Sweet Protection Fluxer Mips Helmet review – excellent ventilation and safety credentials

The Sweet Protection Fluxer Mips Helmet is the brand’s maximum ventilation option, designed for road use. As you would hope, the ventilation is excellent, backed up by a good retention and adjustment system. Its focus on protection rather than minimum weight does make it a little heavier than some alternatives, but not enough to make it feel uncomfortable.

Sweet Protection Fluxer Mips – Features

The Fluxer is available in four different colour options: the white version tested here, plus black, light lilac and bronco white (grey).

Each colour is available in three sizes: S/M to suit 53–56cm, M/L for 56–59cm and L/XL for 59–61cm. While the range of sizes is good, starting at 53cm will rule it out for some people.

The retention system works similarly to many others, with a rotational dial at the rear, and there is also a three-point height adjustment for the cradle position.

As you would expect from the brand name, protection is a key aspect and the helmet features the Mips Air Node rotational protection system. The helmet meets and exceeds the two main standards, CPSC 1203 and EN1078.

Inside the foam, the Mips Air Node system can be removed completely. It is attached using Velcro tabs. There is also an additional comfort pad secured on top of the Mips Air Node system which is also removable.

The helmet is ponytail-compatible and features large ventilation channels that also double as eyewear grippers. These are designed to work with Sweet Protection branded eyewear, but I found they worked well with other brands as well.

Sweet Protection Fluxer Mips – Performance

It’s simple to find the right fit, with rotational diameter adjustment and notched vertical adjustment.

I have a head diameter of 56cm, which means I should, in theory, fit either the S/M or M/L options. Despite being at the lower limit of the M/L size, there was still plenty of adjustment remaining. This gives leeway for anyone who prefers a more tightly secured fit, or who is unsure when choosing between sizes. Going up a size also leaves more room for extra headwear in colder weather.

The padding is very comfortable, while the low profile straps are minimally intrusive and barely noticeable while riding. You can’t adjust the angle of the straps or the height of the point where the ear strap joins, but I never felt the need to change their positions.

The under-chin strap is easy to connect and can be adjusted and tightened easily, with two firmly held tabs keeping the excess strap in place.

Ventilation is the key part of the design, so it was good to feel just how well it works, even at low speeds. Airflow can be felt immediately as it flows over the head.

As your effort level increases, the padding does eventually become overwhelmed with sweat and will start to drip, but no more than with other similarly well-ventilated helmets. There is no mention of aerodynamic performance, and Sweet Protection makes other helmets geared towards this should that be your focus.

The combination of the large ventilation channels and the areas where the helmet sits against the head does result in some considerable ‘helmet hair’ after riding. It’s hardly a performance issue, but if you are particularly concerned about looking presentable after a ride, it is something to consider.

The Fluxer has gripper sections just inside the front outer air channels. I used several brands of eyewear, and all were easy to place because of the well-positioned and well-sized channels. They also stayed securely in place.

I did find that some models of eyewear models – specifically those with a broad upper section – slightly interfered with the helmet. The Fluxer has a slightly broader front section than some more minimal helmets, and this can also reduce the ventilation reaching the face through the glasses. This isn’t really a negative of the helmet, but is something to be aware of – particularly if you prefer this kind of eyewear.

The M/L size helmet weighed 295g (285g is the claimed weight of the S/M), which isn’t particularly heavy compared with general road helmet designs, especially those focused on protection with Mips rotational protection.

One of the lightest alternatives I have used is the Abus Airbreaker, which weighed just 213g. While this is also well ventilated and very comfortable, it lacks Mips, but does meet the other main minimum standards.

Sweet Protection Fluxer Mips – Conclusion

The Fluxer Mips is £179.99, which is competitive against rival options. The aforementioned Abus Airbreaker – one of the few helmets I have used offering such good ventilation – retails for £225, although some sizes and colours can be found for less.

Other well-known alternatives include the Giro Aries Spherical at £299.99 and Lazer Z1 Kineticore for £229.99.

Overall, the Fluxer Mips offers excellent ventilation and a comfortable, secure fit and it includes Mips rotational protection without becoming excessively heavy. The adjustment range is good, the ventilation channels work well with a range of eyewear, and the £179.99 price makes it competitive with several established alternatives.

It isn’t one of the lightest road helmets available, and some larger-profile eyewear can interfere slightly with the front of the helmet, but for riders prioritising ventilation and protection over outright minimum weight, it is a very capable option.

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