Fox's Flux MIPS and Bell's Sixer MIPS duke it out!

[@TomLuck]

That crooked visor on the Fox would drive me nuts! Unacceptable for a 149$ helmet.

[@MrTonka]

My guess is you could torque those plastic screws down with a screw driver to keep it straight. But then you lose the functionality of the visor... Not ideal either way. It's kind of interesting to see how the Fox has the new magnetic clasp and comes with an extra helmet pad. I wonder if the money spent on those features took away from the visor budget? :)

[@TomLuck]

Very interesting thought. I'm really liking your channel Tonk, keep up the good work.

[@Dude-Smellmyhelmet]

Masking Tape it into a straight position then leave it out in the sun or on your dashboard if it's not too hot outside

[@kristopherjoaquin2037]

I know Im asking randomly but does anybody know a way to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid lost the login password. I would love any help you can offer me

[@masonrhys5216]

@Kristopher Joaquin Instablaster :)

[@lcalcorzi]

I just replaced my Kali with a Poc Tectal Race and i love the Poc. The fit and weight and features are excellent.

[@florida__jack]

Nice video. Clear and to-the-point review of both helmets indeed. KZbin needs more reviews like this.

[@MrTonka]

I tried to cover just the differences between those two helmets. Hopefully it will help someone with a helmet buying decision. :)

[@sidvish159]

Love the review and my POC! They are more expensive but like you said, the fit is amazing.

[@BCpov]

That plot twist at the end!

[@MrTonka]

haha Kind of had to be that way due to the POC price point. I wanted to do a 3 way comparison, but with the POC's price, it just didn't make sense to me. :) Thanks for watching! My buddy who doesn't MTB follows you on YT and IG since i turned him on to your Japan series. He lived there for 10 years, speaks fluently and is married to a Japanese woman. Kind of funny how you guys have similar mannerisms. BTW, there is a possibility that i'm in the PNW the middle week of July. Maybe you'll be around?

[@BCpov]

Haha, I spend the whole video "ya, i'd pick the bell too" :) Always feels good to have non mtb'rs keen on the videos! A bunch of foreigner perspective blogs in Japan have picked up a few of the videos, which is fun :) Yes, I'll be in BC in July, we should definitely meet up!

[@MrTonka]

lol Heck yeah! BCPOV world wide! :) My buddy thinks YT is about to catch fire in the Japanese market. Sweet, i'll keep you posted if it happens!

[@Johnny641]

Great reviews. I got the Bell Sixer , if you like the fit of the previous Bell Super helmets then this is a great choice. It's basically a more refined version. Super comfy and looks great IMHO. I agree the go pro mount is a little janky, it does vibrate a little bit when in use, a bit of tape inside the mount may cure this but I rarely use a go pro for trail riding, the footage isn't bad but there were some noises and shakes at some points. For mellow riding it wouldn't be a problem. The indexed visor is awesome, you can go from looking like a complete squid to full on Enduro-bro and my 100% goggles work very nicely with the lid. Overall very happy.

[@MrTonka]

i figured there would be a way to sure up the camera mount. :)

[@Johnny641]

Bit of update after some more use; the sweat pad extension kept popping down, the velcro isn't strong enough to hold it in place. Unfortunately one of the MIPS clips broke when I was taking off the helmet which made it unusable. Sent it back and received a full refund so no big deal but a bit of bummer. Back to using my older Bell Super 3 for now.

[@MrTonka]

Thanks for the update, that's good info!

[@jamiealite]

I bought the Bell 4Forty Helmet with the MIPS system. It is a fantastic helmet I’m very happy with it.

[@MrTonka]

I've always gravitated towards Bell helmets. They seem to fit me well. The Super 3R is very comfortable and fits quite well. Glad you stoked on the 4Forty. :)

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

Great Clip, I still looking my next one since I cracked my TLD A1 at FTF Santos..... So I have been riding with my older Kali Lid. Thanks for the good lid check!!!! LIVE-LIFE-LOUD!!!

[@MrTonka]

I clearly liked the POC but if i was sticking to the price category of these two, I'd look additionally at the TLD A2 or stick with the Sixer. :)

[@thecount1001]

how do you like the 3 way strap splitters compared to standard? i don't have a helmet with them but just upon trying them on i love not feeling the straps around my ears.

