KASK Infinity aero helmet review

by Wade Wallace

You can't fight it. The ongoing trend with aero helmets isn't going away and Italian helmet brand KASK unveiled their new Infinity aero helmet today. They sent one over for me to review and to my surprise, I kinda liked it…

It was Team Sky that brought KASK to the forefront of my attention. Personally, I think they make some of the best looking helmets out there but I’ve never had the opportunity to try one before. Until now.

It’s been said that the new wave of aero helmets are for aerodynamics, but we also saw many riders wearing them at this year’s Spring Classics because they’re apparently warmer, thanks to less ventilation. However, coming into the European summer months, warmth is the last thing you need.

The KASK Infinity was created to have the same aero advantages of the fully sealed KASK helmets that Sky have used for the past couple of years, and to feature full ventilation to keep the head cool. The Infinity allows the rider to switch the vents from fully closed for maximum aerodynamics, to fully open for ventilation on warm days.

There’s no doubt that you can feel the difference in air flow through the helmet when comparing between vents open and closed. The helmet is also very comfortable and remarkably light (270g) and a touch of leather on the chin straps feels quite nice. The straps are placed perfectly on the sides of the face and around the ears.

Does it improve aerodynamics? Well, there’s no doubt that a helmet accounts for a lot of aerodynamic drag (see this post) and if you’re in a time trial then an aero helmet is most definitely a good idea. But in a road race where you’re sitting upright and drafting behind other riders (if you stick your nose in the wind all day, you’re not going to win the race regardless of how aero you are), my feeling is that any aerodynamic advantage is going to be negated in many ways.

As far as safety goes, KASK says that the position of the aerator boosts safety — the area is apparently reinforced with an internal plastic substructure that increases crash protection to maintain the helmet’s integrity in the event of an impact.

I do like the rear support straps — they are quite comfortable — but I’d question whether they make the helmet safer in the case of a crash, given they are held together by velcro. (Of course, these will have to go through standards testing, so they will certify the safety element). I would prefer a twist lock like many other helmets on the market since I’m always adjusting it.

As far as the aesthetics of the helmet are concerned, it’s always going to come down to individual preference. But this trend back towards Stack Hats is still yet to grow on me. I did chuckle when I put the helmet on for the first time and looked in the mirror, but I think it’s definitely one of the better-looking aero helmets out there.

Pricing:

EUR €250
GBP £200
USD $360
AUD $360
YEN ¥ 35,000 tax inc.

Weight: 270g
Colour options: Red/Black/White All Shine
Sizes: M (48-58 cm) and L (59-62 cm)
Available from:

Europe: December 2013
USA & AUS: January 2014

WRAP-UP

Innovative

As far as aero helmets go, this has to be one of the better looking ones on the market, but I'm still coming to terms with them. The Infinity's ability to go from an aero helmet to a regular ventelated helmet by adjusting the vents makes this an appealling choice for those in the market for a new stack hat. It's extremely comfortable, light and innovative. Pricing:  EUR €250,  GBP £200 , USD $360 , AUD $360 , YEN ¥35.000 tax inc. Weight  270g

GOOD STUFF

Open/closing vent is innovative and functions well
Extremely comfortable, light, and good quality construction

BAD STUFF

Rear velcro adjustment would function better using a dial
The aesthetics of aero helmets are not my cup of tea, but getting better

CTECH RATING

8.5

Performance

8.0

Presentation

4.0

Fit/Comfort

10.0

Design

9.0

WANT IT

Ghost

So by “Kask sent on over for testing” Do you mean they actually did, or you just borrowed one from team sky for the afternoon?
- http://www.cyclingTipsBlog.com cyclingTips
  
  I have a new one sitting right here. I assume I get to keep it and ride the TdF with Sky ;-)
Ian

Thanks for the review, Wade. Suffering from ‘larger head syndrome’, I reckon my wife and kids would laugh for a week if I put one those on my head. As you say, some nice innovation, but that rear adjustment looks poor compared to the twist lock mechanisms we’ve become used to.

Colour scheme of the helmet matches the CT kit very well - looking forward to the launch of the new kit ;)
Robert Merkel

Interesting review, and looks like an interesting helmet - the choice between aero and vented in the one helmet is appealing.

However, the assumption that “my feeling is that any aerodynamic advantage is going to be negated in many ways” - and it’s a common one - bothers me.

Yes, drafting reduces your aerodynamic drag. But it doesn’t make it go away. Even at a relatively modest speed like 35 km/h, if you’re drafting on flat ground 75% of your power is going to pushing air out of the way rather than rolling resistance. So you’ll still save energy - not a lot, but some - from an aero helmet in a pack.

And flat road races are ultimately decided by times where people’s noses and helmets are in the wind - selections in crosswinds, breakaways, and sprints. Yes, there are lots of other factors that influence the result in these situations, but going faster for a given amount of power will help in all of them. If it makes no difference, why bother slamming that stem, for instance?
- PeterC
  
  You slam the stem because it looks cool :) ….something an aero helmet will never be accused of
  - donncha
    
    Pfft! It’s all about performance. It’s the name of the game.
    - JimmyMatamata
      
      I pump up my tyres and I oil my chain?
Nath

Given this seems to be made of several different parts, will it meet the UCI standards. I thought the clipon covers were banned because they weren’t ‘one piece’ construction.
quamen

While I love the Kask Bambino, I think I prefer the look of the new Specialized Evade (http://www.specialized.com/us/en/ftr/helmets/road-helmets/sworks-evade) to the Kask Infinity.
Steve

Definitely a wtf were we thinking moment in 10 years time!
Hamish Moffatt

$360??! It would have to include airbags for that price.
Andy B

One of the better looking aero helmets i think, price is a bit steep though
http://davidjohnstone.net/ David

“As far as aero helmets go, this has to be one of the better looking ones on the market” and it still gets a 4 out of 10 for presentation. I think I know what you think about aero helmets.
GH10

All these aero helmets look as bad as each other. I haven’t seen a good one yet.

Instead of the UCI banning wheels over 65mm depth next year they should have banned aero helmets.
Notso Swift

I agree, it is the best looking one

Reasonable Concern over the velcro closure, you say “Of course, these will have to go through standards testing, so they will certify the safety element”

I don’t know the exact tests but videos I have seen basically is a helmet with a weighted head dropping on to various objects to destruction (flat/rounded/angle) then inspected and probably with G sensors measuring impact absorption. It is a controlled fall… when I have fallen of my bike it is anything BUT controlled!
So just because it passes a test you would still want to be sure of its security
- http://byke.com.au/ Byke
  
  Bicycling magazine recently published a long article and interesting about helmet design and safety testing. It discusses brain injuries caused by head rotation, and suggests that the lack of advancements in helmet safety are due in no small part to the basic safety standards testing procedures not having been modified in decades.
xrider3464

….makes you look like this or this (depending wether you’re a 70’s or 80’s kid!) :-)
- MartyP
  
  Yep Devo - they “whip it good!!’
Tom W

Specialised have the aero helmet launched today too (Evade), Having seen both now, I have a feeling the specialised will be more popular…
Tim Wardens

What a horrible looking helmet and that too for $360????