KASK’s new aero road helmet has been hiding in plain sight for months. We’ve seen it protecting the heads of the INEOS Grenadiers on the road and, most recently, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot racing XC mountain bikes at the Nové Město na Moravě World Cup this past weekend.
One thing is for sure; this new helmet is an all-rounder that has already proven effective in many different cycling disciplines. Aero road isn’t just for on-road anymore.
This all-new KASK Elemento is a top-tier offering from the Italian helmet manufacturer. A design which aims to help make elite athletes faster competing in the world’s best road, cross-country, cyclocross, and gravel events. To phrase it simply — any cyclist who is driven by the quest for ultimate speed $ performance.
Elemento Development
KASK started the journey of the Elemento back in 2020, when they conducted an in-depth analysis of numerous scientific studies on how athletes’ performances varied as their body temperatures changed. The study illuminated that an athlete’s thermal comfort (helmet-wise) is as essential as a helmet’s weight and aerodynamics.
INEOS Grenadiers Testing and Design
XCO photos by Cory Benson, copyright Bikerumor.com
KASK immediately began working with INEOS Grenadiers on the Elemento, across all racing disciplines.
The INEOS Grenadiers squad and the KASK design team looked to produce a helmet that was not only super aerodynamic but also offered high levels of safety and improved ventilation. A helmet that fits great and does everything well…easy, right?
Elemento Fluid Carbon 12 tech
Fluid Carbon 12 is a new KASK composite technopolymer capable of absorbing more energy from an impact than traditional materials. The material of the Fluid Carbon 12 shell absorbs the impact and then can distribute that force more evenly across the helmet.
With this new technology, the design team at KASK can increase the size of the Elementos internal channels without worrying about neglecting safety. Increasing the internal vents improves the helmet’s ventilation while simultaneously reducing the size of the ventilation holes, which also makes the helmet more slippery in the wind.
3D-Printed Multipod padding & safety technologies
Multipod is a new KASK-designed structure that is 3D-printed and used for the Elemento’s internal padding. Think of it as an elastomer-like material with more airflow and comfort – just like we’ve seen with 3D-printed saddle padding. These Multipods are a direct result of KASK’s own Rotational Impact WG11 Testing. The WG11 is the internally-developed test protocol performed at KASK to address non-linear impact forces on a rider in a crash. After many tests, KASK found their new Multipods enable the helmet to withstand linear and rotational impacts better. The Multipod structure also has isotropic properties, meaning it’s equally strong in all directions, the same thing that makes 3D-printed saddles so popular.
That characteristic property helped the new Elemento receive a five-star review from Virginia Tech’s highly authoritative test lap.
Octofit+ and No More Leather Strap
KASK’s new helmet fit and adjustment system is now dubbed OCTOFIT+, offering easy on-the-fly adjustments and sturdy attachment to the rider’s head.
The Elemento also uses the KASKs “Pro” chinstrap, the same ultra-lightweight chinstrap used by INEOS. Bidding arrivederci to the iconic leather strap, that has been a mainstay on KASK helmets for years.
KASK Elemento Details
Sizes: SM (50 – 56), MED (52 – 58)*, LRG (59 – 62) *tested
Weight: 260 grams (size M)
Colors: Classic Black or White, New metallic finishes: Beetle Green, Oxford Blue (pictured), Red, and Silver.
Price: USD $400, EUR 375€, GBP £335.
KASK Elemento — Initial Thoughts
We’ve had very little time in the KASK Elemento, but what we tell so far is that it is exceedingly comfortable. The helmet disappears on your head, especially when the wind cuts through it on the open road.
The styling and fit are what you would expect from KASK, and the updated metallic color is excellent. The shape is refined enough to keep it out of overly aero-offputting designs and into the good-looking all-around territory. Paired next to the matte Fluid Carbon 12, the shell has a powder-coated look with a deep rich color — very nice.
The helmet is straight-up breezy in the wind, with zero to no wind chatter or slight whistly noises that can accompany some aero helmets.
We look forward to more rides in the new KASK Elemento, especially as the summer heat starts. Stay tuned for a full review coming shortly.
