Since its inception in 2004, Italy’s Kask helmet brand has taken several steps toward steeper gravity trails with their Rex half-shell helmet and the Edge goggles from their connected optics brand, Koo. Today they seal the deal with a new lightweight DH-certified, carbon full-face helmet, aptly named the Defender.
Carbon gravity helmets are often nearly as heavy as any more affordable non-carbon version, but the Defender truly cuts the weight, coming in at a reported 750g for a size medium. Typically this lighter weight would accompany a fixed visor position to limit hardware grams and a simplified chin strap, but the defender offers a fully adjustable visor and a DH-approved D-ring strap.
With 18 strategically placed vent holes, the helmet is said to move air through the shell better than the competition, and all of the anti-bacterial padding is removable and washable once riders do manage to sweat it up. According to Kask, the chin bar has “a replaceable foam air filter that allows excellent airflow while guarding against debris and trail dust.” Maybe swap it whenever you change the air filter in your car?
On the protection front, there is no MIPS or similar system inside, and Kask claims that “the MIT Technology, applied to all KASK cycling helmets guarantees a higher level of safety and a complete protection thanks to the polycarbonate layer that covers the shell on the top, on the base ring on the back.”
- Full carbon outer shell
- Lightweight (750g in size M)
- 18 ventilation ports
- Removable cheek padding and liner
- Double D-ring chin strap
- Wide field of vision with adjustable peak
- Replaceable chin guard air filter
- Available in four sizes S-XL
- Four colorways
- Certifications: EN 1078, ASTM F1952
- RRP €500.00 / £470.00 / US$500.00 (Purchase at Competitive Cyclist)
Look for our coming review of the Defender after a few months of testing.
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