Fox Racing has a brand new version of its top-tier downhill helmet with the Rampage RS. RS stands for “Race-Spec,” and this is a pro-level lid designed to protect racers competing at the highest level. This all-new helmet may just be hitting the market today, but it has already proven itself on the race track on the heads of Jackson Goldstone and Tahnee Seagrave while riding to World Cup DH victories this season.
Fox has been making versions of its Rampage helmets since 2006. This full-face DH helmet has evolved significantly over time, moving to a carbon fiber shell in 2013 with the Rampage Pro Carbon (RPC) and adding Mips in 2021. Over the years, the Rampage models have been held in high regard for their protective qualities and performance, while being worn by the fastest riders in the world. With this latest iteration, Fox claims it is lighter and more aerodynamic while exceeding the current industry protection standards.
“Gravity experiences have always influenced the direction of what’s expected from the Rampage,” says Mikey Rangel, Director of Marketing at Fox Racing. “Today, athletes are going faster, but the protection standards aren’t keeping up. In addition to improving fit, weight, and aerodynamics, we drew on our internal organizational knowledge of protection standards by analyzing race data and by applying other testing standards from the e-bike and moto disciplines. Our goal is to push the protection conversation forward with and for our athletes, knowing that positions us best for our consumers.”
MIPS Integra Split
The Rampage RS is the first downhill helmet to feature the MIPS Integra Split system. This rotational impact protection system was first introduced on the Fox Proframe RS full face and later incorporated into the design of the latest Speedframe RS. In the case of the latter, the MIPS Integra Split system proved to be effective in Virginia Tech’s impact testing, earning the helmet one of the best (lowest) scores. It appears that Fox still has exclusive use of MIPS Integra, as we are not aware of any other brands using it.
With dual shells connected by elastomers called “woofers”, the MIPS Integra Split system is strikingly similar to MIPS Spherical used by Giro and Bell. The inner and outer shells move independently from each other, while the elastomers allow for 10-15 mm of movement in an effort to dissipate rotational forces in an impact.
Lighter Weight
Fox’s Rampage helmets have never been particularly light, but the brand claims that the Rampage RS is 250 grams lighter. That’s not insignificant and could do wonders to improve rider comfort on long tracks or big days at the bike park. The helmet’s weight varies by size, of course, with the size medium coming in at 980 grams (+/-50). Additionally, Fox says it is 5% more aerodynamic, which might help you go just a little bit faster, too.
Safety Certifications
According to Fox, “The Rampage RS meets a combination of the e-bike certification (NTA-8876) and the European helmet safety standard for motorcyclists (ECE 22.06) specific to the chin bar.” The e-bike certification tests the crown impact at a higher speed and a lower failure threshold than the standard specification for helmets used for downhill mountain biking (ASTM F1952). ECE 22.06 tests the chin bar impact at a higher speed and uses different failure criteria than ASTM 1952—G-force instead of deflection. Of course, the Rampage RS also meets all of the typical bike helmet certifications, including EN 1078, CPSC 1203, AS/NZS 2063, and ASTM F1952.
Rampage RS Features and Fit
The Rampage RS uses a lightweight carbon fiber shell and Fox claims it has “maximum ventilation.” Inside, tuned foam densities aim to manage the forces from high- and low-speed impacts. It also has a two-position visor for GoPro compatibility, and it comes with removable and washable ionic+ cheek pads and liner.
Fit-wise, Fox states that it has a revised head form that is consistent with the Proframe and Speedframe models. And, while previous versions had limited sizes, the Rampage RS will be offered in six sizes, XS-XXL, so more riders should be able to get a more precise and secure fit.
Fox Rampage RS: Pricing and Availability
The new Rampage RS is set to retail for $699.95 US ($849.95 CAD). It comes with a clip-on mud visor, GoPro mount, thicker cheek pads and liner for fine-tuning the fit, extra hardware, and a “premium” carrying case.
It currently comes in two color options: Matte Black or Military Green Splice. The Fox Canada site also shows it in an online-exclusive Lilac Splice option.
The Rampage RS is available now in Europe and Canada and will reportedly be available in the US market starting in August.
