Fox’s uber-popular, lightweight full face helmet, the Proframe, has just received a ground-up rebuild. Originally released in 2017, the Proframe was one of the first lightweight full face helmets available in Australia and was targeted at the Enduro and All Mountain crowd.
This launch follows on from the Proframe RS — the RS meaning race-spec — launched earlier this year, which included an updated dual shell MIPS Integra rotational impact protection system, Fidlock magnetic buckle and BOA-based fit system. The Proframe RS improved on the original Proframe’s ventilation by increasing the size and location of the vents.
The newly released 2023 Proframe is based on the Proframe RS, with the two helmets looking almost identical from the outside. Where they differ is in the finer details under the shell. The new Proframe uses a traditional buckle to secure the helmet, and it doesn’t get the BOA ratcheted pulley system. Instead, you get two different-sized sets of pads to tailor the fit. Like the RS, the three-position adjustable visor has a GoPro mount on the underside, so you don’t miss the shot.
The helmet also meets the ASTM-F1952 Downhill MTB certification standard with the Mips Evolve Core system. It’s also available in youth sizes for select colourways.
On the trail
The new Proframe comes in a bit lighter than the RS version, with our medium sample lid tipping the scales at 760g compared to 821g for the Proframe RS in the same size. Once on, the helmet feels light, and ventilation is stellar. When you get up to speed, you can really feel the air moving through the vents.
I’ve been testing the helmet in SEQ, and with some abnormally high Winter temperatures the helmet has been surprisingly cool to wear. It has a snug but not smothering fit, with Fox saying it has decreased the surface contact area to help increase cooling. I played around with a few pad configurations and settled on the standard (smaller) cheek pads and the larger neck roll for my 57.5cm head.
Minor differences aside, there really isn’t much between the two Proframes. I’ve been using the Proframe RS for about six months and hardly noticed any differences once the new Proframe was on. It’s marginally lighter and just as comfortable, providing you can find the right fit with the two sets of pads provided. While the BOA ratcheted pulley system and Fidlock magnetic buckle are nice upgrades, not having them isn’t a deal breaker. Especially when the 2023 Proframe comes in $100 cheaper than the Proframe RS.
Which Proframe is right for you?
The main consideration for choosing between the two is your ability to get the right fit with the pads in the Proframe and the two different Mips systems. The RS gets the premium Integra system, while the standard Proframe gets the Evolve Core, which is the more common system found on most helmets.
