If you watched the Tour de France (and how could you not? It was amazing), you undoubtedly noticed that the INEOS Grenadiers Cycling Team supported a new cool helmet from KASK. The cat is finally out of the bag, and that speedy new Aero helmet is the KASK Nirvana. The Nirvana is a performance-focused design that offers minimal drag and maximum comfort for road, track, and triathlete-focused cycles.
KASK Nirvana – Over the Ears Aero
KASK looked for many ways to make the new Nirvana helmet more aerodynamic. After extensive CFD (computational fluid dynamics) simulations, which measured aerodynamic performance, ventilation, and thermoregulation, they settled on the current shape.
The KASK Nirvana delivers a claimed 35% reduction in aerodynamic drag and a 19% increase in ventilation compared to the best aero helmets in its class. We’re guessing the Trek Ballista, Specialized Evade III, and POC Procen Air (though there are many more).
A unique feature of the KASK Nirvana is that it incorporates ear covers. You read that right: ear covers. The covers allow airflow to be channeled more efficiently around the helmet. Wouldn’t the covers be hot? Yes, but not because KASK uses internal channeling to cool the head and allow air to flow around. The jury is out (until our test helmet arrives) if this works and cools the head. But if it’s anything like the KASK Elemento we tested about a year back, the padding plays a big part.
3D Printed Multipod Padding
Much like the Ememento, the new KASK Nirvana helmet features Multipod technology, which uses 3D-printed internal padding. The padding (in the Elemento) is very comfortable and allows air to pass easily around the inside of the helmet.
It is a mix of firm, supportive, and relatively sweat-resistant. The only problem with the 3D padding in the KASK Elemento was that it started to detach from the helmet later in the season.
The 3D padding also works as a safety slip-style liner. It enables the helmet to withstand linear and rotational impacts and functions better isotropically, meaning it behaves the same way in whichever direction the force is applied.
Merino Wool Padding and Return to Faux Leather
We found sweat retention to be an issue with the KASK Elemento. KASK added Merino wool padding at the front and side of the Nirvana helmet to combat this. Merino wool isn’t just great at absorbing sweat; it also keeps helmet odor to a minimum.
Like the Elemento, the KASK Nirvana uses the KASK OCTOFIT+ adjustment system. The OCTOFIT + uses a vertical sliding motion instead of some helmets’ set-it-and-forget-it style. The retention is a single dial, which is secure and challenging to over-tighten.
Departing from the webbing-style strap of the Elemento, the KASK Nirvana returns to the KASK classics’ classic faux leather strap. The helmet also incorporates a sunglasses port at the front and a reflective graphic at the back for practical use.
What About Safety?
The KASK Nirvana was explicitly designed to go fast, but it’s a helmet, so it must also protect the rider. The KASK Nirvana was designed under the KASK Rotational Impact WG11 Test, an internal testing regime adopted by the company that measures the performance of its helmets against rotational impacts. I’m sure a Virginia Tech report will be coming out soon to verify the safety.
KASK Nirvana Color Options and Pricing
The KASK Nirvana is available in traditional Black or White matte, Cherry Burst, Blueberry Fade, and Ultraviolet—three brand-new colorways featuring graduated shading.
- Weight: 270 grams (size M)
- Sizes: M and L
- Price: EUR 360, GBP 320, USD 400, and AUD 570
