Fluid Inside is a helmet impact technology designed using evolution’s own tried and tested (naturally selected) head impact safety mechanism. Fluid’s technology decreases the risk of brain injury by mimicking cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the brain’s natural impact protection, to independently and simultaneously manage the linear and rotational energy that scientific research has shown to cause concussions. Fluid Inside have now partnered with Fox Racing to bring their technology to both downhill mountain biking, with the new Fox Rampage Pro Carbon helmet, and to motocross, with the new Fox V3 helmet.
Fox Rampage Pro Carbon Downhill Mountain Biking Helmet
The Rampage Pro Carbon Helmet sees a complete redesign for 2019. It is the first downhill mountain biking helmet on the market to feature two rotational management systems: Fluid Inside and MVRS.
MVRS, the Magnetic Visor Release System, is designed to detach from the helmet upon impact to help mitigate external rotational forces that can affect your head during a crash, but it should remain firmly attached on aggressive downhill terrain.
Like the crumple zone in your car, the dual-density Varizorb™ EPS liner is meant to provide improved protection by spreading the forces of impact across a wider surface area.
The patent-pending injection molded chin bar/eye port CAGE is intended to improve energy absorption of the chin bar in the event of an impact.
The Rampage Pro Carbon also features a removable, washable X-static comfort liner and cheek pads which rapidly wick moisture and inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, so it should stay fresh in-between sweaty sessions, while the intake and exhaust vents give the helmet decent ventilation. The vents have a mesh screen to allow for airflow while maintaining protection from dirt and debris.
Fluid Inside Technology explained
Research has shown that unless a helmet’s impact absorbing materials have a shear value as low as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) they are less effective at managing impact energy to the brain. Fluid works by accurately decoupling or “floating” the helmet so that each Fluid pod matrix acts like CSF to manage forces acting on soft brain tissue. At the moment of impact, the foam compresses to provide added low linear impact protection.
Simultaneously, low-shear fluid is dispersed throughout the pod creating a low-shear plane that permits motion of the helmet relative to the head to provide rotational force protection. Fluid Inside incorporates a matrix of individual pods that are only 3-4mm thick and consist of a TPU (thermoplastic urethane) membrane that houses an engineered foam and low-viscosity fluid. The foam is saturated with just enough fluid to allow the foam to float freely inside the pod, similarly to how the brain floats in CSF.
Pricing and availability
The Rampage Carbon Pro is certified to EN 1078, CPSC 1203, AS/NZS 2063 and ASTM F1952 safety standards and the medium weighs in at 1230g. It is available in 4 sizes covering head circumferences of 55cm to 62cm, and 5 colorways, white, metallic silver, iced, matte black and weld. It will set you back $499.95 and you can order one direct now from Fox Racing.
