Kask says that its new Nirvana helmet provides considerably higher air flow than most of the finest aero helmets, in addition to elevated safety. It claims that the Nirvana is an effective possibility for riders obsessive about aero efficiency, not only for highway racing, but in addition on the observe and in triathlon.
We noticed the brand new helmet on the heads of the Ineos Grenadiers professionals, together with Filippo Ganna, in pre-season coaching in the beginning of 2024, so it is taken some time for Kask to formally launch the brand new helmet. At the time, we postulated that it was a brand new Utopia, however it’s unclear if the Nirvana replaces that helmet or sits alongside it.
Kask does declare considerably higher efficiency for the Nirvana than the Utopia Y throughout a number of standards although.
In its comparative assessments, Kask says that the Nirvana was extra aero at 45km/h and a spread of wind yaw angles from 0 to twenty levels than its Utopia Y, with a 35% drag discount. This equates, Kask says, to a 7.2-second acquire over 20km at 50km/h, equal to 6 watts saved.
Kask claims superior air flow for the Nirvana, regardless of its aero design (Image credit score: Kask)
The Nirvana’s ear covers, which envelop the higher a part of the ear lobes, are claimed to contribute to the smoothed airflow. They’re much like these within the semi-enclosed design of the Poc Procen Air, additionally not too long ago launched, which (with a visor, a characteristic not provided by the Nirvana) we discovered to be probably the most aero of 24 helmets in our latest wind tunnel helmet assessments – one other pattern in helmet design incoming?
Unfortunately, the supply of the Nirvana got here too late to make it into that wind tunnel take a look at, however we’ll endeavour to return and see the way it fares in opposition to the Procen, the S-Works Evade III, and others.
Kask says that the Nirvana’s aero efficiency isn’t on the expense of air flow, which it claims has elevated by 19% over the Utopia Y, for higher thermal consolation for the rider.
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3D printed lattice padding
The Multipod padding is claimed to extend air flow, in addition to impression absorption (Image credit score: Kask)
Kask factors out that racing speeds are growing, so aerodynamics is turning into ever-more necessary than weight. There’s the next want for defense too, given the rise in potential impression velocity.
The Nirvana helmet features a expertise it calls Multipod, as first seen within the Elemento helmet, launched final 12 months.
Multipod is a 3D-printed variant of the helmet’s inside padding, with a hexagonal lattice construction. It’s constructed into the helmet and, within the case of an accident, can collapse however may also shear between planes to supply further non-linear impression safety.
Kask claims that this will increase rotational vitality absorption by 10% in its WG11 security testing protocol.
Kask factors out that Multipod’s impression absorption is identical whatever the route of impression. The lattice construction additionally has the advantage of growing the Nirvana’s air flow. There’s further merino wool padding on the entrance and sides of the helmet to make sure sweat absorption.
Other options of the Kask Nirvana helmet embody a fake leather-based chin strap, reflective particulars on the rear, and an eyewear docking port within the entrance vents, regardless of that being aerodynamically detrimental. At the rear, the helmet makes use of Kask’s Octofit+ becoming system to make sure a safe match.
Weights and costs
Kask reckons that the Nirvana is an effective possibility for time trial, triathlon and observe, not simply highway race use. (Image credit score: Kask)
Kask claims a weight for the Nirvana of 270g in Europe and 290g elsewhere, relying on the necessities to fulfill regional security requirements. As with all its helmets, the Nirvana is made in Italy.
The Nirvana is offered in 5 completely different colors, together with the Cherry Burst orange fade favoured by the Ineos Grenadiers professional staff. It’s considered one of three gradient color schemes provided, that are a primary for Kask, as its earlier helmets have all been a uniform single color.
There are simply two sizes out there, fairly than the extra regular three, with a M catering for head sizes from 52cm to 58cm and an L for 59cm to 62cm.
Kask’s SRP for the Nirvana helmet is £320 / $400 / €360 / AU$570, rivalling the Elemento.
