Since 2006, the Fox Rampage helmet has been protecting mountain bikers and is one of the most popular full-face helmets on the market. We too have worn and tested countless versions of the Rampage helmet over the years. Now, the new Rampage RS full-face helmet with a carbon shell just hit the market – a helmet that we’ve already seen for some time on the heads of Tahnée Seagrave, Jackson Goldstone, and Nina Hoffmann in the Downhill World Cup. By the way, RS stands for “Race Spec” and is the top model in the Rampage series. The Rampage RS shares many similar features – such as the MIPS® Integra Split system – with the V3 RS Carbon helmet, which Fox introduced two years ago for motocross and which we’ve been using since its release.
The new Fox Rampage RS Helmet in Detail
The new Fox Rampage RS helmet is a sandwich of countless layers. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), Expanded Polypropylene (EPP), polycarbonate layers, and the MIPS® Integra Split system are designed to protect against all conceivable crash scenarios and absorb the forces acting on the helmet. They are enclosed in a carbon shell, while inside the helmet is equipped with replaceable pads for a comfortable fit. At 1,070 grams, the helmet is about 250 grams lighter than its predecessor, which make it one of the lighter helmets in its class. It’s also claimed to offer 5% better aerodynamics – though most of us probably won’t notice the difference
The new FOX Rampage RS naturally meets all relevant safety certifications for MTB helmets, including the NTA 8776 certification for e-bike helmets and the ASTM F1952 standard for downhill helmets.
The visor can be locked into two positions, and the scope of delivery includes a clip-on extension for rainy days. All pads can be removed and washed, including those on the chin strap. They’re simply slid out of their mounts. Fox rely, on a double-D ring closure system, which is our personal favourite system for full face helmets.
The new Rampage RS is available in six sizes, XS to XXL, with very small gaps between the sizes, and we personally opted for a slightly bigger version. However, the scope of delivery also includes a second set of cheek pads, which are slightly thicker than those that come standard with the helmet. So if you’re between two sizes, we recommend choosing the bigger version. However, the Rampage RS is only available in two colors: a black version with visible carbon or a dark green variant with neon stripes– which is the version we tested. The new Rampage RS retails at 599 € and is available now.
The new Fox Rampage RS on test
The new Fox Rampage RS full-face helmet scores with a good fit – provided you choose the right size. In our test, the helmet fit most heads of our team, sat correctly, and didn’t cause any pressure points. All goggles available to us also fit the helmet without any problems and had enough room.
The cheek pads rub slightly against the skin but still offer an overall comfortable wearing experience. They absorb sweat well and dry quickly. The ventilation of the Rampage RS is good, even though there are models on the market with better airflow. The acoustics in the helmet are pleasant, and wind noise while riding is not disturbing. However, the carbon shell acts as a resonance chamber, for example, when brushing against a branch. Apart from that, the helmet is quiet, and so far we haven’t noticed any annoying noises.
Conclusions about the Fox Rampage RS
The new Fox Rampage RS impresses with a good fit, a well-thought-out protection concept, and practical features like the washable, replaceable pads and the additional visor. On the trail, it offers good ventilation, a high level of comfort, and is pleasantly quiet. At € 599, it’s no bargain, but that’s not surprising considering that it’s the top-tier model in the Fox line-up and is thus aimed at ambitious riders and racers.
Tops
- High level of comfort
- Quiet
Flops
- Limited color options
For more information, visit the Fox website.
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Words: Peter Walker Photos: Peter Walker
