range

Fox offer the new Flux in two models – a high spec model with MIPS protection at £115 and the standard model with a lower price of £80. Three sizes are available, XS/S, S/M, L/XL (covering 53cm – 62cm measurements) and as always with Fox, this lid has plenty of colour options – solid colours or the ‘Drafter’ multi coloured models. These will complement the current Fox MTB clothing range if that’s your thing. We’ve been testing the Flux with MIPS in a size S/M (55-59cm).

‘Our goal with the redesign of the Flux was to maintain the original feel of the helmet which made it such a success in the sport. It was recognised and reviewed as one of the most comfortable helmets in the market while adding the coverage aggressive trail riders demanded. We have taken those qualities and improved in nearly every area of performance with the new version’  – Dave Ahumada, Fox

DESIGN DETAILS

With relatively deep back and side coverage, the older Flux model provided reasonable protection for a realistic weight. Ventilation was good too, as was the styling. This was a great blueprint for the new design. So, what are the major improvements?

CONSTRUCTION AND PROTECTION
The shell of the new Flux is not just a different shape but as with Metah helmet uses Fox’s new helmet technology – Varizorb. This is an impact reduction system, which uses multiple densities of cone shaped EPS foam in strategically designed layers. Fox suggests that Varizorb provides superior protection without adding bulk or weight. There is an internal cage (a feature similar to that used on the Fox Proframe full-face lid) that is intended to hold the helmet together on a major impact. One are Fox was keen to focus on when rethinking the Flux was coverage of the head. This new version sits low around the ears, sits low at the rear of the head and feels stable and secure when adjusted correctly.

It’s a well-finished helmet, with a micro-shell that covers the inner rim edge, adding to the long-term durability. The styling has hints of the original design. The high rear end has a slight rise that echoes the spoiler of the original Flux. Although tall at the back, this new Flux has a lower profile shape than the Fox Metah and with the deep rear coverage has a good fit (for those of us that tested it) and excellent stability when the terrain turns rough.

The well designed retention system plays a key part in the fit, comfort and stability of this helmet. With 300° of your head covered by this adjustment system we found no ‘hot spots’ or discomfort. There are two horizontal settings and three height positions, with solid push in studs that don’t shift unnecessarily, something we have found with adjusters that slide into position. The rear cradle sits low on the head and the tension dial feels solid and is easy to use when wearing gloves. Once adjusted, the Flux stays in position and caused us no frustrations in terms of fit or comfort.

The higher spec Flux has added MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) slide-plane tech safety protection (read about this HERE) along with quicker drying anti-bacterial X-Static liner pads and a magnetic Fid-Lock strap buckle.

VENTILATION
Ventilation is good, with 14 large vents keeping air flowing through the helmet. The front three vents work with the peak design, so wherever this is positioned cooling is not compromised. There are three additional front ducts below the brow of the helmet; these look like they are there to direct air in above the frame of goggles. We’ve not ridden in warm or hot weather yet but on hard efforts comfort has remained high.

PERFORMANCE

The new Flux arrives to a market place full of competition. The Bontrager Lithos and Rally, Giro Chronicle, Endura MT500 and Bell’s new FourForty and Sixer and all sorted designs. Troy Lee’s A1 and A2 lids are always a favourite choice too. We’ve ridden most of these helmets and gravitate towards the models that are comfortable, lights and with few (or no) frustrations in use. So how did the new Fox Flux compare to the class of 2018?

With the testing in January and February it’s been either cold or wet (and no trips to warmer climates…) so we’ll need to update this review once the warmer weather kicks in. However, our initial impressions have been good.

The Flux feels light, like a trail helmet should. It hasn’t that overbuilt feel that some designs have, with a lower profile than the Fox Metah and  great stability. Put it on, tweak the adjustment and it stay put – as it should – regardless of how rough the terrain gets. This is an area where we found issues with the bulkier Metah, with the front of the helmet dropping down on rough descents. We had concerns over the flexible peak – we can see that under impact that the flex is potentially a good thing – and found the adjustment not as slick as others helmets. The range of movement that the peak can arc through is great though and once adjusted stays in place.

‘Ventilation was very good. Our benchmark trail helmet for airflow is the Specialized Ambush, so we’ll be comparing the Flux to this lid when the summer rolls in’

The detailing and finish are up to the usual Fox standard and the magnetic FidLock strap buckle was both easy to use and a feature we’d like to see on more helmets. Goggle compatibility has been considered and is better in some ways than on the Metah. The peak arcs high enough to park goggles under for a climb and our test goggles sync’ed well with shape of the Flux. Although there is no real retention buckle or gripper for a strap, the strap can be placed around the rear of the helmet without interfering with the exhaust vent. With a silicone inner of the strap the googles stayed in place. The X-Static pads on this MIPS version dried quickly (bear in mind we were mostly riding in sub 10°C temperatures) and Fox supplies a spare set as part of the package – a nice touch.