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I have had IXS trail S/M helmet for a couple of years. Had a few crashes over time, and while there are no visible cracks I am looking to replace it as a precaution.
I would like to get a MIPS helmet just for the potentially extra protection, but I have been unable to find anything that fits nearly as good as the IXS. I can get helmets that don't wiggle front/back, but nothing sits on the sides as snug, and at the same time without much pressure as the IXS. Any IXS owners that have found other helmets that fit as good? Backup plan is to just get the same helmet, but as said I'd like to get MIPS if possible.
Watching with interest, yet to find anything that fits as well and coming up to replace time too.
My Trail RS was the best fitting helmet I've ever had. Then I bought a Poc Tectal Spin, and now my IXS feels uncomfortable.
Expensive, yes, but worth it imho.
Only downer is no place to store goggles.
Sounds like we might have a similar shaped head, and I have both an IXS trail, and a MET Roam (non MIPS).
Roam fit is excellent, you can get a MIPS version, and you can fit goggles under the visor for the uphills if you are going full enduro.
2 slight annoyances, that seem pretty consistent if you dig around the forums:
1) The straps will gradually come loose over a ride
2) the visor is a massive wind catcher, if you are going fast, and lift your head up too much... ouch!
I'm looking at getting a new one with MIPS as well.
HTH!
Funnily enough I just had a roam mips size medium delivered. Front to back fits correct, the sides are a bit more loose than I'm used to. In general I'd say it fits correctly, but as I said I've been spoiled by the ixs.
Bluegrass goldeneyes, I use the IXS for commuting, GE for MTB.
I ran an IXS for a number of years and replaced it with a Giro Montaro. I cant remember if one was comfier than the other, but the Giro is very comfy for my ill shaped head!
Right, ordered the Montaro. If it doesn't fit I'll order IXS trail, and try looking agian in couple year's time.. Will let you know how that went.
Did Giro ever sort that issue with the montaro pads lasting a few rides?
Went ahead and ordered a IXS Trigger AM as well.
Regarding the Giro pads, I saw a couple people mention it, I guess time will tell (if I end up keeping it). Replacement pads are widely available at £9 it seems.
Montaro was a good shout - I've had IXS and Montaro and both fit very well (similar)
I replaced my last IXS trail with a Specialised Ambush. The fit is great and every bit as comfy as my old IXS trail.
The 'ANGI' crash detector seems to be a good feature too. ALthough, i've not crashed it yet to test it in anger.
I use a IXS trail RS evo and thought the Montaro was completely different shape when I tried it. Others that fit me nearly as well as the IXS were the Specialized Ambush and the Bontrager Rally.
Ah yes, I forgot about the Ambush... I tried it in a shop couple months back and it was OK.
+1 Giro Montaro.
Great helmet.
Ixs trigger AM fit is close to trail, but not as snug on the sides. With trail I actually have to push it on my head, ans then it almost "pops" into place 😂. Still I think it's the second best fit I had after Trail. I quite like the magnetic buckle, and 2 piece pads are easy to remove for wash. Waiting on montaro now, ordered from Biketart and they do take their time with dispatch.
Right guys... I went through a few helmets last couple of days. Just an FYI, my head is about 55cm circum, a bit thinner on the sides and a bit high (I think!). Based on circum I fall on top end of Small , bottom of Medium, but small usually doesn't cover as much of the temples as I'd like. IXS trail S/M being 54 - 58, I fall basically in the middle of their range.
Helmets I have tested:
Bell Super S + M: Too round, Small too small, medium too big.
Giro Chronicle M: too big
Specialized Ambush M: a bit big, by using the harness it can be secure, but i'd rather the shell feels closer to my head. Small was small 😛
MET Roam M, too big, had to clamp the harness to tight to make it sit safely enough
IXS Trigger AM S/M: acceptable, not as nice fit as the Trail. More wiggle room on the sides, front to back about the same.
POC Tectal SPIN M/L: too big, room on every direction.
Giro Montaro M: Ok, not as close to the head as I'd like felt as if there were some dead spots.
Smith Forefront 2 M: Quite good! It felt like it will be pulling hair thought! But fit was decent.
Fox Speedframe Pro S: The helmet fit was perfect, almost like the IXS but with MIPS on top! Very little wiggle room on every direction / rotation, even before using the harness to make it tight. Although the straps were not clearing my ears, and chin strap slightly choking me even on fully extended. Medium might had been the perfect helmet, but I'm getting tired of searching, plus no easy way to mount lights (unless if you go adhesive mount). Also, its a brand new line, so will hopefully be around next time I'm searching for helmet.
Which brings us to the winner, Bell Sixer. I have S and M both fitting good. I am trying to decide if I will go with the slightly less coverage of the S to gain on the snuggness, or go for medium which is a bit looser but covers a bit more area. Pads are comfortable, it has detachable light / camera mount, and it looks good too.
Hope I save someone else the trouble of searching!
Thanks for that. It’s helped me have a think too 👌