Fox Proframe RS Full Face Helmet – Review
Modern geometry and the evolution of bikes are allowing us to ride a much wider range of terrain from green to double-black trails in a single ride. The dilemma is that we can find ourselves at the top of trails that warrant a full-face helmet, if not a DH bike. Thankfully the Fox Proframe RS Helmet can solve this.
The lightweight full-face helmet sector of the sport has been flourishing since the Giro Switchblade back in the late 90s and the enduro scene has helped evolve this type of helmet into a very popular product. The removable chin bar design although popular has been superseded by a new breed of lightweight single-shell designs.
Fox launched the Proframe, their single-shell lightweight full-face helmet back in 2017 to wide success. It was a real testament to what could be achieved with a lightweight full-face helmet. Fast forward five years and the Fox Proframe RS has landed, and it is one foxy-looking helmet. It shares similar features to the original Proframe but with a few more upgrades that we think have been well worth the wait.
The new Fox Proframe RS is one foxy-looking helmet.
Fox Proframe RS Features
One of the big upgrades to the Fox Proframe RS is the new Mips® Integra Split protection system, which combines a dual-density foam – for high and low-speed impacts – and a low friction layer between the two layers designed to reduce rotational forces in a crash that would otherwise be transmitted to the brain.
The low-friction inner liner is split which allows relative movement of 10-15mm in all directions. The inner liner is held in place by what Fox calls “Woofer elastomers“, we like the pun. The intention of this relative movement is to help reduce rotational forces otherwise transmitted to the head, on certain impacts.
This design also allows for high levels of ventilation due to the way the split system doesn’t cover air channels or vents, whilst still meeting the same safety criteria as all Mips solutions.
Since the solution is a design collaboration between the helmet manufacturer (Fox) and the Mips design team with the aim to integrate the Mips system into the helmet, it is not a one size fits all approach, it is integrated and designed into the helmet as tightly as it gets.
The cradle provides a very precise fit, but make sure it is folded down before pulling on the helmet.
The other big upgrade to the new Fox RS Proframe is the BOA Fit system, typically seen in hiking shoes, snowboard boots and open-face helmets. BOA have worked with Fox on the new Proframe RS giving you micro-adjustability for a full-face helmet.
The BOA Dial itself is the FS1 dial, from the S-Series and has been spefically selected for the Fox Proframe RS helmet. The BOA dial is super-easy to adjust by turning forward and backward to deliver a precise and adaptable fit, and the tactile grip is designed to keep wet, greasy, or sweaty hands from slipping.
Ventilation has had an overhaul from the previous Proframe with larger jaw vents on each side of the chin bar, more vents above the brow and across the top of the helmet to vent head heat plus a focus on reduced surface contact area inside the helmet which further reduces heat build-up.
The visor has had an upgrade with 3 set positions. The positions have a solid engagement making it easy to adjust on the move and easily mount a Go-Pro underneath.
The padded anti-microbial liner helps reduce helmet odours and is fully removable for washing. There are two sets of cheek pads to dial in the optimized fit and are super easy to remove and install with the aid of three simple snap buttons.
- BOA® fit system for class-leading fit and security
- Equipped with Mips® Integra Split low friction layer
- Dual-density foam for high and low-speed impacts
- 3-position adjustable visor compatible with goggles
- Removable under-visor GoPro mount included
- Increased ventilation and decreased surface contact area for improved cooling
- Ionic+ anti-microbial liner to reduce odor
- Multi-sized cheek pads to optimize fit
- Fidlock® magnetic closure system on chin strap
- DH Certified
- Weight: 820 g (size medium)
- Materials: EPS, PC, PA, Epp, polyester
Handy tip: To keep the paint finish in top condition, Fox says that you should avoid exposure to aerosol sprays like bug repellent and sunscreens as they can cause your helmet’s finish to peel, and nobody would want this helmet to peel.
The original Fox Proframe Vs The new Proframe RS. More vents, improved fit, more safety features. Same but better.
On The Trails
If you’ve owned the previous Fox Proframe then you’ll immediately notice the RS requires some additional attention when popping it on for the first time. Where the previous model relies on the cheek pads and chin strap to get that snug fit, the RS now has the BOA Fit system to fine-tune the fit. This is a huge improvement for dialing in the perfect fit and we are mystified why it hasn’t been adopted in these types of helmets before now.
