Fox has quite the brand following, and they recently stepped out of their comfort zone of pads and moto-inspired designs. The new Fox Crossframe Pro and Flex-air Ascent riding gear bridge the gap into cross-country and, dare we say, gravel territory.
However, if you’re a Fox fan, you know they make quality gear and always ensure it has the Fox swagger. In our impressions, the new Fox Crossframe Pro helmet brings in the Fox style, melding Moto inspiration and XC ambitions.
No Visor/No Problems
Believe it or not, the Crossframe Pro is Fox’s first visor-less helmet. Look only a little bit into that, though. The visor is still there in spirit. The Fox Crossframe has a slight visor built into the design, with an in-molded EPS foam. The unique design offers ventilation protection and will securely hold your sunglasses.
The most discernible element of the Crossframe Pro is its well-ventilated, visor-less design. Venting has been optimized with channeled, in-molded EPS to provide efficient cooling.
Inside the Crossframe Pro is a MIPS liner with dual-density Varizorb EPS foam for improved impact protection. Fox chose a BOA fit system dial and cradle for secure protection and easy use with gloves. The helmet also features a removable and washable Ionic+ liner and a Fidlock SNAP helmet buckle.
What’s the weight of the Fox Crossframe Pro? Our medium-sized helmet weighed in at 373 grams in size medium. This weight is slightly more than the 346g claimed.
- Price: $219.95
- Available Sizes: S, M*, L *Tested
Fox Crossframe Pro Ride Impressions
I first noticed the Fox Crossframe Pro at Sea Otter Classic this spring. It had a cool, unique charisma, like a futuristic skate helmet. What drew me to it was the visor-less front end and the vents that peaked up from the low front. It looked like a helmet with lots of ventilation and would be at home on flow trails and in an XC race.
The fit is excellent and reminds me of some top helmet manufacturers for road riding. The ear straps are fixed in place but fall at a neutral spot that doesn’t affect the fit. The BOA dial is powerful and can easily be over-tightened but backed off just as quickly.
The Crossframe Pro feels more like a mountain bike helmet than a road model on the road and gravel. The weight is solid, and the protection is plenty, but there is a bit of noise when the headwinds come. It’s not a super aerodynamic design that cuts like a knife, but Fox does no claim it is. The ethos of the Crossframe would be XC function with a tinge of trail style.
The Crossframe Pro feels at home in the forest and on the trails. The breezy, ventilated construction helps keep the heat down, and the ports are located in key spots. The helmet’s shape offers excellent movement, whether in a more upright position or hunched in the drops.
The magnet buckle is something I’m accustomed to and enjoy. Some manufacturers have moved away from them because of weight, but it aptly fits the Crossframe Pro style.
It’s Gotta Look Cool
Part of enjoying the ride is feeling fresh in your gear. The Crossframe Pro has a camo-like color, pops of red, and the subtle Fox logos hidden within the liner. I liked the overall presentation. The visor offered sun protection and acted as a fairing to allow more airflow near the forehead. It’s a nice change to the pseudo-space-balls style helmets that have gained popularity because of the aerodynamic advantages. Aero isn’t everything.
Final Impressions
The new Fox Crossframe Pro helmet is an excellent option for riders looking to bridge the gap between trail, XC, and some gravel. It’s a great everyday helmet and offers serious protection on paper (I never crashed in it). The airflow and ventilation make this helmet suitable for the road and the trails, plus the matte colorways will cover up any scratches.
For more information, go to www.foxracing.com.
