The KASK Nirvana aero helmet is claimed to save Watts and give you lots of ventilation. A classy looking helmet… but at a price. Our man is Spain, Alastair Hamilton has been lucky enough to get his hands on one. Has it lifted his FTP? Are the Watts flying out? Or is the Nirvana just a comfortable, well ventilated and safe helmet? Here is what he thinks…
Comfortable and super aero
Sez: The KASK Nirvana is at the cutting edge of aero bike helmets. According to KASK “you cut through the air with unparalleled efficiency”. Yes, I’m sure it saves some watts (a claimed 10.4 watts at 60kph), but how it feels, looks, ventilation and the safety involved are points that are more important to me – and if it makes riding easier then that’s a bonus.
Looks good
The first thing you notice about the KASK Nirvana is that the helmet covers the top part of your ears, I would think this would help with aerodynamics, but can you still hear cars coming up behind you? Yes, my hearing is just the same. Does the wind cause any noise in the helmet? No, even into a headwind, there was no air turbulence, noise or discomfort. The way the helmet covers the whole head does give a feeling of full protection, this could be just my feeling, but it is certainly reassuring.
The ear covering is not a problem
KASK also claim that there is more ventilation than other ‘aero’ helmets. There are only four vents at the front of the Nirvana, but they are big, allowing a lot of air to enter the helmet and your head. There is a large rear vent for the air to flow through. I’ve ridden wearing the helmet just under 20ºC and just over 30ºC and on both occasions there was overheating, although I did feel hotter when riding slowly.
Large rear vent
Inside the helmet there is a lot of space between your skull and the top, which seems to let the air pass through, plus the honeycomb 3D printed padding helps with this too. Ventilation has been well thought through with this design and it works well. There is also a reflective strip under the rear vent for night riding.
3D padding
Those 3D printed pads also help with safety. Kask says they improve the performance of the helmet in rotational impacts, they are main cause of diffuse brain injuries. This is what the MIPS system also does, so top marks for safety. The straps at the ears are well placed, although there isn’t any adjustment of the pacing of the straps. The part of the strap under the chin feels like leather and doesn’t chaff and is adjustable.
Leather feel chin strap
The retainer at the back of the head is fully adjustable up and down, similar to most helmets and there is a twist knob to tighten/loosen the grip. There is no padding on the plastic retainer, unlike may other helmets, but I didn’t notice any problems.
Fully adjustable rear retainer
The front padding is very soft, which feels nice on your forehead, but did soak up the sweat. This did stop it running into your eyes, but needed drying out when you got home. The shape of the front of the Nirvana fitted my head shape well, but if you have a narrow head, I would try it first before buying. I weighed the Nirvana and it was slightly bellow the 270grm that KASK claims, but my scales are not the best. The helmet feels light, sign of a good helmet is that you forget you are wearing it after a short time.
Light enough to forget about
The Nirvana fits me well and I tried a few different sunglasses and they didn’t bump against the helmet, even on rough roads. You can put your glasses in the vents, but I found they didn’t all fit. It was also a little tricky to get the glasses inside the helmet and over the straps while riding. It also comes with a protective carrying bag. I tried hard to find something I didn’t like about the Nirvana, but my only criticism would be that it felt a little loose, it wasn’t and it didn’t move about on my head. Maybe it’s just more comfortable than my other helmets.
Look good from the back too
To sum the KASK Nirvana up: It is very well designed and made, but the price is high, as you would expect from a helmet that is made for someone looking for every ‘Minimal Gain’ possible. At first I thought it looked a bit too android like, but it has grown on me, no strange looks going into the cafe. Comfortable and light and we have to believe KASK’s claims of aerodynamics. If you have the money and want an aero helmet, then it could be the one.
I can feel those extra Watts!
As with all helmets, we always advise that you try it on with your glasses for the perfect fit.
What KASK says:
Elevate your training and racing as you cut through the air with unparalleled efficiency. Engineered for the elite Roadie, Triathlete, and Pistard, the Nirvana stands as the pinnacle of racing performance. Every contour is meticulously crafted to cut through the air with minimal resistance. Say goodbye to the trade-off between speed and breathability – the Nirvana delivers both. The strategically placed vents channel air efficiently, keeping you cool and comfortable even during the most intense moments in the saddle. Experience groundbreaking innovation that redefines the standards of aerodynamic excellence, ventilation, and safety.
Engineered for superior aerodynamics and exceptional ventilation, Nirvana offers a remarkable 35% reduction in aerodynamic drag and 19% increase in ventilation compared to the best aero helmets in its class. While setting a new standard for aerodynamic efficiency, Nirvana also ensures optimal thermoregulation and enhanced endurance. The thoughtfully designed eyewear port seamlessly integrates form and function. The proprietary Multipod, KASK’s 3D-printed internal padding, strengthens the helmet against linear and rotational impacts. The Nirvana’s OCTOFIT+ helmet retention system provides a finely tuned fit for enhanced safety and stability, while a reflective graphic at the back boosts rider visibility for added safety on the road. Experience the perfect blend of innovation and performance with Nirvana.
Tech Specs:
Materials
- Inner padding material: Merino wool
- Chinstrap material: Faux Leather
- Shell finish: Matt
If it’s good enough for Tom…
Standard Detail
- Standard: CE / UKCA – EN 1078
Weight
- Weight: 270 GRAM
- Price: €360 EU, $400 US, $570 Australia & £320 GB.
- More info at: www.kask.com
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