First Look: IXS Trigger FF - One of the World's Lightest Full Face MTB Helmets

Aug 16, 2019
by Mike Kazimer  
photo


IXS say that their new Trigger FF helmet is one of the world's lightest full face helmet, with a weight of 600 grams for a size S/M, and 660 grams for a M/L. We'll put one on our official scale in the near future to verify those claimed weights, but after picking one up and trying one on I don't really have any reason to doubt the numbers - this is one very light helmet.

IXS were able to create such a featherweight full face by using an in-molding technique for the entire helmet. That means that the EPS foam was bonded to the outer shell without any joints that could potentially become weak points during a crash. The helmet has five intake vents and 17 exhaust vents, along with a 3 position visor and a gripper panel on the back to keep goggle straps in place.

iXS Trigger FF Details
• In-molded EPS foam
• Adjustable visor
• 5 intake vents, 17 exhaust vents
• 5 color options (black, graphite, lime, white, night red)
• Sizes / weight: SM 54-58cm (+/- 600g), ML 58-62cm (+/- 660g)
• EN1078/ ASTM 1952 / CPSC certified
• MSRP: 239 Euro
• www.ixs.com/bike

photo
A grippy panel at the back prevents goggle straps from sliding out of place.
photo
iXS' ErgoFit Ultra retention system.

There's a ratcheting dial at the back (iXS call it their 'ErgoFit Ultra retention system') to fine tune the fit, and that retention system can be moved vertically to ensure it sits in the right spot at the back of a rider's head. There are also two different sizes of cheek pads included with the helmet for further customization.

What about MIPS or a similar technology designed to help reduce rotational impact forces? That's conspicuously absent from the Trigger, but it sounds like future versions of the helmet will have some sort of system that's designed to address those type of impacts.


photo
There are three visor positions to create room for goggles when they're not in use.
photo
The foam is molded around this cage, which is designed to help the chin bar maintain its integrity during a crash.




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133 Comments
  • 61 6
 Looks like the "looks like a session" catchphrase will be replaced by "looks like a proframe" at this rate.
  • 6 3
 Beat me too it
  • 13 2
 except the proframe chinbar is a separate piece. Lots of advantages to molding the shell as one solid piece.
  • 32 5
 I'm always surprised that its the proframe that gets all the credit. I've owned a MET Parachute since 2015 - back then everyone mocked the helmet style, now everyone is trying to copy it. And to this day, its competitive weight, looks and performance wise to all these new competitors.
  • 7 3
 All these catchphrases have me so triggered....
  • 5 10
flag ImAManCheetah88 (Aug 16, 2019 at 8:21) (Below Threshold)
 @ratedgg13: I tried a parachute 2 years ago. The Finnish made it look cheap tacky and shiny. Didn't fit well either.
  • 93 0
 @ImAManCheetah88: why blame us bro?
  • 1 0
 Double
  • 8 7
 @Rusettipasta: Didn‘t you see the flag next to his name? Some Brits somehow tend to blame everybody but themselves these days Wink
  • 6 1
 @Rusettipasta: ha ha ha. Auto correct bro. I love the finns, your blue berry chocolate and cycle friendly pavements. Hence why I'm in the middle of immigrating there.
  • 7 0
 @Rusettipasta: I heard every house in Helsinki have a "finish" basement.
  • 7 0
 I don't want the lightest helmet for some reason.
  • 4 0
 @ImAManCheetah88: you should have never let your helmet get into the hands of those crazy Fins... those long winters really lend themselves to heavy drinking and questionable decision making
  • 3 0
 @ratedgg13: Same here- yea I had to order from overseas- but well worth it.

