The Proframe is not a replacement to the Rampage full face helmet in Fox’s line up, that remains as their best DH lid and yet again is a pick of ours in the 2017 Dirt 100. The Proframe is however Fox’s lightest DH approved full frame helmet (tested to ASTM 1952-15 standard) giving you a no-compromise approach to safety when it comes to descending. There’s plenty of tech gone into the structure of this helmet, with a dual density Varizorb EPS liner providing improved protection (by spreading forces of impact across a wider area) and additional MIPS safety technology as standard too. Fox list a medium helmet at 750g and our size large test sample weighed in at 852g. A chunk lighter than most DH lids – the Fox Rampage carbon hits the scales in the 1100–1200g zone.

Although at first sight the Proframe has the look of one of the new wave of convertible helmets, the integrated chin bar is secured to the main structure with Fox’s patent pending system. There are venting ports everywhere – Fifteen ‘Big bore’ intake vents and nine exhaust vents. The front ducts on the chin bar and under the visor force air in and around the inside of the helmet, with five upper and six lower exhaust vents at the rear allowing air to escape. Careful positioning of the inner pads and yellow MIPS liner mean ventilation and airflow is not compromised.

Four sizes are available (from 52cm to 64cm head sizes) and a comprehensive selection of brow, chin, crown and neck pads included with the helmet, so getting a finely tuned fit is no problem. With the weight mid way between an open face trail helmet (around 300-450g usually), and a full on DH lid and with plenty of coverage all round, this is piece of kit that has an instantly pleasing fit. The highly vented chin bar has a smooth, pliable rubber lining and adds enough flex to make fitting and removal easy. Details such as an easy to use magnetic buckle to fasten the chin strap help too.

So how does the Proframe perform? Here are some words from two of Dirt’s test riders:

‘Light, comfy and full of protection. The lack of mesh on the face guard gives a great cooling feeling. Downhill capability with the comfort of a trail lid – there’s no need to have a collection of headwear. The Proframe is one tool for every job’ – Ieuan Williams

‘The Proframe was pretty well vented for a full face helmet and felt really light! Went down some aggressive DH tracks and it felt really secure and didn’t move about on my head much – the pads are very well placed. All in all a good lid’ – Callum Philpott

With a price of £225 we feel this is a realistic option for many riders, especially for those who currently own just a open face trail lid and are looking for more protection for a spot of enduro racing, uplifting or the black runs at bike parks. If you’re fully equipped as a DH rider with both a full face lid and a lighter trail option you may feel a third helmet unnecessary or an expensive extravagance. For the dedicated enduro racer however, looking for a valuable and uncompromising addition to their kit bag, this Proframe helmet is without question worth considering.