FOX didn't have to update their already excellent 36 Float Fork with the Fit 4 RC2 damper, considering just how confident and capable it was across everything from fast flow trails to the gnarliest tech this side of a dual-crown fork. However, the suspension gurus at FOX are never really content with their current line of forks, showing how improvements in damper technology are producing better forks without the harshness of older designs. For 2018, the FOX 36 Float 27. 5 170 Grip 2 Factory Fork represents the creme de la creme in the 36 Float series, thanks to Variable Valve Control with high/low-speed compression and high/low-speed rebound adjustment, lower friction seals than before, as well as greater support with a revised mid-valve design. The biggest revision with the move to the Grip 2 damper lies in the Variable Valve Control, which gives you four separate knobs to independently tune the high/low-speed compression and high/low-speed rebound. Giving you the additional high-speed rebound damping circuit helps to control how fast you'd like the fork to rebound after taking a bigger hit, so you can better prepare for bike park days and fast downhill runs where you'll be maxing out your fork's travel. On the high/low-speed compression side of things, there's a bit larger range in tunability, so you can precisely dial in you level of support without any harshness detracting from your ride. Looking at additional improvements, you'll find the newest 36 Float with Grip 2 has a lower friction level for improved small-bump sensitivity and heightened traction on rugged trails. FOX aimed to lower the friction from their previous 36 Float by using low-friction seals alongside their buttery-smooth Kashima coating. Another update is a revised mid-valve design in the Grip 2 damper, which makes the fork resist brake dive when you're coming in hot and need to scrub some speed before leaning into a berm or rolling down a steep rock line. Both of these updates are subtle i...