Kask K-50 Evo helmet

Kask's K50 Evo helmet is a comfortable, well-shaped lid with plenty of ventilation and a novel cradle that helps it fit a wide range of heads.

I bumped into an old friend at the London Bike Show a while back. Matt was manning a retailer's stand and raving about the way Kask helmets were flying off the shelves faster than they could get them in. "What's special about them?" I asked, my journalistic instincts homing in on just the right question.

"The fit," he said, handing me a helmet to try on.

We wasn't wrong. That helmet was a comfortable, close fit and my subsequent riding experience with the K-50 Evo has confirmed those first impressions.

For the most part, this is a well-executed modern helmet. A thin outer shell protects an expanded polystyrene body. Twenty-four vents let air in and channels carry it over your head before it flows out. A cradle with a dial adjuster grabs the back of your head so it all stays in place.

A couple of features stand the K-50 out from the crowd of similarly-specced helmets. You don't have to use the dial to adjust the fit at the back, you can just pull together the sides of the adjustment slider. That's great if you're wearing winter gloves as it's much easier than trying to turn a dial.

The rear cradle is hinged, a feature Kask labels Up 'n' Down Technology. That allows it to pivot so that it can sit right under your occipital protuberance, the lump on the back of your head. Even with the chin strap unfastened you can do a handstand and the K50 stays put.

Once you're riding, it's easy to forget you have the K50 on. It's a sensible weight, although it's not among the lightest helmets, and its weight is so evenly distributed around your head you don't notice it.

Ventilation is decent, but not outstanding. Better ventilation usually costs more then the K-50's reasonable £85, though.

A soft pad over the chin strap is a welcome feature, helping to absorb sweat and improve comfort.

The Kask K-50 Evo meets the EN 1078 standard for impact absorption and comes in sizes Medium and Large. Our Medium sample is labelled as fitting 48-58cm heads. I'm right on the top of that range and it was spot on.

Conclusion

As far as performance aspects such as weight and ventilation go, the Kask K-50 is exactly what you'd expect of a helmet in this price range. It stands apart because its fit and features are carefully thought-out and in particular the hinged cradle makes for a very snug and secure attachment.

Verdict

Great-fitting helmet with a couple of clever features that help it stand out from the crowd