First Look: iXS Trail RS Enduro Helmet

Jul 17, 2013 at 20:59
by Richard Cunningham  
iXS Trail RS helmet

Richie Schley rips through a burn zone, sporting the iXS Enduro lid he helped to design - part of his 'Schleyer' Collection. - Ale Di Lullo photo


Swiss protection maker iXS added a lightweight, maximum coverage half-shell helmet to its new NLS (Next Level Series) range. The Trail RS Enduro helmet is designed with a pronounced wrap-around at the rear of the shell to maximize protection and the outer shell is in-molded to the EPS liner to add durability as well as to improve impact dispersion in the event of a crash. iXS did not specify what material the liner was made from, but it appears to be poly-carbonate instead of the heavier ABS plastic shells most popular European AM helmets feature. IXS states the weight of its Trail RS at a respectable, 320 grams. One welcome feature is its adjustable, breakaway visor which is designed to keep the visor in one piece during a tumble. Quick-release straps and a 'full-circle' adjustable head band ensure that the iXS helmet will fit well, and 22 vents help to keep the air flowing around the body's greatest source of heat. The new lid looks good and it passes USA's CPSC and Europe's EN1078 standards. Sizes are small/medium and medium/large. MSRP: € 99.95 (We are told that North American pricing is forthcoming.)

bigquotesiXS approached me three years ago to collaborate in a helmet concept and that would be something in between a downhill helmet and a cross country helmet. A helmet that has good coverage, is light weight and still super ventilated. That's where we came up with the Trail RS.
- Richie Schley


iXS Trail RS helmet

Moto-style adjustment screws (left) hold the visor at the chosen angle, while a breakaway upper mount (center) helps it to survive the worst. The rear of the iXS Trail RS drops low behind the head, and the retention adjust dial can be manipulated with gloved hands. - Ale Di Lullo photo




Plenty of ventilation - 22 ports in all - keep the rider cool on the climbs.
IXS offers the Trail RS in palate of contemporary matte-finish colors.
- Ale Di Lullo photo
Key Features:
• Dual, in-mold 360-degree coverage shell and EPS liner for optimized protection and minimal weight
• 22 large vents and internal air channels
• MX screw-type adjustable visor with a crash-release mount
• Ergonomic dial-adjuster for head band
• Ergo-Fit Ultra retention system allows for precise vertical and horizontal positioning:
• Dual-Compound head ring for highest comfort and optimized fit
• Ajustable strap system with quick release buckles
• EN1078 and CPSC TUV tested and certified
• Weight: 320 grams
• Sizes: small/medium - 54-58cm, medium/large - 58-62cm
• MSRP: € 99.95
• Available in stores near end of September


Watch the iXS Trail RS Video




photo

Richie Schley gives the Trail RS Enduro a gentle outing in Les Deux Alpes last week. - Nathan Hughes photo


bigquotesFirst off, the Trail RS felt a lot more planted than a typical XC/Enduro helmet. It had a close, snug fit that seemed to cover more of my head than rival helmets. It was definitely well ventilated and it felt very light. The retention system was good and I only had to wind one click to make a noticeable difference. - Nathan Hughes: PB rider/photographer

Photo by Ale Di Lullo

Richie - hard at work in his office. - Ale Di Lullo photo



See more iXS protection products

Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles
Must Read This Week
Thank You For Everything, Pinkbike
74422 views
How to Watch the 2024 Mountain Bike World Cup [Update: Staylive Offering Access in New Zealand, South Africa & More]
60563 views
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
45904 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
41578 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
39483 views
Staff Ride: Matt Beer's NZ MTB Rally-Spec Ibis HD6
39474 views
Tree Root Pierces Harriet Harnden's Foot at Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series
37204 views
Review: Race Face's Era Chainring Uses Steel, Carbon, & Aluminum
26805 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

