Test: The Italian helmet manufacturer KASK is still a comparatively young company, but it is already one of the 'big ones' on the market - not least because the British team from Sky relies on the helmets from northern Italy. With the KASK Vertigo 2.0, we took a close look at one of the top models.
Admittedly, helmets are always a very personal and individual matter. One fits, the other doesn't - but there are some factors, features and properties that allow an objective examination. With the KASK Vertigo 2.0, it is on the one hand its really excellent workmanship and the great feel. The helmet, like the entire KASK range, is designed and produced in Italy and we are really impressed with the result. The helmet simply feels valuable, the thin synthetic leather strap on the chin makes an excellent impression and there is nothing to complain about either inside or outside.
The shell of the helmet is one of the trademarks of the Italians - it consists of three separate polycarbonates - the rear, the bottom and the top - all parts are married together in a special process (KASK calls it Multi In-Mold Technology) and onto the Pressed polystyrene shell. This not only ensures a unique design, but should also improve the durability and shock absorption of the helmet. At 272g (weighed in size L), the Vertigo is by the way not a real lightweight, but remains well below the magical 300g mark.
Now we come to the tricky part of any helmet test: the fit. The good news for us and for KASK was that the Vertigo really did fit our tester like a glove. This is not a matter of course, because the rather oval head shape otherwise makes buying a helmet a rather difficult and time-consuming undertaking, since most other helmets are more tailored to round head shapes. So, dear oval-headed comrades-in-arms: Be sure to check out the Vertigo.
When adapting, the black-green Italian then plays to its full potential. The up & down system, which is also known from other KASK helmets, is a great thing. With just a few simple steps, the helmet can not only be adjusted to the head circumference, but also adjusted in its inclination. The adjustment system not only takes personal preferences into account, but also enormously expands the setting options. The strap at the back of the head has a joint that can be used to vary the angle and height - a non-slip and easy-to-grip adjustment wheel then ensures a firm fit.
Many setting options almost inevitably lead to the setting itself being a bit tedious. That's what happened to us with the KASK Vertigo 2.0 - because at first we made the initially very good fit worse and needed a few minutes again until we found the right balance. The chin strap closes with a conventional buckle, which with a little practice can also be operated with one hand. However, once everything is adjusted, after a few minutes you tend to no longer notice the vertigo on your head - the greatest distinction for a bicycle helmet. The straps on the sides sit comfortably close to the head without being uncomfortable.
The generous ventilation openings - especially on the front - ensure a pleasant climate. We also tested the helmet for a week in the Canary Islands, where we scratched the 25°C mark in the bright sun. The ventilation was very good at all times and even if the sweat was pouring out - the helmet was certainly not to blame. Speaking of sweat: The pads inside are made of special Coolmax material that remains pleasantly odorless even after long days in the saddle. The same applies to the chin strap made of eco-leather.
We had a few problems with the KASK helmet in combination with different glasses. Depending on the model, the previously mentioned adjustment system at the back of the head gets in the way of the temples. For example, the very long brackets of the Oakley Split Jacket bumped into the strap and could only be worn with a lot of patience. On the other hand, we didn't have any problems with the Adidas Evil Eye - the same applies here as with the shape of the helmet itself: it's best to try it out with your own glasses.
Conclusion: The KASK Vertigo 2.0
Testing bicycle helmets is usually not an easy task. The decisive factor for many buyers - the fit - is highly individual. But the KASK Vertigo 2.0 can score here with its up & down adjustment system, even if the helmet shape itself is more accommodating of oval head shapes. Apart from that, the Vertigo convinces with good ventilation, excellent workmanship and an acceptable weight. When it comes to glasses, he is a bit picky – trying them out is the order of the day.
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