Unfortunately I think MET felt the pressure to have a removable chin guard- to me the new Parachute is a step backwards.
  • 3 0
 Foxalized...
  • 2 1
 pretty soon it's gonna be a picture of a just a blank tabletop and it'll be the helmet has gotten reduced to nothing and people will still buy it
  • 3 0
 @ImAManCheetah88: sorry to be that guy but:: *emigrating
  • 1 0
 @ratedgg13: Giro SwitchBlade circa 1998
  • 1 0
 @pdb18: Sure the concept was there, but that design didn't really protect you much...
  • 1 0
 @iantmcg: what are these advantages, could be weaknesses too.
  • 1 0
 Went straight to the comments for this. Was not disappointed.
  • 1 1
 @FuzzyL: hashtag brexit
  • 1 0
 @Hillbillyf*cker: The advantage is the chinbar is less prone to shearing off in a side impact. Not sure how that could really be a disadvantage to that.
  • 1 0
 @tremeer023:
Bahahaha love it.
  • 13 4
 When I consider buying a new helmet I think about these factors, in this order.
1. Safety - MIPS or equivalent , dual density foam, etc.
2. Fit - adjustable, comfortable
3. Weight - less than 800g
4. Style & Color
  • 65 0
 I'd bet 90% of helmet buyers do it in reverse order.
  • 13 0
 My list:
1: Does it meet ASTM F1952 – 15
2: Weight
3: price
4: color

Thankfully, unlike many of the guys my age (early 40's) I have a full head of "Natural MIPS" aka hair.
  • 11 0
 Normally i would agree, but not for this kind of helmet. For pedal-friendly fullface helmets, fit, airflow and weight seem most important, because they compete with half shells. And their safety is superior to any half shell, no matter what.
  • 36 0
 When I consider buying a new helmet I think about these factors, in this order.
1. Does it have a bottle opener designed into it?
2. Is there enough space to put bike brand stickers on it of for sponsors I don't have?
3. Does it give me the ability to wear it backwards like a lot of the enthusiasts I see on the trail?
4. Can I return it to Goodwill (thrift store) with a receipt if it stinks to much?
  • 4 3
 @unrooted: I sell Casco helmets in my shop. these guys dont do mips or anything else, cause they say our head got an own mips called skin.

i got an leatt helmet with tubine tec. but just cause i really like the look it got fidlock and it fits my damn head.

not everything that the industry is selling, is really needed as we all should know Smile
  • 9 0
 I start with fit/retention, because if it doesn't, that is an instant deal breaker...

After that, safety features, weight, style/color...
  • 6 2
 My list:

1. Is it a helmet
2. Does it fit me
3. ???
4. Profit
  • 2 0
 @seraph:
Time to ride my bike, ride all day, We gots a helmet hey!
We won't stop cause we have our helmets!
Yum tum yummy tum tay!

Time to ride our bikes, ride all night, Search for sick drops yay!
We won't stop until we have hit them drops!
Yum tum yummy tum tay!
  • 1 0
 @chriskneeland: yup
  • 7 1
 @unrooted: well fuuuuccccckkkk yoooooooouuu and your full head of hair. Send some back to us guys in our early thirties
  • 7 1
 @Zany2410: MIPS = skin ? well, helmet = skull but it doesn't stop Casco makes their products right ?
  • 8 0
 My list
1. Does it look cool?
2. Would pinkbikers call me a dentist even though my teeth look like Im British?
3. Can I hide another helmet from my wife?
  • 1 0
 @Zany2410: Unless you're 85 and riding the skin on your head isn't sliding about much in an impact. Sounds like a pretty weak excuse from Casco to charge £150 for a basic in-mould helmet. Doubly so when On One will sell you a helmet that meets the same standards for £20 and £50-60 gets you a MIPS helmet if you look around.
  • 1 0
 @Fix-the-Spade: Maybe, but its not just down to what saftey tec is on the helmet. its the quality and where its made.
  • 1 0
 @usedbikestuff: I’d have said the same thing in my 20s...
  • 1 0
 @unrooted: as a guy whose hair is “on strike”, I find the plastic in MIPS helmets very sweaty. I also had problem with a non-MIPS helmet from IXS leaving huge lines down my scalp!
  • 3 0
 @unrooted: I like it. Natural MIPS. I have natural mips but I can’t call it mips because it’s not yellow. I don’t want to get done for infringing on their copyright.
  • 1 0
 @korev: same I’m just now 30’s
  • 1 0
 @usedbikestuff: The correct intro is "Hi, I'm 30 and balding..." to which we reply "Hi 30 & balding"
  • 1 0
 @Zany2410: A Casco Viper MX saved my head, jaw and teeth after not clearing a Gap jump...with No MIPS.
If Casco says MIPS is BS... I will take their word for it.
  • 1 1
 @unrooted: Just so you know. Me—late thirties with a full head of hair, albeit now somewhat receding—just took a massive digger a few weeks back and my head hit the deck first. I was travelling pretty fast and cracked my helmet on impact and gave myself a moderate concussion. In my case my helmet, a TLD A1 non-mips, did not rotate a la MIPs. I think had I been wearing one I might have been far better off. I'm now of the opinion that MIPS or similar rotational device is a necessity, full face or otherwise.