78 Comments
  • 42 5
 How can they call it an enduro helmet if you have to wear full face helmets at endure events?
  • 3 33
flag Lilshredman (Jul 17, 2013 at 21:42) (Below Threshold)
 I just me you, and it's crazy! so call me...enduro?
  • 32 4
 Cause it's trendy. Troy Lee also presented the A1 as an enduro helmet. Everything's enduro now, that's just how it is...
  • 144 0
 Even your name is Enduro
  • 5 3
 LMAO @ Kinc.
  • 9 0
 Note to self: If in a RUSH to get product designed, don't ask Richie.
  • 5 4
 @Kinc: that was some time before the hype that started last year. Plus compared to the helmet, the name is not faked: i really love enduro!! Whereas that helmet is no enduro helmet... Wink
  • 1 0
 In the only really big crash i have had, I slamed the the back of the head into the ground and crushed, the rear of my helmet,. So it does happen
  • 2 2
 Anything can happen so yep, get protected Wink
  • 31 1
 Finally, because my other helmets do not work for ENDURO. Now I can get the Mavic ENDURO wheel set so I can ride ENDURO. Do they have ENDURO grips yet, I need those. Holy FUCK just put the word ENDURO in front of everything so we are all covered. Oh shit, it's now SUPER ENDURO, fuck, now I have to buy everything again. I'll just wait for SUPER DUPER EXTRA FANTASTIC ENDURO.
  • 7 2
 HAHAH! quotable, for sure. RC
  • 16 4
 nice looking helmet but I've fallen every which way, and haven't ever hit the back of my head when crashing on my bike...if anything I would want extra protection for my pretty face. my 'enduro' helmet=hanging my fullface on my handlebars while I pedal up and putting it on my head when going down.
  • 10 1
 Just last night had an over the bars on a little fall away section of the trail, going pretty fast landed on all fours and had the full force of the rear triangle blast into the back of my helmet, would have been a split skull if I wasn't wearing my Urge Endur O' matic was sure glad of the extra protection, I'd never under estimate back of the head protection.
  • 7 0
 exactly - I have the same Urge helmet. Its dented at the back after a tree whipped me off my bike at the start of an eduro stage. Just because it hasnt happened yet doesnt mean it wont...
  • 5 0
 One of the reasons is that the helmet shall be more compatible for using goggles, wich is genious!
  • 1 0
 This is exactly why I bought the same helmet. Not just a perch on top of the head.
  • 2 0
 Like others said I have had my bike hit me in the back of the head after a crash. After the crash I took a minute to inspect everything and I found chainring marks right in the back of the helmet. If it wasn't for the helmet I wouldn't still be here. I also run a bash on all of my bikes now too.
  • 1 1
 Breaking your nose and knocking out your teeth wont give you brain damage...
  • 3 0
 it sure will. ask boxers, they get plenty of shots to the face and none to the back of the head, and they are plenty susceptible to brain injury. anytime the brain gets knocked against the inside of the skull it is damaged, and that can happen with any blow to the head. I did a big faceplant off a dirt jump and broke my nose, knocked out a tooth, and yes knocked myself out. full face would have saved me from a lot of damage.
  • 16 2
 WHOA BRO!!! SO ENDURO!!! le sigh
  • 4 0
 That made me laugh...keep waiting for a video to pop up with "sh!t enduro riders say" I'll keep my fingers crossed and liking good comments like yours.
  • 10 2
 Looks a lot like the Giro Hex. www.giro.com/us_en/products/men/helmets/dirt/hex.html#Matte%20Kelly%20Green%20/%20Highlight%20Yellow
  • 2 2
 ooohhhh...for cyclists!
  • 3 2
 My first thought as well, not much in the way of original design.
  • 4 0
 I have a Hex, this one looks like it covers the back of the head more
  • 4 4
 Also looks similar to a poc in terms of colour scheme.
  • 1 3
 Real, I could have sworn I had seen this article before
  • 2 2
 Just how original do you people want makers to get? Its a helmet! And a nice looking one as well but like Motard5 said "build in one or two camera mounts".
  • 2 5
 Yo dawg, I heard you like to down vote... Really?
  • 2 0
 @apcastagno yeah, my thoughts exactly. Will canvas between this and the hex. whichever i get a better deal on will be the one I'd get haha.
  • 2 0
 Has Giro fixed their RocLoc retention system? I remember reading it had serious durability problems and was continually breaking.
  • 1 0
 Not really, the RocLoc on my Hex is broken, one of the little plastic pins that fit into the rear support has snapped. Saw this and thought "Just like my Hex, but better!" I'm in.
  • 3 0
 I like the helmet , of course just like auto makers, etc. etc., there will always be a little of " someone else" in the product. How on earth can you make a product and NOT have similarities if from the same field ???
  • 2 0
 Except for the visor it looks just like my Giro Feature. The Giro Feature is a good helmet but not very plush inside and 1/3 of the paint on the top of the helmet has worn off in 450km from tree branches hitting it but it fits well and offers good protection. I come from a motorcycling background and knew this type of helmet would be allot hotter with the rear coverage and it is but with the hot humid weather we get here you're going to be sweating allot no matter what you wear on your head.
  • 1 0
 Cool to hear some thoughts on the Feature... I've been thinking it would be my next helmet. This IXS is the first thing on the market that's made me reconsider that, though.
  • 3 0
 Feature is nowhere as ventilated as this one.
For paint, I have the gray/white one and I got only small scratches, mostly invisible.

It's very nice for the price, but in south of France summer, just too hot. I ordered a Giro Hex for half the price of the iXS, but the iXS seems to have a very good coverage and still be thin, much like the Feature.
  • 1 0
 Yea, I've been looking at it from the perspective of coverage & durability being more important than ventilation, which is why I was looking at the feature. This Trail RS Enduro seems to have the same coverage as the feature, with better ventilation, but I wonder about durability.
  • 1 0
 I have a feature too and I really like it. its simple, light and although not massively ventilated does a pretty good job of what vents it has. It also has a nice flat bit on top for a sticky gopro mount.

