ABOUT THE IXS TRIGGER MX 1.0 FULL FACE HELMET
iXS designed the Trigger MX 1.0 helmet to protect Moto and mountain biker’s heads from two-wheeled adventures of all sorts. With ECE 22.06 and DOT certification for use on motorcycles, the Trigger MX gives certified big hit protection, but has measures in place to keep it comfortable and protective for less extreme use.
Within the ABS/PC composite outer shell is a multi-layered EPS inner core, giving impact protection for hits big and small. Further boosting the protection offered is the Mips Evolve Core system, giving multidirectional impact protection for reduction of rotational impact forces.
Inside the iXS Trigger MX 1.0 helmet are a series of ventilation channels, linking the intake and outlet vents to channel air over the riders’ head and keep them cool. iXS worked to give a large view port for uninterrupted vision and wide goggle compatibility. The fixed visor is designed to release in a crash to reduce the likelihood of snagging.
iXS offers an impressive six sizes in the Trigger MX 1.0 helmet to fit heads from 53cm to 64cm. This is made possible by 2 different shell sizes and 2 EPS sizes, combined with varied padding thickness. The comfort lining and cheek pads can be removed for easy washing. Securing the helmet in place is the tried and true Double D-Ring closure system.
iXS stands by the Trigger MX 1.0 in the same way as their other premium helmets, offering the Ride.Repair.Repeat program to receive a 40% discount code for a replacement helmet if you have a crash within the first three years of ownership.
Offered in a choice of four colorways, the iXS Trigger MX 1.0 helmet retails from €199 (approx $230). A size Large is claimed to weigh 1,400g (3lbs).
THE DIRT
A trip to New Zealand offered the full spectrum of testing conditions for the iXS Trigger MX 1.0 full face helmet, from intense solar radiation-generated heat to some cooler and wetter days. And much to my displeasure, I was able to put its protective capabilities to the test, too, with a large crash and glancing blow to my head. I came out the other side thankful for the protection the Trigger MX 1.0 provided me, avoiding a concussion in a crash that had the recipe to sustain such an injury, but the crash reminded me that helmet safety has more factors than pure impact resistance.
The Trigger MX 1.0 helmet is a suitably high quality feeling helmet for its mid-level price tag. The colorway provided featured subtle graphics and a generally premium look, and the details throughout the helmet were neat and tidy. With the wide size range, small gaps between sizes, and slightly oval headform shape, most riders should be able to find a good fit. For me, the size Medium fit my 56cm fairly well, though I would have loved the option to fine tune the fit to slightly bolster the crown padding and get slightly increased security overall. Even so, the fit combined with Double D-Ring strap kept it secure on my head.
On the head, there was no ignoring the weight of the Trigger MX 1.0, but it felt evenly distributed and didn’t provide any concerns while riding. The view port worked perfectly with my outrigger-equipped Loam Wolf Providence goggles, with room to spare and no impact to my vision. The chin bar sat a little further from the mouth than some of the current crop of mountain bike-specific helmets, including the iXS Xult DH helmet, helping to improve breathing airflow. The mouthpiece area is not the most airy, so this increased room was very welcome on transfers in the bikepark and when talking on a hot chairlift.
When up to speed, there was a reasonable level of ventilation, so the iXS Trigger MX 1.0 retained reasonable comfort for its high levels of protection. It wasn’t my enduro full face helmet of choice – the weight and size made sure of that – but I didn’t dread any small pedaling efforts required when wearing it.
At The Loam Wolf, we take our testing seriously, so I deliberately had a huge crash when riding in the iXS Trigger MX 1.0 helmet to assess its protective capabilities… Okay, I didn’t actually intend to crash, but sh*t happens when you’re pushing bikes to their limit. An incorrect shock tune combined with my excitement of another lap of the Ben Lomond trails in Queenstown, NZ, to send me over the bars and onto my head.
It wasn’t the hardest crash you’ll ever see, thanks to a combination of some fortunately placed soft dirt and a reasonable attempt to recover on my part. But, I came to a stop fairly quickly, using my head and shoulder to break the fall. The iXS Trigger MX 1.0 helmet did its job amicably, with its Mips system allowing for a slight rotational translation of the helmet around my head upon its glancing impact with terra (kinda) firma.
The result? A slight scuff to the helmet in the temple area, a brain no more messed up than beforehand, and a healthy dose of whiplash which left me me KT taped up and feeling worse for wear for the remainder of my trip. A definite pass for the protective capabilities of the Trigger MX 1.0 helmet, but with a caveat: the whiplash, and effects of the helmet weight on this.
Make no mistake, I would take a whiplash over a traumatic brain injury without a doubt. However, I do wonder if the weight of the helmet increased the severity of this whiplash. Simple physics states that all else being equal, a larger mass on your head increases the likelihood of a more serious neck injury. So, I suggest you ask the question of yourself and the protection attributes that you consider most valuable: do you think the trade off of increased high speed protection with increased weight is worthwhile for your riding, or would a non-DOT rated, lighter weight mountain bike full face helmet still offer sufficient protection?
In the flat out runs of a bikepark on a downhill bike, I’m leaning towards this extra protection being worthwhile. Though, I’d likely save up a little longer and opt to purchase a carbon fiber-shelled, slightly lighter alternative, to get the best of both worlds in protection terms, albeit with further weight savings in my wallet.
The Wolf’s Last Word
The iXS Trigger MX 1.0 helmet is a stellar option in the fairly budget-conscious space, to protect moto and DH mountain bike riders alike. It offers impressive safety credentials in a quality package for its price tag, and could be the ticket to protect the hardest charging riders from the biggest crashes. The protection offered comes with a weight penalty, making it heavier than many MTB-specific helmets. 
Price: From €199 / $227.90
Weight: 1,400 grams (large)
Website: IXS.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Robert’s habitat is the Tweed Valley, Scotland, which is renowned for its root-littered enduro mountain bike trails. Robert has been developing his bike handling skills for the last 16 years. Since he was a pup, he’s been riding everything from BMX through to enduro and downhill bikes. Combining a playful style with occasional speed-focused aggression, he favors supportive bikes, and does his best to push them hard.
Rank: European Tech Editor
Size: 6’2” / 189cm | 220lbs / 100kg
Social: @robert_johnston
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