The IXS Trigger FF is a full-face helmet that aims to combine open-face breathability with full-face protection. It’s certainly light enough for all-day riding, but its open face style straps aren’t the most comfortable and the shell is fairly large.
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The Trigger FF is built using a 'unibody' in-moulded EPS, which fuses everything together so there are no weak points or seams. The chin guard is internally braced by the (also fused-in) skeleton that IXS call X-Frame.
Keeping the lid secure is the ever-popular Fidlock closure, paired with a flexible open-face style retention system that has three levels of vertical adjustment as well as the usual twisty tightening function – no MX-style D-rings here.
There’s also a lovely pad that wraps around the straps to keeps the loose bits from flapping about. It's lovely because it also provides a nice, soft cushion against your skin.
The visor is three-position adjustable, with enough room to plonk your goggles underneath.
Most notably, the Trigger FF is seriously light, weighing in at under 600g in the SM size. Almost as notable is how breathable it is. It has five big vents at the front and 17 exhaust vents, which together do a superb job of keeping things cool, even at low speeds.
While it’s super cool, it's not the most comfortable of full face helmets. The cradle is really noticeable above and around the ears, and it feels a lot like an open face. It's still entirely wearable all day, but it lacks that plush feel you get with 'regular' full face hats.
Against something like the £180 7iDP Project.23 it doesn’t feel as solid or premium, but it is a fair chunk lighter. With the Trigger FF you’re paying for the helmet's low weight and high breathability – that said, at £190 the lack of MIPS or similar rotational impact reduction protection is a sizeable downside.
While the adjustable retention system is a nice touch, it makes the shell of the Trigger FF pretty large compared to others, and noticeably so.
A retention system on a full face helmet is a little redundant. Most other helmets forgo any kind of size adjustment and as a result, they're often supremely comfortable. However, if you're in between sizes an internal cradle can be handy.
If you’re looking for full face protection that’s equally as happy during an enduro as it is on a chilled mooch with your mates, the IXS Trigger FF ticks all the boxes. It’s light and comfortable enough to keep you happy yet well protected – but it’s big, not as comfy as a full-on full face, and a little spendy too.