Fox Announces Full Details of Dropframe Trail Helmet

May 17, 2019
by Fox Head  
The all new Fox Dropframe trail helmet designed for those who want M.O.RE. from their helmet. More coverage more confidence more fun.

PRESS RELEASE: Fox Racing

Fox Racing announces the release of the all new Dropframe helmet. Created to provide maximum coverage for an open face trail helmet, this all new style introduces the M.O.RE. (Mandibular Occipital REinforcement) guard. The innovative M.O.RE. guard design provides one piece eye port and lateral coverage for the ear, jaw and lower head, designed for trail riders of all levels who are looking for more from their helmets.

Fox MTB legend Kirt Voreis putting the Fox Dropframe to the test.

bigquotesThe design of the Dropframe was inspired by the groundbreaking Proframe Full face trail helmet. The same demand for additional coverage in a modern trail helmet which drove that revolutionary design was the impetus behind this new model. It’s the perfect helmet for riders of all levels looking for more coverage, more confidence and more fun on the trail.—Chris Blum, Fox MTB Category Manager


The all new Fox Dropframe trail helmet designed for those who want M.O.RE. from their helmet. More coverage more confidence more fun.

The performance of the Dropframe has been designed to focus on the needs of the aggressive trail rider and includes the following key performance features:

• M.O.RE. Guard (Mandibular Occipital REinforcement Guard) provides maximum coverage for the ear, jaw and back of the head
• Dual-density Varizorb™ EPS liner provides improved protection by spreading forces of impact across a wider area
• 8 Big Bore intake vents and 7 exhaust vents keep you cool and aid in moisture management
• The fixed visor positioned perfectly to channel air through the helmet
• Fidlock® SNAP helmet buckle provides quick entry and exit while wearing gloves
• Moisture wicking, antimicrobial helmet liner

Designed and developed over a 3-year period by the same team who created the iconic Proframe helmet, the Dropframe is available now at Fox MTB dealers worldwide.

The Fox Dropframe M.O.RE. Manddibuloar Occipital REinforcement Guard. Offers maximum coverage for the temple jaw and lower head than any helmet Fox has ever offered.
8 Big Bore intake and 7 Exhaust vents keep the Fox Dropframe cool on even the warmest rides.

The Fox Dropframe maximum coverage trail helmet features a fixed visor positioned to provide maximum air intake to the Big Bore intake vents.
fox Dropframe features the proven Fidlock buckle system and easy adjust y straps for a secure fit.

The all new Fox Dropframe – More coverage, More confidence, More fun.

