Nicola Rutzou
The popular Protone Icon from Kask has been given an update with four new colours. Editor Nicola Rutzou put it through its paces.
The Kask Protone Icon is not a new model, but Kask has recently added four new matt colours to the range, including Sahara, which I tested. I must admit I was a bit sceptical about the colour, but it’s grown on me. Despite my misgivings, it is a colour that matches most of my cycling gear and is easy to see from a distance.
I found the Kask OCTOFIT+ adjustment system to be particularly comfortable and supportive. Thanks to the neck stabiliser, the retention system hugged the back of my head without feeling tight, allowing me to adjust the position up or down depending on my head shape. This provides a great sense of security and gives you the feeling that it’s cradling your head, rather than sitting on top of it. The plastic dial features a rubber coating, making it easy to grip, even with gloves on, for tightening or loosening as required.
Thankfully, I didn’t get to test out the Protone Icon’s safety features, but Kask tells me that it has passed the Kask Rotational Impact WG11 Test, an internal, scientific testing procedure adopted by the company that measures the helmet’s performance when subjected to rotational impacts.
The Protone Icon features 14 vents: eight in the front and six in the rear, which make it comfortable in warm weather but potentially a little cool in cold weather; however, this can be mitigated with a head covering. However, I wonder whether it would provide enough sun protection for people with little hair on their heads.
The faux leather chinstrap has a substantial feel, and once it’s clicked in, it feels quite immovable and secure. At first, it felt very stiff to the touch, but over time, it softened to make it more comfortable.
The internal lining is comfortable and absorbs sweat well. Kask says it is made of CoolMax fabric, which is comfortable and quick-drying and removable and washable.
A reflective insert on the rear has been included to increase road safety.
I tested the size small, which fits a range of head sizes from 50 to 56cm and weighs 290 grams, making it light and comfortable on my head. It also comes in medium and large, so the model covers a range of head circumferences from 50 to 62cm.
The other new colours are Lavender, Tangerine, and Forest Green. They join the eight existing offerings, bringing the total number of choices to 12. The Protone Icon has a retail price of $430. 
More info kask.com/en-au
