Increased protection without compromise to looks or performance is the aim with the Fox Metah helmet.
DETAILS
JORDI MESTRES MTB PRODUCT MANAGER at Fox:
“FROM DAY ONE OF THE DESIGN PROCESS, WE WERE DETERMINED TO CREATE A TRAIL HELMET THAT WILL BE A GAME CHANGER, AND THE METAH IS EXACTLY WHAT WE AIMED FOR”
First up, let’s talk about shape. The Flux has a rear spoiler that sits on the top of the helmet and looking at the profile you can see echoes of this in the shape of the Metah. From the front, a deep well vented visor integrates into the helmet’s shape giving us hints of an 80s BMX race lid. This peak design is not just about looks though. The way the peak and the shell flow into one is where the air is ducted into the helmet through three big bore front venting ducts. It’s not adjustable, as this will compromise the airflow and venting but it doesn’t sit in your line of sight either. Seven additional large vents aid cooling further and help keep the weight of the Metah low. This is an area where many other brands’ designs can be a let down, with fewer vents leading to overheating especially on longer rides or events. Fox’s ‘U-Stream’ venting is excellent and cooling will never be a problem with the Fox Metah helmet, regardless of the heat.
This new Fox Metah has a great fit. Getting a helmet to fit everyone is a tough call but the shape and sizing certainly ticks the boxes for all of us here at Dirt. It sits low at the back and sides and you feel very well protected, more so than with the Flux. The shell is not just a different shape but uses new helmet technology from Varizorb. Here is a multi-density impact reduction system which uses multiple densities of cone shaped EPS foam in strategically designed layers. Varizorb provides superior protection without adding bulk or weight. Fox felt that this was a great technology to use and didn’t feel the need to add MIPS to the Metah.
The deeper shell of the Metah helps to give a stable and secure fit, just what’s needed when hammering rough technical terrain. With many helmet designs getting bulkier, with added features, it’s easy for a helmet to gain extra weight and start shifting about on the rider’s head unless the adjusters are cinched in tightly. Not so with the Fox Metah helmet, this lid’s low back and sides along with the great fitting shell shape really help here. A three position height adjustable retention cradle at the rear of the helmet uses a single-handed turn dial with a good range of adjustment.
Strap adjustment is kept light and neat with pre-set Y-Straps and the usual style clip buckle under the chin. Premium liner pads with sealed edges give increased comfort and moisture management, along with good longevity.