[@Captivateitmedia]

I wish all people’s reviews were as good as yours... thank you for making this, I’m now going to order a POC and sixer and return which doesn’t feel best. :)

[@MrTonka]

God bless good return policies. :)

[@tamasvarga67]

Great review, I'm looking for a new helmet and thinking about the sixer. I was the opposite of you, I wanted to like the POC but unfortunately, it's not for my head shape - luckily, I could try them. I'm between sizes and the 55-58 had pressure points, the 59-62 has a bigger shell and it looked like a watermelon on my head... so still thinking about the sixer. :)

[@MrTonka]

Thanks! If the Sixer fit me as well as the POC does, i would have gone with that for sure!

[@10acebikesjodybennettii19]

thanks Joe for getting asked it on that ride stay safe

[@1979jakubs]

Had a proper crash with my old design POC Trabec. Ended with mild concussion and not a mark on helmet. Fantastic products!!!

[@MrTonka]

Good to know! And glad you only ended up mildly concussed. Head injuries are scary.

[@1979jakubs]

I was little "slow" for few days after:)))

[@Dude-Smellmyhelmet]

Haha. No concussion and a broken helmet would be more of a success, no?

[@briancardinal1674]

I can vouch for the sixer i bought it last week and its fairly good couldnt complain

[@MrTonka]

Out of those two, i would have chosen the same. Glad you like it!

[@thim8009]

Nice job Joe I have been running uvex but it doesn't protect back of neck head area but everything else I try doesn't seem to fit as well, guess that's part of the fun keep looking.

[@MrTonka]

Thanks! For me it's about fit and while i'm sure some of the price is for the POC name, i do think a proper fit is worth it. I just wish i have more helmet brands at my disposal to try on. My guess is there is something else out there that fits just as well for less money.

[@MTBPlanB]

Great vid. I have a fox ff with the magnet clasp, never noticed where it sits on my jawline. Be interesting to see if the gp image stabilization would minimize the effect of that Bell mount, nice feature for sure.

[@MrTonka]

I didn't go into it, but i felt the internal stabilization on the session camera would have to be turned off otherwise it would be compensating for those small movements constantly. And that never looks good. haha I really like the magnet clasp idea, it just sat right on my jaw and i noticed where it sat right away. I'm sure it'll get refined soon. :) Thanks for watching!

[@SwingsnRoundAbouts]

Had a crash years ago with the original fox flux with the plastic ducktail. I went over the bars and the ducktail dug into the dirt as I slid on my back. I had sever bruising to my throat. The helmet didn’t crack but I got rid of it away. Till that crash I really liked the helmet, but I won’t buy another as long as it has the ducktail. Just cracked my bell super 2r hence why I’m looking at helmet reviews.

[@justinh1258]

I’m trying to decide between the sixer and the fox flux mips conduit helmet. I can’t find anything really for the flux mips conduit, it’s new this year but doesn’t seem popular

[@MrTonka]

This is the first i've heard of the Conduit. I've liked the Super DH and my POC Tectal so much i haven't really looked at helmets lately. Sorry i'm not much help.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

I dented my Bell Super 2 a few weeks ago and went through several helmets via Amazon until I found 'mine'..... I tried both the new Fox and the 6er, as well as the POC Tectal and the winner was none of them. I bought a TLD A2 and immediately forgot I was even wearing a helmet. The new Flux was so F'n ugly that I never gave it a fair chance. Being a Bell guy, I wanted to like the 6er but the rear strap hit the back of my ears. The POC made me look like Gazoo and the front was even with my eyebrows. The A2 is simply perfect for my melon..... Good, honest review Tonka - Thanks!....... EDIT: I typed this before finishing your video and you deciding on the Tectal..... We both did the exact same thing! I really wanted to like the Tectal and not the TLD A2, but like you, once I plopped the 'right' helmet onto my head, it was a super easy decision. This is the only way I'll buy a helmet from now on.

[@MrTonka]

Thanks Coach! The Troy Lee Designs A2 should have been the number 3 helmet i ordered with these two. It's a great looking helmet and seems to hit all my requirements too. In the past, like a while back, TLD helmets didn't fit me well. (Which kind of makes sense given the POC didn't work well for you.) But i really like the aesthetics of the TLD A2 and will give it a shot when i need to replace the POC. :)

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

Just so funny that 2 dudes from different ends of the country were dong the exact same thing to replace their helmet.... Thanks again for the helpful vid brother!

[@noahkrusell2251]

Does POC Tectal take a light mount? Doesn’t look like hole pattern allows for Velcro strap and POC site doesn’t offer a plug in

[@MrTonka]

They don't have one built in or as an accessory. But you can put a gopro mount on the top and attach it that way. There are plenty of areas to attach a double stick mount on it.