*I know this is an old post so please understand my reply is intended for those, such as myself who read the comments at a later date.

Peace.
  • 3 0
 @DDB1: I'm sorry you had a mild concussion. Perhaps a MIPS helmet would've made a difference in your case. However, people crash with MIPS equipped helmets and get concussions.

I bought and returned several "enduro" full face helmets and the IXS Trigger FF is substantially stronger than the TLD Stage, Fox Proframe or Bell Super DH. It might not have any fancy anti rotational system but the jaw doesn't flex when you try attempt to compress the helmet and it is thick. The IXS Trigger FF seems like it can handle a serious hit.
The IXS Trigger FF is my new helmet for flow jump trails. Although for shuttle dh bike park rides I use another helmet (a true dh helmet).
  • 5 0
 I don't care who you are as far as a helmet company until you start publishing data that indicates increased levels of safety, thanks LEATT! Lightweight doesn't do much until you can quantify a helmets intended purpose which is to protect your noggin. Can't for the life of me figure out how in this day we don't have some sort of legit rules and regulations that offer some sort of standard that goes beyond the CPSC, ANSI, ASTM, etc.
  • 8 1
 Looks interesting, but I still lean more towards the TLD Stage with MIPS and only 40g heavier.
  • 3 0
 Did you try the Stage? It felt a bit flimsy to me, I ended up with the Bell Super DH. The Leatt also left a good impression, but didn’t fit my head as well.
  • 5 2
 my buddy just crashed wearing a stage and the chin bar broke right off.
  • 16 1
 @projectnortheast: a helmet breaking can be a good thing, means it absorbed the impact rather than transferring the force to your head.
  • 2 2
 @projectnortheast: I keep hearing about this type of failure with these new lightweight full face helmets, usually with Proframe though. I am interested in one and tried on both Proframe and Stage last weekend, but that chin bar seperation failure kept me from purchasing. I like what IXS is doing here.
  • 1 0
 @projectnortheast: Yikes man - maybe it's designed to fail? (if so - why?) Hope he/she's alright!
  • 1 0
 @projectnortheast: I've seen TLD D3s snap off chinbars...
  • 1 1
 Tried on the TLD Stage last weekend. Was interested in it because... TLD. But I’ll need to continue looking. MIPS, no retention system, M/L size didn’t fit great.

