Fox's Rampage Pro Carbon has proved a popular lid on the DH scene, and Fox has just updated its top-line helmet with a number of new safety features, as well as improved ventilation to keep your head nice and cool.
- Bontrager claim WaveCel helmets represent the biggest innovation in 30 years
- Mountain bike groupsets — all you need to know
Fox says that it took the previous generation Rampage Pro Carbon and integrated some of the 'revolutionary innovation' of its more enduro focussed Proframe helmet, which it claims results in a new standard for comfort, airflow and fit in a gravity orientated helmet — big claims.
Fox Rampage Pro Carbon protective features
Technology to reduce rotational injuries, such as MIPS, is almost ubiquitous in high-end and increasingly mid-level helmets, and so it's no surprise to see something here from Fox.
Fox has worked with a company called Fluid Brain Science to develop the 'Fluid Inside rotational and linear impact management system'. These foam-like discs are placed at strategic points around the helmet and comprise of a pod holding a low shear infused foam.
These pods deform upon impact, whether that be linear or shear (side-on), to dissipate forces that could contribute towards concussion.
The other feature designed to reduce this rotational brain injury risk is the visor. Usually, they're bolted on (though, often with break-away alloy or plastic bolts), but Fox has used magnets instead, dubbed MVRS (Magnetic Visor Release System), so the visor should just pop off in a crash and then be quick and easy to pop back on — snapped bolts stuck in a lid be-gone!
When it comes to more traditional helmet protection, Fox uses a dual density EPS foam. Called 'Varizorb'. This combines two densities of EPS foam arranged with a conical-like interface, which Fox claims spreads forces over a wider area.
The helmet also uses a shell constructed with a carbon composite, which is available in three sizes, while the EPS comes in four sizes to maximise fit options.
The chin bar especially has a lot of ventilation, a clear influence from the Proframe, but the vents are covered by a relatively open-weave mesh, which are there to stop dirt and debris catching your face in a crash.
The chin bar and around the 'eye port' have also had some structural development to better dissipate forces in a crash.
Finally, there's an X-Static liner and cheek pads that are removable and, in our experience, are pretty good when it comes to pong-management.
Fox Rampage Carbon Pro full-face helmet pricing and availability
The Fox Rampage Carbon Pro will be available in four sizes (S-XL), and is available to buy now.
- US $ 500
- € 500
- £ 450
- AUS $700