X2 damper has gotten the GRIP X2 treatment, with a new larger base valve with more individual valves. Riders can expect higher quality damping with less harshness, just like with the GRIP X2. Additionally, the reservoir is offered in two different orientations for better frame fitment.

Fox is stacking their rebound knobs like poker chips right at the base of the shock. High Speed Rebound still gets the VVC treatment, while the Low Speed Rebound is still a standard orifice rebound adjuster. These rebound adjusters are tool free and much easier to access trailside, a welcome change for bikes with tucked away shocks like Santa Cruz. High and low speed compression are found on the reservoir, as well as the climb switch for non-DH size Float X2s. You’ll need a 6mm and 3mm allen key to adjust your compression knobs, just the same as before.

Coil like sensitivity comes from the oversized air can, which is lower friction and more tunable than ever. Now, the Float X2 shares the same lower friction air seals as the Float X, and you can add volume spacers in 1cc increments. The previous Float X2 volume spacers are ~4ccs, so you can really fine tune the amount of progression in the 2026 Float X2. Maximum psi has increased from 300 to 350, and is accessed via the same schrader valve you’d expect. Inside the air can is a dual density bottom out bumper to control those deep impacts, and there’s no hydraulic bottom out to be found.

Just like with the Float X2, we have four external adjusters to play with. Your High Speed Compression and Low Speed Compression adjusters are found on your reservoir, as well as your climb switch. On the other end of the shock, you’ll find your Low Speed Rebound stacked on top of your High Speed Rebound, and your HSC still features VVC technology, directly controlling the valves of your shock. Just like the GRIP X2, the DHX2’s valve stacks now contain To change the stroke of the 2026 DHX2, all you need is to undo a couple of screws, add or remove the stroke spacers, and reinstall those screws. It’ll only take a couple minutes and is definitely the single easiest stroke change procedure of any modern mtb shock.

Now Fox is offering their SLS springs in Matte Black as well as the classic Fox orange. With all the same spring rate and length options as the standard Orange spring, the Matte Black spring will give more colorway options to all Fox coil shock enthusiasts. The new Matte Black spring will fit on all Fox and Marzocchi coil shocks, including the DHX2, DHX, and Marzocchi Bomber CR. With a $130 price tag, riders looking for a more affordable and gloss black alternative should check out Fox’s Standard Steel Spring. To figure out exactly which spring you need, check out our spring rate calculator and our guide to Fox
spring fitment!

Fox has once again cemented themselves at the pointy end of rear suspension options, with their new DHX2 and Float X2 shocks improving on the previous generations with increased performance and reliability. Riders with everything from a trail bike to a full on dh bike looking for maximum descending performance are going to be stoked on Fox’s 2026 X2 lineup, and the blend of reliability and pure grip is exactly what today’s riders are looking for. For help deciding between coil shocks and air shocks, check out our blog post on the topic, and all the points made in that blog apply to these new X2 shocks.

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