This new iXS Set off X 3/4 enduro helmet does an excellent job of hitting that pedalable candy spot between an open half-shell and a full-on full-face. Extra ear, cheek, and further again of the top safety. However mild sufficient, cozy sufficient, and well-ventilated sufficient that you’ll actually trip in it.
I’ve been using with the brand new Set off X for a month now – from moist winter climate to sweating by unexpectedly summery blasts of warmth. And I’m fairly comfortable to drag it on for these extra technical path rides, and a bit further sense of safety…
The most secure helmet is the one that you just truly put on, proper?
iXS Set off X open 3/4 shell enduro mountain bike helmet
iXS talks about their new Set off X prefer it matches your mullet hairdo angle. “Occasion within the entrance, safety within the again“.
And I suppose the mullet analogy is a fairly good match for this new 3/4-shell lid. The Set off X strikes a pleasant steadiness between Swiss safety maker iXS’s Set off AM half-shell and their wildly-light full-face Set off FF.
For these forms of rides the place you suppose a full-face could be overkill, however you are feeling like a light-weight XC helmet is equally inappropriate. Basically, the iXS Set off X presents sufficient safety which you can be ok with your decision-making abilities even on days whenever you get shuttled to the highest of the hill. And but you possibly can nonetheless put on it whenever you pedal up the climbs, too.
Tech particulars
iXS calls the Set off X helmet, a “streamlined open-face helmet with full safety”. It will get a MIPS Air system to guard towards rotational impacts. The normal multi-part in-mold polycarbonate over EPS helmet options open ear “SlapGuards” that taper round your head to guard from aspect impacts. The EPS of these SlapGuards can also be separate of the primary helmet physique, so you possibly can flex them out to the perimeters fairly a bit to comfortably pull the three/4 shell over your ears.
The iXS ErgoFit Extremely system presents horizontal and vertical adjustment, with an enormous rubber-coated dial to regulate a safe match in your head. And webbing straps with a magnetic Fidlock buckle make it straightforward to get out and in of the Set off X. Then, the visor/peak has a large adjustment vary to suit goggles up prime, plus a grippy insert on the again to maintain your goggle strap in place.
Driving Impressions
I’ve solely been using within the new iXS Set off X helmet for a month now, from southern to central Europe. However because of a local weather in disaster, I really feel like I’ve ridden by 3 seasons. On the colder and wetter finish of the spectrum, I’ve most likely most observed how open and vented the brand new 3/4 helmet is. It does match nicely underneath the hood of a few my path rain jackets (Velocio & Leatt, up to now). And a basic skinny Buff beneath has stored my ears and forehead heat, with out messing with the Set off X match.
On the hotter extremes of my winter/spring round 20°C (68°F), I actually did begin to sweat within the iXS Set off X. However the skinny built-in MIPS Air pads did an excellent job of absorbing my sweat, and never dripping it down my glasses. Plus, the MIPS Air system doesn’t block any of the vents or inner channels, so airflow is fairly good even at gradual MTB climbing speeds. Most pleasantly surprisingly, the ear openings are loads massive to let my large lobes shed warmth. And whereas the test pads additionally received sweaty by the top of a heat afternoon trip, it was by no means disagreeable.
Match Assessment
A tough factor to any helmet that wraps across the aspect of your head is match. My 58.5cm circumference melon match properly contained in the Medium Set off X. And all I needed to do was swap within the thinner cheek/ear pads included with the helmet for a cushty, however not constricting match.
Then, the wide-ranging dial rear adjustment secures the helmet on my head, so it by no means felt just like the ear “SlapGuards” have been urgent towards my head. Meaning it appears like a lightweight half-shell in your head, not like an ultra-padded moto-style DH helmet.
The true 571g mild weight of my iXS Set off X goes a good distance in the direction of that light-weight general feeling. Certain, a lightweight half-shell might be 200g much less. However my favourite mild full-faces are nonetheless 100-300g heavier. Let’s name this a contented medium, with an excellent sense of safety.
iXS Set off X – Pricing, availability & choices
The brand new iXS Set off X 3/4-shell enduro helmet is available in 3 sizes: S (53-56cm), M (56-90cm), and L (59-62cm). It’s EN & KC licensed, and is available in 3 half matte / half gloss colours – white/black, my all-black, and racing purple/black. The Set off X sells for 239€, and is formally out there beginning at the moment. Though the primary shopper helmets are anticipated to reach at your door beginning in a number of weeks. From across the center of April 2024.
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