Wether you are the world fastest racer or a weekend warrior, we all fall off, it's part of our sport. Therefore when it comes to protecting your noggin you can't really put a price on it. The market is full of options these days and while many people choose what looks best vs what costs the least, safety is the most important factor.
Fortunately Fox are not into looking like a turnip on the trails and make some of the most stylish gear available, which is above all safe, having been tested rigorously on the free ride and downhill World Cup circuit. This latest RPC iteration is hands down the best lid we've tried and while it may take a bit of bedding in, it's soon ultra comfy and we can attest to it being ultra safe aswell.
The early Rampage
Though Fox Head began life as a motocross brand, their breakthrough into the MTB market was inevitable, though it wasn't until 2006 that Fox produced a MTB specific helmet, the Rampage. At the time Troy Lee were the market leaders so they had some pretty steep competition in the industry. This first model was a little heavier than the rest in the market and still displayed it's MX roots but with a competitive price Fox were in the door.
Fox Rampage V2
After 6 years of refinements, it was time for Fox to take the lead in the MTB helmet industry. Enter the Rampage Pro Carbon (RPC), utilising a 60K Carbon weave to help with impact dispersion and 17 specialist MTB vents to help with aerodynamics and keeping your head cool this truly was a mountain bike specific helmet. The late Stevie Smith and iconic Josh Bryceland had a key role in the development of the new helmet which came in 4 sizes and 3 distinct colourways.
Compared with other helmets of the time, the size was a notable character being a lot bigger and squarer than it's competitors. This gave a robust feel and the thick padding that was found inside meant that comfort was maximised when it came to riding.
Another notable benefit that came from the more MTB specific design was the peripheral vision, this is a must have for racers at the top who are having to make split-second decisions but is a definite benefit to the beginner too.
Now known as the Rampage Comp, this helmet still offers class leading protection.
The 2020 RPC
The latest RPC is the culmination of the experience garnered over the last decade in mountain bike and the last 40 years of motocross. It's design mirrors the V3 RS Motocross helmet (or the RS mirrors the RPC?) but with extra ventilation and weight saving for the mountain bike market.
At 1352 grams it's not the lightest on the market, and style is always in the eye of the beholder. Regardless that weight is testament to safety features packed into this lid and without a doubt that's gotta be the most important when you're about to land on that brain of yours.
Featuring
- Magnetic Visor Release System (MVRS) allows the visor to detach during a crash
- Dual-density Varizorb™ EPS liner
- CAGE™ chin bar/eye port is intended to improve energy management in the event of an impact
- MCT (Multi-Composite Technology) shell
- Mesh vent screens provide airflow while maintaining protection from dirt and debris
- 19 total vents - 15 intake & 4 exhaust vents
- Fluid Inside ensures optimal linear and rotational impact performance
- Removable, washable X-static® moisture-wicking & antimicrobial comfort liner
- 3 shell sizes & 4 EPS sizes
- Stainless steel D-ring closure
2020 Fox RPC
The Most Important question, what did we think?
Though not be the world's fastest racers, we wear our helmets a lot more than the average joe and they go through some punishment with the season's in both Finale Ligure, Aosta and Morzine.
All of our team have been running the RPC for years out of choice. Working with a brand of course means bias but here's our honest take after a year running the same RPC across the Spring and Autumn seasons guiding all day, every day and the hot summer downhill season in Morzine.
Benson
"It's a good looking helmet from the off, crisp lines and a moto / boxy feel to it's shape that looks like it's gonna take a helluva whack to put a dent into it. The padding is thick and well positioned. The first thing you see on the internal is the fluid inside gel pads, they are also the first thing you notice when you pop the helmet on. It's a snug fit for sure. It actually gave me a bit of a headache on the first morning with some annoying pressure points. Once you're through that it's effortlessly comfy, like a glove.
It's got some weight to it but it's not noticeable on the trail, if you think you can feel afew grams difference between other helmets then you need to get to the gymn! It's got great vision, you can't see a single part when you've got it on. It breaths well, is confidence inspiring and looks mint. Winner!"
The RPC is available in wide range of colourways
Rich
"When it comes to helmets for me, I need to feel like I can breathe, not just from the mouthpiece but throughout the helmet. I was blown away by the vents this helmet has, keeping me cool from the top to bottom both in Morzine and Finale Ligure, I even wore this helmet out for a pedal in Finale and didn't feel the need to remove it once."
To check out the new Autumn & Winter colourways and kit simply follow the link below -
#ONEPEDALAHEAD
