Fox Speedframe Pro vs Troy Lee Designs A3

I've always had really good luck with the fit of Giro and Troy Lee Designs helmets, and I found the Fox to be quite similar, if not slightly more narrow or oval shaped. For additional reference, I experienced pressure points above my temples with the POC Kortal Race MIPS and couldn't wear the helmet for extended periods of time without discomfort.

I have an oval-shaped head, and the width of the helmet was just enough. If you have a round or wider head, it would be worth trying it on in a store before purchasing.

The harness has a dial adjuster at the rear of the head with 26 clicks and a huge range of adjustment. The harness can also be adjusted vertically between four positions with a snap-fit system molded into the shell.

the new circumferential fit system uses soft cords to connect the front and back halves, rather than hard plastic. This surely saves weight while improving comfort and making for a quieter, less rattle-prone helmet on the trail.

My head measures 58cm in circumference, which sits near the top end of the 55-59cm range for the medium size. Despite being at the edge of the size range, I found the adjustment system leaves enough room to fit a knit cap underneath on cold days.

The side straps have plenty of ear clearance before converging into the chin strap. However, it's surprising they're not adjustable.

The Speedframe shell is a bit more round (i.e., wider) than it needs to be for my fairly oval-shaped head. The prior-gen Speedframe Pro still worked well for me despite not being as precisely tailored to my head shape as it could have been; the new one feels just a bit less secure side-to-side, I think because the more flexible BOA retention system simply doesn't snug the sides of the helmet down as firmly as the stiffer plastic cradle on the prior-gen Speedframe Pro.

I found the size medium Speedframe Pro to be spot on for my 57 cm and slightly roundish head. There was plenty of adjustment left in either direction–just enough to toss a lightweight beanie underneath when it was cold

I found the size medium Speedframe Pro to be spot on for my 57 cm and slightly roundish head. There was plenty of adjustment left in either direction–just enough to toss a lightweight beanie underneath when it was cold–and I didn’t experience any strange pressure points.

The Speedframe shell is a bit more round (i.e., wider) than it needs to be for my fairly oval-shaped head.

The dialled 360 Fit system uses a press-stud arrangement to adjust the height.

the BOA retention system on the updated version doesn't need to feel as snug as a more rigid plastic cradle to get the job done

Rounding out the comfort package is what Fox calls their 360° Fit System, which as you tighten down the dial, applies even pressure around your entire head instead of just the rear.

The Fox Speedframe has a four-position height adjustment to the fit system to ensure stability and comfort for a wide range of head shapes.

Not the deepest fit

the Speedframe Pro does a remarkable job of holding my sunglasses while I'm not wearing them. On many occasions, I made it to the bottom of a bumpy trail, only to realize that I'd left my shades on top of the helmet.

When it comes to goggles, however, this helmet was designed with them in mind. In the back, there is a ridge that cradles a goggle strap in place

I did tend to leave my Smith Wildcat sunglasses on top of the helmet because they were not very compatible with the Speedframe Pro's low, flat brow. So, if you have sunglasses that you can't live without, it's a good idea to check compatibility.

I've had zero issues using the helmet with a number of glasses, including the Tifosi Sledge Lite (my current favorite), Julbo Rush, and the more casual Native Eyewear Wells. And while I'm not really a half-shell and goggle sort of guy, I did toss my Giro Blocks on for a ride with no issues.

the visor lifts up high enough to fit goggles, and the open vents hold sunglass arms just fine during climbs. The Fox isn’t a standout in this area but it does fall in line with most other competitors like the Troy Lee Designs A3.

I’ve had zero issues using the helmet with a number of glasses, including the Tifosi Sledge Lite (my current favorite), Julbo Rush, and the more casual Native Eyewear Wells.

I did tend to leave my Smith Wildcat sunglasses on top of the helmet because they were not very compatible with the Speedframe Pro’s low, flat brow.

The helmet's outer shell also has subtle channels in the sides and rear to secure your goggle strap for the rowdy descents.

the visor lifts up high enough to fit goggles, and the open vents hold sunglass arms just fine during climbs

there's also a slightly cutaway should you choose to use conventional eyewear

You can’t see it here but the inside there’s also a slightly cutaway should you choose to use conventional eyewear.

