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I’ve been using Kask Protone for the last couple of months, and in this review, I share my experience, comparison with other helmets I have used, and much more.
KEY TAKEAWAY
My overall impressions of this helmet are mostly positive. I like the design and the ventilation. It fits me well, also thanks to the adjustable retention system. Although I don’t have any data, Kask claims the Protone is also quite aero. This is probably true, considering it was used by pros (they now ride the Protone Icon). I can honestly recommend it if you are unsure you should buy it. You can buy it here or read the entire article for more info.
NOTE: Kask Protone has been discontinued and replaced by a newer model Protone Icon. All links lead to Icon.
What’s in the Box?
Kask road bike helmets usually come in a white/green or grey/green box without many accessories. I have already worn Kask Mojito, and it came in the same box.
The box only includes the helmet, protective sleeve, and instruction manual.
In the Box
- Helmet
- Protective sleeve
- Manual
Technical Specifications
- Available sizes
- S 19.7-22 in (50-56 cm)
- M 20.5-22.8 in (52-58 cm)
- L 23.2-24.4 in (59-62 cm)
- Claimed weight: 0.51 lb / 230 g (size M)
- Actual weight: 0.5 lb / 227 g (size M)
- Passed WG11 rotational impact test (learn more)
My Experience with the Kask Protone Helmet
Here, I summarize the pros and cons of Kask Protone in depth.
Kask Protone Helmet Pros
- Well-ventilated
- Highly adjustable fit
- A large variety of colors available
- Semi-aero design
- Removable padding
- Leather chin strap
- Decent sunglasses compatibility
Kask Protone Helmet Cons
- Spare padding is not included
- Poorly made transition between outer shells
- Too well-ventilated for winter riding
- No MIPS
Kask Protone Pros in Detail
Kask Protone is one of the best-ventilated helmets on the market. Paradoxically, I find it too well-ventilated for winter riding. When I switched to Kask Protone from my old helmet (Agu Tesero) during winter, my head was freezing.
However, despite its ventilation, its semi-aero design promises great performance even at higher speeds.
The second major advantage is the retention system that is highly adjustable (except for the dial, you can move it up or down and make it narrower or broader – see pictures below). I have a weirdly shaped head, and only some helmets fit me as well as Protone.
Kask helmets offer a unique fit. I used to have Kask Mojito, and it also fitted me well (much better than helmets from Giro, Specialized, or Bell).
Initially, I was not a big fan of Protone’s design, but it started to grow on me. It compliments people of different face shapes and suits women particularly well.
NOTE: Kask introduced Protone Icon in 2022, which has slightly reimagined shapes.
With plenty of colors available, it is easy to choose the one you like which will go along with the rest of your kit.
A few more things worth mentioning:
- The leather chin strap feels solid. I am sure it will last the test of time.
- The helmet is decently compatible with cycling sunglasses. I tried it with Scicon Aeroshell sunglasses, and I can put them inside upside down.
Also available at tredz.co.uk
Kask Protone Cons in Detail
The thing that annoys me the most about helmets is usually the padding. It tends to wear out over time. Unfortunately, Kask Protone doesn’t come with spare padding. It is sold separately, and it is not cheap. It starts at around $15. Fifteen dollars for a few pieces of pads? I find them overpriced.
Another thing I don’t like is the transition between the top and the bottom plastic outer shell. It simply doesn’t look well-made.
One of my friends has the white/red variant of Protone, and it doesn’t look so terrible because of the different colors. But the while color variant looks bad.
Kask Protone Alternatives
If you are looking for a well-ventilated road cycling helmet, one of the Kask Protone alternatives could be:
- Giro Aether
- POC Omne Air Spin
- Bell Z20
- And many more. For inspiration, browse my roundup article on the best road bike helmets.
My Verdict
Overall, I am delighted with Kask Protone. It is a perfect road bike helmet for hot summer days because it is one of the best-ventilated helmets.
However, it is so well-ventilated that I find it unsuitable for winter riding. I also like its high adjustability, so it fits me perfectly.
The only shortcomings I found are a bad transition between the two outer shells and the lack of extra padding in the box.
Additionally, for some people, the absence of MIPS can be a dealbreaker.
Also available at tredz.co.uk
