First Look – 2024 Fox Dropframe 3/4 Enduro Helmet – Mountain Bike Function

For those seeking the elusive head protection combination of lightweight and breathable, yet safe head protection, the benefits of 3/4 open face helmets are hard to beat. Better ventilated than a full face helmet, but with more protection and versatility than a trail helmet, they offer a unique fit and function. The hard part is combining the right features from the surrounding helmet categories to end up with a product that looks, fits and performs better than the alternatives. The next generation open enduro helmet Dropframe Pro 3/4 from Fox takes up the design features of its full face colleague Proframe RSto provide improved airflow, fit adaptability and protective coverage to meet the growing demands of gravity-hungry riders.

Highlights

• BOA® Fit System for premium fit and security
• MIPS rotational impact protection system
• Increased ventilation and reduced contact area improve cooling
• 3-way adjustable visor (compatible with safety glasses)
• Detachable GoPro mount under the visor included
• The large ventilation slots on the front have cutouts for glasses storage
• Antimicrobial lining and cheek pads from Ionic+®
• Fidlock magnetic closure
• Meets NTA-8776 certification standard for e-bike helmet
• Includes thick and thin cheek pads and headliner
• Sizes: small, medium and large (51-63cm)
• MSRP: $279.95

overview

The Dropframe Pro is designed for any rider who wants to maintain the unrestricted breathability of an open face helmet while increasing protection and optimizing the fit of the goggles. The new Dropframe shell is essentially a Fox Proframe RS without the chin bar and features smaller ear openings and longer cheek guards than the previous model. Numerous ventilation openings are distributed across the top and back of the helmet to circulate air over the head and dissipate heat. The additional coverage still provides a more comfortable and secure fit than a typical open face helmet, and the Dropframe Pro still uses a MIPS system for rotational impact protection. The helmet meets all standards for open helmets as well as the latest e-bike certification NTA-8776.

The most notable changes compared to the previous Dropframe include an updated head shape that matches the fit of Fox’s Proframe and Speedframe helmets, an integrated BOA fit system and a 3-position visor. We all have a unique head shape, which makes it difficult to create a uniform scenario for helmets. Fox updated their head shape a few seasons ago and we have found the shape to fit most riders and be true to size.

A popular feature when we tested the Proframe RS is the integrated BOA fit system, which significantly improves the fine tuning of the Dropframe Pro. The previous generation didn’t offer any way to adjust the fit other than swapping out the liner and cheek pads (thick and thin pads are still included on the new model). The BOA dial now allows riders to easily reach back to make incremental adjustments to the rear triple clamp and cable system that runs like a halo around the front of the helmet. The head mount is ideal for on-the-go adjustments while riding and can also be adjusted up or down between four positions.

The visor now features three preset positions instead of a single fixed position to make it easier to accommodate action cameras and store goggles. It also gives riders the ability to move the visor completely out of sight or lower it to ride in the sun or in wet conditions.

The Dropframe Pro is available in three shell sizes and comes with three cheek pads (15, 20 and 25mm) and liner thicknesses to accommodate those in between sizes. There are a whole range of color variants and the Dropframe Pro retails for $279.95.

Impressions of the first trip

Today, most high-end helmets meet all major safety certification criteria. We trust that the engineers behind the products we put over our domes have done their homework, so safety often comes third to comfort and aesthetics. IIf the helmet doesn’t fit well or look good, we’re less likely to wear it. The Dropframe Pro uses a proven EPS liner and polycarbonate shell with a MIPS system to provide impact and rotation protection. And for us, that’s enough to be confident in its security capabilities.

The additional BOA adjustment, updated head shape and additional cheek pad thicknesses make the new Dropframe Pro a win-win helmet. The size or shape of a rider’s head is less critical as the inside can be customized in a variety of ways to ensure a perfect fit. The cheek pads have a nice, soft fabric surface and the inner lining provides enough padding to distribute the helmet pressure evenly across the head. The sides of the Dropframe Pro are made of a more flexible material, so putting the helmet over your ears is painless. The tapering of the cup around our temples and cheeks ensures a snug, secure fit without squeezing our cheeks. The visibility was wide and unobstructed, with only a hint of the visor in our field of vision. Long story short, when we were strapped in and riding, we barely noticed the Dropframe Pro, making it one of the most comfortable helmets we’ve ever worn.

Subjectively speaking, the new Dropframe Pro is a step above the previous design. The length of the extension from the visor to the cheek is just right; There are enough vents to keep the helmet cool without looking like a pedal-optimized piece from Swiss cheese; and the overall impression is more reminiscent of a downhill helmet without a chin bar than of a trail helmet with ear protection. We also love the unified look of a dedicated 3/4 helmet like the Dropframe Pro compared to the often chaotic look of a modular helmet with the chin bar removed.

Whether a rider chooses to wear the Dropframe Pro depends on personal preference as it is a versatile protection. For us, we grabbed a helmet when we went dirt jumps and a pump track in our public bike park. The ability to see our bike below us as we trace shapes through the air, while still getting better coverage, gave us added peace of mind. We have never ridden with eye protection, but do not see any problems with the fit of goggles or glasses in the helmet. Our only criticism of the new Dropframe Pro was the noise attenuation due to the small ear holes. The difficulty of hearing people speak was on the same level as an average full-face helmet. While it wasn’t a deal-breaker, it stood out compared to our standard trail helmet or some more ventilated enduro full-face helmets.

What is the end result?

The latest Dropframe Pro is a welcome evolution of Fox’s 3/4 open face model, retaining the same breathability and versatility as before, but now offering a more comfortable fit and significantly improved adjustability. As mountain bike capabilities continue to increase (regardless of travel route), more coverage and protection seems to be a given for those who currently wear a trail helmet and regularly fly down trails. But if you really like to roll the dice on rough descents, skip the entry-level 3/4 helmet and go straight to a full-face helmet like the Proframe RS, as the full coverage and protection of an open-faced design is unmatched.

For more information, please visit foxracing.com