Fox Racing Introduces the Speedframe Helmet

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We've had plenty of helmet news from Fox over the past couple of years, but it felt a bit like something was missing to really tie the line-up together. Following in the footsteps of the Proframe and the Dropframe, today Fox unveiled the Speedframe - an all-new half-shell helmet aimed at the aggressive trail riding crowd. Taking design cues from both the Proframe and the Dropframe, the new helmet looks to shake things up in this important sector of the helmet market.

Featuring a 360-degree adjustable retention system, MIPS, adjustable and goggle-compatible visor as well as a number of large vents, the regular version of the Speedframe will hit the shelves at $109.95 USD. Splashing out another $50 gets you the Pro version, which gains a "Varizorb" dual density EPS liner, an XT2 comfort liner and a Fidlock strap buckle. Our test sample is due to arrive any day now, but while you wait for us to get our hands on it and deliver our own impressions, here is an exclusive Q&A we carried out with Fox to dig a little deeper into this project:

Proframe, Dropframe and now Speedframe – there is clearly a big market in lightweight, breathable helmets for aggressive trail riding/enduro. Fox has obviously taken the approach of producing one specific helmet type for each specific use case in this category (full face, halfshell with extended side protection, and classic halfshell), as opposed to any kind of convertible design. What was the drive and the reasoning behind creating this broad family of lightweight head protection?
We started with a very focused goal for Proframe: If you design a full face helmet breathable enough for a wide variety of rides, the complexity of a removable chinbar becomes unnecessary. This was validated by quite a few competitors in the seasons that followed. Since then we’ve adopted that approach across our full family of helmets. Each helmet in our line is purpose built for the rider to experience the best possible ride. Speedframe, like Dropframe, has a clear DNA that links back to Proframe, but in a traditional open-face silhouette. - John Pepper, MTB Product Line Manager

What were the specific design goals for the new Speedframe helmet?
Aesthetics are such an integral part of any Fox product and the Speedframe is no different in that regard. We really looked to move the needle forward in our surface construction and shell graphic solutions - elements we felt would be the foundation to the helmet’s design longevity. You will definitely see a family resemblance when comparing Speedframe to other helmets in our line, and this is absolutely by design. We wanted to create a connective thread that tied Speedframe to the rest of our helmet family while giving it the breathing room it needed for an identity all its own. - Luis Cosio, Director of Hardgoods Design

Was there something in particular that Fox found lacking in the current halfshells (Metah and Flux)?
We’ve learned from every helmet we’ve ever created, and the feedback we received from consumers about Metah and Flux helped us refine the fit, coverage, and breathability profile in our design of Speedframe. We combined the aggressive styling of Metah with the unmatched fit and breathability of Flux, improved visor adjustability, and added goggle compatibility to truly make this our best aggressive trail helmet to date. - John Pepper, MTB Product Line Manager

We’ve seen a few different options for rotational force management pop up on the market recently, not least your own “Fluid Inside” tech as featured on the Rampage Pro Carbon, but you went with “classic” MIPS for the new Speedframe. Why was that?
After MIPS acquired the company that created Fluid last year, we met with their engineering team to identify which specific technology application was best for each of the helmets in our line. In the case of our new Speedframe, the MIPS “classic” inner shell proved to be the best performing technology solution. - Scott Betty, SVP Product

Are there quantifiable differences between the “Varizorb” multi-density EPS liner in the Pro version and the regular EPS found in the regular version? Anything you can reveal from your own testing here?
We’re very confident with how Varizorb performs relative to standard EPS, but are not in position to share testing reports as they are proprietary in nature and part of our secret sauce. - Scott Betty, SVP Product

Your overall MTB catalog has grown impressively over the past few seasons. One can only assume this points to a healthy and growing market, is that your view as well? Any other parting thoughts?
MTB participation is up across the globe and we’re stoked to be a part of such an energetic moment in time within the sport. As MTB continues to grow, Fox is always looking both inwardly and externally to continue to address the needs of a sport that is becoming more diverse and inclusive every season. - John Pepper, MTB Product Line Manager

Fox Speedframe Pro Highlights

Proven MIPS™ impact protection system reduces rotational forces in a crash
Varizorb™ Dual-density EPS
Fidlock® SNAP helmet buckle provides quick and secure entry and exit while wearing gloves
Removable, washable XT2® liner is antimicrobial and manages odor while wicking moisture away from the head
Optimized venting with channeled, in-molded EPS provides efficient cooling
Goggle compatible, 3-position adjustable visor
360 Fit System allows you to dial in your perfect fit every ride
Sizes: S/M/L
MSRP: $159.95 USD