Kirt V getting sideways in the all new Fox Dropframe


Posted In:
Press Releases Helmets


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142 Comments
  • 219 0
 Innsbruck approved
  • 1 0
 Hahahaha!
  • 8 0
 Perfect timing too.
  • 3 0
 ... more fun(ny) looks
  • 11 1
 Time to take my Super 2R on the bus and blow some fucking minds...
  • 1 0
 came her for this comment, wasn't dissapointed!
  • 2 2
 No, the Innsbruck crowd won't like it, 'cause as on the Proframe, there is no room (I mean gently curved or flat and horizontal place) to stick a gopro...
  • 80 39
 FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS RIDE HALF SHELL AND GOOGLES.
  • 70 15
 Have you actually ever ridden with goggles? Goggles make so much sense in lots of different conditions but sometimes you don't need added protection of full face (or extra weight/heat) but slipping goggles on for descents really really helps.
Try it before you hate it.
  • 45 5
 I have contacts. Sometimes goggles are the only way.
  • 7 34
flag me2menow (May 17, 2019 at 6:25) (Below Threshold)
 @lognar: there is no connection
  • 24 1
 Not so sure about that, give me a second while I Goggle it.
  • 4 1
 I wear contacts, there's really no merit over the other in my personal experience
  • 37 1
 I concur with @lognar. I wear contacts too and without goggles they will dry out. In my case I use a toric lens in one eye which is weighted to orient itself in properly on my eye, but wind in my eyes is enough to cause it to lose its correct orientation and will make my vision blurry. Goggles are the only solution I've found to work, sunglasses don't cut it in most cases. You might think it looks stupid, that's fine, but I'm more concerned about being able to see than winning the approval of your fashion standards.
  • 6 1
 Unless all the plants where you ride are at head height and hanging over the trail. Also, have you ever ridden through a massive butterfly migration?
  • 16 1
 @Vudu74: where do you live, gnarnia? I can’t say I’ve ever ridden through a migration of massive butterfly’s. And, like, how massive? Pick you up and fly away massive?
  • 3 1
 So dry in Canada right now I can barely ride 100m without rocks and dirt going into my Eyes.
  • 3 2
 Like telling your friend they have a bogie hanging from their nostril, its only fair to inform them
  • 1 1
 @Vudu74: no, but the fairies are a pain in the ass.
  • 2 2
 have a friend whom had his eye.nearly poked out...now his tear duct aint right so goggles help from the air going in there(limits tears)
  • 6 1
 In dry, dusty SoCal, they make al the difference for contacts wearers when following someone.
  • 8 5
 Get pit vipers instead
  • 11 1
 @chainspotting: goggles are the answer for me if it’s a trail with any speed at all. My eyes water like crazy. I’ve tried glasses with no luck. People can hate on me as much as they want. I’m old, grumpy and people’s opinions don’t bother me ;-)
  • 16 0
 @Vudu74: But have you ever ridden through a massive butterfly migration on WEED?
  • 5 1
 @acali: sounds magical whether you're high or not.
  • 1 1
 Well way to rain on my parade.
  • 3 4
 @masonstevens: I have this exact same problem but I for one am a true endurobro and know I look steezy as f*ck with my goggles and half shell...

but seriously I don't get the hate? looks fine to me
  • 2 1
 @Domokeats09: You can get FOX goggles for like thirty dollars, it just seems like a no-brainer.
  • 1 1
 It's not just contacts. I had eye surgery so now my eyes are REALLY sensitive to wind and dry out almost instantly. Eye drops and goggles are the only way I can ride.
  • 3 3
 @Domokeats09: I agree with you, I think it looks pretty good to, but only if the goggles aren't overly huge, then you look pretty stupid. But anything looks better than some douchy Oakleys.
  • 1 2
 @masonstevens: It’s the wearer that makes something douchey not the item.
  • 1 1
 @masonstevens: it does look stupid there’s no way round that and they’re a pain having to keep them clean, dry and not foggy but it’s better than getting side swiped by a low hanging branch or riding into a cloud of dust from the rider in front. I’ll only ride in goggles when I have to still though.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: Well I just think, "it's better than bugs in the eyes". If you go by, "better safe than sorry" you should probably wear them. I'm totally on the fence either way, but if it saves one bug in my eye, it's worth it.
  • 9 0
 Friends dont give a shit what you wear. Unless they're with benefits. In that case they want you to wear yogapants. Or a condom.
  • 2 0
 Preach
  • 1 0
 @masonstevens: My Torics are mostly out of focus when I need to read or see, and in focus almost never. lol
  • 1 0
 @gonecoastal: you might be using too much front brake
  • 33 3
 Mandibular Occipital REinforcement Guard. I'll just repeat that. Mandibular Occipital REinforcement Guard.

Ladies and Gentlemen. Enjoy these times. Never before have we witnessed such incredible levels of utter marketing bulls***.

I'll take four.
  • 3 0
 I mean it's a joke so they can call it the MORE guard, people do this with acronyms all the time. Tons of political bills/acts do the same sort of thing.
  • 9 0
 @jamesdunford I dunno, some pretty hot competition from every single SRAM press release. They now have the Super Deluxe Ultimate. Instead of a noun, they just use 3 adjectives/superlatives. Next year they'll have the Super Deluxe Ultimate Plus Awesome Greatest Better. And Fox will have Mandibular Occipital Skull proTection for MOST guard.
  • 2 0
 @Austin014: like the D.E.L.T.A. suspension??
  • 1 0
 @Socket: I think you've just got yourself a job at Fox
  • 3 0
 I always enjoyed "Tubes In Tubes System" by Transition Bikes.
  • 10 0
 I like the added security the Switchblade without the chin bar gives you. This looks like the same idea. Advantage of Switchblade is you can obviously add the chin bar so makes it more versatile that this, but the Switchblade is so so bloody heavy even without chin bar so if the Fox is added coverage much lighter then I can see it'd be pretty good. Be nice to know the mass.
  • 2 0
 I'm with you. I wear my Switchblade as a 3/4 helmet all the time when it's not super hot out.
  • 10 0
 You’d think that mass would be included in a “full details” article. Maybe I expect too much.
  • 3 0
 I got a Proframe - it's a fair bit lighter than the Switchblade even without the chinbar. I forget the number of grams per the spec sheets - but holding one in each hand, it was noticeable. The Dropframe is basically a Proframe without the chin piece - so it stands to reason it's a bit lighter still. Which makes sense, as the Switchblade has a bunch of additional structure built in to accept the chin piece.

