It's been a busy year for product launches at Fox Racing, and I received an early look on a few of them when I met up with Fox's US Director of Cycling and EU Product Managers at the Eurobike show earlier this year. We ran through some of the new products on the horizon including its first-ever shoe range with the well received Fox Union MTB shoes, and the more casual Fox Union Canvas shoe.
They also showed me a prototype of the Crossframe Pro along with the prototypes of the new Fox Speedframe RS helmet, and also the Dropframe Pro, but as per normal brand protocol, I was sworn to secrecy on what I could talk about until the various launches. The Crossframe Pro helmet launched a few months ago and now they have followed that up with the launch of an updated Dropframe Pro, which expands the brand's helmet models further and aims the Dropframe Pro to challenge as one of the best enduro helmets on the market.
I've never ridden a helmet like this before, preferring the full-face helmet option when riding demanded it, and I have been regularly riding the Fox Crossframe for trail and gravel riding. So I was interested to check out the Dropframe's features to find out more, see if its a helmet that can deliver on both fronts, and if I'd actually use it...
Max coverage, max ventilation
Fox says the updated Dropframe Pro Helmet is aimed at enduro riding and that they have taken the best parts from its previous version, and added a load of new revolutionary features, which has made its open-faced 3/4 enduro helmet even better.
The Dropframe is designed to give the best protection that a rider can get from an open-faced helmet, with even more coverage around the ears, jaw, and back of the head. Like the Crossframe Pro, cooling and ventilation have been improved with the addition of more and larger ventilation channels, including new big bore front vents, that also have eyewear storage, with the excellently grippy rubberized TPU vents featured on the Crossframe Pro.
Safety first
The Dropframe Pro now receives a MIPS protection system, which is a low-friction liner designed to reduce the rotational forces transferred to the head in the event of a crash. MIPS technology is pretty much a given on most mountain bike helmets these days and is the best mountain bike safety you can get for head protection.
Alongside the newly added protection, the fit is also improved with the addition of a Boa System that they say is the standard for class-leading fit and security. It's also paired with a Fidlock magnetic SNAP helmet buckle, and having used this system on the Crossframe Pro, I can confidently say it should perform equally as well on the Dropframe Pro.
Additional features
The Boa fit as well as keeping the helmet safely fitted also makes on-the-fly micro adjustability on and off the bike super easy, even with mountain bike gloves and it allows for a perfect custom fit. Another performance feature is the Iconic+ liner alongside improved cheek pads which are removable, washable, and anti-microbial. It also helps wick away moisture from the head and works alongside the optimized venting. Elsewhere there is a three-position adjustable visor that is compatible with goggles and a removable under visor GoPro mount is included too.
Having checked out the features of the Dropframe Pro, it certainly ticks all the boxes for anyone who wants the enhanced protection of a full-face with an open-faced vibe. I'm hoping to put these features to the test soon and see if it's a helmet that can deliver the best of both worlds.
Pricing and availability
The Fox Racing Dropframe Pro is available now and is priced at $279.95 / £269.99 / €279.99, and comes sized S, M, and L. There is a wide selection of color choices including Matte Black, Black Camo, Black/White, Lunar Midnight Blue, Olive Green, Orange Flame, Oat and Purple. For more information visit Foxracing.com.
