So far, the press release. It all sounds great so far. The fact is that the design of a full-face DH helmet is always a balancing act. A balance between safety and weight. A very safe helmet would be very bulky and therefore also very heavy. Although it would provide good protection in the event of a fall, the weight would put excessive strain on the cervical spine - not to mention the wearing comfort. Therefore, even for motorbike helmets, the lighter the better, says Jerome Lenssen, test engineer at TÜV Rheinland. What does that mean in concrete terms? We say: Downhill helmets should only marginally exceed the 1000 gram mark and also prove themselves in the standard test for motorbike helmets. This is the new ECE 22-06, not the lax EN 1078 for bicycle helmets. This is because EN 1078 does not even test the protection of the full-face bar.
Personally, I would choose a full-face helmet that also fulfils the motorbike standard, because then I would know that it can also withstand higher speeds and can really take a knock on the chin guard. - Jerome Lenssen, Test Engineer TÜV Rheinland
The US manufacturer Fox Racing presents the Rampage RS (Race Spec), a new top-class downhill helmet, announces Fox. The model is designed to fully fulfil the requirements of gravity bikers and has already been ridden to victory in six UCI Downhill World Cup races by professionals such as Jackson Goldstone, Tahnée Seagrave and Nina Hoffmann. Fox Racing emphasises that the new helmet is not only lighter and more aerodynamic than its predecessor, but also exceeds the current industry standards for protective equipment. This means that the helmet, if it really has been slimmed down that much, is recommended for all those who shred faster through tough terrain: enduro riders, bike park freeriders, shuttle riders in technically demanding terrain - downhillers anyway.
Weight reduction and improved aerodynamics
According to the manufacturer, the Rampage RS weighs 250 grams less than the previous model (1250 g). If Fox has managed to reduce the weight of the helmet to or even below 1000 grams while maintaining or improving safety, that would be great and would make the helmet attractive to many bikers. In addition, the aerodynamics have been improved by 5 per cent. 5 per cent? That may be relevant for Jackson Goldstone, but less so for all the hobby shredders out there. Even if, according to the manufacturer, these optimisations should have a positive effect on comfort and performance. Fox Racing states that the revised head shape is now compatible with that of the standard Rampage, the Proframe and the Speedframe match. This enables a wider range of sizes from XS to XXL to ensure an optimum fit for different head shapes.
Innovative safety technology: Mips Integra Split System
A key feature of the new Fox Rampage RS is the Mips Integra Split System. This technology is designed not only to improve the fit, but also to offer increased protection against rotational forces that can act on the head in the event of a fall. Fox Racing emphasises that the helmet fulfils a combination of e-bike certification (NTA-8876) and the European safety standard for motorbike helmets (ECE 22.06), especially for the chin guard. The e-bike certification tests the impact on the crown of the helmet at higher speeds and with a lower failure limit than the standard specification for downhill mountain bike helmets (ASTM F1952).
Advanced test procedures and protection functions
Fox Racing claims to have gone beyond the usual industry standards when developing the Rampage RS. For example, the impact test for the chin guard in accordance with ECE 22.06 was carried out at a higher speed and with different failure criteria than ASTM F1952. Instead of the deflection, the G-force is used as a benchmark here. The manufacturer has also incorporated internal findings from analysing race data and test standards from the e-bike and motorbike sector into the development. The aim is to improve protection for athletes and at the same time drive forward the discussion on protection in the industry.
Construction and features
The Fox Rampage RS features a lightweight carbon shell that is designed to contribute to both weight reduction and structural strength. According to Fox Racing, the foam densities have been specially tuned to provide protection in high and low speed impacts. The helmet has a two-stage adjustable visor that allows a GoPro camera to be mounted. The features also include removable and washable cheek pads and an inner lining with an ionic coating for improved comfort and odour control.
Variants and availability
Fox Racing offers the Rampage RS in two colour variants. In addition to the helmet itself, the scope of delivery includes a removable dirt visor, a GoPro mount, additional thicker cheek pads and inner lining for customising the fit as well as replacement hardware and a high-quality carrying bag. The helmet will be available in Europe from 23 July 2025. Fox Racing has given a recommended retail price of 599 euros.
Technical specifications Rampage RS downhill helmet
- Weight reduction: 250 grams lighter than the previous model (1250 g). Now around 1000 grams depending on size.
- Aerodynamics: 5 per cent improved compared to predecessor
- Sizes: XS to XXL
- Safety certifications: E-bike certification (NTA-8876), ECE 22.06 (chin bar)
- Shell material: Carbon
- Visor: Two-stage adjustable, GoPro-compatible
- Inner lining: removable, washable, ionic coating
- Scope of delivery: helmet, dirt visor, GoPro mount, additional pads, replacement hardware, carrying bag
- Colour variants: 2
- RRP: 599 Euro
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Dimitri Lehner
Editor