What we liked about the Proframe RS is the roomy entry. There is plenty of space to get your noggin in, unlike the POC Otocon which we reviewed recently (the Otocon is an awesome helmet, but the entry is a little tight). One thing you need to be mindful of is to make sure that the BOA Fit cradle is down before pulling on the helmet or this can get caught and ride up the back of your skull, rendering the BOA Fit useless. It’s a straightforward process but you do need to make sure it is done correctly.
Fitting & Comfort
When you tighten the BOA dial, the lightweight cables pull together around the front of the helmet and the rear cradle yoke at the same time, clasping your head. This is a very comforting experience and we were able to dial in the perfect fit, notch by notch. This will be a very familiar feeling if you own an open-face helmet with this type of fit system.
The combination of the BOA Fit, large air vents, and the lightweight design allows for a very comfortable wide-open sensation, unlike specific downhill helmets which can be heavy and rely on padding to create a snug fit that causes a closed-in sensation. On the downside, there is a lot less padding in these types of lightweight full-face helmets.
A Fidlock® magnetic closure system for easy-open and closing of the chin strap.
Adjusting the fit is super-easy with the BOA dial and it’s placed just where you have it with an open face, so the transition from an open-face to full-face is very intuitive. The dial sits in the sweet spot at the rear of the helmet and is very easy to turn, even with gloves. This is a game changer and will be hard going back to a full face without it.
Field of Vision
One of the obvious positives with these lightweight full-face helmets is the field of vision they offer due to needing more air intake to solve the climb and decent dilemma and the Proframe RS has bucket loads of this.
Relying less on padding to dictate the fit, the view is a lot more open than a DH-specific helmet.The temple area on either side of the helemt is deep, allowing for good peripheral vision, whilst the chin bar design is low and spacious which helps reduce trail distraction. In terms of peripheral vision, the Fox Proframe RS is almost on par with an open-face helmet.
The peak is a definite improvement over the orignal Proframe with it’s 3 easy adjustments with an obvious and satisfying click-in engagement. The Profrmae RS comes with a handy GoPro stick-on mount which we tested and it works a treat! There is a ton of room to get a GoPro underneath when the visor is either fully up or in its middle position and does come in handy when on its lowest position to block out sun glare.
We tried storing goggles under the visor but it’s not ideal, as you don’t get 100% clearance from your field of vision. We found the usual spot at the back of the helmet was best. Maybe one day a helmet manufacturer will design something that works a little better for storing goggles.
Breathability
What surprised us with the new Proframe RS was how the extra vents and the Integra Split liner made an obvious and marked improvement over the original Proframe. Reading about new improvements is one thing but experiencing it for yourself is another.
Overall, the breathability of the new Proframe RS has gone up by around 10-15%, and this makes a big difference when having to go into XC mode. A little tip; we reduced heat build-up (only when climbing) even more by dialling off the BOA Fit system, which slackened off the cables resulting in less internal surface contact and allowed for more air to circulate. Important: Remember to dial it back on when you’re ready to roll again.
Weighing in at around 820g for a medium, the weight played a big part in our test and there was a noticeable lack of neck aches or fatigue at the end of the day or the following day when the usual aches start to be felt.
But let’s not forget. This is a helmet designed for all-day riding, uphill as well as downhill. It’s not something we would use for a serious downhill race per se, although it is downhill-rated, it is a helmet that you can use for pretty much everything else imaginable.
If you find yourself making a checklist for a helmet you can use for all-day rides, and gnarly downhill trails, and want the protection that a full face offers but with the ventilation and weight that is more akin to an open-face helmet, then these types of helmets are the ones you need to be looking into, and the new Fox Proframe RS should sit very high on that list.
The Integra Split liner doesn’t cover any venting, but only acts as more ways to channel heat out of the helmet.
The Fox Proframe RS was born for pushing up the hills and down them.
In terms of peripheral vision, the Fox Proframe RS is on par with an open-face helmet.
Conclusions
The new Fox Proframe RS is at the pinnacle of what lightweight full-face helmets can be. The original Proframe set a benchmark in safety, weight, and breathability but now the new Proframe RS has gone up several notches to increase that benchmark to an impressive height.
The Fox Proframe RS features the BOA Fit system and the MIPS Integra Split liner as part of its overhaul and improvements in breathability, safety, and fit. This is a helmet that you can comfortably use all day for long hauls, uphill grinds, and then down into those double black diamond descents with confidence and comfort.
Where to Buy / Price
Fox Proframe RS: $549.95
For those of you on the Central Coast, head on into Edge Cycles to see the full range on display.
Available now to buy online or at your local bike shop.
