The Kask Protone Icon is the most recent iteration of an iconic formed helmet, combining the identical smooth aesthetics, stable security options, and spectacular air flow, making it a contender among the many finest street bike helmets .
Whether or not you’re tackling winding descents within the Dolomites or enduring the unpredictable British climate, this helmet goals to maintain you cool, comfy, and safe. However in a market filled with top-tier helmets, does the Protone Icon nonetheless handle to face out?
Kask Protone Icon: building
The Kask Protone Icon nonetheless stays recognizable, that includes the identical form now we have been used to seeing because the Group Sky glory days. Kask markets the Protone Icon as offering a very good steadiness of aerodynamics, security, and luxury. Redesigned from the unique Protone, the Icon now contains a extra strong inner body designed to forestall the helmet from breaking into a number of items upon influence. Kask’s WG11 rotational influence testing underpins its security credentials, a typical that goals to guard riders from multi-directional impacts, although amongst different unbiased testers such because the Virginia Tech program and Hiper ranking system , outcomes are somewhat lackluster. The Hiper ranking system particularly is constructed off of the most recent info and know-how, so definitely one thing to reveal in thoughts.
Kask has additionally added a reflective insert on the rear for enhanced visibility throughout evening rides, a small however considerate addition that may profit everybody.
A prime down view footwear deep venting channels, and loads of comfortable padding.
(Picture credit score: Future)
The Protone Icon comes outfitted with the Octofit+ adjustment system, which performs as anticipated – each safe and cozy. The system’s vertical stabilizer on the nape of the neck helps to anchor the helmet comfortably, significantly for riders with narrower heads like mine. I discovered the massive rubberized dial simple to make use of even whereas carrying gloves, and it ensures that the helmet sits snugly with out shifting round mid-ride.
The helmet’s 20 air flow holes and Coolmax® padding be sure that airflow is optimized, even in sizzling situations based on Kask – and I could not communicate on the contrary. The Coolmax lining is detachable, and washable, which helps to maintain pores and skin clear after prolonged use. I appreciated the fake leather-based chin strap too. It is sturdy and comfortable, including a barely extra premium really feel to the lid. At 232 grams, the helmet is light-weight sufficient to go unnoticed on the pinnacle, and its design stays aesthetically pleasing with out sacrificing efficiency.
Kask Protone Icon: the journey
After weeks of testing the Kask Protone Icon, it has confirmed to be a flexible companion throughout completely different terrains and climate situations. My first journey with it happened within the very combined situations of the Dolomites. I used to be handled to each robust daylight and bucketing rainfall, through which time I discovered the helmet to vent properly, but not be too freezing for cooler temperatures. The massive air flow ports allowed for glorious airflow, even with my reasonably massive on the time curly hair doing its finest to dam up the vents.
Predictably, the UK’s threw at me extra wind, rain, and chilly mornings in my common path, and right here, efficiency was about the identical. One tiny gripe on this specific color is that the satin end is barely tougher to scrub after a mucky journey – however with loads of choices to select from, that is completely avoidable.
Regardless of considerations about potential sweat buildup, I didn’t discover it precipitated extreme water to drip down my face, even throughout wetter rides. The padding absorbed moisture successfully with out changing into saturated, and the chin strap stayed comfy all through.
The rear retention system extends a good distance down, making for a safe feeling match.
(Picture credit score: Future)
Match-wise, the Protone Icon’s Octofit+ system labored significantly properly for my slim head form, and the retention system on the again supplied a safe match. It hugged the again of my head with out feeling tight, because of the neck stabilizer function, which gave me an added sense of safety, significantly on rougher terrain. The helmet feels as if it’s cradling your head, reasonably than merely sitting on prime of it, which makes a giant distinction throughout lengthy days within the saddle.
Aesthetically, the Protone Icon is a winner. It maintains a clear, traditional look whereas boasting fashionable options. And for riders like myself with thick, curly hair, the pads supplied consolation with out itching or inflicting any irritation. It’s the sort of helmet that feels pretty much as good because it seems to be – a real steadiness of type and performance.
Kask Protone Icon: worth and conclusion
Priced at £245 / $300, the Kask Protone Icon sits firmly within the higher echelons of helmets available on the market. For its worth, you get a well-rounded helmet that excels in consolation, match, and air flow, making it appropriate for a variety of biking disciplines. The WG11 know-how won’t be universally acknowledged because the most secure available on the market, however there’s a lot to be stated for a well-fitting helmet in terms of security too.
The principle Achilles for the Protone Icon is the competitors. At this worth level, you may actually be choosy with what you spend your cash on, with the likes of the S-works Prevail 3 MIPS from Specialised coming in at a comparable £250 / $300. It is a truthful worth for a high quality product, however it struggles ever so barely to face out for the group, as an alternative mixing in as a helmet that quietly does all the pieces fairly properly.
