First Ride: New Fox Proframe RS Full Face Helmet 8

Remember when downhill bikes had a clear advantage on descents over trail and enduro bikes? When trails were simply too rough, gnarly, or rowdy to be deemed enjoyable to ride on a single crown bike? Yeah, we do too. 

What once was a shuttle trail reserved for downhill bikes and pressure suits can now be pedal-accessed on descent-ripping bikes that rival the performance and stability of some downhill bikes. But for some reason, as bikes have progressed and speeds have increased, we still find ourselves perched atop gnarly descents in only a half shell helmet. 

In 2017, Fox Racing was the first helmet manufacturer to take on the lightweight full-face realm with its Proframe model. Most protection companies followed suit, but the segment has yet to gain the mass popularity some might have expected. Being the first in anything comes with risk, and after five years of listening to rider feedback and desires, Fox has returned with the all-new Proframe RS. The most advanced helmet Fox has released to date, the lightweight full-face model continues to target all-mountain and enduro riders but offers significant improvements in safety, breathability, fit and overall aesthetic. 

Highlights

• MIPS Integra Spit protection dual material design with an EPP inner liner and an EPS outer layer
• Integrated micro-adjust BOA Fit System
• Four-position adjustable head cradle
• Three-position adjustable visor
• GoPro mount included
• Includes two cheek pad sizes
• Fidlock magnetic buckle
• Seven colorways
• Sizes: small, medium, large
• 852 grams (size medium)
• MSRP: $359 USD

Overview

The Proframe RS was built around three pillars: safety, fit, and comfort. Designed in conjunction with MIPS, at the core of the Proframe RS is an Industry-first MIPS Integra Split protection system that utilizes two layers of foam separated by a low friction liner. The dual shell design features an EPS outer layer that manages high-speed impacts, while an EPP inner layer mitigates low-speed impacts. The layers are connected with small elastomers, appropriately named woofers, that allow for 10-15mm of movement. In the event of an impact, the two layers can move independently, reducing rotational forces applied to the head. The Proframe RS carries all current full-face helmet safety certifications, including the ASTM F1952 Downhill certification. 

To ensure riders can fine-tune fitment to match different moments in a ride, the Proframe RS features an integrated BOA Fit System. The profound knob sits at the bottom rear of the helmet and is easily adjusted while riding. Tightening the BOA pulls a rear cradle yoke inward while the cable system loops around the front of the helmet, applying pressure just above the temples. The head cradle can be adjusted up or down between four positions, and thicker cheek pads are included. Unlike Fox's Rampage Pro Carbon downhill helmet that uses plastic tabs to hold the cheek pads in place, the new Proframe RS uses three snap buttons that make cheek pad removal and installation painless.   

Breathability and comfort go hand-in-hand when discussing lightweight, pedal-friendly full-face helmets, and the Proframe RS builds on the exceptional performance of its predecessor. Comparing the Proframe with the Proframe RS, the front chin bar maintains the large, open vents that pull air into the rider's face and help exhaust breathing. The front of the helmet has multiple intake vents above the brow, along with additional venting added along the top of the helmet to help vent head heat. Unlike the original Proframe that used a MIPS liner, the new MIPS Integra Split system does not obstruct any vents. The Proframe RS also features a Fidlock magnetic buckle and a removable antimicrobial liner.

One of our favorite changes with the new Proframe RS is the ability to adjust the visor position, unlike the previous Proframe, which featured a fixed visor. Moving the visor between its three set positions requires minimal force, and each position provides an audible noise when locked in place. Placing the visor in the most vertical position allows for goggle storage or GoPro mounting underneath the visor. A removable GoPro mount is included with the helmet.  

Proframe RS Impressions

One of the main complaints we've heard about lightweight full-face helmets is how they don't look as profound, cool, or safe as dedicated downhill helmets. Aesthetics are inherently subjective, but compared to the previous Proframe, the Proframe RS is an improvement and looks damn good. The overall profile is more robust, while the sleek lines and ability to move the visor appropriately high keep the Proframe RS from looking like a beefed-up trail helmet with a chin bar. We've been growing ever-aware of the speed at which we ride our trail bikes these days, and with how rad the new Proframe RS looks, don't be surprised to see more Vital editors testing pedal bikes in a full face. The only thing that might take a little getting used to is the increased weight compared to our trusty trail helmet. At around 850 grams for a size medium, the Proframe RS is within range of most other lightweight full-face helmets in the market.  

