A modern trail bike equipped with good suspension and tyres can take you pretty much anywhere. With this ability to explore demanding terrain in far flung places, comes the inherent problem of finding suitable protection. Helmets specifically designed for trail riding are a fairly new concept, but one that’s gathering pace as we look for increased protection without having to go to a full face option and getting the balance right between comfort and protection is not an easy one to get right. Although pretty new on the ‘open face’ helmet scene, the Fox Flux helmet has been one of the most popular lids out on the trails since it’s inception and keen to see what all the fuss was about, we got one in for a little testing…

Words: Olly Forster | Photos: Eyesdown Films & Olly Forster

Available in 6 colours for 2012, including Red/ Black, Black/ White, Black Checker, Black Camo, Matte Black and Titanium we inevitably went for the colour of the moment, Matte Black.

Your looking at 19 vents in total, which is a lot for a trail specific lid, especially when you consider the Urge Endur-O-matic has 8 and the Giro Feature has 12. Although extremely well vented, the Flux is a weighty lid coming in at 370 grams, that’s 4 grams more than the Urge and 8 more than the Giro. Although that’s not a lot compared to it’s nearest competition, it does stack up against a traditional ‘XC’ style lid.

As far as the looks go, I’m a fan apart from this bit, which seems to really divide opinion. Why does a bicycle helmet need a spoiler? It doesn’t really and the intention was of course to add a little something different to the overall feel and look, but perhaps one that could’ve been left out? Either way, you’ll love it or you won’t.

We did this shoot on a hot day, and I’m talking a really hot day! Although a massive fan of the unique looking Urge lid, I have to say that swapping mid ride was a revelation in terms of cooling air through the helmet, especially on a really hot day where you’re already overheating. Even with all the vents, the Flux still remains to be a helmet with a large degree of material coverage and most certainly equal to what the other manufacturers are offering.

The rear ratchet assembly is a double sided affair, well positioned within the helmet and it does a great job of nipping things up for a fit snug and stable fit on your head, regardless of the terrain.

As you can see from the photo below, there is a lot of material at the rear of the Flux and this is partly where those extra few grams are. The extra depth in the shell and EPS liner is there for a reason – getting you back up and back on your bike after an OTB. I have had a pretty bad crash in the Flux… “Tyre testing” in the wet and over the bars I went. It collected a good dollop of forest floor in the front vents and around the peak, which I was surprised didn’t break! The helmet hardly moved and everything was where it should be.

Another example of the amount of material used across the rear of the Flux and the sturdy construction employed. The Flux feels reassuringly steadfast and durable and one that will last. The Flux’s shell is also pretty deep and definitely what you could consider a ‘brain bucket’!

I found the straps on the Flux to be okay and nothing to really shout about – they do a good job in terms of adjust-ability and keeping things put, but the material is quite course and the rear strap comes quite close to the back of the ear. Detailing on the adjusters is top, like all Fox products, with that rad logo well placed and out there.

The pad set is certainly something that I feel could be improved upon with 6 individual parts that could easily be lost or misplaced. On the comfort side of things, well, you can almost forget about the fiddly pad set as this one comfy helmet.

Conclusion.

Coming in at £70 and taking into consideration the features employed, the Fox Flux represents both good value for money within the market place and one that it is different to it’s nearest competitors. Although a tad heavier, this weight is negligible against the volume of air vents and the quality at which it does its job at keeping your head cool. With a significant number of vents for a helmet such as the Flux and combined with the added rear protection and robust nature, this all helps make the Flux have the best venting to protection ratio helmets out there and no surprise it’s so popular with the Enduro set.

Downsides are few and far between and depending on the individual hardly noticeable, but I’d say the straps and the pads are just about there, but not quite. I’d like to see the positioning of the straps into the helmet body slightly adjusted and the pad set simplified. I’d also like an adjustable peak and perhaps loosing the rear spoiler, which I feel takes something away from what is in all honesty an attractive helmet.

All in all, the Flux offers great protection, is really comfy out on long rides, reassuringly robust and has the best airflow of a ‘trail’ specific helmet out there. Ultimately, trail bikes with all their dialed suspension can go pretty bloody quick and hitting the rough stuff with little more than an open face helmet and knee pads for protection miles from the car park, well, it will pay to get the right stuff just in case. So if your looking for a new helmet at a reasonable price with great venting and the right amount of material in the right place should you need it, then the Flux should be at the top of your list.

For more on the Fox Flux helmet and Fox’s range of MTB gear and accessories, hit the big head below and check it out!

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