Good idea in theory. Just examples I’ve seen so far have been poorly executed.
This interests myself though
  • 1 1
 Stage has much more sophisticated safety features (double density foam, mips) than this IXS Trigger which is a simple polystyrene shell. Also Stage looks better!
  • 1 0
 @FuzzyL: i went from a super dh to a leatt dbx 4.0. I much prefer it as I found no need for a convertable full face and favoured the more protection. Super dh is still an amazing lid tho
  • 1 0
 @bicycle019: take a look at the leatt dbx 4.0. Abit beefier than other options but still an amazing ventilated full face
  • 1 0
 @oliofiat: I’ve got the Super DH right now (always had Bell bike and motorcycle helmets) but I was very close to getting the Leatt DBX 4.0. Glad to hear positive notes, seems like a great lid!
  • 3 0
 Does no one remember the Specialized Deviant helmet from way back? It had to be one of the lighter helmets back then. It had the ratchet system, it had a ton of ventilation, it was a glorified XC helmet with a chin bar... Kinda like a lot of these "new" lightweight full face helmets.
  • 3 1
 Ok ok, enough with foreplay, after Fox and Giro chinless versions of their most popular Enduro helmets it’s time for Met to roll out the dweeb shell. Come on met, where’s your chinless version of this, allowing for easy killing of craft beer?
  • 4 1
 Nice looking helmet, I wish they would make more then two shell sizes though, as the small-medium is too small and the large-xlarge is too big for my 58cm head.
  • 1 0
 My head is the same size and I went with the Small/Medium IXS Evo. Have you tried on on yet?
  • 1 0
 @DangerDavez: I haven't, went with the Troy Lee A1, it fits like a glove.
  • 5 0
 ???? no space to mount a bottle cage.. Wink
  • 1 0
 I disagree about the chin bar breaking off on impacts being a good thing. Helmets are not designed to break apart except for the visor. If your chin bar breaks off during a crash and you keep on keeping on....your going to need that chin bar and the rest of the helmet for the other impacts.
  • 3 0
 The ENDURA MT500 FULL FACE weighs 640g for the size M/L, IXS blown out of the water!
  • 3 0
 www.endurasport.com/MT500-Full-Face-Helmet/p/bE1518
S/M: 520g, M/L: 580g, L/XL: 680g

First Look: IXS Trigger FF - The World's Lightest Full Face MTB Helmet
• Sizes / weight: SM 54-58cm (+/- 600g), ML 58-62cm (+/- 660g)

Story checks out...
  • 2 0
 @kblemoir: your weights for the MT500 F/F are incorrect, M/L is 640g
  • 2 0
 @Gavalar66: Somebody e-mail Endura and tell them to fix their site for false advertising then since I quoted the numbers off their site that I linked above.
  • 5 4
 full face helmets should just fit without a ratchet system. It would be better just to have 3 different size pads that come with the helmet like the competitors such as the proframe or troylee.
  • 6 0
 Everyone has a different shaped head. What if the cheek pads don’t get the size specific shell to fit? I like the dial adjust system because it allows even more fine tune fit adjustments than hoping the cheek pads improve the fit.
  • 3 1
 @Enyedi: the Proframe gives you a custom fit by swapping out pads all around it, not just the check pads. Neck roll, upper forehead, cheek pads etc. It feels nicer then just plastic cinched down
  • 2 2
 Couldn’t agree more. Just shuddered when I saw it. A full face should give you a bit of a headache for the first few rides as you stretch it in. Ratchet strap is definitely not something you want as you’re tomahawking down a trail. Shame because I thought they’d nailed the styling on this one. I’m going to stick to not compromising when it comes to full faces.
  • 4 0
 It can be nice to put a helmet on loose, then tighten it ince installed. Seems logical to me..
  • 2 0
 @gnarnaimo: it's a double edge tho...often the silly ratched system gets hung up on your head etc and portions of it deform and pop loose. The plastic there isnt super comfy either. I have both and the plastic ratchet requires more faff than it's worth. Same for my kids (Bell Super on 4yro and Proframe on 7yro)
  • 3 1
 @MikeKazimer what is the chin "Cage" made out of? This interests me because my buddy crashed wearing a stage and broke the chin piece completely off
  • 1 0
 Back to the old..... light, strong, or cheap..... pick two. They've chosen light and cheap as you can see here.....

