SQUIRREL_13211287
The Sweet Protection Fluxer MIPS is the Norwegian brand’s dedicated lightweight road helmet.
Although it's not the lightest, it does everything a well-ventilated helmet should, and it undercuts many rivals on price, at £179 / $200 / €199.
It also gives a sense that there's plenty of protection – not always a given when it comes to lightweight lids – which somewhat offsets the slight weight penalty versus key rivals.
Sweet Protection Fluxer MIPS details and specifications
The Fluxer MIPS is Sweet Protection’s lightweight road helmet, sitting alongside the Falconer and Falconer Aero 2VI MIPS helmets.
Those two helmets each scored five stars in Virginia Tech’s lab tests, although the Fluxer MIPS hasn’t yet been rated.
That said, the helmet has additional safety features, such as elongated rear quarters for additional cranial protection.
It complies with the American CPSC 1203 safety standard, in addition to EN1078.
The 360 Occigrip Fit cranial support system also feels well-built and secure. The height-adjustment system is fastened via a screw, which means it’s fixed in position until you decide to unscrew it.
Easy adjustment is all well and good, but once you’ve got your ideal height fit, then in theory it shouldn’t need changing again.
It tightens via a two-way click wheel and there are standard Y-straps with a regular click-buckle.
The Fluxer features seven forward-facing vents, seven on top (which are partially forward-oriented), and five rear-facing exhaust vents.
One of these is effectively a single strip, albeit interrupted by two narrow bars that intersect the EPS foam construction, to add strength.
Two of the vents have rubber bungs attached, designed to grip your cycling sunglasses when they're not being worn.
These vents are all designed to work with a MIPS AirNode liner, similar (but bespoke) versions of which you’ll find in the Specialized S-Works Prevail 3 (£275 / $300 / €330 / AU$475) and Trek Velocis MIPS (£229.99 / $299.99 / €299.99 / AU$399.99).
Both of those competitors are benchmark lightweight helmets, but the Fluxer MIPS weighs 299g, 40-50g more than them.
That said, it’s notably cheaper at £179 / $200 / €199, while the 299g measured weight in a size M/L (possibly due to the cranial support system and coverage) makes the Sweet Protection lid feel slightly more sturdily made than some.
The Fluxer MIPS is available in seven colours – five pastel shades, plus white and black.
Sweet Protection Fluxer MIPS performance
The Fluxer MIPS has proven to be a very competent performer in testing, and I’ve barely noticed the weight penalty versus the Specialized and Trek helmets.
That said, the penalty is there nonetheless, and those conscious about weight above all else may feel it’s too much to swallow.
It feels well ventilated, although the brow padding creates a small seal once the cranial system is ratcheted tight.
This meant this area became a slight hotspot when working hard, while the pad accumulated sweat – once or twice on warmer days, it became saturated, leading to drops leaking down my sunglasses.
Above this, though, the feeling of air pulling through the helmet is noticeable. While the brow pad could fill with sweat, I’ve experienced far worse wearing many aero-type helmets (and some mid-range lids, such as the Kask Mojito), which aren’t as well-ventilated.
The enclosed sensation offered by the fastening system was reassuring, gripping to my head without offering too much pressure in any one area.
I was never left with notable marks on my head after a ride, and it’s one of the more comfortable road helmets I’ve worn, with the relatively minimal MIPS Air Node padding system.
Overall, the helmet is slightly narrow in shape, which suits my head shape well. Those with rounder heads might not fare quite as well.
The cranial support dial is easy to work, although Sweet Protection could make it slightly larger and easier to locate. This is a minor gripe, though.
Sweet Protection Fluxer MIPS bottom line
While the Sweet Protection Fluxer MIPS isn’t the lightest ‘lightweight’ helmet on the market, that shouldn’t put many people off.
It’s well ventilated, easy to get a good fit, has all the features you would hope for, and is reasonably priced versus its key rivals.
SQUIRREL_13211287
Product
| Brand | Sweet_protection |
| Price | €199.00, £179.00, $200.00 |
| Weight | 299g |
Features
| MIPS | yes |
| Helmet type | road |
| Features | Sizes: S/M, M/L, L/XL Colours: Black, Satin White, Barbera Metallic, Bronco White, Frost Blue, Willow Green, Woodland |
