Fox Racing introduces the all-new Rampage RS downhill helmet

Fox Racing has launched its all-new Rampage RS (Race Spec) pro-level mountain bike helmet, which has already been worn to victory at two UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cups by Jackson Goldstone and Tahnée Seagrave.

At launch, Fox highlights that “as the first pro-level downhill helmet to feature the Mips® Integra Split system, the Rampage RS is lighter and more aerodynamic than its predecessor and exceeds current industry protection standards.” The brand also points out that the Rampage RS is “spec’d to meet the demands of downhill and gravity athletes alike”.

Revolution and evolution

The Rampage helmet arrived on the scene in 2006 and has seen many iterations, including introducing a carbon fibre shell in 2013, becoming known as the ‘RPC’ (Rampage Pro Carbon), and adopting Mips rotational management technology in 2021.

Since its debut almost 20 years ago, the Rampage helmet has earned multiple accolades along with a reputation for being one of the most protective helmets in the professional paddock.

The acronym RS stands for Race Spec in Fox Racing’s product naming convention and refers to the extensive list of features like the Mips Integra Split system, which enables fit adjustability, tuned foam densities to protect against high and low-speed impacts, and maximum ventilation.

“Gravity experiences have always influenced the direction of what’s expected from the Rampage,” says Mikey Rangel, Director of Marketing at Fox Racing. “Today, athletes are going faster, but the protection standards aren’t keeping up. In addition to improving fit, weight, and aerodynamics, we drew on our internal organisational knowledge of protection standards by analysing race data and by applying other testing standards from the e-bike and moto disciplines. Our goal is to push the protection conversation forward with and for our athletes, knowing that positions us best for our consumers.”

Safety testing and certification

The Rampage RS meets a combination of the e-bike certification (NTA-8876) and the European helmet safety standard for motorcyclists (ECE 22.06) specific to the chin bar.

The e-bike certification tests the crown impact at a higher speed and a lower failure threshold than the standard specification for helmets used for downhill mountain biking (ASTM F1952). ECE 22.06 tests the chin bar impact at a higher speed and uses different failure criteria than ASTM 1952—G-force instead of deflection.

• The Rampage RS is spec’d at 250 grams lighter and 5% more aerodynamic than its predecessor.
• Revised head form, now consistent with the standard Rampage, Proframe, and Speedframe, offers more sizing, from XS to XXL, to maximise on-bike comfort.

Additional features include a lightweight carbon-fibre shell construction, two-position visor for GoPro compatibility, and removable/washable ionic+ comfort liner and cheek pads. Available in two colours and retailing for $699.95 (US), the Rampage RS includes a clip-on mud visor, GoPro mount, thicker cheek pads and liner to fine-tune your fit, extra hardware, and a premium carrying case.