[@noahkrusell2251]

@@MrTonka appreciate the feedback - great vid.

[@antonyo7531]

I tried a Fox Metah. Even though it has big vents, the ventilattion is terrible. Compared to a Smith Venture, its unacceptable.

[@BJJandBS]

So if you were riding in South Florida in hot weather, which helmet would you go to?

[@MrTonka]

Well, I'm in west central FL and I use a POC Tectal Race Spin. Almost exclusively.

[@0Myles0]

Congratulations! Nice video presentation btw. Just got a Bell Sixer. Very nice helmet. I tried the Fox, and loved the fit but the straps have no fore/aft adjustment at the ear lobes. Those POCs look awesome! Just a bit too pricey for me so I didn't try one on.

[@clayboren5557]

Great video Joe. I got a poc last year. And love it.

[@MrTonka]

Despite the price, i really like this helmet. Feels like it would be very protective and it's quite comfortable. While i don't want to focus on gear while riding, but I think the intangible of wanting to wear or use the gear you have has a real value. :)

[@SithLordBishop]

Would have liked to see more detail on the POC reviewed on the same points as the 1st two but thanks for the video!

[@MrTonka]

Being 50% more expensive than the other two, the playing field wasn't quite level. My expectations go up quite a bit when adding $70 to the price tag of a helmet, so I'll probably do a separate review on the POC that hits those same points.......Stay tuned. :)

[@SithLordBishop]

For sure. Awesome. Curious on the mount and visor. Keep em coming! Love the format and the timeline links in the description!

[@goncalobaptista3042]

I´m on the market for a new helmet and the one that catched my attencion was that fox flux, and i just have a question, is it confortable?

[@MrTonka]

Yes, it was pretty comfortable. I liked the Bell a little better, but both were comfortable.

[@goncalobaptista3042]

Thank you for the answer and for the review i´ve decided to spend a little more and go with the a2 from troy lee

[@MrTonka]

Even though i haven't tried the A2, i have a hunch that i'd prefer it over the Flux as well. Hope you love it! I haven't heard anything negative about the A2 yet.

[@gastonuzc]

Straight to the point with NO BS. thanks! And with a funny twist!!! What sizes are they?

[@MrTonka]

I tried to leave all the BS on the cutting room floor. haha And i REALLY didn't want to like the POC, but within 3 seconds of putting it on for the first time, i knew that was the one i was going to keep. lol I should have mentioned the sizes because there were kind of comical. The Flux was size S/M. The Sixer was size M. The POC was size M/L . And they all "fit". How screwy is that?!? haha

[@alexanderpeckham8105]

Can decide between bell sixer vs fox speedframe pro

[@edinsancakli765]

"I mean you do cover up some vents, huh" 🤣

[@brettoetzel5446]

I have a Giro MIPS MTB helmet (i don't remember the exact name) and it does the same thing where it slides up. It didnt affect my riding, but i had the same thought: if i smash my head, will the helmet slide up? Good vidya. Thanks for doing the work!

[@MrTonka]

My pleasure! I think for the most part, they'll do their job. Multiple impacts is where that sliding around might come into affect.

[@10acebikesjodybennettii19]

I got a IXS RS trail Evo I really love it didn't go this far on the review good stuff to think about

[@MrTonka]

The IXS looks like a solid choice! I wish i had MTB shops around where i could have tried on a lot more. As it was i had to lay out over $500 to test these 3.

[@stevethesmazsmathers9112]

Nice comparison of those helmets. I'm pretty happy with my Bell 3/4, POC and Catlike helmets but after watching Robert's @B1KER video tour of Kali Protectives I think they'll be on the top of the list for me when its time for a new one.

[@MrTonka]

Hard to argue with that. I just got a set of their Strike knee pads and so far i'm a big fan!

[@stevethesmazsmathers9112]

Mr Tonka Robert said you were using them now. Watched Alex’s live stream the other night and he said he uses the race face pads and really like the easy on/off. I’m trying to decide which ones to get. Moving to CO Springs soon so I’m going to need them.

[@MrTonka]

I haven't used the RF pads, but my fear (maybe unfounded) is that you have to keep them pretty tight to make sure they don't fall off. I have a set of POC knee pads and now the Strikes. I'm not sure that i'll wear the POC pads any more. They do offer more protection, but the Strikes are more comfortable and FAR more breathable. And they fold up to almost nothing. You could put them in your pocket if you needed to.