Like the higher-end variants, the Speedframe has built-in glasses storage, using a pair of rubber grippers under the corners of the visor to secure the glasses’ arms underneath the visor.

In the back, there is a ridge that cradles a goggle strap in place, and the three-position visor makes room to put your goggles up when not in use.

the Speedframe Pro does a remarkable job of holding my sunglasses while I’m not wearing them. On many occasions, I made it to the bottom of a bumpy trail, only to realize that I’d left my shades on top of the helmet.

Speedframe Pro: $200

MSRP: $159.95

Fox doesn't include these extras with the Speedframe Pro (the Troy Lee Designs A3 does, for example)

we think the Speedframe Pro is a great buy. It has just about everything you could ask for in a comfortable package, and it only gives up a few grams to its more-expensive counterparts.

Price: $199.95

Price as reviewed: £139.99

Price: $180

Several other helmets will put a considerably larger dent in your wallet for a similar level of performance, so we think the Speedframe Pro is a great buy. It has just about everything you could ask for in a comfortable package, and it only gives up a few grams to its more-expensive counterparts.

The very first thing I noticed was the incredible amount of air striking my forehead and flowing back, even at lower speeds. The area of the helmet under the visor is basically open, with very little structure to impede airflow.

the Fox Speedframe Pro is one of the best-ventilated mountain bike helmets aimed at aggressive trail riding. Although the 19 vents aren't necessarily something to write home about, it's the three right above the brow that make the helmet a standout for hot-weather rides. They simply allow more air to move through the helmet than all others in this category that I've tried (like the Troy Lee Designs A3 and POC Kortal Race MIPS).

There's been a subtle change to the vents at the front of the helmet, with Fox moving from three brow vents to four on the latest Speedframe Pro helmet. The upshot is excellent ventilation and airflow

This is one of the most well-ventilated models we tested. Its nineteen total vents include three directly across the brow and two full-length interior channels for front-to-back airflow. Even at relatively low speeds, you can feel the vents start to work as air flows across the top of your head.

In my opinion, the Fox Speedframe Pro is one of the best-ventilated mountain bike helmets aimed at aggressive trail riding. Although the 19 vents aren’t necessarily something to write home about, it’s the three right above the brow that make the helmet a standout for hot-weather rides.

There’s been a subtle change to the vents at the front of the helmet, with Fox moving from three brow vents to four on the latest Speedframe Pro helmet. The upshot is excellent ventilation and airflow, albeit with a slightly strange, gap-tooth look with the visor in the full-up position.

Its nineteen total vents include three directly across the brow and two full-length interior channels for front-to-back airflow. Even at relatively low speeds, you can feel the vents start to work as air flows across the top of your head.

the Speedframe Pro does a great job of quickly cooling things back down once you're at the top and your speed picks back up

With a wide channel over the brow and integrated peak vents, venting is good.

The forehead and the temple areas are so open that I was concerned that I might impale myself with a cedar branch when it was unavoidable to clip them. But it never happened, as the visor seemed to deflect all incoming branches.

the Speedframe Pro does a great job of quickly cooling things back down once you're at the top and your speed picks back up.

Weight: 345g as tested (size medium)

Weight:437g

The Fox Speedframe Pro weighs 13.5 ounces on my scale (claimed weight is 13.4 ounces)

at 407 grams (14.4 ounces), this model falls right around the average among the trail helmets we tested

My large sample weighs a verified 394 g. For comparison, another helmet I've used for a long time is the POC Tectal Race Spin. It weighs a verified 414 g in a size Large/X-Large.

Blister's Measured Weight: 401 g (Speedframe Pro, Size Large)

most of the other top performers in our test came in a bit lighter: The POC Tectal Race at 365 grams, the Smith Forefront 2 at 374 grams, and the 100% Altec at 381 grams

It's the same or within a few ounces of popular alternatives like the Troy Lee Designs A3 (13.9 ounces) and Smith's Forefront 2 (13.5 ounces). However, it can't compete with stripped down and lightweight XC options like the POC Octal MIPS, which tips the scale at a scant 9.5 ounces.

