When I think of FOX I think of several things: Iconic RC & Stew battles, multiple AMA and world titles, and a company that has been the standard in gear setups (head to toe) since its inception back in 1974.
Let’s be realistic. You don’t sign riders like Ken Roczen, Tim Gajser, Adam Cianciarulo Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, Jo Shimoda, and many more just because you have the biggest chequebook. All of them know that when they wear FOX they are wearing something that has been meticulously tested and is fit to perform at the highest level. Just like them.
2024 will mark 50 years of FOX, and to celebrate not only do they have a new set of colour way across all of the lines, but they have an all-new FOX V3RS (Race Spec). Available in 9 different colour ways, and starting at £559.99 for a solid colour V3RS, on to the optical line which retails at £589.99, and finally the V3RS Withered and V3RS Viewpoint colour ways that retail at £619.99. It certainly is at the higher end when it comes to the price tag, but let me break a few things down for you…
For any of the V3RS’ that I have mentioned above you get a lot more than just a helmet. Like a lot of premium helmets, you get a top-quality zip-up bag with multiple pockets for tear-offs, spare parts, and anything else you like to keep with your helmet. You will also geta spare visor, a clip-on visor extension (perfect for those winter days when the sun is low at the start and end of the day), a mud visor, and mud visor foam (this is a long clear visor
that the foam is custom cut to fit perfectly to prevent mud from sticking and weighing your helmet down during a race), two sets of cheek pads (one 3mm thicker than standard and one 3mm thinner than standard) and finally a hydration compatible mouthpiece (the mouthpiece at the front simply pops out and you can replace it with one that is designed for a straw from a camel pack to fit through).
So it is easy to see why the price point is at the higher end. I took the time to sit down and add up what it would cost you to purchase all of the accessories individually and it equates to more than £175.00. So when you think a standard V3 starts at £379.99 and you only get the spare mouthpiece, visor extender, and spare visor it’s a pretty good deal. Not to mention the V3RS has a carbon fibre shell, 4 exhaust vents on the top of the helmet, and Ionic+ moisture-wicking pads with crushed jade stone cold material for added cooling benefits. So in my opinion it is definitely worth the extra £180.00.
The new FOX V3RS is the first moto helmet to incorporate MIPS new integra split impact protection system. This increases the protection not only in high and low-speed impacts but also in rotational impacts. Making it one of the safest helmets on the market.
FOX has also moved away from the MVRS (Magnetic peak release system), after speaking to some people at FOX, they said they believe in the technology but to mass produce the magnets with the required strength it wouldn’t be financially viable. With that in mind, FOX s gone back to the traditional 3 screw fixing. The peak now has 3 position adjustable visor which is also designed to break away in the event of a crash.
Now on to the good stuff. It’s taken me a while to actually get some seat time with the V3RS due to the English weather being what it is. Luckily we caught a break this weekend and headed to Frocester in Gloucestershire, a great natural hillside track run by Thornbury MX. The conditions were perfect and really allowed me to focus on the helmet rather than navigate a muddy track.
The first thing I noticed was how light the helmet felt. Having a carbon shell the V3RS is incredibly light. Something that can make a big difference in a race where your helmet is constantly coated with mud. Not only does the carbon fibre shell cut weight it also increases the impact resistance during a crash.
The 6 intake vents on the front of the helmet and the 8 exhaust vents on the top and the rear of the helmet increase the amount of airflow massively. Also to aid in keeping you cool the new V3RS comes with Ionic+ moisture-wicking liner and cheek pads as I mentioned earlier. So if you’re someone who suffers from sweating or overheating this could be your new favourite helmet.
After the first session taking on a bit of roost I wanted to see how easy the helmet was to work on and clean. The peak is easy enough to remove with the 3 screws, but I also like that you can remove the mouthpiece as that is a prime spot for mud to build up and be a real pain to clean properly. The red tabs on the bottom of the cheek pads make it easy to get them out without damaging the poppers or the helmet liner allowing you to give your helmet a good clean without soaking your cheek pads.
Heading out for the second session I decided to up the pace a little and I was amazed at how quiet the bike sounded in the helmet. The new V3RS has great acoustics and does a great job of absorbing the noise of your bike.
This really is a great-looking helmet and I think personally, a big improvement on the old model. FOX s left no stone unturned with this one. Right down to the carbon fibre D-ring fastener.
Other notable mentions:
– The new V3RS is also compatible with most coms systems, not something I have tried personally but if you’re out riding with your friends all day it could be a great way to keep in touch.
The cheek pads have elasticated rubber loops for you to slot your hydration hose through before going through the mouthpiece of the helmet.
The FOX V3RS comes in 6 sizes (XS-XXL).
Also available in youth sizes (YS-YL).
After riding in the helmet for just over an hour it would be a fair assessment to say that it is top-of-the-line and well worth the money. I will, however, be doing another review on the helmet in 6 months to evaluate things like:
How durable it has been.
If any issues have arisen.
How well the colour and finish have lasted.
And anything else that I feel is worth mentioning. So be sure to keep an eye out for that.
But as things stand this helmet gets a 10/10 in my book.
Tested and written by Brad Wheeler