The Switchblade, because of that extra bit of beefy structure to accept the chinbar, has less ventilation around the ear. My son had one, has a Proframe now, and says it feels way lighter and cooler to him than the Switchblade without the chin bar.

I decided I wanted more protection after an awkward low speed fall left me with well over a dozen stitches between my nose and mouth. A little lower, I'd probably have broken my jaw or done serious dental damage. The Dropframe wasn't available yet, or I might have gone that route - but that's still open face. I may try one on to see - but for now (it hasn't gotten really hot yet), I'm thinking the Proframe is a pretty neat option for extra protection for trail riding.
  • 1 0
 I've wanted a helmet with fuller coverage like this one, but this is so similar to the Proframe that I don't see the point of not running the PF. You don't notice the chinguard on the PF because of the ventilation, so omitting it isn't going to do much beyond not protect your teeth, and make it easier to eat/drink.
  • 1 0
 @rezrov: I'm with you. I have a pro frame and A TLD A2. On most trails, the A2 with MIPS is plenty and if I'm going to do some gnarlier rides, I would just put on the PF for extra protection. Its so light and breathes well.

Anything gnarlier on my DH bike and its a full on DH lid.
  • 14 4
 3 years and no MIPS? what's the thinking there Fox, given the lid is being punted at 'aggressive' trail riders? Would they not benefit from additional noggin protection?
  • 18 17
 Maybe Fox doesn’t believe in pseudoscience?
  • 5 0
 @unrooted: my fox rampage carbon has mips
  • 34 5
 @tiagomano: well good for you, my helmet no haved mips and I real smarts despite crashing onto head lots of times every days.
  • 3 2
 So without MIPS it's gonna be a MEGAFLOP?


* sry - antique computing jargon
  • 2 0
 From the footage I'd say theyve consentrated on making the best possible shape to hold on your knee while chilling trailside.
  • 2 0
 MIPS doesn't fit some of us, so I'm actually pretty happy to see it missing on a new high end helmet.
  • 11 3
 This helmet is not trying very hard to protect you from concussions.

The dual-density EPS could be helpful--dual-density foam is used in other helmets to make the shell softer and thus more effective protecting against smaller, concussion-causing hits vs only bigger, skull-fracture-causing hits. But their marketing copy here says it "provides improved protection by spreading forces of impact across a wider area," so hard to tell.

What is clear is that lacks any modern concussion-reduction tech comparable to Kali's LDL, Leatt's Turbine's, 6D's ODS, Bell's MIPS spherical, etc.All those technologies (not plain MIPS) are designed to both make the helmet "softer" and to manage rotational forces.

If you care more about protecting your brain than your pretty ears, I suggest you get one of those helmets, not this one.
  • 5 0
 Yep. Strange they didn't put some MIPS like on the proframe...
  • 9 0
 looks weird, I don't trust it....