Also what a joke to think that little cage + foam will save your face when you smash that chinbar...
  • 1 0
 Been wearing this helmet for a year and I freaken love it. Super light and breathable. I even wear it during local trail rides now. I find there is little to no penalty and you benefit from full protection.
  • 1 1
 Yeah, a visor that is pointless aside from keeping goggles stashed for a moment. The visor on the Trigger is identical. Won't block the sun unless you're looking at the ground practically.
  • 2 0
 It apparently has 3 positions, I saw the"default" positions as per all the pics, and an "up" position as shown in the video, but I wonder if the 3rd position is lower than those 2 positions.
  • 1 0
 @KennyWatson: What I am getting at is it appears to be the same short visor that ONLY works if the sun is at high noon, or to hold goggles. I have their trigger helmet, not worth it. Visor is too short to tilt your head to block the sun, unless you want to stare at the ground right in front of your wheel.
  • 1 0
 I don't know, the side bits of the visor look pretty good at damping peripheral sun.
  • 1 0
 @daugherd: Guess you didn't notice that I have and been using the Trigger AM, with an almost identical visor. It doesn't.
  • 2 0
 All of these short visors suck. My newest helmet the length of visor was a big concern & shopping point. I'm now looking for a way to mount a visor extension.
  • 2 0
 @MattyBoyR6: The Bell SuperDH and Proframe helmets visors work great. May sound ridiculous, but I have one of each of aforementioned helmets. The Trigger was a purchase to replace half shell on crash warranty... should have saved my money as IXS doesn't have MIPS or equivalent, oh, and did I mention... lame visor. It does however do a good job at holding goggles at the second position. Beware! In the 3rd position, your goggles may become a projectile and launch them selves off the helmet!
  • 4 0
 Imagine living in a country where that is an actual consideration. We’ve been arguing in the uk about what they’re actually for.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: blocking the rain?
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: You don't get sun out there? I don't care to block the rain since in Arizona that happens maybe 35-40 days a year. So pretty much sunny all the other days.
  • 2 0
 Looks good! My IXS xult full face has done me well on the DH bike, cool to see a pedal friendly version!
  • 1 0
 Is it ASTM DH certified for both helmet and chinbar? Some of these enduro FF are, some aren’t......I couldn’t tell from the video but sound is off.
  • 3 0
 It's one single piece, and for any helmet with a chin bar being tested, the chin bar must meet those standards as well for the entire helmet to meet ASTM standards
  • 1 0
 Not sure, but you'd think if it was, they'd be talking about it... so I doubt it.
  • 5 0
 If a helmet has a chin bar it must pass. Some 1/2 domes meet it, but of course there is no chin bar test.

There no ASTM DH cert that has allows the chin bar not to pass and the rest of the helmet to pass.
  • 2 0
 @islandforlife: listed right in the details
  • 2 0
 @matt-15: Interesting. Some manufacturers like MET state that both the helmet and chin bar meet the ASTM DH specifications, but it sounds like they were maybe just calling it out specifically because many other of the initial Enduro FF manufacturers (like the Bell Super) weren't meeting it at all...? Cool.

I have a MET Parachute that is now several years old. It's a fantastic helmet, although the styling is a bit funky. I unglued the wire mesh on the chinbar to let in a bit more air, and have to say it's my favourite helmet ever and I wear it for everything - even got used to it in 30+ heat this year. These new light full face lids are great.
  • 2 0
 @shortcuttomoncton: The chin bar must pass a test in order for the entire helmet to be certified

"While chin bars are not required to pass this test, if a helmet does feature a chin bar, the bar must pass a deflection test as well."

