First Look: iXS Xult Full Face Helmet

May 20, 2015
by Pinkbike Staff  


A cross over full face
Developed and designed for downhill racing and riding. It features a VORTEX molded aeration system that provides consistent airflow through the helmet and therefore crosses over towards the needs of enduro style riding and racing. The special FRPT (fiber reinforced polymer) shell is designed to increase strength while also reducing overall weight of the helmet. The FRP minimizes the shell volume which helps to reduce rotational force while helping to prevent severe concussions in the event of an impact. Enduro riding is approaching the same speed and danger as DH racing, protect your head with a helmet that can handle both.

The rail based design and reinforced form increases structural integrity where additional strength is needed. X Matter inserts, the same used in our popular knee pads, at major impact zones absorb more force than traditional EPS alone. This helps reduce the impact force as well as rotational impact absorption while also increasing the durability of the helmet. An ergonomic padding system ensures comfort without inhibiting the VORTEX air flow using high-tech anti-bacterial Coolmax material wicks moisture away from skin to keep you dry and comfortable. Optimized cheek pads ensure a perfect fit while also using the EPR – emergency release pad system to allow for easy removability in the event of an emergency.

iXS Xult Black

The concept
The concept and design of a “cross over full face” was developed in close cooperation with pro rider Cedric Gracia. As a professional Downhill and Enduro racer, the most important thing to Cedric is his safety and to be properly protected. He would never compete without his full face helmet on and only with a true full face can he be confident of getting up healthy and alright after a big crash. Traditional full face helmets have a major negative side to them, They are hot and cause you to overheat while riding and can be heavy and bulky especially for Enduro. Racing enduro and riding in general generates a lot of heat, sweat and moisture loss so Cedric needed a helmet with lots of airflow to keep him cool while also providing enough protection for his head. With his input we developed a full face helmet, which using the VortexTM molded aeration system, integrated Xrail absorption unit along with its FRP fiber reinforced structure, we have essentially improved comfort and safety in one full face helmet.

The Xult helmet series meets the European EN1078 and American C.P.S.C standards.

Weight +/- 1100g

Sizing
S/M 53-56cm
M/L 57-59cm
L/XL 60-62cm

MSRP
$349 USD
349 Euro
249 £

iXS Xult CG

iXS Xult White and Red

iXS Xult Yellow

iXS Xult Front

iXS Xult White

MENTIONS: @iXSsports


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech First Looks Helmets


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129 Comments
  • 72 8
 +/- 1100g? That's quite a manufacturing error!
  • 35 15
 350 is way to expensive for a IXS helmet TBH.
  • 7 3
 Perhaps that was meant to be 1,100g (+/-)
  • 4 3
 of course its 1100g (+/-), they don't list any other weight... it makes sense.
  • 20 1
 Depends if it was raining or not the day they made it....
  • 6 3
 do you think the weight difference is down to which size of helmet? as more material would have to be used for larger helmets?!?
  • 6 2
 with most helmets the small medium and larges all have the same outer contruction where as the inner is more built up on the small and medium, with less material for the large. check it out in person. so smallest fitting DH helmets are often heaviest.
  • 10 0
 Seems to be a lot of focus on the helmet being 100g or so heavier than other brands. With the vents they have probably had to add additional material elsewhere to maintain strength. There's not many convertible cars that weigh the same as the hardtop version.
  • 7 0
 Fox Rampage carbon weighs 1185g, before you even sweat in it
  • 2 1
 as a rampage cost the same it's an easy decision
i am on my second one, quality wise are as good as a d3(had one also) cheaper(at least in europe) and for me a litle more confortable
  • 1 0
 The fox is super comfortable. If you are big/tall it's a good size helmet and looks proportionate compared to others.
  • 9 2
 so this new IXS helmet does not meet the DH specific ASTM F1952 safety standard?

surely any new full face helmet coming to market should meet this specific standard?

any helmet sold into the European market has to meet the minimum safety standard EN1078 which this new IXS helmet does, as do £20 children's helmets sold for push scooter or skateboard use.

