KASK Zenith X2 Safety Helmet β Non-Vented, Type I & II, Class E (WHE00097)
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.8/5 WC Safety Review β the KASK Zenith X2 Safety Helmet Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published KASK specifications and the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard. We did not...
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Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published KASK specifications and the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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KASK Zenith X2 Safety Helmet Overview
The KASK Zenith X2 Safety Helmet (WHE00097) is a non-vented climbing-style industrial safety helmet that meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 as Type I and Type II, Class E, and is proof-tested for electrical insulation at 20,000 volts. Type I and Type II cover top and lateral impact, and the non-vented shell is what allows the Class E rating.
As the KASK Zenith X2 (KASK WHE00097), it is a Type II Class E safety helmet. This non-vented safety helmet works as an electrical safety helmet 20kV for line and construction crews who need all-around impact and a Class E shell.
It uses HD polypropylene, D-Core and HD Crown impact technology, a Dry+ moisture-wicking liner, and washable click-in padding. Unlike the vented Zenith X-Air (Type I, Class C), the X2 trades airflow for electrical protection. Read our full KASK Zenith X2 review, understand the ratings in hard hat classes explained, and browse the range in safety helmets.
Who This Helmet Is For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical hazard environments | Strong | Class E, proof-tested to 20,000 V. |
| Lateral (side) impact hazards | Strong | ANSI Type I and Type II. |
| Work at height, retention | Strong | Retained climbing-style helmet. |
| Hot, sweaty conditions | Trade-off | Non-vented; the X-Air vents better. |
| Live-line contact protection | Not a substitute | De-energize; use rated PPE. |
Understand what Class E does and does not do. The X2 is proof-tested to 20,000 volts, which reduces the danger from head contact with an energized conductor, but Class E is supplementary protection, not authorization to work on live parts: you still de-energize where required, use rated electrical PPE, keep safe approach distances, and follow your electrical-safety program. Retire the helmet after any electrical contact or significant impact, even if it looks fine. The non-vented shell that provides the Class E rating also runs warmer than a vented helmet, so plan for heat. And a helmet protects your head, not your body: working at height still requires a personal fall arrest system with a harness, connector, and rated anchor. Confirm the Type and Class marked inside the shell against your hazard. Learn more in best hard hat for electrical work and Class E vs Class G.
Pros & Cons
- ANSI Type I and Type II impact protection
- Class E, proof-tested to 20,000 volts
- D-Core and HD Crown impact technology
- Dry+ wicking liner; washable click-in padding
- Retained fit for work at height; ~470 g
- Non-vented, so warmer than the X-Air
- Class E is supplementary, not live-work rated
- Premium price vs a basic hard hat
- Must be retired after electrical contact
How It Compares
The X2 is a non-vented Type II, Class E helmet. Weigh it against nearby options:
| Option | Vent | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| KASK Zenith X2 (this page) | Non-vented | Type I & II, Class E | Electrical work, lateral impact |
| KASK Zenith X-Air | Vented | Type I, Class C | Breathability, no electrical hazard |
| MSA V-Gard H1 | Varies | Verify on listing | Alternate climbing-style helmet |
Choose the X2 for electrical and lateral-impact work, the vented Zenith X-Air where there is no electrical hazard, or the MSA V-Gard H1 as another option. See best safety helmets, Type I vs Type II, and hard hats vs safety helmets.
Specifications
| Brand / Model | KASK Zenith X2 (WHE00097) |
| Style | Non-vented climbing-style safety helmet |
| Ratings | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type I & II, Class E (proof-tested 20,000 V) |
| Shell / liner | HD polypropylene shell; EPS inner; Dry+ silver-ion wicking liner |
| Technology | D-Core & HD Crown impact; Adaptive Fit System; click-in washable padding |
| Weight | Approx. 470 g; low-temp impact tested to -30Β°C |
Related Guides
best hard hat for electrical work, Class E vs Class G, hard hat classes explained, Type I vs Type II, best safety helmets, hard hats vs safety helmets.
Related Resources
safety helmets head protection KASK Zenith X-Air Petzl Vertex review MSA V-Gard H1 review
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Class E, 20,000-volt rating actually protect against?
ANSI Class E helmets are proof-tested to 20,000 volts to reduce the danger from head contact with an energized conductor. It is supplementary protection for the head, not a rating that lets you touch live parts, and it does not make the wearer's whole body safe from electricity.
Can I work on energized or live electrical parts while wearing it?
No. A Class E helmet does not authorize live work. You still de-energize where required, use rated electrical PPE, keep safe approach distances, and follow your electrical-safety program. Treat the helmet as one layer, not the control.
Why is the X2 non-vented, and does it run hot?
The shell is non-vented because that is what enables the Class E electrical rating; vents would break it. The trade-off is less airflow than a vented helmet, so a moisture-wicking liner helps, but in hot work a non-vented shell will feel warmer.
What is the shell and liner made of?
It uses an HD polypropylene outer shell with an expanded-polystyrene inner shell for impact absorption, plus a soft nylon headband. The Dry+ liner uses a silver-ion treatment to help with drying and odor control.
What are D-Core and HD Crown Protection?
D-Core pairs a low-density inner core tuned for top impact with a higher-density crown component for stronger all-around absorption, which supports the Type I and Type II ratings for top and lateral impact.
Can I wash the padding?
Yes. The click-in padding is designed to click in and out so you can remove it for washing or replacement. Keeping the liner clean helps comfort and hygiene, especially with daily wear.
How does the fit adjust?
It uses an Adaptive Fit System for a secure, personalized fit. Set it so the helmet sits level and snug without pressure points, and re-check the fit whenever you add a liner or accessories.
Does it have a chin strap?
The Zenith platform is a retained safety helmet designed for a chin strap, which helps keep it on during work at height. Confirm the strap configuration on your specific helmet and adjust it for a secure hold.
What temperature range does it handle?
KASK states strong impact performance even at low temperatures, tested to around -30Β°C, and the X2 line is also tested across a high- and low-temperature range. Store it out of extreme heat and direct sunlight regardless.
Should I replace it after an electrical incident or impact?
Yes. Retire and replace the helmet after any significant impact or any electrical contact, even if it looks intact, and follow KASK's service-life guidance. Inspect the shell and suspension before every use.
Does the harness loop make it fall protection?
No. Any retention loop helps secure the helmet, but the helmet is head protection, not fall protection. Working at height still requires separate fall-arrest equipment with a harness, connector, and rated anchor.
Is it suitable for hot work near sparks or molten metal?
The X2 is tested across a temperature range, but molten-metal and hot-work hazards need a full PPE assessment, not just a helmet. Confirm the specific ratings you require and pair the helmet with appropriate face, eye, and body protection.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from KASK published data and the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard. Compare the range in safety helmets.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer; no paid placement. A Class E helmet is supplementary head protection tested to 20,000 V; it does not replace de-energizing, rated electrical PPE, or safe work practices.
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