Fox Racing Mainframe MIPS is a competitively priced helmet with many functional features. Foremost it utilizes the MIPS impact protection system to reduce rotational forces in a crash. The Mainframe MIPS is a reasonably simple helmet that provides excellent comfort, extended coverage, and adequate ventilation.
The Mainframe MIPS is available in three adult sizes ($89.95), Small, Medium, and Large, and a dedicated Youth size ($79.95).
Features
The Mainframe was awarded Virginia Tech’s best safety rating of 5 stars, designed with MIPS’s proven impact protection system that reduces rotational forces in a crash by absorbing and redirecting energies and forces otherwise transmitted to the brain. The MIPS integrated fit system reduces weight and provides a more comfortable and seamless fit. It has a removable, washable, and moisture-wicking liner to keep you dry and comfortable, even on the most challenging trails.
The helmet utilizes optimized venting with channeled, in-molded EPS to provide efficient cooling on long rides and extended coverage in the rear for added safety. It’s 13-vents offer excellent throughput during warm days.
Their rear retention adjustment system provides a functional, custom-fitting, fine-tuning design that did a great job during use, and the wheel was simple to twist.
Impressions
The Mainframe MIPS is a comfortable helmet with excellent coverage over the ears and down the neck, and even though it doesn’t come down as profoundly as gravity-oriented helmets, I liked how it wrapped around my ears. The helmet’s shape fits my head perfectly and significantly adds to the overall comfort, making all-day excursions tolerable. Most riders will find that the shape, length, and width are ideal for the average head. At 423 grams for my size large helmet, it was decently light, which helped during long rides.
The breakaway visor is fixed in position and attaches with four connectors at the temples and the top of the helmet. Fortunately, the set position of the visor works perfectly for sun glare while remaining unobtrusive.
The liner padding was decently comfortable and wicked moisture efficiently, and it didn’t cause any binding or pinch spots, though I’d like to see some padding at the rear area, as there is too much plastic. I tend to wear a thin skull cap, so the padding gripes are a minor nitpick in an otherwise delightfully comfortable helmet.
The fitted framed webbing for the ear/chin straps added to the helmet’s comfort with decreased irritation, fewer sunglasses and headphone interference, and improved wearability. The default chin strap system utilized a simple quick-release design and worked just fine.
The Black Matte finish of the shell tolerated scratches decently, though I didn’t take diggers with the helmet. The bottom foam edge of the helmet isn’t protected or covered with any shell material, especially at the rear section, so that might be a place where damage might happen, though I didn’t have any problems.
The large 13 ventilation ports provided lots of air movement, even during slow-speed slogs on long climbs, so I never felt my head overheating, even on hot days. The enhanced flow of air is due to the oversized ports and the channeling system, which work together to sweep the air through the helmet without stagnating, offering maximized air throughput and cooling characteristics.
The rear adjustment wheel of the retention system was easy to use on the fly and helped pull the helmet securely in place, and with its 19 clicks, it had lots of capabilities to perform a precise micro fit. Due to the low rear coverage of the helmet, adjusting the system tighter pulled the helmet snugly into the crook of my neck for maximum stability and snugness. A slight cupped-shaped indention above the retention wheel made it easier to twist, even with gloved hands. The rear fit system has four height-alterable positions at the back so that you can adjust and fine-tune the fitment.
Bottomline
The Fox Racing Mainframe MIPS is a highly comfortable helmet with excellent coverage over the ears and down the neck. The 13 oversized ventilation ports and their accompanying air channeling system provide tons of air movement, even during slow speeds and hot days. The interior was nicely padded, adding to the comfort level, as was the interior shape, which has an ideal width and length for the average rider’s head. The retention system worked like a charm, and its adjustment fitting wheel with its cupped indention of the helmet made it easy to use on the fly for a precision fit. A few small nitpicks are the lack of interior padding toward the rear, the fixed visor, and the unprotected foam edging along the bottom.
The Fox Racing Mainframe MIPS has an optimal blend of comfort, ventilation, proper functionality, features, and excellent protection in a relatively simple and affordable package.
Pros
- Fit.
- Comfort.
- Protection – Coverage and MIPS.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Interior padding toward the rear.
- Only a fixed visor.
- Unprotected/Uncovered foam edging along the bottom.
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