[@stevethesmazsmathers9112]

Mr Tonka very valid point!

[@Manwichman]

I have a giro fixture and my head sweats ☹️ 🙋

[@fb_nano]

The Bell sweat gutter didn’t work for me. I found that swear kept running down my glasses, especially in technical terrain where you couldn’t just stop and clean them off.

[@MrTonka]

TitoOrrego thats a bummer. I guess everyone’s mileage will vary.

[@austinjew3092]

Just can’t get over that ugly fox visor lol

[@MrTonka]

hahah It was the VERY first thing i noticed when i removed it from the box. I'm guessing you could get to stay put with some fine tuning, but not really something i want to do.

[@austinjew3092]

Mr Tonka I’ve been searching for the poc but I’m too Jewish to spend so much for composite plastic lol maybe if I find one on sale!!! Great video like always !!! I sold my Evil and got an enduro lol wanting to add some spacers to the front fork but don’t have the rock shox cassette tool lol

[@MrTonka]

This one is the Tectal Race with Spin (their MIPS tech) You can find the standard Tectal for as little as $150 at certain places. No more Evil!?! :( Liking the Enduro i presume?

[@austinjew3092]

Mr Tonka it’s already up for sale on pink bike lol. I want an evil calling lol. The pop from evil is just something no other bike has!!! I’m loving your LR yeti though!!! Looks awesome man!

[@MrTonka]

I still think the Calling would be Evil's bike for me. Kind of like the LR's Evil twin. haha

[@christianstreitenbergergmxde]

What was the old helmet in 0:05?

[@oleg296]

GREAT HOW DO YOU FIND IT AT NIGHT IN THE MOUNTAINS ?

[@alexic0n]

thanks, this was a very helpful video!

[@freighttrainshane3953]

You answer a lot of my questions! Got home for dinner last night and my dog got my helmet off the washer and used it as a chew toy:(. Spent most of the night looking at Helmets and am leaning on the sixer or the super DH. On another note- sorry I missed riding with you and the crew two weekends ago. Family priorities:) I am in on the next one though. Let me know if you head west anytime.

[@MrTonka]

Glad i could help! The review of the POC Tectal is up as well, if that one interests you. It was a pretty wet and muddy weekend, but still fun. Looking forward to the next one as well. Where out west are you?

[@freighttrainshane3953]

Mr Tonka I want set up or go on a bike trip. I am in Richmond VA. Been riding Stokesville area.

[@MrTonka]

gotcha! A westward MTB trip might have to come next spring for me. We've got a packed travel schedule for the end of this year.

[@petermccann2561]

I liked the fit of the POC as well, my head size at the upper limit if the medium, per POC sizing specs. That is, until a couples of rides, I noticed the the POC was settling down onto my Oakley frames, with the interference transferring the weight of the helmet to the earpieces and bridge of my sunglasses, where they contact my head. I've been wearing helmets of one kind or another for over 40 years, probably ~20 years on bicycles. I have never had this interference issue with any other cycling helmet. I contacted POC USA over two weeks ago, to see if they might have a suggestion, but no one has bothered to reply. Maybe I can get something for it on Craigslist...right now, the POC is $225 wasted...

[@MrTonka]

I had the same issue. There is an adjustment on the inside of the helmet, the top back side. It's a couple stips of plastic. If you shift them one notch, the brow of the helmet will sit higher. Made a huge difference for me.

[@petermccann2561]

@@MrTonka Thanks for the suggestion. I see the adjustment mechanism, but when I push to slide the inner harness in the adjustment fixture, the plastic ribs buckle under the pressure. I don't see any obvious way to easily un lock, or un jam the slider. Is there a trick to it? The pieces in question look a bit delicate, and I don't want to mess it up. I just scoured the POC USA site to access a manual on the Tectal, but found nothing. I did find a note on their CS page that they shut their phones down indefinitely (this was not indicated when I reached the VM system for their phones). Submitted a message form about the manual today, and got an auto reply from a no reply email addy. Search for "POC Product Manuals" yields nothing.

[@MrTonka]

@@petermccann2561 I remember making the adjustment being difficult. Show it who the boss is. ::)

[@petermccann2561]

@@MrTonka I finally had to use pliers to unlock the adjuster, And the sunglass clearance issue is still happening. I am replaceing this with the Sixer. POC is a disappointment, both in product, and (the complete lack of) service).

[@MrTonka]

@@petermccann2561 Good luck.