Fox Racing claims a 350±35g weight for the medium Speedframe Pro.

The Fox Speedframe Pro weighs 13.5 ounces on my scale (claimed weight is 13.4 ounces), which puts it right in line with other half-shell mountain bike helmets.

at 407 grams (14.4 ounces), this model falls right around the average among the trail helmets we tested.

My large sample weighs a verified 394 g.

Blister’s Measured Weight: 401 g (Speedframe Pro, Size Large)

Between the dual-density shell and upgraded MIPS liner, the Speedframe Pro vaults way up the Virginia Tech safety rankings to the #2 spot with a score of 8.10.

At the heart of the Pro is the same dual-density Varizorb EPS we saw in the Fox Flux, and you can actually see this (one is dark, the other is light) if you turn the helmet upside down. What you can't see is how they're joined internally – there's a sort of zig zag border between them and when compressed, such as during an impact, this dissipates energy more effectively. It's almost like a high-tech crumple zone.

the dual-density Varizorb EPS foam provides additional protection by spreading forces of impact across a wider area. Those safety features, combined with a relatively deep fit, help the Fox achieve a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech's independent helmet research lab.

The Fox Speedframe RS Pro earned a 5-star helmet safety rating from Virginia Tech, where it's ranked #2 overall for 2025. The only helmet that ranks higher? The pricier Fox Speedframe RS, which is #1.

In the fast impact tests, the Speedframe did noticeably better. The Speedframe performed near the top in the fast impact test.

this helmet uses 27-year-old technology: The dual-density Varizorb EPS liner is a multi-layer foam lining based on the work of Australian physicist Don Morgan, who discovered in 1993 that a layer of small, pointy cones is efficient at diffusing impacts

I've found most other plastic shell-based MIPS systems (including the one used in the prior-gen Speedframe Pro) to make a bit of noise and induce some noticeable movement between the helmet shell and the MIPS liner. That's gone in the new Speedframe Pro.

At the heart of the Pro is the same dual-density Varizorb EPS we saw in the Fox Flux, and you can actually see this (one is dark, the other is light) if you turn the helmet upside down. What you can’t see is how they’re joined internally – there’s a sort of zig zag border between them and when compressed, such as during an impact, this dissipates energy more effectively. It’s almost like a high-tech crumple zone.

Those safety features, combined with a relatively deep fit, help the Fox achieve a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech’s independent helmet research lab.

The Fox Speedframe RS Pro earned a 5-star helmet safety rating from Virginia Tech, where it’s ranked #2 overall for 2025.

The new Fox Racing Speedframe Pro earned the #2 spot in Virginia Tech’s 2025 Helmet Safety Ratings, making the brand a double podium spot winner.

The Speedframe Pro Helmet has earned Virginia Tech’s best rating (5 STARS) in its Bicycle Helmet Ratings program.

The Speedframe Pro uses a Mips Air Node system to handle rotational forces. This system involves a very thin, low-friction layer laminated to the dual-density EPS foam liner.

the Pro features a MIPs liner to offset additional rotational forces

Extended rear coverage offers additional protection at the back of the head

The Speedframe Pro also gets a fancier MIPS Air Node liner, which does away with the plastic shell of the more basic MIPS system

To further bolster the protection, the Pro features a MIPs liner to offset additional rotational forces.

The helmet features a MIPS liner–which is shown to reduce rotational forces on the brain during a crash–and the dual-density Varizorb EPS foam provides additional protection by spreading forces of impact across a wider area.

Mips and dual-density EPS make up the backbone of the Speedframe's safety features.

The dual-density Varizorb EPS liner is a multi-layer foam lining based on the work of Australian physicist Don Morgan, who discovered in 1993 that a layer of small, pointy cones is efficient at diffusing impacts.

In the fast impact tests, the Speedframe did noticeably better. The Speedframe performed near the top in the fast impact test. Only a few others bested it.

