Is the Fox Racing Proframe Enduro Fullface Helmet a classic on the trail? Or is it already outdated... does it belong to the old guard among MTB helmets?
We tested it and to get straight to the point: The Fox Proframe is, despite full protection, one of the lightest and most breathable helmets Fox has ever developed. Nevertheless, it has a few model years under its belt, hence the question: Is the purchase of the flagship helmet, which costs 260 euros, still worthwhile?
The Fox Racing Proframe Fullface Helmet: The A&O
With an Enduro Full Face Helmet, there are two important features that determine quality: A for Weight & O for Ventilation. How does the Fox key fare in this regard? According to Fox, both aspects have been consistently thought through:
- The Proframe weighs just 750 grams in size M. Hardly surprising, as it consists largely of air holes.
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There are 24 large openings distributed over the Fox Proframe, Fox calls this concept “Big Bore Airflow”. The ventilation openings are arranged in such a way that they create a cooling airflow. The air enters the helmet through the front openings and can flow out again through the openings at the back of the head.
Other features of the Fox Racing Proframe Enduro Helmet:
- Safety is also taken care of: The EPS shell is firmly connected to the outer shell using an in-mold process.
- Of course: Fox has integrated the mega-safe MIPS system. It ensures that the rotational forces are distributed upon impact on the ground, thus reducing the risk of injury.
- Furthermore, Fox does not rely on a double-D closure for the Proframe, but on the one-handed Fidlock system with integrated magnets.
The FOX Racing Fullface Helmet is available in these sizes:
You can buy the helmet in four different sizes (S-L for women and men, special sizes for youth) and various designs at an RRP of 260 euros.
|
Size |
Head circumference in cm |
|
S |
51-55 cm |
|
M |
55-59 cm |
|
L |
59-63 cm |
|
Youth |
various sizes from 48-52 cm |
Fox delivers various pads with the helmet, allowing the helmet to be individually adjusted to your head or face shape.
The Test: The Fox Proframe on the Trail
A fullface helmet with such a low fighting weight and 24 ventilation holes - we were indeed very curious to see how the Proframe would wear and, above all, ride.
An important sticking point comes even before the start! Does the helmet go on easily or does it almost tear your ears off? Fortunately: The integral helmet can be easily pulled over the head and offers enough space for head, face, hairstyle, and piercings.
The Fit
The usual size of our test rider (size L) was a bit too loose, or the pressure on the cheeks was not sufficient to stabilize it. However, the fit could be quickly and easily adjusted with the included additional pads. Overall, you get the feeling that the helmet floats on the head and only rests on a few points. And thanks to the pads, it is pleasantly soft and light – no comparison to a downhill full-face helmet with an almost closed helmet shell. The reason for the comfort and the quite pleasant weight is the lightweight material, which is grouped around 24 ventilation openings.
Fresh Air for the Head Despite Full-Face Helmet
We didn't measure it, but the Fox Racing Proframe seems to consist of more holes than material. This not only makes it light, but also ensures the extremely good ventilation of the helmet. Wind can actually be felt up to the back of the head, making it possible to handle hot rides with a cool head.
Breathing Freely Under the Fox Racing Proframe
Can it get better than fresh wind around the head? Actually, yes… much more exciting than the head ventilation, we find the open design of the chin bar. Anyone who has spent a day at the bike park breathing the stale air from a full-face helmet knows what we're talking about. Here, the Fox development team has done a great job and devised a construction that makes breathing easier! We have already ridden different helmets, and you can believe us: The fresh air supply in this model is truly sensational. The enormously large, central ventilation hole in the chin bar ensures that breathing is possible even under high exertion, as if the helmet were “only” a half-shell. This aspect is particularly important for all intense MTB disciplines where you tend to get out of breath. So… Enduro riders or XC racers, take note! Here is the helmet where you can simply forget that it's there, as it delivers a perfect performance in terms of breathing and ventilation.
The green MIPS system inside the Fox Proframe is clearly visible.
How Will You Get Rid of the Proframe Again?
Putting it on works without any problems, as you have already read. But will you be able to get rid of the Proframe just as easily? Taking it off can be a bit tricky with full-face MTB helmets. With this model, taking it off is simple, uncomplicated, and easy with one hand thanks to the Fidlock system. The two magnetic closure parts are pushed apart with thumb and forefinger, and the closure is already open. When closing the closure, the integrated magnets help to position both parts directly in place, so they almost snap into place by themselves.
What Can the MIPS in the Proframe Helmet Do?
Here we only have theoretical considerations for you, because we (fortunately) did not have to test the MIPS system. We were simply spared a serious fall on the head. The fact is, however, that the system has been on the market for years. Here, two layers of the helmet are not glued together but are fitted into each other in a mobile manner. This allows them to shift against each other in the event of an impact and distribute the force of the impact over a larger area. It has been extensively tested, awarded multiple times, and MIPS has proven that it can prevent serious injuries . When you wear an MTB helmet, you don't notice this feature, it doesn't bother you, doesn't make the helmet heavier, or is noticeable in any other way. But in case of an emergency, it's good to have it.
Fox Proframe – what do you see?
The field of vision of the Fox Proframe is also extremely generous . It has to be, because most riders wear goggles with such a helmet. In the test, we tried different models from O'Neal & 100% and there were no space problems with any of them. The goggles sat completely on the face and there was no pressure on the nose wings.
Wherever you look, the Fox Racing Proframe has large ventilation openings everywhere.
Is there any criticism of the Fox Proframe?
The only small drawback for us is the non-adjustable visor. Depending on the position of the sun, some mountain bikers would like to change the position of the sun shield, but unfortunately, this is not possible here.
The Fox Racing Proframe – Conclusion
If you are looking for a very well-ventilated and lightweight enduro full-face helmet , you will love the Fox Proframe. The fit is excellent and the technical features have completely convinced us. Especially the ventilation is a real plus – even under the hottest conditions, you always keep a cool head with the 24 ventilation openings. The Proframe simply lives up to its name – it is a secure frame (English: frame) around cleverly placed ventilation openings. The MIPS system provides an extra portion of safety, and thus the 260 Euro RRP is absolutely justified and the helmet is thoroughly recommendable.
Title image: Design Innovation Award
