TESTED: Fox Proframe Clyzo AS full-face helmet

Words: Gerard Lagana | Photos: Hayden Wright

The Fox Proframe AS was an original trailblazer in the full-face helmet game, and it was updated during spring 2023. A new look to the Proframe AS and overall functional updates give this already successful helmet a fresh start. New on this model is a 3-position adjustable visor, new MIPS Evolve Core, a change in ventilation configuration and a new padding liner. Fox have also expanded sizing into Youth sizes for the growing rate of young riders.

I had a size small model sent in for testing, it clocks 709g on the scales which is truly light for a full-face helmet. With a youth size and medium and large, the Proframe AS should fit a wide variety of head sizes. The Proframe AS comes with a soft bag for light protection in transit, and meets the AS/NZS 2063 protection standard and the ASTM-F1952 downhill mountain bike certification standard as well. However the true design goal of this helmet is enduro riding and racing.

READ: AMB's Full Face Helmet Group Test

For a secure fit, the Fox Proframe AS comes with 2 cheek pad sizes and 2 rear pads in the helmet to achieve the perfect fit for your head. I have a pin head so I opted to install the fatter cheek pads and rear helmet pad for a good fit. There is a whopping 15 vents and 9 exhaust vents that keep air coming in and hot air flowing out. Living in Queensland it's nice to know the ventilation is top notch, but this will be appreciated by anyone who either runs pretty hot, or will be using the helmet for trail riding, eMTB use or enduro.

Construction of the helmet is a Polycarbonate outer shell and EPS foam liner. MIPS have a new liner for this helmet also, MIPS Evolve Core to keep the brain cells even more alive in the event of an impact. This new liner is said to have a better fit and ventilation, so it's a perfect partner for the Proframe AS.

On the trail

I have only ever used downhill full-face helmets, so putting on the Proframe AS was a bit of a foreign feeling for me. Not having that slightly heavier full-face on my head certainly lead to a different feel, but one that I appreciated as well. With more of a trail helmet feel to the padding it gives a very light sensation of protection – however the testing standards do back it up. Goggles are a good fit around the open face of the helmet, including with outrigger goggles, and the Proframe AS has an easy to find strap placement to make sure you don’t have any awkward goggle strap positions happening.

After riding my first descents with the Proframe it was noticeably cooler and lighter weight over a conventional full-face. While I did remove my goggles for the climb back up I didn’t find my head overheating and feeling like a sauna unlike my conventional full face. Being able to match better ventilation and comfort while maintaining the protection of full face with a chin bar is something I can't see myself moving away from.

I did find one of the cheek pads kept unbuttoning when putting my helmet on a few times. I had to take extra care holding the pad with my thumbs to keep them in place when putting the lid on. The upshot here is that the pads do help for a secure fit, so have them super close is a good thing.

Verdict

With the reputation that the Fox Proframe AS has with its previous helmets its understandable how these light weight trail/enduro full-face helmets have kept their name at the top of the leader board. There is a lot to be said for having a lighter weight and well-vented full-face helmet. If it means you are reaching for more protection more often, then why not?

RRP: $449.99
From: foxracing.com.au

Hits:

– Super light and full protection
– Excellent ventilation
– Youth sizes available

Misses:

– Not many