KASK Protone Bicycle Helmet Review

By Sheri Rosenbaum

 

 

Hot

• 20 vents for good ventilation
• Low profile styling
• Aerodynamic design
• Comfortable fit with CoolMax pads
• Octo Fit adjustment system fits any shaped head
• One handed fit adjustment with rear dial
• MIT technology for safer design
• Light weight
• “Eco-Leather” chinstrap for added comfort
• Select from 19 color combinations
• Includes carrying bag

Not

• Static side straps with no adjustment
• Pricey

www.kask.com/en/cycling/helmets/protone_24_5.htm
Cost: $299.95 MSRP
How obtained: Review sample from company
Availability: Online, In Stores
RBR Sponsor: No
Sizes: Small (50-56cm), Medium (52-58cm), Large (59-62cm)
Colors: 19 color combinations
Weight: 215 g (M size)
Tested: 25 hours

Developed in collaboration with Team Sky

If you are looking for an everyday road helmet that is also aero, the KASK Protone helmet offers the perfect combination. Team Sky used the first versions of the Protone in the 2014 Tour de France. Since then KASK continued to collaborate with Team Sky to refine the helmet’s aerodynamics, strength and comfort.

Light Weight, Aero and Comfortable

What’s nice about the Protone helmet is that you get all the benefits of an aero helmet without sacrificing ventilation. Per the Italian manufacturer, it’s light weight at 215g (size medium) and boasts one of the lowest drag coefficients (cx) of any vented helmet on the market. I tested this helmet on a couple of hot, humid days into the 90s and the 20 cooling vents get the job done.

KASK’s Octo Fit adjustment system uses 8 planes of adjustment to fit any shaped head. To fit, use the adjustment bar that slides up and down about 2” in the back of the helmet. This sets the vertical position on your head. There are two cups that slide in and out, plus flex to fit properly on your head. The vertical positioning bar and cups need to be set up initially and then use the single rear dial to adjust the final fit which secures the helmet. On the bike adjustments were easy using the dial to tighten or loosen with one hand.

The helmet’s side straps are static, so there’s no adjustment around the ears. Placement worked fine for me, but I wonder if someone with a different shaped head might have issues. The design is nicely done so the straps lay flat against your face and eliminates gaping or twisting. The chinstrap is covered in an eco-leather material which is washable and very comfortable.

The inner padding made from CoolMax fabrics is removable and washable. It is also treated with a Sanitized antimicrobial process to keep odors at bay. The 3D DRY padding has a multi-layer open cell construction to reduce surface area and thus increased comfort.

The Protone has little touches like the high viz strip along the back, reflective logo stickers on the sides and a nice little carrying bag to keep your helmet protected when not in use. KASK also sells a winter cap and spare internal pads as an add on. The helmet is available in 19 color combinations so you’re bound to find one to match your bike or favorite kit.

MIT not MIPS for Crash Protection

KASK uses several technologies to improve the safety of their helmets. They’ve strengthened the inner frame to provide greater mechanical strength and a better compactness. Should there be an impact, it prevents the helmet from breaking into many pieces.

Their innovative Multi In-Molding technology, joins the inner polystyrene cap to the outer polycarbonate one, thus ensures better shock absorption. Then MIT Technology guarantees a higher safety and complete protection because of the polycarbonate layer that covers the shell on the top, base ring and back.

Don’t Buy Fake

There’s a lot of counterfeiting in the bike frame and component industry, including helmets. You don’t want to gamble when it comes to protecting your head. There are some fake KASK Protone for sale, especially on eBay. Remember the golden rule “If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably not real.” If you see a new Protone selling for under $100, then it is most likely a fake made in China. The real KASK is made in Italy. Some telltale signs it is a fake:

• Gaps at the seams
• No CPSC sticker on the back of the helmet
• Logo and model name is printed on instead of reflective stickers

I found a video that details real vs fake. Check it out here:

Bottom Line

The KASK Protone helmet is an excellent choice for an everyday road helmet that is also aerodynamic. Designed in collaboration with Team Sky, this helmet provides safety, aero and comfort all in one. All this comes with a hefty price tag, but if you want to lower your drag coefficient and stay cool, this might be the helmet for you.