So its heavy, and only meet minimum safety standards, I am missing something apart from "ventilation"?
  • 4 1
 I'll happily stay with my below 800 grams Kali Avatar 2 and sweat a little during Enduro racing, but if I'm going to go all in on weight, I'll still buy the new Kali Shiva, which has DOT-certificate and weights just 1050 grams...
IXS kinda failed in my opinion... Frown
  • 3 1
 Agree with MrEtnie, i think Kali delivered more in value for money thing.
  • 6 2
 DOT cert doesn't mean better for biking.
  • 1 1
 @TheOriginalTwoTone sure, but then there is even less sense in buying that Xult helmet, which is heavy AND lacks protection in comparison to other helmets...
  • 3 1
 Oh I get that, it's why in a post below this I pointed out the MET Parachute. Cheaper, better ventilated, lighter and ASTM 1952 certified.
  • 5 0
 @TheOriginalTwoTone The interesting thing about the Kali Shiva is it passes both CPSC ASTM1952 and DOT
The helmet is soft enough to dissipate energy at a low speed crash and tough enough to handle impacts necessary to pass DOT. It also have a Chin bar that passes ASTM1952...to me that helmet is a home run
  • 48 7
 Looks like the fox rampage carbon
  • 20 0
 But will it smell like one after a seasons use. Mmmmm. Pungent.
  • 2 1
 i agree, all the new full face helmets seem to be going for a certain look now such as the rampage and d3
  • 10 0
 It's obvious why though. D3's and Rampages fly off the shelf @ $300-600! Meanwhile, 661, Bluegrass, Fly, iXS etc are hustling to get $200-300 for their wares. Sure brand credibility/reputation play into it a lot, but its not a bad move by other helmet brands to imitate...

Or have I completely missed a "Looks like a session" joke?
  • 1 0
 TomShark, absolutely right!
  • 2 0
 @bigtim thats where poc is king. polygiene anti odor treatment
  • 2 0
 have pads and 2 helmets never smelled bad once
  • 1 0
 @dk861 never had a problem with smell either. Taking a shower once in a while helps Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Never had a smell problem with any helmet either (bell, tld, fox, 661). Good diet might help?
  • 1 0
 Plus most helmets have removable liners that are washable, so it really shouldn't be an issue; unless you're dumb and or lazy.
  • 2 0
 At least it doesn't look like Trek Session. Wait, what!?
  • 1 0
 @bigtim: your suppose to wash the liner....
I always wash mine and it smells better than new
  • 1 0
 @TheSolidZone: or wash the liner and cheek pads..
  • 19 0
 Nice helmet Cedric. Keep up the good work. The D3 carbon is still over 100 grams lighter though...
  • 13 4
 I can't see the point. It will not be possible to climb with this on head anyway. When going down, I am sure that Cedric has enough speed to stay cool in every DH FF helmet ... And it is heavy, much heavier than Urge Enduro or Bell Suer 2R.
  • 3 0
 The Urge isn't that great. Iv'e had one and it is barely capable of handling a slow crash. I'd buy this if I had to deal with some pedal bits in an enduro race.
  • 4 1
 i climb in a ff. If i can get more ventilation ill take it
  • 8 1
 1100 grams isn't heavy, but I wouldn't call it light either. Fox rampage is lighter, and a size medium Giro Cipher is around 1140 grams. Cool colors though, I like the aesthetics.
  • 10 0
 I like this:
349$ = 349$
349€ = 386$
  • 8 3
 Hahaha that's ridiculous, I have a DOT full face helmet from Motorfist for sledding that weights under 1000g and my regular Fly Racing F2 Carbon which is DOT as well weights the same. Back to the drawing board there IXS.
  • 1 1
 all this... for nothing Big Grin too late to cancel massive production Mouhahahahahah
  • 2 1
 TLD D3 weighs 1150g just like Fox... ekhem...
  • 1 0
 You know that motorfist helmet is just a rebranded Kali Shiva, right?
  • 1 1
 Yep I do bud.
  • 10 2
 But where is the 100%helmet ?
  • 6 0
 Coming soon...
  • 3 0
 The iXS is a lot more ventilated as the Fox, and he has Xmatter (a kind of 3DO) under the shale ton improve shock absorption... It's true that the design looks a little bit the same, but that all... I like it!
  • 2 0
 Well, I have had a couple of helmets over the years. The first being a TSG Stealth, through 661 Strike, Bell Drop and currently a O'Neal Skad. The TSG was very light and ventilation was superb, finish was terrible though, it was one of their first, I guess that's normal. The 661 Strike was pretty comfortable, but I would describe it more as a winter helmet, it had no ear vents and the liner was plush so it got very hot in winter and unbearable in summer. The Bell Drop was amazing, SO much air flow, I could breathe all the air, alas, had to sell it, because Uni, sold everything then. Now I have the O'Neal Skad, got it quite cheap so I am very happy with it. It has very good air flow, the fit and finish is on par and I like the graphics. This new IXS though, a lot of ventilation for 1100gr seems a lot, the Drop costs way less and basically delivers just as good, plus, it has all the certificates. Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I guess a light full face helmet with improved ventilation is something Enduro riders are really looking for these days. Curious if it is on par with other full face helmets in terms of shock absorbtion. Looks like someone from poc helped out with the shapes :-\
  • 2 0
 Looks good! Good job IXS! Keep it up. Next time pick a better song... something more melodic and intense, something that will give that extra aw factor to the helmet. Presentation does matter!!
  • 2 0
 Vents definitely a bonus if you live in hot area, well done! Viser looks quite high though, susceptible to damage... but you might be able to fit a camera under it which'd be good!
  • 4 1
 Reminds me an old version from the Empire ! (And it's a good thing !) ^^
static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070711113911/starwars/nl/images/2/27/Scout_Trooper1.jpg
  • 1 0
 Yeah, the red and white one especially looks like something out of Star Wars.
  • 2 0
 I have to say at first glance I thought that looks a great looking budget helmet like their usual helmets. Then I saw the price. Why anyone would buy this over a Fox Rampage for an extra £100 it's totally beyond me.
  • 2 0
 I was watching the whole video hoping to see the test for durability, peformance and feedback from the rider during actual crash.
  • 2 0
 I would love to see some new edit of Cedric riding a DH bike ! I miss what he used to bring to the World Cups-stylish and funny everytime.
  • 10 9
 Hmmmm if it didn't have those cross prices on the front I think it would look almost identicle to a rampage pro carbon.. Just sayin
  • 4 10
flag qman11 (May 20, 2015 at 7:38) (Below Threshold)
 Peices**
  • 44 0
 getting closer! one more try!
  • 11 2
 peeces** Get it together peeple.
  • 20 0
 feces**

