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So I've had the original fox proframe since it was launched about 5 years ago. Its been a great helmet but its a bit worn and tired so looking for a replacement.
I tend to use it for uplift days and also occasionally on days out on enduro bike where the trails are a bit steep and sketchy, so it will be used for climbing sometimes.
I'm wondering what would be better, another lightweight full face such as the new proframe RS or one of the new generation of DH helmets that have tons of ventilation such as the 100% aircraft 2?
Not had any major issues with the proframe but the fit wasn't the best and have heard reports of the chinbars being quite flimsy on these, which is why I'm thinking of a more DH oriented helmet.
Not had any major issues with the proframe but the fit wasn’t the best and have heard reports of the chinbars being quite flimsy on these,
The RS looks to have fixed the chin bar issue, but if the fit wasn’t good you might as well look elsewhere
i`ve got the endura MT500 which is light, breathable and supposedly offers decent level of protection.
could be an option if it fits ok?
very head shaped subjective, but I've gone from a pro-frame to an Endura MT500.
I went through this decision recently and ended up with a 7idp Project 23. I chose it because it is significantly more ventilated than a "full" DH lid but also built significantly more substantially than a very lightweight enduro style helmet. My thinking is that if I want a full face for a ride, I want it to be proper one - I think Joe Smith wore one to 2nd place in Hardline this year so that's a good endorsement for its durability!
I'm really happy with it for my use which is days when I'll be pedalling very little but maybe still a bit (uplifts, the very occasional race). I took it for a local ride with plenty of climbing as a shakedown and found it to be too hot for that, but at Bike Park Wales this weekend it was perfect.
They sell three versions, one fancy carbon (mid weight, all the features), one glass fibre (heavier, all the features) and one more basic ABS (lightest, lacking some features). I went with the ABS for lightness and cheapness and got lucky buying the last one Wiggle had in stock for £65.
The next options on my shortlist if the 7idp hadn't fit well were the Smith Mainline, POC Otocon and IXS Trigger in that order.
The next options on my shortlist if the 7idp hadn’t fit well were the Smith Mainline, POC Otocon and IXS Trigger in that order.
Interesting, a few options there I hadn't considered, will have a look at these.
Endura MT500.
A few of my riding buddies use these and whilst they look good, they've had quality issues with theirs which has put me off considering one.
The RS looks to have fixed the chin bar issue, but if the fit wasn’t good you might as well look elsewhere
RS has a ratchet adjuster now, whereas the original proframe used foam so I think the fit will be better.
My issue with the proframe RS is the price, £300! Can get carbon dh helmets for less than that so struggling to see the value (I know price shouldn't come into it when talking about safety critical equipment, but...)
MET Parachute (non-removable chin bar version) is the answer you seek 😉
Depends how much climbing you intend to do wearing it.
I absolutely roast when I'm climbing, so like a lightweight well vented FF when on holidays in the mountains.
I have a Kali Invader which I like a lot, but the IXS Trigger FF is also great.
The next options on my shortlist if the 7idp hadn’t fit well were the Smith Mainline, POC Otocon and IXS Trigger in that order.
That's quite a different budget scale compared to the abs 7idp lid.
Mrs Hoppy got the Specialized Gambit, seems to be light, has a ratchet to get the fit and reasonably well vented. I'll be trying one of those when I replace my pro frame.
Merlin has the Troy Lee stage for £130 if that's any use to you soon
The next options on my shortlist if the 7idp hadn’t fit well were the Smith Mainline, POC Otocon and IXS Trigger in that order.
That’s quite a different budget scale compared to the abs 7idp lid.
Yes that's true, fit and function were my first criteria I just got lucky that the one I liked best was nice and cheap.
I had this debate earlier in the year and ended up with a cheap 7idp Project 23 ABS. Worn it a couple of times and no complaints but i do stick it on the pack for climbing but to be fair it was 30degC...
Merlin has the Troy Lee stage for £130
Or at the more DH less ventilation end of the scale they have D4 composites for £190
Merlin has the Troy Lee stage for £130 if that’s any use to you soon
Thats a cracking deal, but a shame they don't fit me that well, tried one and just wasn't a good fit for me.
I bought an IXS Trigger FF earlier in the year. Worn it for a few uplift days and a few pedal up days. So much lighter and ‘airier’ than my 7idp full face helmet (just a budget one).
It has an adjustable cradle in it and you forget it’s full face when wearing it.
CRC had the mips version going cheap recently too I think.
Second the IXS trigger, 4 of our group have them now, can't fault them especially at the CRC sale price. I'm on an ebike but wear mine all the time now, so light and well ventilated seems stupid not to (other than looking like a dork but as a speccy, grey haired 48 year old with the ebike I'm most of the way there already)
I really like my TLD Stage, it's surprisingly well vented (considering that TLD usually suck at this), a good weight, very comfy, and wasn't even expensive. Definitely less protective than some, considering how many holes it has in it but I'm happy to wear it for anything.
I just got an Urge Gringo, removable chin bar. Full price is only £120. Seems comfy so far, fits my egg head really well with a ratchet system.
The main plus point for me is Urge's eco stance, it's made of sea plastics etc apparently.
I recently bought a Bluegrass Legit Carbon from sigma sports. Was a bargain price and I absolutely love it. Feels way better than my fox proframe. Defo recommend.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/7-idp-project-23-abs-full-face-helmet-2020/rp-prod194197
£66 Graphite/black full size run
I bought an IXS trigger FF Mips from CRC on sale earlier this year. Much lighter and airier than the Bell Transfer I've had for the last few years. Has a nice grippy bit to help retain goggle straps on the back.
It's definitely warmer than an open face but I think I'll be fine wearing it for long days if I manage to get into some races next year.