The Rampage RS is Fox Racing’s all-singing, all-dancing full-face helmet offering. After years of success with their previous model, Fox decided to go back to the drawing board and re-invent what was already a market leading helmet.
This new addition carries across little from its predecessor, with improvements including a new carbon fibre shell design, impact liner and padding integration, all of which are combined to make what is arguably the most cutting-edge full face helmet available to consumers today.
Key details
RRP: $949.99
Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (Tested), 2XL
Available Through: https://www.foxracing.com.au/
Out of the Box
Let’s address the elephant in the room here. Yes, this helmet retails for an eye-watering $950. For those unaware, that is the going rate for a top-spec full-face helmet. In comparison, comparable offerings from Troy Lee Designs and Bell will run you an extra $100, so while the Rampage RS isn’t a bargain, it is actually cheaper than the competition.
That being said, you do get a lot for your money. Included with the Rampage are a second (thicker) set of cheek pads and crown liner, a mud visor extension, a removable GoPro mount, and a high-quality carry bag that, as a standalone item, would be worth $150.
Looking at the helmet itself, the first thing you notice is the quality fit and finish – something you expect from a product from Fox. The carbon fibre shell has a beautiful, glossy finish, and the subtle paintwork’s lines are sharp. All of the rivets and visor screws and anodised aluminium, which further add to the top-end feel.
Diving inside the Rampage is where the technology really starts to show itself. Beneath the removable cheek pads and crown liner lies a MIPS Integra Split liner. Unlike the original MIPS liner, which was external to the EPS of a helmet, the Integra Split system is integrated into the helmet’s protective structure. While this is much more expensive to both develop and manufacture, benefits include increased energy absorption and increased airflow. Top it all off with a flash little carbon fibre D-shackle closure system, and you have a quality piece of kit for your money.
On the Trail
Fox helmets have always fit my head well, and this new Rampage RS is no exception. I did, however, feel that the fit around my cheeks should be more snug, and as such, I installed the included thicker (+5mm) cheek pads. Once I did this, I was very happy with the helmet’s fit, both with and without goggles. Also of note is the weight: the Rampage RS comes in at 1120g (XL, actual), which is around 25% lighter than the outgoing version and lighter than all 3 other full-face helmets I have on my shelf at home. Goggle integration was seamless, with both regular and outrigger style goggles playing nicely with the Rampage.
Once I was on the trail, the Rampage and its performance drifted into the background, the mark of any good piece of protection. If you aren’t noticing it, it’s doing its job – allowing you to focus on the trail rather than what you are wearing. After some time wearing the helmet, I noticed it was a little on the hot side, in my mind, primarily due to the lack of ventilation at the brow of the helmet. While it’s not as hot and sweaty as a motocross helmet, it’s definitely warmer than the 100% Airmatic 2 I typically wear, particularly in slow-speed sections.
Another small annoyance was the creaking coming from the MIPS Integra liner as I went through larger compressions and bumps. This is nothing new to me, and something I have experienced previously with a TLD D3, which also had a MIPS liner. A show stopper, no – but a little annoying until you learn how to tune it out.
Our Take
Fox’s Rampage RS delivers on the promise of a market-leading, feature-laden Downhill helmet. While the price tag is high, you get what you pay for, and a helmet is no place to try to save a few dollars. Standouts included the weight, quality finish and adjustable fit of this helmet, which all combined to make wearing the Rampage a comfortable and confidence-inspiring experience, albeit a little hot.
Hits and Misses
Hits
– Lightweight without sacrificing safety
– Quality construction and finish
– Two liner sets to dial in the fit
– The included helmet bag is market leading
Misses
– Warmer than other options
– MIPS liner creaks
