Helmets with extra coverage and extra ventilation seem to be all the rage these days and iXS is finally getting into the foray with the introduction of their Trigger FF helmet. They bill their helmet as an all-purpose, all day, race helmet thanks to vents galore and an incredibly low weight. Unlike some full faces that are really just half-shell helmets with a flimsy chin bar thrown on there, the IXS Trigger FF is DH ready with the certification to back it up.
While the Trigger FF is a new helmet for the market, it’s not exactly 100% new for iXS. It’s built off the popular trail/all-mountain Trigger helmet. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the FF stands for Full Face. The Trigger FF keeps all of the sweet features of the half-shell helmet, adds a chin bar, and moves a few vents around to maximize ventilation. Oh, and it’s extra crash-proof, too. This full-face sports three different safety certifications (EN1078, ASTM, and CPSC), making it worthy of the toughest descents you might find on your enduro bike.
So what are some of these sweet features? Fit and comfort come standard in the way of ultra-adjustability. The Trigger FF’s ErgoFit Ultra Retention System is a long name for a cradle that...well...cradles your head. The attachment points for the cradle can be adjusted along with a micro-ratcheting dial in the rear to make sure that your helmet fits you perfectly. The VentMesh padding is more than your normal foam. It’s highly breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you from drowning in your own sweat. What else is there? How about the Fidlock magnetic fastener that allows you to snap your chin strap on instantly? Or the adjustable visor that raises up to allow you to fit goggles underneath it? Speaking of goggles, iXS placed a rubber pad on the rear of the helmet to prevent your goggles from sliding around while you’re riding at mach-insert your own speed here.
Then there are the more functional features. While using a magnet to clip your chin strap is nice, the built-in X-Frame that provides the strength and safety of the chin bar is even nicer. iXS didn’t simply mold EPS foam in front of your face and call it a day. They made sure it’s reinforced so that your next trip to the dentist is for a teeth cleaning and not something else. Then there’s also the Vortex Ventilation that uses five huge intake vents and channels them into 17 smaller ones to introduce cool air to your noggin and push out the hot air. Not a bad feature if you plan on pedaling all the way up the mountain in a full face.
Fox may have been the first player to the game with a highly ventilated, DH rated full-face helmet, but the competition is heating up. iXS is coming out swinging with tons of features and comfort that may leave other companies scrambling to catch up. While iXS may have thrown nearly everything into this helmet, the one thing they omitted was a heavyweight. That’s right, on top of getting all of the creature comforts, you also get the lightest full-face helmet available. There’s pretty much nothing to dislike about this melon protector. So if you’re the type to throw everything you’ve got at an enduro race, likes crushing big descents, or just flat out want some of the most comfortable and best head protection, the Trigger FF is for you.
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