WHAT IS IT? The V3 helmet is Fox’s latest offering. It
shares a lot of the same great features as the Fox V4
helmet, but at a lower price point.
WHAT’S IT COST? $449.95.
CONTACT? www.foxhead.com or (888) 369-7223.
WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand
out with the Fox V3 helmet.
(1) V3 vs. V4. Considering the $100 difference between
the V3 and V4, there are not a whole lot of differences
between the two. Here’s a quick list. (a) The V4 has a
carbon fiber shell, while the V3 is a multi-material
composite. Amazingly, the V3 is only 12 grams heavier
than the V4 (about one-third of an ounce). (b) The V4
comes in four different-size shells, while the V3 has three
different shells. The V4 has the potential to offer a more
precise fit. (c) The V4 has 15 intake and 8 exhaust vents,
while the V3 has 14 intake and 4 exhaust vents. At
speed, there was hardly any difference. (d) The curvature
of the V3’s styling has a sharper look to it than the V4.
We think that it makes the helmet look more pronounced.
(e) The chin bar is slightly longer on the V3 than the V4.
( 2) MIPS. MIPS is short for “Multi-Directional Impact
Protection System.” What is MIPS? It is a slippery liner
that is placed between the EPS foam and helmet liner
that allows your head to slide away from the point of
impact. The movement of the MIPS liner lessens
rotational injuries to the brain. We thought that the hel-
met would move around on our heads more when riding,
but the MIPS requires significant force to bring it to play.
( 3) Comfort. The Dri Lex comfort liner is exactly
that—comfortable. We did notice that the V3 had a more
compact fit and sat a bit lower on the test riders’ heads.
This could be due to the MIPS system or the fact there
are only three different shell sizes. Regardless, most test
riders like the lower fit.
( 4) Safety. The Fox V3 helmet incorporates many
safety features to ensure your head is protected. Apart
from MIPS, the V3 helmet passes Snell 2010 and DOT
certifications.
( 5) Options. The Fox V3 helmet comes in 10 different
colorways, and sizing from small to extra large.
WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The visor has a limited
range of adjustment, and some test riders, especially
those with long necks, felt that the chin bar left their
chins exposed.
MIPS has been around for several years as a
method for dealing with rotational head
injuries. Kudos to Fox for incorporating it
into their helmets.
MXA RATING
FOX V3 HELMET
MXA TEAM TESTED