I've noticed some scuffs and scratches to the helmet finish due to normal wear and tear. Fox warns that bug repellent and sunscreen can cause the finish to peel, and I'll add that you should avoid placing it on the ground, too.

I never noticed the Mips Air Node liner, which I can't say the same for other Mips systems. Whether it was the fancier Integra Split or a simpler plastic slip liner, I could feel that something was added to the EPS foam. The Air Node was invisible to me.

The MIPS liner also integrates seamlessly with the helmet and I never noticed any excessive noise or discomfort–two things I experienced with the Giro Switchblade.

I never noticed the Mips Air Node liner, which I can’t say the same for other Mips systems. Whether it was the fancier Integra Split or a simpler plastic slip liner, I could feel that something was added to the EPS foam. The Air Node was invisible to me.

We're not big fans of the multi-piece XT2 liner. It has an antimicrobial treatment to manage odour, but the individual parts tend to move around a lot more than one big pad.

Most MBR testers like the magnetic Fidlock SNAP buckle – it's easy to open and close and, best of all, doesn't nip your skin.

Removable, washable XT2® liner is antimicrobial and manages odor while wicking moisture away from the head.

Most MBR testers like the magnetic Fidlock SNAP buckle – it’s easy to open and close and, best of all, doesn’t nip your skin.

We’re not big fans of the multi-piece XT2 liner. It has an antimicrobial treatment to manage odour, but the individual parts tend to move around a lot more than one big pad.

Rather than the standard chin buckle found on Fox's mid-range helmets, the Speedframe uses a Fidlock magnetic buckle. This is one of just a few models that we tested to use the Fidlock buckle, and we were skeptical of the system at first. After a few rides, though, we quickly got used to it and came to appreciate the ease of use while wearing gloves.

the magnetic Fidlock buckle is a pleasure to use. In the back, a light but sturdy dial allows for a highly adjustable, 360-degree fit.

The interior padding also aids in keeping you cool out on the trail. It's relatively minimalist to reduce heat buildup, and it's made of an absorptive, sweat-wicking material to keep sweat from rolling down into your eyes or onto your eyewear.

Side straps are held in place via fixed adjusters, they’re nicely spaced and are low enough to clear the biggest ear lugs.

The side straps have plenty of ear clearance before converging into the chin strap. However, it’s surprising they’re not adjustable.

Extended rear coverage offers additional protection at the back of the head, and I found the secure fit system ensures the helmet stays properly in place, even on rough trails.

The helmet has very comprehensive coverage down the back. I could feel that, and it was inspiring. Knowing that the back of my head was protected was well worth whatever marginal gain of mass and potential loss of ventilation.

The protective foam shell fits low on the head and drops down in the rear for extra occipital protection.

the Speedframe Pro offers quite good coverage in terms of both the shell itself and the visor, without coming into my field of view appreciably

at least on my head, the Speedframe Pro offers quite good coverage in terms of both the shell itself and the visor, without coming into my field of view appreciably.

The peak is adjustable to four positions (which are notched) and can be tilted right up, so you can easily stash a set of goggles underneath.

a large, adjustable visor with three indexed positions, one of which allows for goggle storage on the front of the helmet. The indexing is firm to ensure that the visor stays put when you set it in place, but this also means it's not as easily adjustable on the fly as some models we tested.

I had to use a 3mm hex tool to get mine to slide, and when it did, there was a popping sound that had me convinced I had broken something on the helmet. I found that adjusting the visor during a ride isn’t really an option without dismounting and taking the helmet off my head.

The helmet's exterior features a large, adjustable visor with three indexed positions, one of which allows for goggle storage on the front of the helmet. The indexing is firm to ensure that the visor stays put when you set it in place, but this also means it's not as easily adjustable on the fly as some models we tested.

the three-position visor makes room to put your goggles up when not in use

Visor takes 2 hands to adjust

The visor is adjustable with three different height settings, and a screw at the center of the visor can be used to adjust the tension on the detents, including making them very firm if you want to make sure it stays put.

Goggle compatible, 3-position adjustable visor.