Article by Jeff Valliere
Kask Elemento ($400) and Rex ($245)Efficiency Biking Helmets
introduction:
Ever heard of Kask? In the event you observe skilled biking, you may have in all probability seen them on the heads of Ineos Grenadiers (previously staff SKY). Made in Italy and based in 2004, Kask makes helmets for Biking, Snow Sports activities, Horse Using in addition to work security helmets, with a concentrate on innovation, excellence, security and progressive unmistakable design.
Their concentrate on security is impeccable, and surpass the very best security requirements, together with the WG11 rotational affect assessments. With an unmistakable look, I had turn out to be increasingly intrigued with the model and thankfully acquired the chance to check them out.
KASK Security Testing:
Reasonably than making an attempt to translate, their very own description beneath is most concise:
“KASK has at all times been dedicated to creating merchandise that present each glorious security and luxury, exceeding necessities set by worldwide requirements and norms.
KASK ROTATIONAL IMPACT WG11 TEST is an inside protocol adopted by KASK to establish an goal methodology, based mostly on scientific sources, for measuring the efficiency of its helmets in opposition to rotational impacts.
Most helmet assessments use rotational affect prevention applied sciences with headforms which have the next coefficient of friction than these of the human cranium and due to this fact could not mirror what happens in some accidents.
The “pass-fail” criterion relies on the BrIC worth, an algorithm that defines the extent of mind harm.This worth have to be decrease than 0,68.
The ultimate check protocol is:
OBLIQUE IMPACT TESTs
indirect assessments @ 45°, affect pace 6 m/s, BrIC < 0,68
+ grade 80 closed-coat aluminum oxide abrasive paper
+ headform nominal coefficient of friction 0,3
+ wi-fi system: triaxial accelerometer + n. 3 ARS
Headform: EN960 serie
Measurements:
Peak of rotational acceleration, Peak of linear acceleration, HIC, BRIC (< 0,68)
All KASK helmets efficiently move this check, with values which can be considerably lower than 0,68 BrIC 0,390
*ROTATIONAL IMPACT WG11 TEST PASSED is a KASK registered trademark. The ROTATIONAL IMPACT TEST PASSED is a KASK inside indirect affect check that measures the efficiency of its helmets in opposition to rotational impacts. This Check has not been adopted by CEN or its Working Group CEN TC158/Working Group 11.”
Kask Elemento ($400)
Sizes SM-LG
330 g / 11.6 oz – Measurement M
Execs: Gentle, nicely vented, match, fashion, shade selections, prime rated safety, high quality
Cons: Worth
Introduction/Match/Fashion:
This summer season, whereas watching the Giro, I couldn’t assist however discover a powerful new purple lid worn by Geraint Thomas and the Ineos squad (Geraint, at 38 years of age positioned third). Having been reviewing KOO sun shades, I had famous the affiliation between the 2 firms and reached out to their rep to see if there was a solution to overview their prime of the road helmet, the Elemento which options their newest improvements.
The Elemento appears to be like like a street helmet, however additionally it is an awesome crossover helmet for cross nation mountain biking, gravel and cross. It options the very best stage of requirements for air flow, aerodynamics, weight, security and total efficiency. It is available in 6 colours, white, purple, black, silver, blue and inexperienced. Choosing a shade was a tricky alternative, however I discover the purple to be actually sporty with a Ferrari type of design. It simply appears to be like quick and I favor being seen on the street.
Match is true to measurement in my regular measurement medium and adjusts simply with the rear Octofit+ dia, with loads of leeway so as to add a biking cap or beanie beneath for solar safety or heat. The truth is, I simply pulled the helmet out of the field, put it on my head and didn’t have to make a single adjustment to the chin strap, sliders or something, I simply ratcheted the Octofit+ dial and off I went.
Options:
The Elemento is full of progressive options. First is the Multipod isotropic materials that permits for higher administration of rotational affect vitality and will increase air flow.
It behaves the identical manner when a pressure is utilized to it from any path to cut back the shear stress between the top and the within of the helmet.
Fluid Carbon 12: A brand new composite materials that reduces the thickness of EPS from the inside shell with a view to enhance air flow and aerodynamics.
It additionally generates a greater vitality distribution in case of an affect and ensures a low friction floor between the helmet and the affect floor.
Hyvent: Beneficiant venting by the helmet construction permits for max thermoregulation of the rider’s head.
