Review: Cratoni C-Wild Helmet

The Cratoni C-Wild in brown, the ultimate non-conformist bike helmet colour.
How often do you see brown helmets? Just don't drop it in a wooded area.

I was hunting around for a branded bike helmet that was light weight and that wouldn't break the bank. My budget was puny, I didn't want to sped anything more than RM150. At the same time I am a firm believer in not buying replica helmets... talk about making a purchase into a difficult life choice! Anyway, after a month of looking around I ultimately across the C-Wild from Cratoni going for cheap at Chain Reaction Cycles.

It's not the latest model by the German brand but it looked good, was priced right (total damage was only about RM130 after currency conversion and shipping) and had all the bells and whistles you would expect from a premium brand.


FEATURES

If you're into weight, (come on, fess up, which serious mountain biker isn't into weight?) you'd be happy to know that the C-Wild is one of the lightest bike helmets out there. Weighing in at only 218g (official claim being 220g), it's easily 50-100 grams lighter than most of the expensive helmets worn by road bikers.

The other feature that I really appreciate the strap divider clamp that locks and unlocks with a key like twisting motion. Besides that there is nothing much else that is very special though, it is afterall a only bike helmet...

One of the lightest helmets in the market today. 

The side view with huge logo in case you forgot what you're wearing.

FULL FEATURE LIST

1. Lightweight at 218grams
2. Removable visor
3. Fantastic twist-lock type strap divider clamp
4. Simple but good size adjustment system (they call it Hyper Grip)
5. Reflective stickers at the back
6. Insect net
7. Good ventilation and airflow from front the rear
8. Appears to be made in Germany


THE ONLY PEEVE

While they helmet is great is every single way, the finishing of it could be better. The reflective stickers seems like an after thought that looks out of place and there is less than perfect plastic moulding on the visor. Very minor issues, but something to consider if it's something that'd bother you.


MORE PHOTOS

Reflector sticker and size adjustment knob (right), Twist-lock style strap divider clamp (left).

I love the oversized vents at the back. Let's a lot of air out, but if you fall backwards onto a branch... expect to get stabbed in the back of the head. :)

The only instance I could find on where this helmet was made. There were no "Made In ______" anywhere on the helmet or box.

~Use your Head, Save your Wallet.