KASK UTOPIA Review
The KASK UTOPIA is a high-end, aerodynamic helmet that has excellent ventilation …. if you’re riding fast.
Description
KASK has a great range of road bike helmets offering something for the contrasting types of cyclists. For the competitive road racer, KASK has made the aerodynamic helmet called the UTOPIA.
Key features
- Vents designed to improve airflow efficiency
- Internal channelling designed to improve aerodynamics
- Lightweight at 260g (size M)
- Resistex – the fast-wicking, quick-dry padding
- Octo Fit adjustment system
Who should buy this?
If you’re a road racer looking for an airflow efficient, aerodynamic helmet then the KASK UTOPIA is one to consider. The vents are designed to improve cooling and the faster you go the better the cooling.
KASK also claims that this helmet is suitable for triathlon and can be used year-round in all climates.
If you’re not a road racer but want an aero helmet then this is still an option. You’ll have to ride fast though to stay cool. There are few vents so a slow-riding hill climber on a hot day should probably choose something else.
Review
Aero-helmets have been used to reduce wind resistance in competitive cycling for over 40 years. Manufacturers have continually come up with new designs to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. KASK is one such company to do so with the UTOPIA. KASK also tested a number of competitor’s helmets in wind tunnels to make the UTOPIA a leading aero-helmet.
Safety
Safety is another issue with this helmet. KASK claim it meets their testing protocol but it’s hard to know without independent testing or the resources to do so. However, it has passed all the minimum safety standards required to sell the helmet around the world. An extra safety enhancement like MIPS would have given UTOPIA more kudos.
Value
On the downside is the price. Lage investments in design and technology in a product will usually filter through to the purchase price for the cyclist. The UTOPIA is right up there in the high end compared to other aero helmets costing around $US300.
Compared to other KASK helmets, the UTOPIA is priced between the VALEGRO and the PROTONE.
Weight
On a positive note, the helmet is lightweight at 260g for a medium size. This will add to the appeal of the helmet by weight-conscious riders. They’ll forget they’re wearing a helmet, especially when riding at high speed.
All of KASK’s road bike helmets are lightweight, including the UTOPIA, which is why they appeal to the elite cyclists.
Ventilation & Comfort
Comfort is a major reason why cyclists purchase helmets but for the UTOPIA, comfort has been compromised by the design. Although there are a number of adjustable items to make the helmet comfortable, it’s the vents and channeling that are the issue. The vent at the center of the forehead pushes the air through the front then over the top of the head and out the back. It’s a good location for a vent but the end of the channels dig in like two fingers pressing into the forehead.
Most helmets have padding along the front forehead area to keep the sweat from pouring into the eyes. With the UTOPIA, KASK is relying on the air to reduce the sweat by providing minimal sweat-wicking padding across the top and sides.
Appearance
The final point is about appearance or how it looks. Aero helmets rarely look good for road bike helmets. KASK has some stunning helmet designs that are much more appealing. Although I do like the UTOPIA when it’s presented in the Team Sky colors.
PROS
- Retention cradle makes adjusting easy
- Great airflow channels
- Lightweight helmet at 260g
CONS
- No additional safety enhancements like MIPS
- Great airflow channels but riders need to travel at high speeds to ventilate adequately
Compared to other road bike helmets
In a nutshell
The KASK UTOPIA is a good option for a road racing cyclist due to its cooling and low weight. It’s also good for triathletes. The helmet is aerodynamic according to KASK, however, safety and comfort have made way for aerodynamic efficiency.