(buys one a week later)
  • 10 1
 @priest55 I find your lack of faith disturbing.
  • 1 0
 @iduckett: I find your mum disturbing.

your move iduckett...
  • 2 0
 @priest55: r/whoosh
  • 6 1
 I'm shocked and disappointed there's no rotational protection. After experiencing some crashes in the past couple years that actually tore the rotational liner inside the helmets and separated the outer and inner shells, I'll never go back to the old school foam-only helmets.
  • 2 0
 I got my Drop Frame helmet 3 days before the Sea Otter release. It's extremely comfortable. I wasn't concerned about mips as MIPS as it doesn't really apply as much in this scenario as a shell helmet, especially when you consider that MIPS is not nearly as advantageous as a system like like Kali's LDL system which provides 360 degree protection (MIPS does not). I still ride my IXS Trail RS helmet on longer hotter days in the saddle. The Drop Frame does really breathe well and again is super comfortable.
  • 2 0
 Great helmet actually, due to my condition I like the more coverage helmets like this and the switchblade. this helmet was super light. unfortunately I had to send it back and stick with the switchblade. The XL, even with the different pads put in, did not fit my head right. I had a small pressure point right in the middle of the forehead. Shame, really like it otherwise.
  • 1 0
 My current fox metah is the same way. Gets uncomfortable after a bit and actually makes my skin peel like a sunburn sometimes.
  • 1 7
flag q232 (May 17, 2019 at 4:43) (Below Threshold)
 Try this helmet - www.twowheelingtots.com/woom-helmet
  • 2 0
 Some helmets just don't fit people's head shapes. Fox used to be very round and felt horrible. They have gone a bit more oval now and I have a proframe which fits well. Smith helmets are my perfect fit
  • 2 0
 Agree, the L/XL sizing is not quite right. My brother wears a size smaller for all helmets and has a different shaped head and even the L/XL fits weird. Doesn't fit my head at all, even if the sizing says it should. We wear the Bell Super's, 2 different sizes, good fit. A bit warm, but you can wear it all day and it has MIPS..
  • 5 3
 I've been using this helmet for about a month, size XL, black. Here's my feedback:

Pros:
light weight (only 14g heavier than the ancient half shell I was using)
fits my Q-tip head very well
extra coverage
thicc foam for crash protection
super secure fit feeling
fixed ear loops are never a worry for strap fit, hold earbud wires in place, don't block hearing
looks pretty damn cool to me
excellent magnetic buckle

Cons:
a little bit hotter than other helmets (though not always a con in the Pacific Northwest)
thinner exoshell and visor than many other helmets (probably for weight reduction)
fixed visor location
price: damn!
bigger for packing, closer to full-face size

My favorite aspect is the secure fit from having more helmet wrap my head. Other than better rear coverage, I'm not sure the helmet is significantly more safe from what amounts to fixed ear loops. I just like the loops for their secure, fixed position out of my ears when compared to straps, and for the way that part hugs the contour of my head.

The warmth of the helmet can be an advantage, but I don't think I'll choose to use this one for my biggest climbing rides unless I tie it to my pack on the way up.

Oh, and for the MIPS freaks, I'm not particularly worried about the lack of it here. A well-designed helmet has a smooth-enough exoshell to rotate just fine when you hit the dirt, rock, or tree. Unless you're running one of those sticky kids' rubber Mohawk helmets or some unique shape that gets jammed between rocks, you likely won't get much additional benefit from MIPS.
  • 6 10
flag davec113 (May 17, 2019 at 7:50) (Below Threshold)
 "Oh, and for the MIPS freaks, I'm not particularly worried about the lack of it here. A well-designed helmet has a smooth-enough exoshell to rotate just fine when you hit the dirt, rock, or tree. Unless you're running one of those sticky kids' rubber Mohawk helmets or some unique shape that gets jammed between rocks, you likely won't get much additional benefit from MIPS."

STFU!
  • 6 0
 Yet fox uses MIPs on the Proframe... but it can't be THAT important.
  • 3 0
 I have one , I'll admit the look is a little odd but the fit is amazing and way more comfortable than a 1/2 shell.
Plus, this helmet doubles as a sweet Beer League Batters helmet.
  • 4 1
 really like the overall look, can't help but feel like some black mesh would look better than your eyes sticking out the sides.
  • 18 0
 Your eyes must be positioned strangely on your head
  • 3 0
 I'm be more concerned with where my eyes were poking from on my head rather than the colour of the mesh
  • 1 0
 @murfio: ears. My bad.
  • 2 1
 These seem to have been about for a while, I was surprised to see people wearing them before an announcement.

