PROTONE HELMET

Review

In 2019, the world’s most famous cycling race, the Tour de France, was an event that had drama, extreme weather, and the youngest winner in over 100 years. Egan Bernal, the young Colombian, was riding for Team INEOS and with them were three quality road bike helmets. They were the lightweight VALEGRO, the aerodynamic UTOPIA, and the PROTONE which KASK calls the all-rounder.

During the tour, the riders from Team INEOS could choose the helmet type that would perform the best during the different stages of the race. For the stages where the course was flat and speed was important the riders chose the UTOPIA. When the race was a slow climb in the mountains when the temperature was high the riders chose the VALEGRO or the PROTONE. Crossing the finishing line on the last day, Egan chose to wear the PROTONE.

Safety

Although KASK’s PROTONE looks great, safety is an issue with their road bike helmets as KASK continues to make them without MIPS. KASK question the validity of some helmet crash tests especially around rotational forces. Studies have shown that rotational forces have been linked to concussions and severe brain injuries. This is why they prefer the WG11 test which addresses rotational forces but until the PROTONE helmet receives such a stamp it’s hard to know how safe it is.

Value

One of the CONS of the PROTONE helmet is the premium price tag. This Italian-made helmet costs around $US300 and even more for the matt design. It’s also $US75 more expensive than the VALEGRO. These prices are expected for a product that’s had a large investment in design and technology. However, without it having a 5-star safety measure it’s hard to fork out so much money.

Weight

A major appeal for the PROTONE is the lightweight. It weighs slightly more than KASK’s claim of 215g. However, the weight does vary between countries. Slight adjustments are made to meet the different safety standards that apply in Europe, Aus / NZ, and the US.

Ventilation / Cooling / Comfort

Climbing the French Alps can be a slow uncomfortable ride especially in the heat. Fortunately, the PROTONE helmet has a number of features that make the helmet comfortable. Internally. the 3D Dry multi-layer padding is antibacterial and antimicrobial treated. There is also removable and washable CoolMax padding at the front and together it all wicks sweat away very effectively.

The ventilation in the PROTONE helmet is excellent due to the amazing airflow drawn through the eight front-facing vents which are then channeled out through the six large exit holes at the back. This works extremely well when moving fast but on slow hill climbs it’s a different story. The heat doesn’t dissipate as well which would explain why Team Sky (now INEOS) worked with KASK to co-design a better hill climb helmet. The VALEGRO.

Like all KASK road bike helmets, the retention system is excellent and easy to use. The Octo Fit adjustment system not only adds to the comfort but KASK says it’s designed to create a perfect fit on any shaped head.

Appearance

Italian-made products will always have a touch of quality in their designs and the PROTONE helmet is no different. It’s a beautifully made, award-winning helmet that looks great. Originally I thought the VALEGRO was it and a bit but now I think the PROTONE looks the best. When this helmet doesn’t look good is when you’re riding without sunglasses. And that’s probably what you’ll have to do until you get the right pair. KASK’s designs make it difficult to fit the arms of many types of sunglasses above the ear and have the helmet on at the same time. Straight-armed sunnies like the Oakley sunglasses seem to fit the best.