Why the KASK Elemento is Revolutionizing Cycling Helmets
Cycling helmets have come a long way, but the KASK Elemento stands out as a groundbreaking innovation that combines cutting-edge technology, comfort, and style. Designed as a flagship model, the Elemento builds on KASK's legacy of creating high-performance helmets—and takes it to another level. While its premium price tag may raise eyebrows, the features it offers make it a serious contender for the best cycling helmet on the market.
A Design That Blends Aesthetics with Engineering
At first glance, the KASK Elemento resembles its predecessors, such as the Protone Icon, but its differences lie in the details. Featuring Fluid Carbon 12 composite plates, the Elemento replaces traditional expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam with an innovative, ultra-thin material. These carbon plates are only 1mm thick yet absorb impact effectively by shifting and moving upon impact—a feature validated by a five-star Virginia Tech rating.
This design doesn't just enhance safety; it also creates more internal space for airflow, making the Elemento exceptionally ventilated without compromising aerodynamics. Unlike traditional helmets with large front openings, the Elemento's smaller vents and advanced internal channels optimize cooling while reducing drag. For riders tackling long climbs or high-intensity rides, this improved airflow can make a noticeable difference in comfort.
What truly sets the Elemento apart is its ability to combine safety, aerodynamics, and ventilation in ways that most other helmets cannot. Many high-end helmets force riders to choose between lightweight construction, optimal cooling, or aerodynamic efficiency. The Elemento's Fluid Carbon 12 plates eliminate this tradeoff, providing all three in a single package. Traditional helmets rely heavily on EPS foam, which is bulkier and less effective at regulating airflow. By replacing foam with carbon composites, KASK has redefined what's possible in helmet design.
Fluid Carbon 12 composite plates
The Fluid Carbon 12 composite plates are a breakthrough material in the KASK Elemento, providing unmatched impact absorption while significantly reducing helmet thickness. This innovation allows for improved airflow and a sleeker, more aerodynamic design compared to traditional EPS foam.
Exceptionally ventilated
The KASK Elemento's advanced ventilation system maximizes airflow with optimized internal channels and strategically placed vents. This design keeps riders cool even during intense efforts, making it ideal for hot conditions and long rides.
Comfort Redefined with Advanced Padding
The Elemento features 3D-printed "multipod" padding, which provides unparalleled comfort and absorbs rotational forces similar to MIPS technology. This padding goes beyond cushioning; it also enhances ventilation by allowing air to flow through its open structure. Even on long rides—some testers have spent over 20 hours wearing this helmet—the padding remains sweat-free and comfortable. While the brow pad could benefit from the same 3D-printed material, the helmet still outshines most competitors in terms of comfort.
Another standout feature is the Octofit+ rear cradle. This wider, adjustable system wraps securely around the head, ensuring the helmet stays in place even during intense efforts. Riders who frequently adjust their helmets on climbs will appreciate how the Elemento eliminates this hassle entirely. With vertical adjustments and ample room for ponytails, it accommodates a wide range of head shapes and hairstyles.
This level of adjustability is rare among helmets. Most models offer basic fit systems that don't fully address comfort or stability, especially for riders with unique head shapes or specific hairstyle needs. The Octofit+ cradle not only ensures a snug fit but also enhances the helmet's overall stability, a feature that's often overlooked in other high-end helmets.
Octofit+
The Octofit+ retention system in the KASK Elemento helmet features a rubberized dial for improved grip and a redesigned vertical stabilizer for enhanced stability. This system ensures a secure, customized fit, accommodating various head shapes and hairstyles.
D-printed "multipod" padding
The 3D-printed "multipod" padding in the KASK Elemento offers exceptional comfort and enhances ventilation by allowing air to flow freely through its open structure. This innovative padding also helps absorb rotational impacts, providing added safety without compromising on breathability.
Performance That Excels Across Disciplines
The KASK Elemento's versatility is one of its strongest attributes. Positioned between the Protone Icon and the more aerodynamic Utopia Y, the Elemento balances ventilation, aerodynamics, and weight. At 270g, it's not the lightest helmet on the market, but its performance in terms of cooling and comfort compensates for the slight weight difference.
Testers have praised its ability to keep the head cool during both road and mountain bike rides, highlighting its adaptability across disciplines. Whether you're racing, climbing, or enjoying a leisurely ride, the Elemento's combination of airflow and stability ensures a premium experience.
Unlike most helmets, which excel in either road or mountain biking, the Elemento is designed to perform well in both environments. Its advanced ventilation system makes it suitable for high-intensity efforts in hot conditions, while its aerodynamic design ensures minimal drag on fast road descents. This dual-purpose performance is a significant differentiator in a market often segmented by discipline.
Chin Strap
The KASK Elemento's chin strap is designed for lightweight comfort and durability, replacing the traditional leather strap with a minimalist yet secure design. It ensures a snug fit without adding bulk, making it comfortable for long rides.
Carbon composites
The KASK Elemento's use of carbon composites redefines helmet construction by replacing bulky foam with ultra-thin, impact-absorbing materials. These composites enhance safety while allowing for a lighter, more aerodynamic, and ventilated helmet design, setting a new standard in cycling helmet technology.
Comfort and Style: The Key to Wearing Your Helmet
A helmet's primary purpose is safety, but comfort and style are what truly ensure riders wear it consistently. The KASK Elemento excels in these areas, offering a sleek, modern design that looks as good as it feels. Whether you're pushing through a challenging climb or enjoying a casual ride, the Elemento's fit and aesthetic make it a helmet you'll want to wear every time.
Its minimalist look, enhanced by the exposed carbon composite plates, delivers a premium, polished appearance without being overly flashy. Combined with breathable 3D-printed padding and the secure Octofit+ system, the Elemento provides an exceptional fit that stays comfortable even on the longest rides. A helmet that balances safety, style, and comfort turns wearing it into second nature.
The Price Debate: Is It Worth It?
There's no denying that the Elemento comes with a premium price tag. At $400+, it's significantly more expensive than many high-end competitors, such as the Specialized S-Works Evade 3 or the Trek Velocis MIPS. However, for riders who value top-tier technology, comfort, and safety, the Elemento justifies its cost—especially if you calculate the cost-per-mile for an item you'll use daily.
For those on a tighter budget, the Protone Icon remains an excellent choice, offering many of the same benefits at a lower price. But for cyclists who demand the best and are willing to invest in their gear, the Elemento is a game-changer.
It's also worth noting that the Elemento's technological advancements set a new benchmark for the industry. While other helmets may be more affordable, they often lack the comprehensive features that make the Elemento truly unique. Riders looking for the latest innovations in cycling gear will find that this helmet delivers exceptional value over time.
Final Thoughts
The KASK Elemento represents a leap forward in helmet design. Its innovative use of Fluid Carbon 12, superior ventilation, and exceptional comfort make it a standout option for cyclists seeking the best. While the price may deter some, the technology and performance it delivers are undeniable. If you're looking for a helmet that combines safety, style, and cutting-edge features, the KASK Elemento is worth every penny.
For those comparing it to other high-end helmets, the Elemento's ability to seamlessly integrate safety, ventilation, and aerodynamics sets it apart. It's not just a helmet—it's a redefinition of what a cycling helmet can be.