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MTB helmet testCratoni Madflex Mips - heavyweight with additional protection

Stefan Frey

 · 29.04.2025

With the Madflex, Cratoni has a top-notch enduro helmet in its programme that aims to score points with clever details and production in Germany
Photo: Georg Grieshaber

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With the Madflex, Cratoni has a top-notch enduro helmet in its programme that aims to score points with clever details and production in Germany. Find out how the Madflex fared in our test here.
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Cratoni is willing to pay for the Made in Germany seal. 220 euros are charged for the Trail and EnduroMadflex* helmet due. In terms of features, however, Cratoni goes all out. In addition to the lightweight MIPS Air Node, the Madflex also has a Recco system and a particularly easy-to-open ratchet fastener (these seem to be a typical German peculiarity, see Alpina and Uvex). The height of the circumferential headband is infinitely adjustable, as are the ear pieces. A chin pad also provides additional comfort.

Extensive protection, high weight

Incidentally, the Cratoni Madflex is not only CE-approved but also CPSC-approved and has a strikingly high-quality finish. However, we noticed two points right from the start: firstly, the high weight. The Cratoni weighs 450 grams in size M, making it the heaviest helmet in our test. In addition, the visor, which detaches from the helmet in the event of a fall, cannot be adjusted in height. However, a goggle fits under the enduro helmet even without adjustment. Unfortunately, the Madflex is only available in two sizes.

Unfortunately, the height of the visor on the Madflex cannot be adjusted, but it does have a "break-away function"Photo: Georg GrieshaberUnfortunately, the height of the visor on the Madflex cannot be adjusted, but it does have a "break-away function"The height adjustment covers a wide range and works without annoying push buttonsPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe height adjustment covers a wide range and works without annoying push buttons
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>> You can find an overview of the 15 bike helmets tested here: 15 MTB helmets tested: how safe these MIPS helmets for trail and enduro are

With its extremely large cover, the Cratoni Madflex sits more snugly around the head than almost any other helmet in the test. The protection extends very far down, especially at the back of the neck. This gives you a secure feeling on rough terrain. However, the heavy helmet does require a lot of buckling to ensure a wobble-free fit. Thanks to the extensive adjustment options, the Cratoni can be customised almost perfectly to the wearer. Width, height, strap position - everything is individually adjustable. Only the visor is not adjustable.

Typical Cratoni: the practical ratchet fastener under the chinPhoto: Georg GrieshaberTypical Cratoni: the practical ratchet fastener under the chinThe straps can also be neatly adjusted to the wearerPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe straps can also be neatly adjusted to the wearer

Cratoni Madflex Mips in the lab

The Cratoni Madflex ranks in the solid midfield for both rotational protection and linear impact, without delivering particularly good values in either area. However, the enormous head cover, which offers additional protection, and the break-away visor, which detaches from the helmet in the event of a fall, should be mentioned positively.

Despite large ventilation openings, the ventilation could be even betterPhoto: Georg GrieshaberDespite large ventilation openings, the ventilation could be even better

In contrast, the Madflex is rather mediocre when it comes to ventilation. While there is still a good flow of air at the front of the head, there is significantly less fresh air further back.

The values of all tested helmets at a glance

Risk of concussion in %Photo: Stefan FreyRisk of concussion in %Acceleration in gPhoto: Stefan FreyAcceleration in g

Info & Price - Cratoni Madflex Mips

  • Price: 219,99 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 451 gram
  • Sizes: S-M 54-58; M-L 58-61
  • Made in: Germany
  • Colours: 4 colours
  • Rotation systemMIPS Air Node
  • EquipmentMIPS; transport bag; ratchet closure; infinitely variable height adjustment; break-away visor; Recco system; chin pad; adjustable ear dividers

Measured values

  • Residual force on linear impact: 106,3 g
  • Risk of concussion: 23 %
The Cratoni looks solid and is somewhat heavy, but is also pulled down particularly far at the rearPhoto: Georg GrieshaberThe Cratoni looks solid and is somewhat heavy, but is also pulled down particularly far at the rear

Evaluation and conclusion

Above all, the Cratoni has to give up some weight. But the customisation is greatPhoto: Georg GrieshaberAbove all, the Cratoni has to give up some weight. But the customisation is great

The Cratoni Madflex is made in Germany, has a flawless finish and top features - but is also expensive. In return, the helmet scores points with its extensive, intuitive adjustment and the clever ratchet fastener with chin pad. Its helmet shell extends far down, which improves protection but also increases the weight. The 450 grams have a negative impact off-road. The Madflex only performed moderately in the laboratory. The long visor is not adjustable, but comes off in the event of a fall. Only two sizes!

Stefan Frey

Stefan Frey is from Lower Bavaria and loves the mossy, loamy trails of the Bavarian Forest as much as the rugged rock of the Dolomites. For technical descents, he is prepared to tackle almost any ascent - under his own steam. As an accessories specialist, he is the first port of call for questions about equipment and add-on parts, while as head of copywriting he sweeps the language crumbs from the pages of the BIKE print editions.

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