FOX RAMPAGE FULL FACE HELMET REVIEW

Review by Sourpatch

Fox returned as a main sponsor for our 2024 eMTB Shootout. This meant our crew was lucky enough to put a wishlist of gear together that we wanted to use during and after. While most of the crew opted for the pedal-friendly Proframe and Proframe RS full face helmets, I decided that I would give the more affordable Rampage helmet a go. It may be a helmet more focused toward DH/Park riding, but it still meets ebike certification levels and is all that matters to me.

ABOUT THE FOX RAMPAGE HELMET

This version of Fox’s Rampage line of full-face helmets is new for 2024. The helmet utilizes a lightweight injection molded ABS shell to deliver a safe yet relatively lightweight helmet. I opted for the stealthy Matte Black option to have a helmet that goes with every color of kit in my gear bag, but it’s available in a variety of colors and designs from mild to wild. When it comes to safety, Fox has equipped the Rampage with a trusted Mips system fastened to EPS foam.

The Rampage has a soft interior that is easily removable for washing. Being on the DH side of the full-face spectrum, Fox opted to use a traditional D-Ring closure. Fox has forgone a fixed visor for a fully adjustable one, that allows for easy goggle stowage. This is a welcomed update as fixed visors are something we here at The Loam Wolf, typically complain about.

For this review, I tested a size Medium (57-58cm) that weighs in at 1,000 grams exact. Fox offers the Rampage helmet in size X-Small all the way up to 2XL, fitting riders with heads from 49cm to 64cm. There’s no option to change the padding to tailor the size, so it’s important to try the Rampage for size before you buy.

THE DIRT – RIDING IN THE FOX RAMPAGE HELMET

As mentioned above, the Fox Rampage helmet I tested was a size medium, which fit my 58cm cranium perfectly. The interior pads are soft for all-day comfort and just thick enough to prevent any unwanted play while wearing. I am also glad Fox is still using a traditional D-ring closure system over the Fidlock system so many brands are switching to. The Rampage helmet has a large view port that worked well with the Fox Vue goggles and slightly larger Leatt goggles that I used during the test.

During this review period, I spent a number of days testing at a wet and humid Howler Bike Park, as well as a number of cooler days in Whistler Bike Park. Howler Bike Park may be a smaller mountain for now, but during our eBike Shootout we were riding 8+ hours a day. We would rip up the short 5-minute climb trail and shred back down, continuously lapping 10 minutes until we were empty. I usually never took the helmet off apart from to eat at Howler. Whereas in Whistler, I was riding the chair lift lap after lap and removing the helmet for the ride up. There have been other ride days in the helmet that more or less mirror the conditions above.

I had some reservations about climbing in the Fox Rampage helmet, being that it is meant more for downhill and park applications. Much to my surprise, the ventilation does a great job of intaking and exhausting air at eBike climb speeds. The helmet never got too hot, seeming to always stay just the right temperature, even in the 90%+ humidity we were facing in Missouri. Sure, the climb was only a few minutes, but I found the same results pedaling up the much longer access road to the Blackcomb trails in Whistler. A big positive in the Rampage helmet was being able to stow goggles above the view port thanks to the adjustable visor, which I would do every climb. The lack of visor adjustability is a big critique from some of us regarding the premium Rampage Pro Carbon helmets.

Without crash testing there is not a lot to say about Fox Rampage when the wheels are pointing downhill. I’m not worried about it much thanks to the inclusion of the Mips system, and EPS foam has been a standard for years for a reason. I will say that the Fox Rampage wears fairly light at 1,000 grams, with even weight distribution throughout. Wearing the helmet for run after run for hours and days on end, I never noticed any neck fatigue or soreness.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE?

Being a full-face offering from Fox, it makes sense to compare it against the 2 of the other full-faces in Fox’s lineup. I would say this Fox Rampage tested here sits right in between the Fox RPC (Rampage Pro Carbon) and the ProFrame RS. I’ve spent equal time in all three helmets, and I have to say, the standard Rampage tested here is a standout.

When it comes to fit, the Rampage was perfect out of the gate with a snug, zero-play fit for my head. This was a relief as there is no way to adjust fit. The head opening is adequately sized, and did not cause much agitation. My RPC on the other hand, is a size Large (59-60cm) and has an incredibly tight fit which results in struggles getting my head into the helmet. When it comes to the Proframe, that helmet is more of a half shell with a chin bar in construction. I tested a medium in that as well, and it fits just okay. While you can adjust fit with a dial and optional cheek pads, it still doesn’t offer a true full-face fit or feeling.

When it comes down to it, the Rampage has close to the ventilation levels of the ProFrame with most of the protection confidence of the Rampage Pro Carbon. I would even say the aesthetics of the Rampage helmet fall between the two. One of the common complaints we’ve had with our RPC’s is that they have a fixed visor, so the Rampage gets a leg up with its fully adjustable visor .

One would think that as this is an “entry-level” full-face, that it would weigh more than its premium counterpart. Surprisingly, it’s smack dab in the middle of the three. As mentioned above, my Rampage full-face weighs in at an even 1,000 grams for my size medium. My size large RPC, while technically not apples to apples in the size department, is heavier at 1,254 grams. My medium ProFrame RS, as you would expect, weighs less at 834 grams.

The Wolf’s Last Word

Fox nailed it with the release of the new Rampage helmet. The Rampage helmet is a prime example that you don’t need to spend top-dollar to get a really good product. It has everything one needs, and nothing they don’t, all while being offered at a reasonable price. It meets e-Bike certification, has an adjustable visor, utilizes Mips and has great ventilation. What more could one ask for?

If you are looking for a downhill full-face helmet, and don’t need to have a flashy carbon shell, this version of the Rampage helmet is the ticket. I am personally not a big fan of pedal-friendly full faces and the fit they provide. The Rampage tested here is a valid substitute and will keep you plenty cool on the climbs on an eBike, while adding protection confidence for the descents. Kudos Fox, you knocked this helmet out of the park. 

Price: $229.95
Weight: 1,000 grams (medium)
Website: Foxracing.com

WHERE TO BUY
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