Kask says the new Nirvana helmet offers significantly better ventilation than many other helmets. best air helmetsIt also has increased protection. The company claims that the Nirvana is a good choice for riders who are obsessed with aerodynamic performance, not only for road racing, but also on the track and in triathlon.
we I spotted the new helmet. On heads Ineos Grenadiers Pros, including: Filippo Gannain pre-season training at the start of 2024, so it took a while for Kask to officially launch the new helmet. At the time, we assumed it was a new Utopia Y, but we were told the two helmets would coexist.
Kask claims that Nirvana’s performance is noticeably better than Utopia and Despite several criteria.
In comparison tests conducted by CASC, it said the Nirvana was more aerodynamic at 45 km/h, with a 0-20 degree wind yaw angle range, than the Utopia Y, with a 35% reduction in drag. That equates to a 7.2-second increase in 20 km/h at 50 km/h, CASC says, which equates to a six-watt saving.
Kask claims the Nirvana’s ventilation is superior, despite its aerodynamic design. (Image credit: Kask)
The Nirvana’s ear cups, which encase the top of the earlobe, are said to help allow for smooth airflow. They’re similar to the semi-closed design of the Nirvana. Little Prussian Airalso recently launched, which we found to be the most aerodynamic of the 24 helmets in our latest roundup (with a visor, a feature Nirvana doesn’t offer). Wind tunnel helmet tests -Is there another trend in helmet design?
Unfortunately, the Nirvana’s availability came too late for it to pass the wind tunnel test, but we’ll try to go back and see how it performs against the Procen, S-Works Evade III, and others.
Kask says the Nirvana’s aerodynamic performance doesn’t come at the expense of ventilation, which the company claims is 19% higher than the Utopia Y, for better thermal comfort for the rider.
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3D printed mesh padding
The Multipod padding is claimed to increase ventilation, as well as shock absorption. (Image credit: Kask)
As racing speeds increase, aerodynamics are becoming more important than weight, Kask points out. There is also a greater need for protection, given the increased potential for collision speeds.
The Nirvana helmet includes a technology called Multipod, as first seen in an item Helmet, launched last year.
The Multipod is a 3D printed version of the helmet’s inner padding, with a hexagonal mesh structure. It is integrated into the helmet and, in the event of an accident, can collapse but can also be cut between planes to provide additional non-linear impact protection.
Kask claims this increases rotational energy absorption by 10% in its WG11 safety test protocol.
Kask points out that the Multipod helmet’s shock absorption is the same regardless of the direction of impact. The mesh construction also has the benefit of increasing the Nirvana’s ventilation. There’s additional merino wool padding in the front and sides of the helmet to ensure sweat absorption.
Other features of the Kask Nirvana helmet include a faux leather chin strap, reflective detailing on the back, and a goggle attachment port in the front vents, though it’s aerodynamically harmfulAt the rear, the helmet uses Kask’s Octofit+ mounting system to ensure a secure fit.
Weights and prices
Kask believes the Nirvana is a good choice for time trials, triathlons and track, not just for road racing. (Image credit: Kask)
Kask claims the Nirvana weighs 270 grams in Europe and 290 grams elsewhere, in accordance with regional safety standards. As with all of its helmets, the Nirvana is made in Italy.
The Nirvana helmet is available in five different colours, including the Cherry Burst orange favoured by the Ineos Grenadiers pro team. It’s one of three gradient colour schemes on offer, and a first for Kask, as all of its previous helmets have been a single, uniform colour.
There are only two sizes available, rather than the more common three, with size M fitting head sizes from 52cm to 58cm, and size L fitting head sizes from 59cm to 62cm.
Kask’s Nirvana helmet is priced at £320 / $400 / €360 / AU$570, competing with the Elemento.
