Nat Bromhead
Now in their 20th year, KASK have produced millions of bike helmets. Here we ride their latest model, the high-end Elemento.
‘The Rolls Royce of bike helmets’. That was my first impression when sliding open the white KASK box and removing a stunning Beetle Green Elemento helmet from the packaging.
This helmet oozes style, class and quality, and looking closely at the details in the strong early morning sunshine, it is pure perfection.
Loosening the Octofit dial and putting the helmet on the head, and the comfort and fit feel fantastic. The Elemento seems to sit a little lower than others I’ve used, and both the inner padding (more on that in a mo) and rear cradle surround the head in a comfortable and reassuring way. Like pulling on a favourite pair of boots, the fit is familiar, soothing and very motivating.
Multipod Inner Pads
Inside the Elemento, and the padding resembles the 3D printing seen on Fizik’s recent saddles. Known as ‘Multipod,’ this system of 3D-printed pads provides rotational impact protection. The new padding structure also functions as open-cell foam, sliding and compressing to offer 10 per cent more absorption than typical materials.
There are a total of five of these Mulitpod pads, four longitudinal (front to rear) and one larger rear top pad. Gently push downwards and sidewards when the helmet’s on the head and you can feel the support and shock absorption of these pads.
Alongside the 3D pads are a total of seven deep inner channels that contribute to the helmet’s increased airflow and, ultimately, its aerodynamics.
Another key aspect of the Elemento is the carbon layer that appears to both make up the the chassis and outer body of the helmet. Called ‘Fluid Carbon 12 composite technopolymer,’ this light but strong carbon plate allows the helmet to absorb more impact energy than traditional materials. KASK say the technology also increases the size of internal channels for better ventilation while reducing the size of the ventilation holes to assist with aerodynamics.
A Protone Plus?
The helmet clearly takes design cues from the legendary Protone and could be seen as a Protone Plus. Riding the Elemento, and it feels like a stylish and ultra-modern blend of the Protone and even the Utopia, which itself is morphing into the Nirvana.
Though the company’s most technologically advanced helmet, it’s not their lightest. In size medium, it weighs 275g, about 40g heavier than the Protone.
KASK describe the Elemento as their multi-disciplinary “pure performance helmet that leaves no room for compromise, offering cyclists the absolute best in aerodynamics, ventilation, and safety.”
Our thoughts. Incredibly comfortable on, the ventilation is excellent, the helmet feels impressively light, and has been a joy to ride on road and gravel. The fit, Octofit retention system and familiar leather strap feel so good on. It definitely oozes style, quality and class, but those attributes come at a cost – the Elemento requires a substantial investment.
The Price Tag
Similar to high-end $25,000 bikes, there’s always a market for the best in cycling. Many will question the $650 price tag, but examining the Elemento’s meticulous details – from the metallic finish to the carbon insert and 3D-printed padding – it indeed represents the Rolls Royce of bike helmets.
In summary, you certainly get what you pay for. Since 2004, KASK have produced literally millions of top-quality road cycling helmets and have risen to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers and brands. As a long time user and supporter of the brand, the Elemento seems to be a perfect celebration of the brand’s 20th birthday – the Elemento is peak KASK.
Available in three sizes: S (50-56cm), M (52-58cm), and L (59-62cm). RRP $650. 