My only complaint with it is that it is so soft on the outside; the plastic is tissue paper thin and doesnt stop dents or dings very well.
I wish Id gotten a shiny finish one as hopefully it wouldnt look as thrashed as the flat black does.
  • 1 0
 ugh, sounds like the Feature is more XC level of durability, instead of skate lid durability. Why can't someone make a well ventilated hard shell helmet? That's what I really want.
  • 2 0
 Bummer. Still no one but POC stepping to the plate to even attempt to provide advanced protection from concussions. This helmet, like every other one on the market (even the $20 Bell at Walmart), is still just EPS foam with an external shell. All of them will provide about the same level of protection against severe trauma (a good thing), but you'll still walk away with a concussion if you go down hard. Time for the helmet companies to start making a better mousetrap.
  • 1 0
 You mean they pay the MIPS licensing fee? and how do we know MIPS works?
  • 1 0
 There is science behind it, so at least they're trying. Better than making the same thing with a new label.
  • 6 2
 I am designing some Enduro socks, deodorant, shoe laces, I even an Enduro worthy dog, not a trail dog. ENDURO DOG
  • 3 0
 When are helmet makers going to get the hint and build in one or two camera mounts?
  • 6 0
 Bell super?
  • 1 0
 Yea that helmet has a gopro helmet mount built in.
  • 7 3
 who needs camera mounts? its such a trend to film every piece of shit
its so funny to see the go pro etc fanboys ...filming everything.....
  • 2 0
 Think about this: Go watch any bike video... which is the better footage: POV or professionally shot? It's always the pro shot stuff because we can actually SEE what the rider is doing. heck, before the gopro, POV was mainly used as a chase cam.
  • 3 0
 You can only wear this during transitions, otherwise you have to have fullface helmet on during enduro!!
  • 5 1
 'E*****' - there's that magic sales and marketing word again
  • 3 0
 Nice one. But a full face, super-light, super-ventilated helmet for intensive Enduro racing is still needed
  • 3 0
 Tips: Green hats never sell well in China. Putting that color over your head means something really bad...
  • 2 0
 What does it mean?
  • 2 0
 So...what does it mean...Educate us ignorant 'mericans
  • 3 0
 Haha, culture difference. A "green hat" in China means that the one who wears it has been cheated on. It is often used in spoken language, when people say someone is wearing a "green hat", that means his/her other half has had fun with other guy/girl.
  • 1 0
 Milanboy, iXS are now selling them in red, which I believe is a good colour in China. For what it's worth, I'm loving my blue Trail RS! www.ridemorebikes.com/ixs-trail-rs-helmet
  • 2 0
 Great to know that dude. From what I've seen. Many Chinese riders would choose white, black, blue helmets. Red is a good color in China, but not for helmets perhaps.
  • 2 2
 Enduro = nuevo poser marketing BS speak for mountain biking. Just a trendy word for what used to be called a MTB ride with any of your buds...ride to the top, race to the bottom. The original 'enduro' helmet...Giro Switchblade. And you could actually use it for one of these new 'Enduro' events as it's full face.
  • 3 0
 Please make a full face version for racing enduro and adventure riding.
  • 1 1
 www.casco-helme.de/en/produkte.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=14&category_id=38

endurorider.pl/2007/12/casco-viper

I've been using for last couple of years and it proved to be robust and long lasting. The best thing is that you can still buy inner lining from the producer Smile
  • 1 1
 It ain't pretty, but it is moving in the right direction.
  • 1 0
 Oh shit.. that helmet looks like a predator had a baby with a turd
  • 3 0
 Who cares about the helmet...what bike was he shredding on?!
  • 2 0
 He is sponsored by Rotwilde
  • 1 0
 where can I get one of those? rotwild*
  • 1 0
 I like how the visor is called a "break away" when it looks a lot like the bell super goggle storage system...hehehe sneaky swiss
  • 1 0
 We better be able to adjust the hell out of that 'full circle adjustable head band' with only 2 sizes available. Looks good though.
  • 3 1
 Looks nice, but I want MIPS.
  • 2 1
 Yeah, I don't think I will buy another helmet without MIPS...such a good idea.
  • 2 0
 Why is mips such a good idea? don't send me to a website with a MIPS simulation video either.
  • 1 0
 Hey Stick, from what I have seen MIPS helps it so your brain does deal with as much rotational force upon impact. This rotation is what causes concussions, MIPS helps absorb the rotational energy....much like the way our brain fluid works. I recently crashed and got a concussion...and it sucks. I have known people who have had to be off the bike for years because of concussions, I was just off for two weeks and that was enough for me to look into this further. Anything to help our brains survive a serious impact is good, brain injuries suck and as someone who has broken a few helmets in my 30 years of riding MTB I think it's time more helmet manufacturers look into safer solutions.
  • 2 0
 I was waiting for a cinder block to be dropped on it.
  • 2 0
 Looks like a giro feature with larger and more channels
  • 2 0
 Blurb sounds like an ad for panty liners...
  • 1 0
 What a joke. The fit is great on the Trail model but the dial adjuster blew up on my first ride out for no apparent reason.
  • 1 0
 That helmet looks pretty enduro.
  • 1 0
 Half shells are a compromise.
  • 1 0
 Enduro tastic!!!







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.036678
Mobile Version of Website