Slipping the Proframe RS over our dome for the first time, we were taken back by its massive field of view. We could barely see the edges of the helmet in our peripherals, and the chin bar was long enough to keep us from feeling claustrophobic pedaling without obstructing our view. 

Adjusting fit with the BOA system proved effective, comfortable, and convenient. We tend to fuss with helmet tension more than most and found the Proframe RS provided the easiest mid-ride adjustability of any helmet we've tested. Reaching back to snug up the fit for a quick descent or traverse only took a couple of turns, and with our goggles on and the BOA cranked, the Proframe RS never bobbled or budged on our head. 

Unlike traditional full-face helmets that apply pressure evenly across your whole head while the chinstrap pulls the helmet down and tight, the Proframe RS tightens around the broadest part of your head like a trail helmet. We never experienced any discomfort or pressure points, but it was a noticeable difference that gave the helmet an airy and open feel. We used the stock cheek pads provided, but we commend Fox for including thicker pads. 

Outside of safety, breathability is the most important aspect of a lightweight full-face helmet. If we are going to spend hours in the saddle pedaling in a full face, the added safety has to outweigh any discomfort from increased heat.

We tested the Proframe RS during the tail end of summer in sunny San Diego, California. After pouring what felt like gallons of sweat over our top tube grinding up climbs, we were impressed with how well the helmet managed heat and active airflow. Compared to Fox's Speedframe trail helmet we typically wear, the Proframe RS was warmer. However, it was an amount that was bearable and manageable. Once we began sweating and were warmed up, the helmet controlled our body heat and kept us from overheating. 

Looking at the inside of the helmet reveals that Proframe RS contacts your head at only a few more points than a typical trail helmet. The most contact is at the top of the helmet, while the sides around your face and the back of your head receive considerably more airflow than a typical full-face helmet. Loosening the BOA system on climbs did wonders for increasing airflow at slow speeds, and a quick rest before dropping into trails was usually all we needed to cool down. 

Thankfully, we never hit the ground while testing the Proframe RS and don't have any in-the-field reports on how the Integra Split protection design performs. But we are fans of two-layer shell designs and their safety benefits. While wearing the helmet, the two rotating layers were not noticeable, and we never heard any noises from the elastomers or low friction liner. 

The final detail we enjoyed on the Proframe RS was the quick adjust visor. We see most riders using the middle setting for general riding, which places the visor almost entirely out of view. Moving the visor down was great for sunset rides, while the most vertical position easily fit a GoPro mounted underneath. Each position provided a solid engagement, making it easy to adjust the visor while riding.

Things That Could Be Improved

Our list of improvements is short with the Proframe RS, but we did struggle to attach the Fidlock buckle on the go. The straps exit the side of the helmet and loop through the back of the cheek pads, causing the strap to twist and the Fidlock buckle to not line up. We usually unbuckle our helmet climbing and have grown accustomed to slipping Fidlock buckles together without stopping. Stopping and finagling with the straps wasn't a huge deal, but it did kill our flow at times.

We refuse to ride in a full-face helmet with glasses (and you should, too), so goggle storage during climbs is essential. Fox says the highest visor position was designed to accommodate goggles underneath, but during testing, it was not a flawless fit. Our goggles hung down over the helmet's brow, blocking our field of view during climbs. Having the lens across the front of the helmet also hindered airflow through the forehead vents. We resorted to storing goggles backward, with the strap underneath the visor, which provided a better fit and less obstructed vents. 

What's The Bottom Line?

As the brand that conceptualized the lightweight helmet segment, Fox has reinstated itself at the front of the group with the Proframe RS. For riders who spend hours in the saddle accessing gnarly, rowdy trails and want the added peace of mind a full-face helmet provides, the Proframe RS offers exceptional heat management, comfort, and class-leading safety. With an unmatched field of view and a race-inspired look that's on par with standard full-face helmets, we hope the Proframe RS nudges more riders to toss on a full face and continue pushing their abilities on the descents. 

For more information, please visit foxracing.com

Photos by Luca Cometti

Jason Schroeder - Age: 27 // Years Riding MTB: 16 // Height: 6-feet (182cm) // Weight: 175-pounds (79.3kg)

A once-upon-a-time World Cup downhill racer turned desk jockey, Jason has spent years within the bicycle industry from both sides of the tape. A fan of all day adventures in the saddle or flowing around a bowl at the skatepark, he doesn't discriminate from any form of two wheeled riding. A SoCal native who doesn't spend too much time in any single place, you can find Jason camped out in his van most weekends somewhere on the West Coast.