Octofit+:
The Octofit+ system includes a rubber dial that gives improved finger grip, has a vertical stabilizer, the place your entire match “carriage” can articulate up/down for optimum match, in addition to ergonomic neck assist to make sure quick and safe match in opposition to the again of the top.
Efficiency/Conclusions/Suggestions:
The Elemento is the head of innovation, efficiency and elegance. It’s exceptionally mild, may be very nicely ventilated, aerodynamic, is snug, adjusts fairly simply and has impeccable construct high quality. I actually admire how nicely becoming the helmet is and its “barely there” really feel on my head, as it’s so mild. Air flow makes it really feel very cool, even on scorching days because the Hyvent design channels airflow fairly successfully over your head for a powerful cooling impact. The Octofit+ has fairly a little bit of leeway to suit a variety of noggins and snugs firmly and successfully, with none discomfort, holding the helmet very safe and steady in your head.
Whereas I hope to by no means check the true security construction of this helmet, Virginia Tech Helmet scores gave it a 5/5, so I’m assured that if the worst occurs, I can be as nicely protected as I may presumably be.
After which after all there may be the fashion…. The Elemento in purple is about as unique, Euro professional race Ferrari trying as they arrive. Paired with a pair of Koo glasses, that is arduous to beat.
The value nevertheless is tough to disregard, but when the Elemento is inside your price range, relaxation assured you might be getting the perfect helmet cash should buy.
Kask Rex ($245)
Sizes MD-LG
361g / 12.6 oz – measurement M
Execs: Fashion, comparatively mild weight, air flow, straightforward to function visor, consolation, adjustability, versatility, shade choices, fashion
Cons: MIPS or comparable expertise could be a pleasant add (all however anticipated in at this time’s market)
Introduction:
The Rex is Kask’s prime of the road off street efficiency helmet, designed for enduro, path and all mountain riders, with prolonged protection on the again and sides of the helmet, an adjustable visor, goggle retention clip and accent mount for lights or motion cam. The Rex within reason mild for this class of helmet and really nicely ventilated too, with 20 vents. Construct high quality, color and style selections are all distinctive.
Options:
The Rex options 20 vents for max airflow
A lot of venting all through the helmet with ethereal ports in the back of the helmet. There’s additionally a goggle retention strap, which additionally does an awesome job retaining a headlamp for these evening rides or pre-dawn begins.
The within of the helmet may be very nicely padded and fairly snug.
The Rex includes a detachable multi place ratcheting visor that adjusts by a spread of positions, both low to maintain the solar out of the eyes as you’ll count on, or it may possibly flip up for higher visibility, to prop goggles, or to place a headlamp. I’ve used visors up to now which can be so “ratcheted” that I’ve to carry the helmet in place to regulate it up, however the visor on the Rex is straightforward sufficient to function one handed which is handy and in consequence I discover myself transferring it usually to accommodate my desire relying on solar angle and using path in relation to the solar.
On prime of the helmet, there may be additionally a cap that pops off to disclose a mount for a lightweight or an motion digital camera.
The Octo match system supplies a pleasant safe match and adjusts generously to accommodate a variety of head shapes/sizes. Just like the Elemento, the Octo match system additionally strikes up and right down to additional tremendous tune match. There’s additionally loads of vary to accommodate for a biking cap or beanie.
Efficiency/Conclusions/Suggestions:
The Kask Rex is extremely snug, nicely ventilated, nicely constructed, versatile, comparatively mild and has glorious fashion. I take advantage of the Rex primarily for XC mountain biking, but in addition for early morning gravel rides the place the visor is de facto helpful to defend the rising solar and I like that I can simply and securely add my Petzl headlamp using the goggle retention on the again.
The Octo match system may be very safe, straightforward to regulate and is a intelligent design the way in which it telescopes for extra tremendous tuning. I’d extremely advocate the Rex for the above makes use of, be it racing or leisure using in case you are on the lookout for a excessive stage of high quality, air flow, consolation and security. If there oom for enchancment, it might be so as to add a Mips system for extra safety from rotational forces (or MultiPod as used within the Elemento).
Tester Profile
Jeff Valliere has been round bikes his total life, as a toddler following his dad to bike races and bike retailers, BMX racing as a child, working in bike retailers as a mechanic for 14+ years (10 at U-Bikes in Boulder the place he met John) and racing as knowledgeable street bike owner for a number of years. Jeff not races, however nonetheless likes to trip as he introduces his daughters to the fun of biking. Along with being obsessive about biking, he runs mountains every day and has been reviewing trainers/gear/tech for RoadTrailRun since 2015 and for different publications/firms since 2005.
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