Fox Proframe RS full-face helmet review

When Fox released the Proframe in 2017, it was one of the first lightweight full-face helmets on the market.

Aimed squarely at the burgeoning enduro helmets market, it sought to bring DH levels of protection to riders wearing the helmet while pedalling all day.

In essence, that intention hasn’t changed since we reviewed the original Proframe, although Fox has made several improvements to the helmet's design.

However, it's expensive and there are some issues with sizing.

Fox Proframe RS details and specifications

The updated Proframe RS boasts a range of aspirational technologies from third-party suppliers.

Fidlock’s magnetic buckle fastens the chin strap, while retention adjustment tightens with Boa’s ratcheted pulley system.

MIPS is present in the Proframe, but not between the shell and the retention system.

MIPS Integra sits between two parts of the shell, still intended to offer the same protection from rotational forces in the event of a crash, but also enabling different shell materials to be used to better dissipate other forces during an impact.

In theory, it also allows a more secure fit because the helmet’s pads are no longer effectively floating. However, this is not the same Spherical system Giro uses in helmets such as its Insurgent full-face lid.

An action camera mount is included and fits under the three-position visor – a welcome update from the fixed visor on the previous model. The adjustable retention system is new for this helmet too, with a healthy five mounting positions to really enable the fit to be fine-tuned.

Also supplied is a second set of cheek pads and a cloth bag for storage.

The Proframe RS is available in three sizes and seven colourways, all of which are heavily and reassuringly motocross-inspired. The styling of the helmet also draws on Fox’s MX roots with its large, angular chin bar and pronounced and functional goggle-strap channel.

Where mountain bike helmet influence comes in is the 23 large, well-placed vents, none of which can be fouled by that goggle strap.

Fox Proframe RS performance

The changeable weather South Wales has been experiencing throughout autumn and winter 2023 has offered a great chance to test kit in a variety of conditions. The Proframe has been ridden under cloudless skies with warmer than average temperatures and in heavy rain at single digits.

When putting on the Proframe RS, I found I had to hold the retention cradle in place, otherwise it would fold up and drag hair across my face.

While it's possible to put the lid on relatively easily, holding the cradle in place is an unfamiliar action for frequent wearers of full-face helmets.

The sizing is not quite as I'd expect, either.

Although the medium helmet I tested is marked as having a size range from 55 to 59cm, the Proframe was looser than ideal on my head, which measures 56cm, even when the retention cradle was tightened up.

Switching to the thicker cheek pads and wearing a pair of mountain bike goggles helped a little, but even without big sends it still crept down to an uncomfortable position over the course of a single run.

In comparison, Fox’s own Rampage Pro Carbon, in the same size, held my head securely enough to highlight the disparity.

It couldn’t be a more different story on the climbs either. With no high-speed trail feedback, the lid remained put, and I enjoyed the glorious ventilation. It’s also light enough at 846g to remain sufficiently comfortable to keep on all day.

How does the Fox Proframe RS compare to the Kali Protectives Invader?

While Kali’s Invader full-face trail helmet offers impressive ventilation and weighs a spritely 647g, it isn’t downhill-racing certified like the Proframe RS. The Proframe, while nearly a third heavier at 846g, still isn’t close to being bulky and has that higher level of accreditation.

The other notable comparison is ventilation. Where the Kali has a huge number of vents, airflow is impeded when goggle straps cover several of them. Although the Proframe has fewer vents, because the goggle strap doesn’t obscure any of them, it almost matches the Kali for cooling.

At £169.99, the Invader is just over half the price of the Proframe RS, but the additional safety rating of the Fox is likely to sway the majority of riders looking at this style of helmet.

Fox Proframe RS bottom line

A solid, well-specced enduro lid, the Proframe RS has addressed many of the criticisms of its predecessor. It’s feature-rich and comfortable to wear, and the downhill protection rating is a real draw.

However, it's costly and trying one on for size before you purchase is a must to ensure you get the right fit.