iXS

The New HEX Pull-Over Protector

HEX Cells

An unwritten and proven law in advertising goes: Hex sells! The Swiss folks at iXS have taken this to heart and are launching the brand-new iXS HEX Pull-Over upper body protector for DH, park, and enduro use featuring honeycomb structure technology. It’s called Hex Cells! Okay, in truth, it’s named HexForm and is inspired by bee honeycombs. But the play on words was just too tempting… 

Two wheels make the world a bit bigger. iXS has made it their mission for over two decades to make it a bit safer as well. Thus, it’s only logical that the Swiss helmet and protector manufacturer is expanding its range with a new upper body protector: the iXS HEX Pull-Over. Safer Hex, so to speak. For more safety. While cycling. Of course. And since slipperiness in this context is so apt: it’s designed to be slipped on, like a sweater. 

The technical background, however, is much more interesting: The foundation for the mentioned innuendo(s) is a new, patented honeycomb structure technology called HexForm. iXS uses a 3D-designed hard-shell element with hexagonal honeycombs for this. Mother Nature provides the template for this concept in the form of beehives: The hexagon, found hundreds of times within, excels as an extremely resilient shape that, when loaded in a specific direction, offers uniform load distribution, efficient area usage, and tremendous angular stability. 

For the HexForm protectors, iXS combines numerous such honeycombs into an anatomically preformed shield, each for the chest and back. On the outside, they have a smooth surface to reduce friction upon ground contact. In the event of a fall or a crash onto the handlebars, the impact energy is absorbed by the vessel walls of the honeycombs and the gel-like core contained within. On the back, the protector thus meets the EN1621-2:2014 (Level 2) standard, and in the chest area EN1621-3 (Level 1). A pleasant side effect of the honeycomb concept: the protector is exceptionally well ventilated, both at the back and in the chest area. In the shoulder and waist areas, elastic, adjustable straps keep the front and back sections in position and allow for individual adjustability to the torso’s anatomy. 

In terms of user-friendliness, upper body protectors in the style of the HEX Pull-Over impress: They are worn over the shirt – not just for style reasons – and can thus be quickly and easily put on or taken off, and are less sweaty on hot days since they are worn externally. This is also pleasing in terms of reduced odor nuisance for many people. 

Weight: 820 grams (size S/M) / 980 grams (size M/L) 

Recommended retail price: 179,- EUR

Head to ixs.com to learn more and view their other products.