ohh my bad
  • 10 2
 Peaces?
  • 6 3
 PCP
  • 6 2
 polices
  • 2 4
 Pee-cess.......
  • 3 2
 Pompoms. .?
  • 8 2
 i before e, except after c....
  • 2 1
 Peaches?
  • 2 0
 more words have e before i however
  • 1 0
 Now go to Science class Lastpikd!
  • 4 1
 Personally,I like the colors and overal look very much !
  • 2 3
 Is it made in china? Because most helmets are. I seen a 20/20 report on bike helmets last week, and the tests preformed were troubling to say the least... Never gave two hoots about the origin of my helmets but after seeing the complete failure of some helmets it really made me look closer. Think POC and UVEX are about the only helmets not made in china. Correct me if i'm wrong.... Any other helmets not made in china? please share...
  • 2 1
 @DaDawg I got the impression that that report was about counterfeits rather than general country of origin.
  • 1 4
 You are correct. And the clip was brief, but it made me do a little research and i found that most helmets are made in china including the counterfeit ones. The only helmets made in the usa are Bell's walmart line. I mean everything on my bike is NOT from china (drive train japan, wheels/tyres Swiss/German ect....) Why do i want to put a made in china helmet on my head? Next FF helmet is gonna be POC or MET.

helmets.org has lots of good info..
  • 3 1
 @DaDawg, I think you're missing sjunker's point entirely. The issue at hand surrounds counterfeit (i.e. fake) rip offs, which just so happened to come from China. This isn't to say that the production quality of branded products - which will be subject to rigorous testing regardless of where they are made - are any more likely to fail if they happen to have been made in China.

I fail to see what you're trying to suggest? Are you arguing that anything made in China is inherently inferior as a product? That seems like a very ignorant position to take.
  • 1 4
 Well have fun with your made in China crap. Ill stick with anything else. Thanks for your opinion and missing my point totally.
  • 2 1
 @DaDawg - your point is that anything made in China is inherently inferior?
This latest comment seems to once again suggest that is the case, so I can't see what I've missed?

