Kask says its new Nirvana helmet offers significantly better ventilation than many of the best aero helmets, as well as added protection. He claims the Nirvana is a good option for riders obsessed with aero performance, not only for road racing, but also on the track and in triathlons.
We spotted the new helmet on the heads of Ineos Grenadiers pros, including Filippo Ganna, in pre-season training at the start of 2024, so it took some time for Kask to officially launch the new helmet. At the time, we assumed it was a new Utopia Y, but we’ve been told the two will co-exist.
Kask claims significantly better performance for the Nirvana than the Utopia Y by several criteria.
In its benchmark tests, Kask says the Nirvana was more aero at 45km/h and a range of 0 to 20-degree headwind angles than its Utopia Y, with a 35% drag reduction. This equates, says Kask, to a gain of 7.2 seconds over 20km/h to 50km/h, equivalent to six watts saved.
Nirvana’s earmuffs, which wrap around the top of the earlobes, are claimed to contribute to smooth airflow. They’re similar to those on the also-recently-launched Poc Procen Air semi-enclosed model, which (with a visor, a feature not offered by Nirvana) we found to be the most aero of the 24 helmets in our wind last. Tunnel helmet tests – another trend in helmet design coming?
Unfortunately, the availability of the Nirvana came too late to get into that wind tunnel test, but we’ll try to go back and see how it stacks up against the Procen, S-Works Evade III and others.
Kask says the Nirvana’s aero performance doesn’t come at the expense of ventilation, which it claims has been increased by 19% compared to the Utopia Y, for better thermal comfort for the rider.
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3D printed grill padding
Kask points out that racing speeds are increasing, so aerodynamics are becoming more important than weight. There is also a greater need for protection given the increased potential impact speed.
The Nirvana helmet includes a technology it calls Multipod, as first seen on the Elemento helmet, launched last year.
The Multipod is a 3D printed variant of the helmet’s inner padding, with a hexagonal lattice structure. It is integrated into the helmet and, in the event of an accident, can be collapsed, but can also be cut between the planes to provide additional non-linear impact protection.
Kask claims this increases rotational energy absorption by 10% in its WG11 safety testing protocol.
Kask notes that the Multipod’s impact absorption is the same regardless of impact direction. The mesh structure also has the benefit of increasing Nirvana’s ventilation. There is additional merino wool padding on the front and sides of the helmet to ensure sweat absorption.
Other features of the Kask Nirvana helmet include a faux leather chinstrap, reflective details on the back and a goggle port on the front vents, despite being aerodynamically detrimental. At the back, the helmet uses Kask’s Octofit+ fitting system to ensure a secure fit.
Weights and prices
Kask claims a weight for the Nirvana of 270g in Europe and 290g elsewhere, subject to requirements to meet regional safety standards. As with all its helmets, the Nirvana is made in Italy.
The Nirvana is available in five different colors, including the Cherry Burst orange fade favored by the Ineos Grenadiers pro team. It’s one of three gradient color schemes offered, which are a first for Kask, as his previous helmets have all been one uniform color.
There are only two sizes available, instead of the more normal three, with an M catering for head sizes from 52cm to 58cm and an L for 59cm to 62cm.
Kask’s SRP for the Nirvana helmet is £320 / $400 / €360 / AU$570, rivaling the Elemento.
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