Kask Elemento: Safety with multipod padding
Kask's flagship model was developed in collaboration with Team Ineos and is designed to offer an optimal balance of aerodynamics and ventilation – the manufacturer gives its flagship five out of five points in both categories. The Italian helmet specialist also promises high safety for the Kask Elemento thanks to proprietary technologies.
Composite helmet shell
Kask calls a composite material used for parts of the helmet shell "Fluid Carbon." The material is designed to better absorb impact energy and distribute it over a larger area, allowing for a thinner foam core and thus a lower weight – the test helmet in size M weighs 261 grams. The carbon material looks classy, but does have some rather sharp edges here and there.
The second safety feature is the "Multipod" padding, whose material resembles a 3D-printed saddle. Similar to the MIPS inner shell, the padding is designed to absorb shear forces, meaning it "decouples" the helmet from the head during rotational movements, thus reducing the risk of injury.
Airy look, quite high price
With eight air inlets and six outlets, the Elemento is truly airy, with wide and deep internal channels optimizing airflow. The wide range of height adjustment also ensures a high level of comfort. The helmet sits comfortably snugly on the back of the head and feels comfortable and secure. A minor drawback is that there's no way to fit cycling glasses into the rather compact helmet. Kask offers the Elemento in three sizes and six colors; at €375, the Team Ineos helmet is very expensive.