The KASK Elemento is finally here. The new range-topping helmet from the Italian brand brings together some interesting technologies to create what the brand claims to bring together the best in aerodynamics, ventilation, and safety. The Elemento is currently focused on elite athletes, but the concept could eventually become trickledown technology to other helmets in the brand’s lineup.
The Elemento began life as the update to the Protone, but as the project moved forward, it was clear that it was going to become so much more. Working with INEOS Grenadiers as early as 2019, KASK quietly launched the helmet at the 2022 Tour de France, before the recent public launch.
At the heart of the project, KASK did a deep dive into how body temperature affects athletic performance. In the end of their review of numerous scientific studies, they found that thermal comfort is just as important as the weight and aerodynamics of a helmet.
While the concept of an aerodynamic helmet that is also well-ventilated is not something new, it has become a bit of a holy grail for many of helmet brands. The Specialized S-Works Evade series of helmets has been one of the leaders in this area, with the third iteration claiming to be the most ventilated, the Elemento is using some unique technology to take ventilation even further, while still maintaining suburb aerodynamics and safety.
The first is Fluid Carbon 12, a composite technopolymer that can absorb more energy in an impact and distribute it more evenly across the helmet. Technopolymers are engineered plastics that can withstand heat and stress better than traditional plastics. In some industries, technopolymers can replace metal parts for their durability, while also being lighter than their metal counterparts. These are the composite plates around the helmet that can actually shift to help dissipate rotational forces.
And in place of traditional pads, KASK uses structures that are similar to the 3D-printed saddles from brands like Specialized and Fizik called Multipod. As part of the brand’s internal testing protocol, Rotational Impact WG11 Test, they found these 3D-printed structures can better withstand linear and rotational impacts common in cycling. Multipod behaves the same, regardless of the direction the force is applied. All of this has helped the Elemento earn a five-star rating from Virginia Tech with a score of 11.90. Where traditional padding is used, KASK opts for merino wool pads for comfort and thermoregulation.
While the focus of both of these technologies was on safety, they were also able to help with ventilation. The 1mm Fluid Carbon 12 plates replaced some of the EPS foam traditionally found in helmets. This, along with the use of Multipod, allowed KASK engineers to create larger channels to help bring outside air through to remove hot air, without having to open up the front vents. This helps keep the helmet as aerodynamic as possible.
The Elemento also includes a new OCTOFIT+ retention system that increases vertical stability while still maintaining space to pull long hair through if desired. The dial has a rubber outer coating to make it easy to adjust on the fly. The Pro chinstrap also sees a departure from KASK’s usual premium leather strap to a lightweight webbing. On back, there is a reflective graphic to help increase visibility in low-light situations.
The Elemento will be available in classic black and white versions, as well as metallic finishes in Beetle Green, Oxford Blue, and Red. Weight claims are 260g for a size medium.
Now here is the tough part. The Elemento will retail at $400 USD, which is pretty steep for a helmet. What you are getting for the price is a 5-star Virginia Tech-rated helmet, using new technology that looks to make it a well-balanced helmet for road, gravel, and even cross-country use. The Utopia Y will continue as the brand’s top aero helmet, and the Vallegro as the top ventilated helmet, with the Protone Icon becoming the brand’s second-tier all-around helmet. The Elemento fits as the top-tier all-arounder, that seeks to find the balance between aero, ventilation, and safety.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
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