Kask Elemento Helmet Review – Aero All-rounder?

As a long-time staple in the professional ranks, Kask helmets are known for their Italian style and engineering. The Elemento helmet targets the holy grail of aerodynamics, breathability and comfort while also delivering added rotational impact protection into the mix.

Kask Elemento Helmet Features:

• Aero-optimized without looking like an aero helmet
• Fluid Carbon 12 composite material absorbs and distributes impact forces
• Hyvent structure with large air channels maximizes airflow
• 3D printed Multipod pads compress to absorb rotational impacts
• OCTOFIT+ retention system
• Made in Italy
• Weight: 335 grams (medium, actual)
• MSRP: $400

Italian style and tech

Over several years of testing Kask helmets, there’s no question that style is always one of the top attributes of every model. Sometimes helmets can look big and awkward, but Kask always drips in Italian style. Introduced in 2023, the Elemento was first seen on Ineos Grenadiers riders before hitting the market as Kask’s premier road/gravel/MTB helmet for riders who demand the utmost in performance, protection and style.

Speaking of protection, Kask is one of a handful of helmet makers that haven’t adopted MIPS technology. Instead, they stick to their own Rotational Impact IG11 Test, which tests oblique impacts (among various other tests). It boasts a 5-Star rating from Virginia Tech. Thankfully, I haven’t validated that first-hand, but I’m confident that it’s among the safest helmets o the market.

Sometimes helmets need to utilize thicker material or bulky designs to achieve the best safety ratings — resulting in an unsightly look. The Kask Elemento achieves its classy looks by using Fluid Carbon 12 material as the outer shell. This material is lightweight and excellent at distributing impacts — so much that the EPS foam thickness can be reduced. As an entire package, the outer shell, EPS foam and Multipod pads work in concert with each other to distribute, absorb and nullify impacts that would otherwise cause brain injuries. The Multipod pads are 3D-printed and allow the structure to compress under both direct and rotational impacts.

Italians are renowned for their injection molding processes and that expertise is on display with the Elemento. The outer shell and liner are meticulously molded together as a single unit. Unlike cheaper helmets, there are no air gaps between the shell and liner at any point and the entire package feels as solid as a brick.

Fit and comfort

Kask is legendary for their near-custom fit. Every model I’ve tested feels as if it was custom-made for my head. As someone who shaves their head, I feel every nuance and I get to thoroughly test how the helmet’s padding functions for comfort and performance.

I did have some issues with the rubbery outer pads pulling away from the Octofit system on the Kask Wasabi, so I’m pleased to report that the Octofit+ doesn’t have that issue. Huzzah! And, uniquely, this system not only allows easy adjustments in the helmet diameter, it also allows for a personalized up/down placement — seemingly with each use. Pulling it on, the retention system clicks in place and holds onto my head with confidence. I appreciate that the straps feature fixed yokes and helmet mounting points that can’t get out of sorts. The thin straps sit flat against my face and stay out of the wind. All fit adjustments are a breeze.

Interestingly, the fit system can interfere with many sunglasses — including the Koo Demos. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher, since Koo is Kask’s sunglasses brand. But, I’ve found it clunky to place the temple tips under the fit system. I tried a variety of other sunnies, but the best fit of all was with the Smith Bobcat and the Julbo Density. I’d suggest bringing your sunglasses along to the shop as you’re trying on this helmet.

The printed Multipod pads don’t have the same next-to-skin comfort as the frontal pad. It is noticeable against my bare head when initially putting it on, but quickly disappears. While I don’t really notice any discomfort while riding I do end up with several Multipod imprints on my head when I pull the helmet off at the end of the ride.

Airflow, breathability and more

On the bike, I’ve thoroughly tested the Kask Elemento on every discipline and at all speeds. There are airier helmets, but I have appreciated the breathability on offer here. On the hottest days, my noggin was still comfortable and cooler than I anticipated — evidence that the Hyvent system is working. To showcase the airflow, all it takes is a morning mountain descent to realize just how much airflow the Elemento has (it can be pretty brisk). I also appreciate the full panel on the rear area of the helmet top, which provides added sun protection.

The frontal pad is the only thing absorbing sweat while riding and it’s woefully inadequate. Yes, there are two side pads, but they don’t do a whole lot. The front pad quickly becomes saturated and allows sweat to drip down my sunglasses with reckless abandon when the roads or terrain gets rough. It’s mostly controlled while riding on the road and doesn’t interfere with vision. However, while mountain biking, sweat always seems to drip into my vision at the worst times when I’m hitting a bump or drop — impeding my view of upcoming obstacles. And, even though the pad uses Merino wool, it does a terrible job at odor management. That frontal pad gets stinky after a handful of rides and has a noticeable odor once the pad is completely saturated mid-ride. I have had to wash this helmet much more often than others.

I do love the cohesive and solid feel of the Elemento and its versatile design. I’m not gonna lie… I love how sleek this helmet looks, but it is a pricey helmet. I really feel like it looks great on the road, singletrack and gravel. When it comes to sunglasses storage, the side vents aren’t the best for every pair of sunglasses because they sit wide and don’t afford much security.

Fit: I’m wearing the size medium, which is inline with all Kask helmets I’ve worn.

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