Things are changing, this seasons Enduro World Series was tougher and more gnarly than ever, with mandatory full-face helmets tested on many occasions. It is also changing on the national scenes too, with many governing bodies bringing in mandatory full-face helmet rules. It is not just racing either, as our bikes get faster and more capable, we are riding increasingly more challenging terrain and accidents do happen, nothing protects your head as effectively as a full-face

The Fixer Fullface Carbon MIPS weights in at a super light 850g, and is very low profile
The Fixer Fullface Carbon MIPS weights in at a super light 850g, and is very low profile

Lightweight full-face helmets that are protective enough for the toughest DH terrain, but can also be worn on long transfers or simply for shredding the woods with your mates are going to become more popular than ever. One cutting edge helmet in this new category is the Sweet Protection Fixer Carbon MIPS, bringing high-end looks, a very compact profile and unique features at a staggering 850g. This technology does not come cheap however, as the Fixer Carbon costs a whopping £399. We have been running this helmet for the last month, on local trails and racing it in the final round of the Enduro World Series. Lets take a look at how it performed.

The Fixer Fullface is reinforced with carbon fiber throughout the entire helmet
The Fixer Fullface is reinforced with carbon fiber throughout the entire helmet, after a few scuffs and small impacts, the shell is still unmarked

The special lay-up of the carbon fiber allowed Sweet to customize which parts of the helmet are rigid while some remain more flexible. Sweet Protection are the only company on the market using pre-impregnated Carbon Fibre. Most manufactures use a wet lay-up process, where the fibers are positioned in the mould dry and the resin is applied with a brush, a relatively inexpensive process, but normally the end product is heavier. During the pre-impregnated process used by Sweet Protection, the resin is applied by machine onto the fibers in a thin film. Therefore, the resin is very even and controlled. The parts are then cured under a high pressure and temperature environment. This results in a well-compacted laminate with better properties, and to us riders we get a lighter helmet, however it is an expensive process.

The EPS foam liner features Impact Shields, polymer inserts added to critical areas that help distribute the force of an impact over a greater surface area. Beneath that lies the yellow MIPS low-friction layer. In a crash it slides within the liner to take up to 50% of the rotational force out of an oblique impact.

With a super low profile shell, the Fixer is very compact on the head
With a super low profile shell, the Fixer is very compact on the head
The finish of the carbon is exemplary, and looks very high end
The finish of the carbon is exemplary, and looks very high end
The direct ventilation system has three air intakes and 26 exhaust outlets.  It is still not the coolest helmet in use
The direct ventilation system has three air intakes and 26 exhaust outlets. It is still not the coolest helmet in use
The helmet is full of technology, MIPS, and a really neat quick release buckle system
The helmet is full of technology, MIPS, and a really neat quick release buckle system
Inside the helmet is minimalist, but also very comfortable
Inside the helmet is very minimalist, but also very comfortable. All the padding comes out for washing if needed
The cheek inserts pull out easily, allowing for washing, or for long transfers
The cheek inserts pull out easily for helmet removal in an accident, but also allow for easy washing
The helmet would benefit from increased ventilation, these vents do not draw enough at slow speed
The helmet would benefit from increased ventilation, these vents do not draw enough at slow speed
The chin piece is very open, allowing for good airflow when climbing or sprinting.
The chin piece is very open, allowing for good airflow when climbing or sprinting, perfect for enduro racing

Bottom Line

After a month running the Fixer Carbon there were many things that I liked and a couple that I did not. The helmet is certainly one of the lightest and most compact that I have ever used, you can hardly feel the weight when riding and hucking off obstacles. The cheek and neck padding pops out with a simple pull, facilitating easy helmet removal by medics if you have really ‘rung your bell’. If you have ever wrestled with double D rings with cold hands, you will love the Fixers rapid ratchet closure system, and to release you just pull the toggle and you are out. The finish is impeccable and after a number of scuffs and minor tree strikes the helmet still looks good as new. MIPS technology has been proven to help in an accident so I am glad it has been integrated so seamlessly.

The only negatives I found after racing in Finale Ligure were that the fixer is a little warm on long slow climbs, but no worse than any other helmet offering the same level of protection. The two front vents are a little smaller than ideal and you need to get a fair bit of speed up before it starts to draw the heat through. And we cannot ignore that price tag! £399 for a helmet is a big pill to swallow, but if you can afford it, this is certainly one of the lightest, best engineered and most compact helmets on the market at the moment. It is certainly an indication of the future of full-face helmets, and our current World Champion Tracy Moseley puts her trust in one!

For more info, check out the Sweet website: www.sweetprotection.com

Words and Photos: Trev Worsey


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