First saddles, then shoes and now: Helmets! The Italian manufacturer is expanding its range and now offers accessories for cyclists from foot to head. Kassis is the name of the helmet of choice for bikers and eMTB riders and it looks like, well, a helmet. As expected, Fizik has not reinvented head protection, but it has managed to come up with a pretty smart first product. Visually, the Kassis looks discreetly modern and stylish, but also cleanly finished and equipped with an all-round fastening system - but that's also standard for the price called for today.
For 200 euros, Fizik offers a cleanly latching and three-way adjustable visor without break-away function. The Italians rely on the lightweight MIPS Air Node for rotational protection. Reflective threads are incorporated into the straps for better visibility, and the scope of delivery also includes a removable rear light in addition to the transport bag. The other details are less "outstanding": standard buckle, fixed ear dividers and a height adjustment system using press studs. Although the rotary wheel is easy to reach, it could do with a rubber coating and a more defined click.
>> 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
The new Fizik Kassis sits remarkably snugly and wobble-free on the head - although its cut is more suited to round heads. This is not least due to its reasonable weight, but also to the fact that the helmet reaches far into the face at the forehead. However, this means that the helmet shell quickly collides with the sunglasses - so be sure to try out whether the desired combination fits before buying.
The MIPS integrated into the padding is actually quite comfortable to wear, but the layer is cut a little sharp-edged on the forehead and rubs against the skin - ouch. The neck support can only be adjusted using press studs, but the dial is easy to reach in any position, even if it is not particularly easy to grip. The Y straps leave enough room under the ears.
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MTB helmet Fizik Kassis in the lab
On our test bench, Fizik's debut model delivered a fairly solid performance in the linear drop test and landed in the front midfield. The stylishly integrated MIPS Air Node, on the other hand, only delivers mediocre results in terms of rotational protection.
The performance in terms of ventilation is also quite moderate. Hardly any air blows through the helmet. The channels on the inside are not particularly pronounced and only let a little fresh air through.
Info & Price - Fizik Kassis
- Price: 200 Euro
- Weight: 360 gram
- Sizes: S 52-56; M 56-59; L 59-61
- Made inChina
- Colours: 3 colours
- Rotation systemMIPS Air Node
- EquipmentMIPS; removable rear light; reflective bands; adjustable visor; height adjustment via push button; fixed Y-belts; single buckle
Measured values
- Residual force on linear impact: 102,7 g
- Risk of concussion: 27 %
Evaluation and conclusion
Fizik celebrates its helmet premiere with the Kassis. The discreet look and high-quality workmanship are appealing. However, the adjustment system and features are only standard and the shape is more suited to wider faces. The Kassis reaches deep into the face and easily clashes with some sunglasses, the mips layer rubs against the forehead. In the lab, the Fizik provides solid protection in terms of shock absorption. The lightweight MIPS Air Node only works moderately well. The ventilation could also be better.
Stefan Frey
Editor
