iXS Trail RS Helmet

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Review by Jessee Maule // Photos by Colt Maule

Speed on two wheels: That has been iXS's core business right from the start, providing functional sportswear and protection created from high-tech materials that you can rely on. The Trail RS Helmet is a contemporary trail helmet which attempts to provide the perfect blend of style and quality in a design that covers a large part of the head. The Trail RS boasts ‘Dual-compound head ring for highest comfort and optimized fit, a dual-inmould, lower 360 degree inmould shell to prevent front damage, Y-clip adjustable strap system, ratchet safety closure, crash release visor, dual-compound dial adjuster, Ergo Fit Ultra, and a fully flexible and adjustable retention system’. Now that's a long list of features to pack into a "simple" trail helmet, and I was curious to figure out what it would all translate to in the real world. Well, I toted this helmet around with me during my travels and was able to put it to good use.

iXS Trail RS Highlights

• Full Inmould coverage for optimized absorption and weight
• Aeration System with 22 large vents and internal air channels
• Adjustable Bolt System MX style visor, optimized
• Flexibility and full visual field
• Crash-Release Visor
• Dual-Compound Dial Adjuster
• Ergo-Fit Ultra, fully flexible and Adjustable Retention System
• Dual-Compound Head Ring for highest comfort and optimized fit
• Dual-Inmould, Lower 360 Degree Inmould Shell to prevent damage
• Y-Clip Adjustable Strap System
• Rachet Safety Closure
• Colors: Black, Blue, Green, Grey, Sand White
• Sizes: SM (54-58cm) ML (58-62cm)
• EN1078 and CPSC certified
• Weight: +/-320g
• MSRP: $119.00

Initial Impressions

When I first laid eyes on the IXS Trail RS Helmet, my initial impressions were that it is a quality, nice looking, stream-lined helmet. The color is vibrant, yet complimenting. The helmet didn’t appear too bulky, and when I picked it up, it felt very light.

Putting the helmet on, I was pleased to find it quite comfortable right off the bat. One thing that impressed me and really stood out is that I didn’t feel stricken with the dreaded bobble head effect, which some lids can do to you in a hurry. The Trail RS fit snugly, yet comfortably, and I was really happy with how the Dual-Compound Dial Adjuster worked to tighten the helmet. I felt this system gave me more control over the fit when adjusting the helmet.

The helmet has a little bit of an oval shape to fit the head versus the rounder circumference of other helmets I have worn. Being of the new school, dare I say Enduro-style, the Trail RS wraps around the head in the back to provide coverage for a larger part of the skull compared to traditional XC-style helmets, which is reassuring for when things get a bit hectic on the trail. Rocking the dreads makes me more prone to pressure points on my head and at times, it can take a moment to adjust a helmet properly to avoid discomfort. I didn’t come across that problem with the iXS Helmet.

The padding is comfortable without being excessive or bulky, and thanks to its absorbent qualities I never had to suffer sweat dripping down on my brow line which can be a hazard of some helmets. The straps hung smoothly and uniformly and didn't require any major adjustment out of the box.

On The Trail

I had the opportunity to test this helmet in mountainous environments as well as in the desert. On every ride, I found the helmet to be breathable and well ventilated. It never caused me to feel overheated, even in sunny, warmer climates. Once I was geared up and riding, the helmet on my head was never a thought or concern. I was never struck with the desire or idea that I needed to take the helmet off my head to give my skull a breather.

If needed, adjusting the helmet on the trail was quick and convenient. The visor offers minimal adjustment and does provide some protection from the sun. For the most part, my sunglasses fit well with this helmet too. From time to time I’d bump my head against low hanging branches in the woodlands or while hugging turns, and the helmet took these blows like a champ. It would be the sound of snagging a branch that would alert me to contact instead of the feeling that I bumped my head on something. Being a rookie tester, I lack the experience of some of my seasoned, die-hard colleagues and this time around I just couldn’t titty up and stuff my head into the ground for a proper crash test rating. With that being said, I do feel this helmet would hold up to such a test and protect my head in the event of a crash.

Things That Could Be Improved

As far as improvements go, I would have preferred to be able to lift the visor up a little bit more due to the fact that once in a while it would catch my eye and distract me for a second [editor's note: this is a common issue on many trail lids and one that manufacturers would do well to take note of]. Other than that, I didn’t discover any major shortcomings with this helmet. The padding on the chin strap is a bit awkward and large for a strap that goes under your chin, but it wasn’t something that was continually uncomfortable. To me it just kinda looked weird. There is always the option to remove the chin strap padding to make it less bulky.

The side of the helmet did come into contact with the arms of certain pairs of sunglasses. With some sunglasses, I can see where this might create an issue with uncomfortable contact pressure; just something to be aware of when searching for a proper helmet/sunglass combo fit. What it boils down to here is a rider’s needs and personal preference.

Long Term Durability

The Trail RS presented no particular signs pointing to any durability concerns during the test. It handled being tossed around in a van for transport, doesn’t appear to scuff easily, and it’s easy to clean off. It presents itself as a quality product that I feel confident would protect my head if the need arose, and it has held up well to life on the trail so far with out showing any signs of early breakdown or wear. I also feel that with continuous use over time, the chinstrap padding will break in and take on a more natural form.

What's The Bottom Line?

The Trail RS left me quite pleased and impressed, especially for a trail lid. I felt adequately protected in case of a crash, it fit properly, and I didn’t think I appeared overly goofy wearing the helmet. I generally prefer black helmets, but I was surprised by the fact that I actually enjoyed the vibrant, blue hue of the Trail RS and found it to be a flattering color. This helmet would be a good choice for riders of varying skill levels. It sports clean looks and is fairly priced for the quality of helmet, while being stylish and providing advanced protection for one of your most important body parts. The helmet is well ventilated and provides adequate airflow to help keep your head from overheating, and you soon forget you're even wearing it.

Visit bike.ixs.com and thegravitycartel.com for more details.

About The Reviewer

Jessee Maule’s mountain biking adventures and exploits began roughly four years ago when she and her husband immersed themselves completely into the world of mountain biking and travel. With a lifestyle that constantly takes her to different mountain biking locations, Jessee enjoys prime opportunities to put her long travel and squishy suspension to good use. Lots of saddle time in ever-changing topography provides her with the opportunity to hone her skills in all kinds of terrain while experiencing how products perform in diverse environments. While she is willing to earn her turns, her smile is grandest on flowing descents, especially if there are jumps, berms and rollers to play on, or maybe a fast, techy section with multiple line choices. To sum it up, mountain biking and traveling for a living gives Jessee the unique opportunity to put her products through the paces in a variety of locations and her gender allows for a fresh, alternative perspective.