source: www.triathlete.com/2017/09/gear-tech/helmet-safety-certification-actually-means_306276
  • 2 0
 @TheOriginalTwoTone: Tou-mother-f*cking-che
  • 1 0
 @islandforlife: I know it's tuff when you're used to just looking at the pictures Smile
  • 2 1
 I think this style of helmet are a better bet than the removable chin bar style. Good to see one with a proper adjustable fit, rather than just the pads, as my Proframe.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a nice helmet. Unfortunately, my helmet choice is limited to the 2(!!!) out of 15(!!!) helmets I tried that fitted my headshape..
  • 1 0
 Fir now MET is win win in terms of fit/price/quality;
It is hard to evaluate safety, however it fits under same certification
  • 3 1
 All this, AND a goofy visor?! Sign me up!
  • 2 0
 The visor is adjustable though which is great. That was my main gripe about the proframe, it's too low and in my peripheral vision too much and you can't adjust it up.
  • 1 0
 @KennyWatson: also makes it hard to move your goggles up when pedaling back uphill
  • 1 0
 I would rather see more safety oriented design instead of as light as possible.
  • 1 0
 If you want the safest helmet, get a dedicated DH full face. Helmets like these are designed to be as breathable as possible while maintaining ASTM safety standards, so great for Enduro and Trail riding
  • 2 0
 But on the other hand lighter helmet increases safety. Heavier helmet increases the force impacting your head.
  • 2 0
 They really price gouge these helmets.
  • 2 0
 Is anyone actually pedaling up in these 'enduro' full face helmets?
  • 2 0
 Yeah, I wear a Stage every ride and my wife wears her Super 3r each time. Sometimes we get funny looks but its worth it to not have our faces rearranged by a rock, root, tree, moto, etc...
  • 1 0
 @NateMob: You wear it on the climb or fasten it to a backpack?
  • 1 0
 I did in Davos last month, it was cold enough that I was grateful for the insulationSmile
  • 1 0
 @MikeyMT: If we're traversing singletrack we wear em, if its a fireroad/gravel grind situation it comes off.
  • 1 0
 Couldn't find one for sale anywhere.
  • 1 0
 IXS makes really nice stuff. I bet this helmet is no different.
  • 2 4
 Hit a tree hard in these style of helmets and there's only one winner, it's an xc helmet with a chin bar not a light weight gravity helmet. Brands are misleading the public.
  • 1 0
 I'm not seeing a good place to mount a camera (gopro)....
  • 1 0
 Under the peak? That's where I put my little Session but I see ppl cramming the big boy cameras under there as well.
  • 2 0
 @endlessblockades: I guess what I mean is I don't see a spot big enough for the adhesive GoPro mount. At least it looks that way from the pictures. I ride a Bell Super 3R and there is a good spot for the mount right in the middle, under the peak...
  • 2 0
 @mybaben: Yeah my 100% Aircraft is the same way. I got some more 3M double-sided tape and increased the thickness of the adhesive pad to better conform to the ridges. I don't see why all helmet mfgs don't leave a nice spot there for mounts....
  • 2 0
 @endlessblockades: I KNOW!!! It's not like there's only one or two guys running GoPros... It's super popular, and like you say, helmet makers should automatically leave a little square area for camera mounting. Duh.
  • 1 0
 Nice
  • 4 5
 Less material = more expensive. Makes sense.
  • 11 3
 less material = better ventilation + lightweight +same safety = more expensive. yes, makes sense.
  • 4 0
 Prices aren't determined by production costs, but by demand. A lighter helmet with the same protective qualities is more attractive to buyers and therefore more expensive. Also, the bill of materials is probably only a small part of total costs.
  • 7 0
 Less weight equals higher price? Yes, I’m sure that’s a first in the MTB industry... hmm... wait...
  • 2 0
 Well yeah. If you’re asking more from less you’ve got to pay for it.
  • 1 0
 Just look at bike tires vs car tires. Less rubber = higher cost by weight.
  • 2 0
 @FuzzyL: what about development? or do you think that they are just cutting out some material? come on.
  • 1 0
 @Endurossta: How do you figure that an xc helmet with a chin bar can offer same safety as a hard shell full face - it's insane?! I have a good friend who's a numero surgeon he said hard shell all the way for gravity. Also said MIPS was just great marketing- nothing more - he concurred that it only does what your scalp already does- all these lemming are taken in by the marketing- the testing is done on crash test dummies ... which don't have scalps.. so the results are good !
  • 2 0
 @Hillbillyf*cker: I can see MIPS working if you’ve got a bald grippy head or a swimming cap on but I’ve got loads of hair already doing the mips thing.







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