MAINFRAME HELMET
When Fox debuted the Speedframe it was seen as the best thing since sliced bread. Riders loved the fit, the protection, the style and the airflow. Fast forward to late 2021 and the latest offering from Fox is the Mainframe, This value-packed lid brings some high end trail helmet features to a broader audience. For $139.99, you get a fast-looking, MIPS equipped trail helmet, something that would have been nearly unheard of even a few of years ago.
So let’s check it out. The Mainframe features include extended coverage in the rear and around the temples, a MIPS slip liner, moisture wicking helmet pads, a dial retention system with height adjustment and solid ventilation with a healthy count of 13 vents. The aesthetic is very much in line with most trail helmets, with a wide visor for eye protection and shade.
Unlike the Speedframe, the Mainframe’s visor is fixed, and it does feature some exposed EPS foam around the rear, raising questions about the longer term durability of that section, especially when thrown into the ute or car on the way to the trails. It’s also no lightweight at 390g, which is understandable at this price point. Still, it’s about on par with other trail helmets.
The Mainframe is available in five colours, and also in a youth model in three colours, so you can dress the family in matching kit! I had a small on test, and it fitted just like every other small helmet I own.
ON THE TRAIL
On the trail I had no qualms with the Mainframe, in fact, I forgot I was wearing it at all which is probably a good testimonial. The 13 vents were adequate in the sticky Queensland shoulder season, and the dial retention was easy to use with one gloved hand on the fly. I quite liked the matte Slate Blue colour, it is understated but classy. With four other colours available, you’d be hard-pressed to not be happy with the options.
For those who rock a pony tail, you will definitely have to adjust it down lower. Unlike some other brands' offerings that facilitate long hair a bit better, the Fox Mainframe’s retention system does occlude where most pony tails sit. It’s easy to pop the retention system cradle out to afix it lower down (or higher up) to get the right fit for your head shape – although this doesn’t really help create any more room for a pony tail, it’s more about a secure fit.
Having the MIPS slip liner is a real bonus, especially as it’s in the youth sizing as well. The slip liner helps reduce the rotational force when you hit the ground, reducing the overall impact to your brain by a small amount. Even if your helmet has a MIPS liner, it’s still best if you don’t slam it into rocks, trees, or the ground.
The fixed visor did make me wonder if I’d ever want to lower it or raise it. I didn’t ever feel the need to change it’s position, and fixed visors seem to be more prevalent on new helmets being released, so maybe the helmet designers know more than we do!
There’s not a lot to dislike about the Fox Mainframe helmet. The pricing is sharp, the style is there, the venting works and the fit has been really good. Like any helmet, you really need to buy these in a shop, so you can try it on and get the size and the fit right.