Kask's new “Nirvana” helmet is said to offer significantly better ventilation and enhanced protection than many better aero helmets, and the Nirvana is claimed to be a good choice for riders who care about aero performance not only in road racing, but also in track and triathlon. Nirvana claims it will be a good choice for riders who are concerned about aero performance not only in road racing, but also in track and triathlon.

We witnessed this new helmet on the heads of Ineos Grenadier pros, including Filippo Ganna, in training before the start of the 2024 season. At the time we speculated that it was the new Utopia Y, but we were told that the two existed simultaneously.

Kask claims that Nirvana is significantly better than Utopia Y in several criteria.

In a comparison test, Kask states that at 45 km/h and wind yaw angles from 0 to 20 degrees, the Nirvana has better aero performance than the Utopia Y, with 35% less drag. This equates to a 7.2 second reduction of 20 km at 50 km/h, a savings of 6 watts, according to Cusk.

The Nirvana ear covers are claimed to wrap around the top of the earlobe, helping to smooth airflow. This is similar to the semi-closed design of the recently released Poc Procen Air (with a visor, which Nirvana does not have), which recent wind tunnel helmet tests found to be the most aero of the 24 helmets.

Unfortunately, the Nirvana was acquired too late for wind tunnel testing, but we would like to see another comparison with the Prosen and S-Works Everard III.

According to Kask, the Nirvana's aero performance does not sacrifice breathability, and it offers a 19% improvement over the Utopia Y, improving thermal comfort for the rider.

Kask notes that aerodynamics are increasingly more important than weight as racing speeds have increased. The need for protection is also increasing due to the increase in potential impact velocity.

Nirvana helmets feature a technology called Multipod, which was first used in the Elemento helmet released last year.

The Multipod is a 3D printed pad inside the helmet with a hexagonal grid structure. It is built into the helmet and can collapse in the event of an accident, but can also shear between planes, providing additional non-linear impact protection.

Kask claims in the WG11 safety test protocol that this increases rotational energy absorption by 10%.

Kask notes that the shock absorption of multipods is the same regardless of the direction of impact. The lattice structure also has the added benefit of increasing the ventilation of the Nirvana. Additional merino wool padding on the front and sides of the helmet ensures sweat absorption.

Other features of the Kask Nirvana helmet include a faux-leather chinstrap, reflective details on the rear, and, despite its aerodynamic disadvantages, an eyewear docking port on the front vent. The rear of the helmet features Kask's Octofit+ fitting system for a secure fit.

Kask has set the Nirvana's weight at 270g in Europe and 290g in other regions depending on the requirements to meet local safety standards. Like all helmets, the Nirvana is made in Italy.

The Nirvana is available in five different colors, including Cherry Burst Orange, a favorite of the professional team Ineos Grenadiers. This is one of three gradient colors, a first for Kask, as all previous helmets have been in a single color. [M accommodates head sizes from 52 cm to 58 cm, and L from 59 cm to 62 cm.

Kask's Nirvana helmet has an MSRP of £320/$400/€360/570 Australian dollars, comparable to the Elemento.