[@stefaneckl5331]

if you can't remember about the hit with your helmet... that's usually a sign for a very hard crash ;)

[@MrTonka]

Hahaha I think it got cracked while traveling. TSA bike box check, they rearranged my gear and I think it’s a result of that.

[@raymondsouza9796]

Hey TONKA....hi !! Try on FOX METAH HELMET...it is pretty Good !!

[@MrTonka]

I’ve heard that several times.

[@Miwiz1]

im on the market for a new helmet and you just made me dump the 6er and flux lol... i'll keep that poc on the list right next to Troy lee design A2

[@MrTonka]

Glad i could help. :) The TLD A2 is going to be on the short list when i have to replace the Tectal. :)

[@horatio4926]

Any thoughts on TLD's A1 or A2?

[@MrTonka]

The A2 is on my short list to try on when i need to replace the POC. I haven't tried one on or really looked at them closely. But everyone i know who has one loves it.

[@omarmartinez7277]

And the bell has my vote!!!

[@MrTonka]

Same! Until helmet #3 entered the picture..... ;)

[@omarmartinez7277]

Mr Tonka haha, u got me... Lol... Isn't that one a totally different class? With all u covered I'm still leaning to the bell, but I would have to actually compare the fit of the two....

[@MrTonka]

It's all about the fit. If #3 wasn't an option, i'd be stoked to have the Bell Sixer. Yes, that's why i didn't really review it because it's at a totally different price point than these two. :)

[@John_D2]

The Bell looks sweet..I've been wearing the Giro Hex for years..ventilation is great , important in FL , as you well know ; ) University Bikes sells Giro if you go looking.

[@MrTonka]

I think the Sixer wins in the looks department as well. While Giro helmets don't fit me particularly well, everyone i know who has one loves them! :)

[@10acebikesjodybennettii19]

I second Gaston remark about limited bullshit I like that about this review thanks joe

[@MrTonka]

I tried to keep it to the features that we all care about. Thanks!

[@sergeypozynich7527]

140$? i've bought one for like 80$ few days ago.

[@MrTonka]

Good for you. Looks like prices have come down a bit since this video was published over 2.5 years ago.

[@Yoda-em5mt]

Good honest info it amazes me how many shitty helmets are on the market shitty peaks , harnesses that dont work , poor vision issues, straps that are not adjustable , these companies should be embarrassed . I agree am going with a poc also just bought a ventral air spin poc road helmet as the tectal is different shape doesnt fit my head , look forward to more reviews cheers kel

[@MrTonka]

Good to know, was considering one of those for my next road bike helmet.

[@Sycoholic]

Huge Fox Racing fan here. That is one ugly helmet, and the warped, flimsy visor just makes it look stupid. Looks like I'll be replacing my Fox Flux with a Bell.

[@MrTonka]

I really had high hopes for the Flux. My one bias against it was that it kind of resembles a road helmet. haha But over all i'm a fan of Fox gear myself.

[@1StiDriver]

I wish I had seen this video before I bought my Fox Flux MIPS. It turned out to be the worse helmet I have ever known. The thing will not stop from moving around your head regardless of how tight you make it. Any time I go over the slightest amount of rough terrain it will rotate right over my field of view. Just a terrible, terrible helmet.

[@MrTonka]

1StiDriver ahhh, bummer man. Hopefully you were able to get something that fit better. 👍

[@1StiDriver]

@@MrTonka I'm working with FOX right now but they are not being super helpful. They pretty much said to me after first contact that it was my fault for not testing out the fitment before buying the helmet. Whaaaat??? Now the rear retention dial will flat-out FAIL if a bit too much pressure is applied. I pretty much told Fox that I am not interested in a replacement, we are not talking about a pair of socks here Fox, your protective gear need to be reliable. I am amazed more people are not having the same issues. I can push and pull on any other helmet front or rear and it will not budge, with the Flux I can literally pull it back like a baseball hat until it comes off. How is that to supposed protect you in a fall? Also important to note is the possibility that MIPS helmets have not yet reached design perfection. Studies have shown NO significant improvement in the MIPS helmet's performance over the non-MIPS models. See more here: helmets.org/mips.htm

[@omarmartinez7277]

Oh no... If u don't remember, you must have amnesia!!! U need to seek help... Lol.

[@AllanDelosReyes]

Damn my $40 Helmet are way better quality on that Fox.

[@raymondsouza9796]

Are these Helmets....madden in China???

[@MrTonka]

i don't know where they are made.

[@bubby372]

The Fox Sux

[@MrJhepz17]

Change your head