FOX DROPFRAME PRO HELMET

£269.99 https://foxracing.co.uk

The new Dropframe Pro picks up where the last one left off, still boasting loads of head coverage, but with more features, and a higher price. A polycarbonate shell fully wraps around the dual-density ‘Varizorb’ EPS foam, now almost completely covering the ears, and also extending further around the face to protect the sides of the head and upper jaw. Inside, there’s a MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) liner, designed to help protect the brain from angular blows.

While the original lid relied on removable padding (of the type you’d find inside a DH full-face) for a snug fit, the new one has a retention cradle. This is adjusted using a BOA dial, which is fixed to the rear of the helmet, rather than directly to the cradle. Tightening the dial adds tension to the cradle, which wraps around the entire circumference of the head. Thanks to the impressive fit of the Dropframe Pro, we found we didn’t need all that much tension to keep it firmly in place. If things don’t feel quite right, there are four different cradle positions, allowing you to alter the pitch of the lid. On top of that, Fox supply a set of thick and thin pads (along with a GoPro mount) to ensure it fits as well as it possibly can. A magnetic FidLock clasp helps to fully secure it to your head.

You can now also move the peak between three fixed positions. Doing so takes a bit of force, but that’s no bad thing, because it means it stays put while riding. Shoving it up into the middle or upper position keeps it well out of your eyeline. In the highest position, there’s just enough space to stow goggles underneath the peak.

Our medium lid weighed 654g – 32g more than the similar Giro Tyrant. This weight is well-distributed once on, though. It helps that the padding is just the right side of plush, too. Once moving, we were surprised by how well-ventilated the Dropframe Pro is. There are 19 vents in total, including broad ones across the front of the head and small channels across the brow. These all help to funnel air in and across the top of your bonce, meaning that despite the amount of coverage on offer here, the Dropframe Pro doesn’t feel quite as stuffy as you’d expect. The result is a lid we wore more often and didn’t need to whip off in order to cool down.

It’s not entirely without issue, though, because some glasses we tried it with wouldn’t fit under the lid without getting shunted forward while riding. Designs with shorter arms work better, though, and we’ve had no issues whatsoever with goggles. Rob

A comfortable fit, several useful features and better ventilation than you’d expect from a lid with this much coverage