Is the Fox Racing Proframe Enduro Fullface Helmet a classic on the trail? Or is it already outdated... does it belong more 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. Still, it has a few model years under its belt, so the question is: Is the purchase of this flagship helmet, which costs 260 euros, still worth it?
The Fox Racing Proframe Fullface Helmet: The A&O
With an Enduro Full Face Helmet, there are two important features that determine quality: A as in Weight & O as in Ventilation. How does the Fox helmet measure up in these areas? Both aspects have been thoroughly considered according to Fox:
- The Proframe weighs just 750 grams in size M. Hardly surprising, as it largely consists of air holes.
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The Fox Proframe features 24 large openings, Fox calls this concept “Big Bore Airflow.” The ventilation openings are arranged to create a cooling airflow. Air enters the helmet through the front openings and can exit through the openings at the back of the head.
Additional 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 rotational forces are distributed upon impact with the ground, 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 (Juvenile) |
various sizes from 48-52 cm |
Fox provides various pads with the helmet, allowing the helmet to be individually adjusted to your head and face shape.
The Test: The Fox Proframe on the Trail
A fullface helmet with such a low combat weight and 24 ventilation holes - we were indeed very curious about how the Proframe would feel and, above all, perform.
An important point of contention arises even before the start! Is the helmet easy to put on, or does it almost rip your ears off? Fortunately, the integral helmet is easy to pull over the head and offers plenty of 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, with the supplied additional pads, the fit could be quickly and easily adjusted. Overall, you have 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 light material that 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 it also ensures the extremely good ventilation of the helmet. Wind can actually be felt up to the back of the head, so even hot rides can be managed with a cool head.
Breathing Freely Under the Fox Racing Proframe
Can it get any better than fresh wind around the head? Actually, yes… much more exciting than the head ventilation, we find the openly designed chin bar. Anyone who has spent a day in the bike park breathing the stale air from a full-face helmet knows what we are talking about. Here, the Fox development team has done an excellent job and devised a construction that makes breathing easier! We have already ridden different helmets, and you can believe us: The fresh air supply is truly sensational in this model. The enormously large, central ventilation hole in the chin bar ensures that breathing is just as possible even under high exertion as if the helmet were "only" a half-shell. This aspect is particularly important for all intensive MTB disciplines where you like to run 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 perfect performance in terms of breathing and ventilation.
The green MIPS system inside the Fox Proframe is easy to recognize.
How Will You Get Rid of the Proframe Again?
Putting it on works without any problems, you've already read that. But will you get rid of the Proframe just as easily? Taking it off can be a bit tricky with full-face MTB helmets. With this model, removing it 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 opened. 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. A serious fall on the head was simply spared us. The fact is, however, that the system has been on the market for years. Here, two layers of the helmet are not glued, but fitted into each other in a mobile way. 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 disturb, doesn't make the helmet heavier, or is noticeable in any other way. But in case of an emergency, it's good if it's there.
Fox Proframe – what do you see?
The field of vision of the Fox Proframe is also enormously generous . It has to be, because most riders use such a helmet with goggles. In the test, we tried various models from O’Neal & 100% and there were no space issues with any of them. The goggles lay completely on the face and there was no pressure felt 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
Anyone looking for a very well-ventilated and lightweight enduro full-face helmet 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 lives up to its name – it is a safe frame (English: frame) around cleverly placed ventilation openings. The MIPS system provides an extra portion of safety, and so the 260 Euro RRP is absolutely justified, making the helmet thoroughly recommendable.
Title image: Design Innovation Award
