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Helmets
Kask K-50 helmet Kask K-50 helmet Kask K-50 helmet
Kask K-50 helmet

Kask K-50 helmet

9
by Iwein Dekoninck
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Oct 18, 2010

0
£80.00

VERDICT:

9
10
High quality & comfortable Italian designed helmet at an affordable price
Weight: 
260g
Contact: 
www.kask.it
How we test

At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.

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The K-50 is Kask’s “cheapest” offering in its range of road cycling helmets. You’d be mistaken if you translated cheapest into any kind of compromise on quality though. Weightwise it can certainly hold its head high, coming in 20 grams lighter on my scales than the Kask Vertigo – as used by Team Sky – and as reviewed by us a little while ago.

The K-50 boasts 24 holes to keep your noggin cool – and these do not impact on safety or aerodynamics - at least that’s what Kask say. Those holes are made in a silk-screen processed polycarbonate external shell – which runs along the base of the helmet too - moulded to a compressed polystyrene inner. And nicely finished it looks too – delivering on Kask’s promise of comfort, safety and design.

On to comfort then. Put simply, I haven’t tried any other helmet that fitted as well as this one, or achieved a good fit as quickly. This is all down to the Up-N-Down double pivot strap design, which cradles the back of the head. The straps are easily adjusted with a ratchet dial, or if you are in a hurry you can just press the sides together with your thumb and index finger. Once dialled in, the helmet feels very secure; even without the chin strap you’d have to try very hard to get the helmet to move. There won’t be any self-loosening like you get on some helmets either, it really is a high quality fit. It won’t come as a surprise then that the helmet is rated to European EN 1078 standard.

The chin straps feel really nice and soft. Just like the rear adjustment system, the height adjustment clips work well, and once adjusted stay put. The buckle is the usual nylon affair.

The helmet pads are just the right thickness, feel nice and soft and are made from a silver coloured textile called Sanitized. It has kept the smell at bay so far, but how long that will last is anyone’s guess.

Another nice feature is the non-slip rubber coating on the nape guard. This helps the helmet stay put and reduces the chance of getting your hair stuck in the adjustment system.

The Kask K-50 Evo comes in 2 sizes: M (48-58 cm) and L (59-62 cm) and 5 colour combinations. It comes with a nice bag to store the helmet and proudly that it’s 100% made in Italy.

Verdict

An Italian designed high quality, comfortable helmet at an affordable price.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Kask K-50 helmet

Size tested: M

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The Kask catalogue says "K50 Evo is design and lightness. 24 air intakes, 260 grams and new graphic versions for all cyclists who demand quality and style"

The website says

CHARACTERISTICS

• Silk-screen processed polycarbonate external shell, inner made of polystyrene

• 24 big air intakes

• Reflecting sticker on the rear part of the helmet

• Black strap clips

• “UP’NDOWN TECHNOLOGY” size adjustment system. This system allows size adjustment even with the helmet fastened on the head acting either by turning the screw or in a faster way by pushing the two flaps towards the centre. The nape-guard has non-slip rubber applied in the inner part

• Thermoforming chinstrap in nylon with quick removable buckle, label “100% Made in Italy” and rubber coated flap

• Anti-allergic Coolmax ™ chin pad protection, adjustable in length

• The inner pad in shining silver fabric is treated Sanitized and is adjustable in size

• Size M adjustable 48-58 / XXS-M - Size L adjustable 59-62 / L-XL

• Weight: 260 g

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
10/10
Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Did you enjoy using the product? Very much so

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 32  Height: 1.78m  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: All of them!  My best bike is: Cervelo Dual

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, touring, club rides, fixed/singlespeed, Audax

Kask K-50 helmet
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