Ever since Chad Reed and fellow FOX athletes began wearing the V4 during last year’s final rounds of American Motocross, fans worldwide had been waiting to get their hands on further information regarding the Californian brand’s latest lid.

The helmets were finally released in Australia this past July, and sure enough, our good friends at Monza Imports (Australian distributor of FOX) sent us one to sample shortly afterwards.

FOX has put a lot of technology into this helmet during development, taking full advantage of race experience in the real world to create their greatest top of the line helmet ever.

Its cheek pad design wraps around the rider’s jaw line to create a secure fit, while a comfort liner provides a balanced, custom feel. There are four shell and EPS sizes for a precise fit (XS-S, M, L, XL-XXL).

The Dual Density EPS Liner is anatomically correct, with impact absorbing foam that reacts positively to impact and widens the energy dispersal area (firmer outside/softer inner) according to FOX.

DRY LEX™ comfort liner wicks moisture and provides a comfortable feel, which we definitely agree with (although summer is right around the corner and will put it to the ultimate test).

Venting is one of the most impressive aspects of the V4, featuring 16 screened intake and eight exhaust ports that are designed to circulate serious airflow throughout the helmet.

This is a point that FOX prides itself on when marketing the V4. Four large brow/goggle intake ports are designed to pull air in and over the face as well.

It has a carbon fibre composite shell construction and exceeds Australian Standards AS1698. A few other features of the helmet are a removable single mouthguard, integrated roost guard and aluminium visor screws.

On track we can’t fault the V4. It’s lightweight, has the airflow that FOX claims and is no doubt one of the safest on the market.

Plus importantly, the comfort compared to my V3 from beforehand is a great improvement – something about this helmet simply fits my head better. The four shell sizes mean that you’ll be likely to find one that fits you, too.

I have got one slight chip out of the chin piece of the helmet, most likely due to the rocky roost that we were tortured with during the KTM SX-F launch at Louee.

FOX does have a very strong range of helmets available right now (and I do probably prefer the colour schemes of the V3s for 2013), but you can’t beat the V4 when it comes to safety and the technology that goes with it.

If it’s good enough for Reed, Ryan Dungey, Ken Roczen, Josh Coppins and co, then it’s definitely good enough for us!

The FOX V4 retails for $549.95 and is available in three colours, being the red Future Helmet that we’re testing now, as well as the Flight Carbon Helmet and Rockstar Helmet.

Purchase Details
Price: $549.95
Colours: Future Helmet (as tested); Flight Carbon; Rockstar
Distributor: Monza Imports (www.monzaimports.com.au)
More information: www.foxhead.com