First Look: iXS Xult Full Face Helmet

The arrival of the all-conquering, all-capable modern trail bike and the subsequent rise of the enduro racing discipline have led to an increased need for light-weight, breathable yet fully protective safety gear. Nowhere is this more obvious than when it comes to the helmet. Going out for "quick rip with the buddies" is all well and good, but when the truth is that your 6-inch bike is every bit as capable as your DH rig from a couple of years ago, and the "XC" trails you point it down look more like something from Downhill Domination, a half-shell just does not always seem like the smart choice. But who wants to rock a traditional full face helmet for a loop that involves climbing as well as the fun stuff?

That's where the new iXS Xult comes in. Developed specifically for the needs of enduro racing, what iXS terms the "cross-over full face" looks like it should suit anybody who earns their turns on a regular basis. Lightweight and with extra emphasis on breathability, it attempts to offer the perfect balance between protection and all-day portability. Check in with Cedric Gracia who was instrumental in its development, then read on to dig into the pics, specs, and info.

From iXS:

A cross over full face - developed and designed to race and compete with. It’s featured VORTEX(TM) molded aeration system provides consistent airflow and therefore crosses over towards the enduro type of riding. The FRP(TM) (fiber reinforced polymer) shell increases strength by reducing overall weight. It minimizes the overall shell volume to reduce rotational force and prevent from severe concussion and to keep you safe at all times. The rail based design and reinforced form increases structural integrity where additional strength is needed. Xmatter(TM) inserts at major impact zones absorb more force than traditional EPS alone and increase durability as well as rotational impact absorption. An ergonomic padding system ensures comfort without inhibiting the VORTEX air flow. High-Tech antibacterial Coolmax material wicks moisture away from skin to keep you dry and comfortable. Ergonomically shaped cheek pads with optional sizes ensure a perfect fit. The EPR(TM) - emergency release pad system allow for easy removability in the event of an emergency.

The Xult helmet series weighs +/- 1100 grams and meets the European EN1078 and American C.P.S.C standards. It comes in 3 sizes (S-M 53-56cm, M-L 57-59cm, L-XL 60-62cm) and will be available worldwide as of July 2015. In the US, the Xult will be sold through The Gravity Cartel, US sales and support office of iXS Sports Division and Spank Industries.

MSRP: USD $349, EUR 349.00, UK GBP 249.99.

Xult - the perfect cross over full face solution!

Cedric Gracia

"The concept and the idea of a 'cross over full face' has been developed in close cooperation with Cedric Gracia. As a professional Enduro contestant, the most important to Cedric is his safety and to be properly protected. He would never compete without his full face helmet on. Only with a full face he can be confident of getting up again healthy and alright after the event of a heavy crash. Traditional full face helmets have a negative side, its traditional design tend to overheat and seem to be heavy and bulky. The intense movement of riding a bike causes a lot of moisture loss and sweating. As a cooperation with Cedric we have developed a full face helmet which by its Vortex molded aeration system and the integrated Xrail(TM) absorption unit as well as with its FRP(TM) fiber reinforced structure, essentially improves comfort and safety" - R.P. -iXS industrial designer

Photo by Ale di Lullo / iXS

If there’s one person in the world of mountain biking who can call himself a superstar, then it’s Cedric Gracia. Gracia is French but lives in Andorra. “Vallnord bike park is may backyard”, he is laughing. Primarily and in the last couple of years, Cedric is focusing on Enduro discipline.

The man has become world famous, not only for his numerous wins in competition, but also for his parts in the film series New World Disorder and Chain Reaction and his stylish and often cheeky attitude.

He once said something that describes his attitude perfectly, “This is a go-or-no sport. You have to stay the course once you start; any faltering and you end up in hospital.” His antics often divide opinions. About himself Cedric always repeats: “Success is not my first goal. What I’m doing and to have fun doing it and then share it with friends and fans around the world - that is my success, that’s my passion!”

The FRP (fiber reinforced polymer) shell increases strength by reducing overall weight. A rail based design and reinforced form increases structural integrity where additional strength is needed. This concept allows to minimize the overall shell volume to reduce rotational force to prevent from severe concussion and keeps you safe at all times. A generous degree of adjustment allows for optimized visor position and angle to ensure a large visual field. The large grid structured mouth guard protects against impact and projectile while providing optimal air flow ensuring enough space for breathing.

Xmatter inserts at major impact zones absorb more force than traditional EPS alone and increase durability allowing for continual compliance with safety standards. Torsional impact absorption Cradle. Integrated Mouth Guard.

Over 20 vents in total make the Xult one of the most well-vented conventional full face helmets on market. 4 large intake vents force cool air into the VORTEX molded channel system while 11 exhaust vents ensure an exit for warm air. The Xult features anti-fogging goggle vents to prevent from fogging up lenses as well as reinforced stainless mesh covers that protect against projectiles. An ergonomic padding system ensures comfort without inhibiting the VORTEX air flow. High-Tech antibacterial Coolmax material wicks moisture away from skin to keep you dry and comfortable. Ergonomically shaped cheek pads with optional sizes ensure a perfect fit.