On Track Off Road No. 189

FEATURE
Three years ago Fox gutted their
helmet range and with MIPS and
the MVRS visor concept installed
the V3 as their premium model. What
had previously been a functional lid that
looked cool on the heads of Ricky Carmichael
and Ken Roczen now had significant
safety specs and a high degree of
engineering: the substance equalled the
style.
“WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN LOOKED AT
AS A RACEWEAR BRAND WITH COOL
GRAPHICS BUT WE WANT PEOPLE TO
TAKE US SERIOUSLY WHEN IT COMES
TO OUR HELMETS. WE HAVE BEEN
MANUFACTURING THEM SINCE 1997.”
The Irvine-based firm did not leave their
R&D priorities solely with the graphic designers
thereafter. Recently they unveiled
the new V3 with Fluid Inside technology
(presented at the final round of AMA Supercross
and notable for the plain white
and black lids worn by MXGP leader
Tim Gajser); which features a series of
gel-like ‘pods’ in the liner that they say
‘enhance your helmet’s ability to protect
your brain by mimicking Cerebral Spinal
Fluid (CSF) – your body’s natural protection.’
It is the latest venture and speculation
to tackle rotational acceleration and
concussion thresholds and follows on the
investigative work by 6D, Leatt, Bell, Fly
and of course MIPS.
Again Fox want to show they can lead
when it comes to innovation and not just
provide fashion statements. The ever-accommodating
Mark Finley gave up some
of his time towards the end of another
long day at the futuristic Fox ‘hub’ in
southern California to explain and bit
more about the concept and the company’s
general holding pattern.
Fox helmets were quite rudimentary
but then you embraced MIPS and gave
another performance aspect to it. Now
it’s moved on again. So where did Fluid
Inside come from and was it a big job to
make that discovery?