Safety, good ventilation and a timeless design – the new KASK ELEMENTO combines all of these features to keep the rider cool. With its technological innovations, does this helmet set new standards in racing and everyday use? We tested it in all conditions to find out.
The KASK ELEMENTO is the latest creation from the Italian brand, developed in collaboration with the INEOS Grenadiers team. This helmet aims to set a new standard in both ventilation and safety for cyclists. The developers based its design on the analysis of numerous scientific studies that show a direct link between loss of performance and overheating. The result is a helmet that is both aerodynamic and exceptionally well ventilated. Its advanced concept incorporates some new innovations such as Fluid Carbon 12 and Multipod technology to ensure a high level of safety.
The hard facts of the KASK ELEMENTO
KASK’s Fluid Carbon 12 composite technology and specially developed Multipod pads are designed to significantly improve the helmet’s safety. The outer shell, made from a new technopolymer material, is designed to distribute forces better than conventional materials such as ordinary plastic. Safety is further enhanced by the inner padding, which is made from an elastomeric material. Like the outer shell, it distributes linear and rotational forces more effectively than traditional foam pads. Thanks to these new materials, it has been possible to increase the efficiency of the channels in the inner shell, making the ventilation openings narrower and thus improving aerodynamics. In addition, KASK incorporate their new OCTOFIT+ adjustment system, which provides greater comfort and stability on the head.
The KASK ELEMENTO in size M weighs just 265 g and costs an impressive € 375. This puts the new helmet from the Italians at the top of their range in terms of both weight and price. Alongside the black and white helmet that we tested, there are five other colour options, available in three different sizes; S (50-56), M (52-58) and L (59-62).
The KASK ELEMENTO in action
When you pick up the KASK ELEMENTO for the first time, you immediately notice the high-quality finish and feel. There are no sharp edges or rough transitions between the outer and inner shell, as you might expect at such a high price point.
Before using the KASK ELEMENTO for the first time, you’ll need to fit the helmet to your head. The chinstrap can be adjusted to the correct length as usual, and there’s a rubber band to prevent the strap from flapping around while riding. A potential problem for some users might be the lack of adjustment on the strap triangle. We didn’t miss this feature, but it may affect you differently depending on the shape of your head. Thanks to the OCTOFIT+ adjustment system, the KASK ELEMENTO fits so snugly that you’ll soon forget you’re wearing a helmet, and the settings stay in place throughout the ride, so you don’t have to readjust – just the way we like it.
A great way for your face to stay ventilated, especially on hot days and long climbs, is to have an easily accessible and secure goggle garage at the front of the helmet. Unfortunately, the KASK ELEMENTO makes it difficult to secure goggles at the front, forcing you to park them awkwardly at the back of your head.
Inside the helmet, the specially designed Multipod pads adapt to the shape of your head thanks to their delicate structure. Their open honeycomb design allows air to circulate, keeping you cool on hot summer days. This ventilation is further enhanced by the extremely large openings throughout the helmet, preventing excessive sweating. If it’s a particularly hot day, a standard pad on the forehead catches the sweat before it can drip into your face.
Unfortunately, large vents don’t just let in the cool breeze, they also allow insects to find their way into the helmet. An insect screen would help, but unfortunately KASK don’t offer one.
Conclusion on the KASK ELEMENTO
The KASK ELEMENTO offers good adjustability and outstanding comfort. The low weight, top-quality workmanship, high degree of innovation and stylish design make the ELEMENTO a perfect high-end helmet for both racing and everyday use. The price might make even the coolest, best-ventilated heads break out in a sweat.
Tops
- sleek look thanks to matt carbon
- perfect fit with no pressure points
- comfortable, breathable 3D padding
- low weight
Flops
- no goggle garage
- no MIPS system
More info at kask.com
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Words: Tobias Kübler Photos: Jan Richter Translation: Anne Hagel
