Review: iXS Trail RS Helmet
Editor’s Note: This review is part of the Mtbr All Mountain Helmet Shootout.
Overview
iXS is a new player in the helmet arena so you figure they’d take a few years to figure it out right? Well, in a nutshell, this helmet is dialed. iXS seems to exhibit good core values as we’ve noticed in their armor and protection products: deliver well-designed products at a great value.
The Trail RS helmet is a light, attractive, full coverage helmet that can be had for $119. Read on and see if it’s right for you.
Fit, Pads and Retention System
The helmet cavity is roomy and it seems to fit a lot of heads, both round shaped and oval, and it is complemented by a great set of pads. Similar to the Bell Super, iXS did not skimp on the pads, as it offers a one-piece unit that is comfortable and easy to remove and wash. Retention system is rubberized for comfort around the temples and has pads near the big dial on the rear.
One downside is the helmet sits low on the brow with a slight forward tilt. So one has to really adjust it to get enough clearance and away from obstructing the view during climbs and big descents. The retention system is adjustable to control helmet tilt, but we found we had to adjust the straps too to lean the helmet back a bit.
Ventilation
This is where the Trail RS excelled, as this helmet was the best performer in our ventilation test. It was second only to our control Uvex CP road helmet which seemed to be all vents in the front. The reason for the Trail RS’s success is revealed as one views the helmet from the front. The vents are huge and they’re uninterrupted by the visor. In fact, the visor seems to port the wind through the vents instead of directing airflow over the helmet.
Continue reading for more on the iXS Trail RS and the full photo gallery.
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