When making helmets for kids, most companies tend to end up with designs where ventilation is seriously lacking. One version of that are hardshell helmets designed to take a lot of regular abuse, but even most lighter, in-mold helmets suffer from lack of big openings, often just because it is a bit more difficult to maintain strength and impact resistance when you are dealing with a smaller helmet and less material to start with. But now Cratoni looks to have made a big improvement with their line of Maxster and Maxster Pro helmets, which open up the front vents as much as possible and add big rear facing exhaust vents in a design that looks a lot more like a modern trail helmets. And with these designed for kids down to a tiny 46cm head, it looks like some young trail shredders might be getting a cool new lid soon…
For next season the German helmet maker has these two new helmets to offer improved performance and comfort for kids. The Maxster gets 4 large front facing vents with bug-stop mesh, 4 top and 6 rear exhaust vents in a simple shape with a mini, molded-in psuedo visor. Aimed more at younger kids it adds in pirate, rocket, star, and flower graphics on top of bright-colored polycarbonate shells to please your grommet.
Cratoni wanted to offer a bit more coverage and protection on the back of the head, so the Maxster gets a bit more occipital protection like we have seen in modern trail-riding helmets. The helmet uses a one-handed RLS (rapid lock system) dial retention device and a chin strap buckle with release that even small hands can operate. The 45€ Maxster comes in two sizes XS/S (46-51cm) and S/M (51-56cm) to fit a wide range of small heads, with a claimed weight of 230g. It comes in six color options: rose flower, blue star, purple star, black rocket, red pirate & blue pirate.
The Maxster Pro takes inspiration for its design more from the Cratoni’s adult mountain bike helmets, with a more angular look and an adjustable & removable contrast-color visor. It offers the same 14 vent layout and lower rear protection as the Maxster, also with integrated reflective elements for good visibility. Retention on the in-mold helmet is handled by the same RLS with its integrated LED tail light like the Maxster, as well as the same strap/buckle setup.
Also claimed at 230g, it also comes in the same two sizes, and will be available in six color combinations to suit your kid’s taste: black/orange, blue/lime, blue/yellow, pink/lime, purple/pink & lime/black. The Maxster Pro will sell for 50€, with both helmets expected to be available at the end of the year.
