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Ardrider Review Fox Helmets Dropframe, Proframe, Rampage Pro Carbon

Product Comparison

FOX mountain bike helmets Dropframe, Proframe & Rampage Pro Carbon

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From Ardrider

Hi, my name is Alena Strunk, I ride for the Ardrider team and I can be found on the dirt, enduro and downhiller. Since 2018 I have been actively participating in the downhill racing scene and have already achieved some minor successes. It's very important to me to always wear the right helmet for both races and training. After a few years it was time for me to change my helmets again. That's why I chose the Dropframe, Proframe and Rampage Pro Carbon models from Fox.





Fox Dropframe

Features

The unusual design of the new Dropframe MTB helmet made me curious. Of course there have been helmets with a similar design before, but the Dropframe was the first to convince me of the concept of "lower jaw/back of the head reinforcement but without chin guard". In addition to the extended protection there are 15 ventilation openings, as well as a chin strap with magnetic closure and helmet padding in two strengths for individual adjustment.

Fitting and wearing comfort

For my 57cm head circumference I went for size L. After a short trial I had equipped the helmet with the matching pads. The adjustment of the chinstrap is much easier here than with other mountain bike helmets due to the short strap length. Since the dropframe does not need a frame (and no adjustment wheel!), it sits absolutely tight and wobble-free on the head. The helmet has not been tested in crashes, although I am sure that it would not slip. The drip frame is quite comfortable to wear, the cheek pads are forgotten after a few moments. They are also cleverly designed: a recess makes it possible to wear glasses without the temples being pressed against the head.

On the trail

The habitat of the Dropframe can probably be described as a downhill-oriented enduro ride. After the first trail I was already convinced of the perfect fit: the helmet conveys a lot of security and sits firmly on the head even when the stamp is rough. Thanks to the back of the head protection that is pulled down low (like a full-face helmet), goggles (even with a large lense) can be combined very well with the helmet. With this combination I almost had to remember that I "only" wear a half shell. I feel as safe as with a full face helmet, but the drip frame is much lighter and better ventilated. During the uphill the ventilation still showed sufficient. Heat accumulation under the goggles only occurred on very long uphills, with normal sunglasses the drip frame can be worn without problems on longer tours.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a robust enduro helmet with good wearing comfort, the drop frame is a good choice. The helmet proves to be a very good choice for rough Enduro tours due to its great protective effect and the pleasant wearing comfort with large ventilation holes. Compared to other helmets, however, this one is slightly warmer.

  • Chin guard: no
  • Closure: Fidlock SNAP Closure
  • Aufprallschutzsystem: MIPS
  • Lüftungsöffnungen: 15
  • Visor/adjustable: attached/no
  • Certification: EN 1078
  • Weight (for size M): around 450 g
  • Helmet bag incl.: no





Fox Proframe

Features

The Proframe is the all-rounder in the test. With 24 ventilation holes and a weight of approx. 800g (size M), this helmet is one of the lightest full-face helmets on the market and the only helmet that has also received certification for ASTM F1952 and EN 1078. This is extremely important for me as a racer. Here too, the helmet can be individually adjusted with two different pad sizes. In addition, there is again the Fidlock magnetic closure and the MIPS protection system, which dissipates the rotational movement in the event of an impact.

Fitting and wearing comfort

With the help of the different pads, the helmet can be easily adjusted to the shape of the head (don't forget: the thick cheek pads will give way a little bit with time). The really excellent ventilation and the low weight make the helmet very comfortable. Even after many descents or shredding in summer temperatures, the head is always really well ventilated. Due to the "perforated" chin guard, the fresh air supply is always perfect, even after long pedalling passages and heavy breathing.

On the trail

The Proframe also makes a solid impression on the trail or in the park. The good ventilation has enabled me to survive warm and long days with a cool head. The purpose of the Proframe is a hybrid of harder enduro and lighter downhill riding. Because the helmet can be worn on the head for a very long time, it was always the first choice for me on long downhill or enduro trails (e.g. in the Alps) or on the domestic DH course with a sliding passage back to the start.

It also proved itself in the bike park: The helmet is crash tested and has taken at least two falls on the head. Both times I got away absolutely painlessly. The infected visor came off the helmet and could be clipped on again. The fact that the visor is no longer adjustable was not heard.

The downhill section ends where it gets really rough and stony. As good as big air holes let the air circulate, as good they let small or sharp objects through.

Conclusion

The perfect choice for home trail riding, valley descents and a summer day at the bike park. Light, airy and yet robust. The only drawback: for stony downhills the Proframe offers too little protection at the chin area.

  • Chin guard: Chin guard with big air inlets
  • Closure: Fidlock SNAP Closure
  • Aufprallschutzsystem: MIPS
  • Lüftungsöffnungen: 24
  • Visor/adjustable: attached/no
  • Certification: EN 1078, ASTM F1952
  • Weight (for size M): around 750 g
  • Helmet bag incl.: no





Fox Rampage Pro Carbon

Features

The new Rampage Pro Carbon (RPC) is one of the safest helmets on the market. Probably the most innovative technology is the rotation management system Fluid Inside and MVRS: The fluid chambers on the inside of the helmet protect against both linear and rotational forces in the event of an impact. Thanks to the Magnetic Visor Release System, the visor is quickly released from the helmet in the event of a fall or impact, thus avoiding leverage effects. Other technologies and features are also incorporated, such as Varizorb Dual-Density-EPS (for improved protection by spreading forces over a larger area), CAGE chin bar, outer shell with MCT (Multi Composite Technology), ventilation channels with protective shields or a removable, washable X-Static comfort liner.

Comfort on the trail

The technologies are reflected in the weight of the RPC: 1,258 grams for size M. This puts the Rampage Pro Carbon slightly above average. I was initially sceptical about the higher weight (as I tend to get headaches quickly). But after the first ride, this concern immediately showed itself to be unfounded. The weight is distributed in such a way that at no time did I find the higher weight (e.g. compared to the Proframe) disturbing. Even the upholstery, which at first seemed quite tight, adapted perfectly to the shape of my head after a little warmth. The differences to the Proframe become clear here: a thicker helmet padding, air inlets with protective covers against stone chips, fewer openings on the chin guard and a helmet shell with considerably more material. I felt better "packed" overall.

Despite the thick padding the ventilation system is convincing. Although the RPC cannot quite keep up with the ventilation of its smaller brother, the ventilation was still so good that there was no heat build-up. Even goggles with extra large discs fitted without any problems.

Conclusion

The Rampage Pro Carbon Downhill Helmet is a helmet with many technologies to protect the head. I gladly accept the slightly higher weight for the protective effect, especially since the weight on the head does not bother or attract attention. The MTB helmet provides a lot of safety, so that you are prepared for any downhill run, at least as far as protection is concerned. When it comes to tough downhill shooting, the RPC is the uncompromising choice for me.

  • Chin guard: Injection-moulded ABS/polycarbonate CAGE chin guard
  • Closure: Double D Closure
  • Aufprallschutzsystem: Fluid Inside, MIPS
  • Lüftungsöffnungen: 8
  • Visor/adjustable: magnetic/no
  • Certification: EN 1078, ASTM F1952, CPSC 1203, AS/NZS 2063
  • Weight (for size M): around 1250 g
  • Helmet bag incl.: yes