Italian helmet maker KASK has been in the helmet manufacturing industry since 2004. Starting in the Equestrian code they moved into cycling and in 2012 gained a lot of attention during the Tour de France. That’s when KASK sponsored Team Sky by providing them with the Mojito helmet. KASK has continued to improve its range of road bike helmets with the entry-level Rapido to the all-new Mojito3.
About KASK
KASK is well known for its attractive designs in all their range of road bike helmets and for its aerodynamics and ventilation features. Being made in Italy the helmets are of high quality. The best thing about KASK is that its core business is making helmets, unlike other cycling helmet brands that sell other parts of cycling.
KASK’s most famous road bike helmet is the Mojito. There are a number of Mojito models and KASK claims that all the models combined have sold over 1,000,000 units. That is a staggering number of sales and testament to the quality of the design.
Safety is the key
Safety is a key focus for KASK according to their company page. Even though they mention the word many times they still reject the safety enhancements of MIPS, SPIN and WaveCel. Without any of these enhancements and little data from independent testers, it makes it hard to find out how safe KASK helmets are. The independent testers, Virginia Tech, did test the Valegro but unfortunately, it only received 3 stars. Compared to other road bike helmets, the Valegro was way down the list sitting in 47th spot.
Rotational motion
Researchers found that in an angled impact to the head, the head stops suddenly but the brain keeps moving. The rotational motion to the brain is thought to be linked to concussions as well as severe brain injuries. KASK believes that most of the helmet testing that measures the rotational impact use head forms that don’t reflect reality. Their lack of confidence in the testing standards has led them to pursue other methods like the WG 11.
Working Group 11
So, what is the WG 11? Well, WG 11 is a working group but to put that into the context of helmet standards we need to mention CEN and TC 158.
Firstly, CEN is the European Committee for Standardization. It’s one of three European Standardization Organizations that’s responsible for developing voluntary standards at the European level. The other two being CENELEC and ETSI and together they are officially recognized by the European Union for this responsibility.
Within the CEN, standards are drafted by Technical Committees (TCs) which are numbered and there are more than 400 of them. The committee that prepares European standards for all types of protective helmets is TC 158 which is the committee for head protection. There are a number of working groups active under TC 158 including Working group 11 (WG 11). Their focus is Shock absorption including measuring rotational kinematics from oblique or normal impact.
The committee has met for years starting from 2012 and gathered a lot of experience regarding rotational test methods. Their objective includes using:
- real accident data to create the impact conditions
- a shock absorption test with a vertical drop
- a shock absorption test with a vertical drop towards a 45 degree impact angle
- a new head form that creates more accurate data
The proposal for CEN/TC 158/WG11 is a robust test that is complicated and difficult to pass. That’s why KASK places a huge WG 11 stamp on their Mojito3.
KASK Helmets: Road Bike Helmets
UTOPIA
KASK has made helmets for all types of racers including an aero helmet called the UTOPIA. The UTOPIA is an airflow efficient and aerodynamic helmet that’s been wind tunnel tested to make a leading aero helmet.
Safety
- MIT Technology – polycarbonate layer
Value
- $US299
Weight
- 260g (m)
Ventilation & Comfort
- 6 front facing vents are designed to improve the aerodynamics and cooling
- OCTO-FIT micro dial adjuster is easy to use to gain a perfect fit
Features
- HyVent airflow
- High breathability
- Anti bacterial padding
- Anti static padding
- Eco-leather chinstrap helps avoid skin irritation
PROTONE
At just 215g the PROTONE is a super-lightweight, aerodynamic helmet with a premium price tag. This helmet will definitely appeal to the professional hill climbers that don’t want any extra weight.
Safety
- In-Moulding technology
Value
- $US299
Weight
- 215g (m)
Ventilation & Comfort
- 14 vents
- Octo Fit adjustment system
Features
- Fast heat dissipation
- Low drag, aerodynamic
- Super lightweight at 215g (size M)
- 3D Dry padding
- Eco-leather chinstrap helps avoid skin irritation
- Removable and washable Coolmax inner padding
VALEGRO
One of the best road bike helmets in KASK’s range is the VALEGRO which is an ultra-light, well-ventilated helmet. This helmet is ideal for a hill climber or riding in hot conditions due to the large number of vents that dissipate heat efficiently.
Safety
- MIT Technology – polycarbonate layer
Value
- $US250
Weight
- 180g (s)
Ventilation & Comfort
- 37 vents
- Octo Fit adjustment system
Features
- Resistex – the fast-wicking, quick-dry padding
- Ultra lightweight
- Eco-leather chinstrap helps avoid skin irritation
- Anti static and anti bacterial inner padding
- High breathability
- HyVent airflow
MOJITO3
MOJITO is an iconic helmet that has been upgraded with a modern look and new safety features that outdo any of KASK’s other helmets. The MOJITO3 is suitable for all riders with its lightweight and comfortable features like the Octo Fit system and an Eco-leather chin strap.
Safety
- WG11
Value
- $US199
Weight
- 230g (m)
Ventilation & Comfort
- 17 vents
- Octo Fit adjustment systemd Turnfit® system (ATS)
Features
- Eco-leather chinstrap helps avoid skin irritation
- Antimicrobial and anti bacterial inner padding
- High visibility stickers
- In moulding technology joining the inner polystyrene cap to the outer polycarbonate layer
RAPIDO
KASK’s entry-level road bike helmet is the RAPIDO. This helmet has a lot to offer but like the other KASK helmets is lacking in safety features. However, this helmet will suit beginners that would like a comfortable helmet from a big name brand.
Safety
- MIT Technology – polycarbonate layer
Value
- $US100
Weight
- 220g (m)
Ventilation & Comfort
- 24 vents to help with airflow efficiency
- Up ’n’ Down fit system
Features
- Super lightweight
- Comfortable chin strap
- Easy to use retention system
Check out KASK’s range of road bike helmets at
Conclusion
KASK makes a great range of road bike helmets for varying types of riders. They are renowned for amazing quality and focus heavily on making sure the rider is comfortable. KASK also claims that the OCTO-FIT system can fit any shaped head. They are not renowned for safety but have made big leaps recently with the MOJITO3 passing the WG11 test.