If this isn't the case, then feel free to explain what you're actually trying to say.
  • 2 1
 The POC is also made in China. The Uvex may not be but they just had a monster recall so that doesn't help
  • 2 0
 Nice looking helmet. I like all of the vents especially around the back of the helmet.
  • 1 1
 Expensive helmet with less protection than the real thing - for not downhill savy xc-bikers riding an enduro-bike with limited suspension and light tires on a dh-track. Yeah...it all makes total sense...
  • 1 0
 Which one would you guys recommend for similar use and protection. with a lower price tag??
  • 7 0
 661 comp helmet. It complies to the same safety standard as the ixs. And it's quite light and breathable at 1000 g. Very comfortable too. It's $100
  • 2 4
 No no no! You can bend a 661 comp in with your hands!
  • 1 0
 I have the comp. It's great and certainly protective. It's very large for my body type though.
  • 1 0
 had big crash with the 661 comp, wacked head off a tree stump and it protected me. it is hot though
  • 5 0
 Giro Cypher is an awesome helmet as well. Ventilation is great on hot days, and not too expensive.
  • 2 0
 @lucent I actually purchased and returned the Cipher helmet for being too hot. It looks sweet though and offers the ASTM DH safety classification, which is more than the IXS and 661 helmet can say
  • 1 0
 There's a lot of good full faces around now from all the usual suspects for about $100 - $200(though you may have to go to last years models to get down to $100.) All full faces fit different, so I'd buy whichever one fits the best, even if it costs you a few extra clams.
  • 3 0
 Yeah Giro Cipher is actually pretty light, well ventilated and DH certified. I'm really surprised that a "cross over helmet" is not DH certified - the speeds in enduro racing are almost as fast as DH.
  • 4 1
 I'm really surprised a cross over helmet is so heavy
  • 1 0
 I love my cipher, especially at its price point. However I see an upgrade to a D3 or Rampage in my future eventually.
  • 1 0
 Cheers Guys. In india we don't have option or the possibility to try helmets on. some friends of mine have the 661 and they have survived a few nasty knocks. But looking for something more updated. Since there is a better range out there now. So will keep my eye out Smile .
  • 1 0
 No one ever taught Cedric Gracia to color coordinate... He looks like a drawing some kid did with handful of highlighters
  • 7 5
 heavy, expensive. no thanks
  • 1 0
 Looks good. The weight is not the best. But where to mount a cam. Ther is no flat space in the middle of the helmet.
  • 1 0
 Looks much better than IXS Metis, well ventilated as well, except for the price tag, I wouldnt buy an IXS for that price
  • 2 2
 "Ah new product on Pinkbike"

Let's scroll past all the lovely pictures and find the price.

"Woah! Finally something some people can afford"
  • 3 0
 Its no D3
  • 3 2
 IS IT ME OR THEY COPIED THE FOX RAMPAGE AND JUST CHANGE THE COLORS ???????????!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 waiiit a second: 1$ = 1€ now ?? What is this shit?
  • 1 0
 I like the look and if the price will be lower then TLD or FOX helmets ill buy it!
  • 2 0
 It looks like SHREDDER mask xD Nice Smile
  • 1 0
 I bought a new Troy Lee D3 for $225. Why should I choose this helmet over that?
  • 1 0
 so now if you don't want to say enduro but youre too much of a pu$$y to ride real downhill you call it crossover
  • 1 0
 So do the pads in the CG one smell like Cognac and strippers? CG is a boss!
  • 2 2
 Don't see why anyone would take this over a MET Parachute that is lighter, vented almost as well as a 1/2 dome and ASTM 1952 certified.
  • 1 0
 looks like a cheapest version of the fox rampage, still better then the old one tho
  • 2 2
 It's very ugly,i think ;/ Looks like a Fox Rampage Smile but black paint looks nice :d
  • 1 0
 But why doesn't it meet AUS standards?!?!
  • 1 0
 Would defently buy, only if it wasn't so expensive.
  • 6 5
 Those vents looks terrible
  • 16 1
 Alright, no need to get hot headed about it.
  • 14 0
 He just needs to vent
  • 5 0
 Put a lid on it Morka
  • 2 1
 You need to cool off buddy
  • 2 0
 Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Cedric don't need no trails.
  • 2 0
 i love the colours
  • 2 0
 Looks like a session
  • 2 0
 looks like FOX.
  • 1 0
 I can't help but think of fart noises when I read FRPT
  • 1 0
 Just picked up a Bell Full 9 and love it!
  • 1 2
 If the price was right (less then 250$) IXS could break the market with this helmet.
  • 2 1
 looks good
  • 1 2
 Obvious Fox Rip Off.... Chinese bootleggers, you guys should be ashamed.
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