iXS Metis Helmet and Berrecloth Signature Knee Pads - Interbike 2011
The Claw's knee pads: iXS was showing off team rider Darren Berrecloth's signature pads that certainly stand out from the crowd with their bright colours. The namesake pads are identical in construction to the standard version, featuring the same AeroMesh construction that not only keeps the heat to a reasonable level, but also sports anti-bacterial properties. The Slope-Series EVO pads are slip on, meaning that you'll have to remove your shoes, but the rear is open to prevent fabric from bunching up or pinching your skin. The pad's hard knee-cup is also covered with Kevlar fabric that will be resistant to ripping when you're sliding across the ground on your knees, helping to keep the pads in good order over the long haul.
The sides of the pads make use of flexible, ribbed padding that lets your knees move freely, but protects them from side impacts. The amount of padding has also been increased for 2012 to protect against knee/frame contact. Straps at the top and bottom work in conjunction with silicone grip strips to help keep them from shifting.
New Metis fullface: The brand new Metis fullface helmet sits at the top of the iXS range and sports 21 vents to help keep its wearer cool, each with a bug proof mesh covering. The sturdy visor is held in place with three visor screws that can be loosened by hand if it needs repositioning, and the helmet's pads are held in place with snaps to make them easy to remove for cleaning when the time comes.
The CE/EN1078 and CPSC certified Metis helmet weighs in at a competitive 1100 grams, and uses a D-ring strap to hold it on your head. It retails for $150 USD and comes in five different color options.
Economical full face: The Phobos fullface, with its MSRP of just $90 USD, is bound to get a lot of attention. The economical helmet features many of the same points as the more expensive Metis, including the easily removable pads and sturdy D-ring chin strap, but at a more affordable price. While it can't brag about having as many vents, there are ten in total, but the Phobos is bound to be popular with entry level riders who are looking for their first full face lid.
Just in case you couldn't tell from the image on the visor, shown above is iXS rider Richie Schley's signature Phobos helmet. The design isn't just plaid on the outside, with Richie opting for a plaid color for the helmet's removable pads as well. The Phobos is available in a huge range of colors besides the Schley model as well, with iXS offering twelve different options to pick from. If you're the kind of rider who likes to rock matching gear you'll be stoked to learn that iXS has a range of gloves and goggles that match each Phobos' color scheme, from flashy to subdued.
Visit the iXS website to see their entire lineup.
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The shell looks very similar.
Then again some of O'neal, 661, IXS and Fly helmets use the same shell.
As for that Phobos, I've seen at least 5 or 6 companies use this generic design, the first that I know of being 661 with the "strike" that Barel wore for a while. O'Neil and Pro-Tec are two others I can think of right now. It's at least 4 years old.
I've had a Fly Maverick (same shell as the Phobos) for the past 3 or 4 years and it done my brilliantly, definitely the most comfortable helmet iv'e ever wore.
It cost me 100 euros 4 years ago and its still going so I can't complain.
@redrook: more than 4 years old, i think maybe 5 or 6 years
We only pay more couse of the brand name :S :fail:
the picture is on the box....not the visor!
Because that's what it looks like, part of a box, that covers only the visor ?
If it is actually directly on the visor and there is no box involved what so ever, it sure doesn't look like that.
On second looks, it clearly CLEARLY has to be a box or some form of cardboard.
Who would put Richie Schley Signature Design, and some micro writing on the side of their visor ?