I wouldn’t have been surprised if this was an April 1st announcement.

It does seem like a very niche product though, there isn’t really that much of a gap between a Proframe and a regular trail helmet.
  • 6 0
 I mean regular trail helmets don't have chin bars
  • 1 1
 I've seen them discounted in real shops already. They look even worse in the flesh imho
  • 5 0
 ah yes the princess leia special.
  • 5 0
 more like Earframe amirite
  • 1 0
 Sooooooooooo nice ! I juste got one from a Swiss retailer, so nice again ! But There's no Fluid Inside instead of what was in the product picture.. Anyone know if it allready existe with the Fluid Inside tech on it ?
  • 2 0
 According to Fox's website, Fluid Inside is currently only part of the Rampage Pro Carbon while MIPs is part of the Proframe. The Dropframe does not have either.
  • 1 0
 @thesharkman: ok thanks, I'll search where this pic come from...
  • 4 0
 In homage to Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan Wink
  • 2 0
 I really like the Proframe. It flows air really well. It just gets a little hot in the jaw padding area. This looks like a nice compromise.
  • 2 0
 Looks smart, if I hadn't just bought a Giro Chronicle MIPS I'd be down for one!
  • 2 0
 Tried one on the other day. SO DAMN LIGHT! and comfy too, and looks pretty good in the flesh.
  • 3 0
 Why wouldn't it? It's a small helmet.
  • 2 0
 Well this meets my one criteria for buying a helmet, it looks pretty good so it must be good.
  • 4 1
 Saves on birth control expense as well!
  • 1 0
 Is it really that ground breaking that they made a helmet that covers more of your HEAD? Seems similar to my Bell Super R2 without the guard- but my Bell has a guard.
  • 1 0
 Cool design! Reminds me of the old school TLD helmets. The addition coverage would be nice but I can’t see this being very breathable
  • 1 0
 It really looks nice...the only thing I do not understand is why the ears are not really covered as in similar products.
  • 2 0
 So your ears don't cook on a warm day.
  • 8 0
 I heard it was for those new Beats Headphones that will fit perfectly over the helmet.
  • 4 2
 i honestly do not understand that helmet -sorry
  • 3 5
 If you had been using one you might...
  • 13 0
 Easy, if you love your cheeks but hate your teeth, then this is for you.
  • 1 0
 @BenPea: Yeah, I'm struggling to think of a situation where I would bother with this over a more "normal" helmet that wouldn't justify a fullface?
  • 1 0
 Half a proframe?

Looks very similar. Good thing though since the proframe is great. Even tested it unfortunately.
  • 1 0
 Will buy one as soon as i can find one in Sale... Proframe is the best helmet i have owned so far
  • 2 0
 Those holes are M.O.R.E. than ear-sized.
  • 2 0
 If this is where MTB helmets are headed. I want out.
  • 2 0
 Not mom approved - too easy to let things go in one ear and out the other.
  • 1 0
 So the whole reason for that thing to exist is being lighter than a proframe and they don't mention the weight.
  • 2 1
 Innsbruck public transport approved!
  • 1 0
 Haven't seen the inside of my ears but I heard good things about it
  • 1 0
 What happened to the Luke/Leia/Speeder bike comments?
  • 1 0
 Disney happened.
  • 2 0
 Lots M.O.RE money..
  • 2 0
 My eyes hurt.
  • 1 0
 we're becoming space people
  • 1 0
 To quote that Specialized ad: "Never... go full enduro"
  • 1 0
 Looks like a broken proframe
  • 1 0
 Storm trooper helmet: tinyurl.com/y3orznxa
  • 1 0
 This and the proframe both look SICK!! Next helmet for sure..this or that!
  • 1 0
 Looks weard.
  • 1 0
 looks very moto. cool
  • 1 1
 They don't sell the grey one being advertised??? WTF???
  • 1 0
 Dope!
  • 1 1
 looks a bit silly but if it works, it works
  • 1 0
 Looks cool.
  • 2 3
 Hmmm looks like the switchblade is going to have some competition in the enduro dribbler try hard category this year.
  • 1 0
 good stuff
  • 1 1
 #betteroffthanon
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