Have you ever walked into a bike shop to buy a helmet? Of course you have. A better question is, have you walked in to a bike shop and been confused by all the options? I have. There’s so much to choose from, in a variety of price ranges, colors, brands…

Today we are looking at the Kask Vertigo. Kask isn’t new to helmet technology. They have been producing some of the safest construction, ski, climbing and cycling helmets for years. Kask is an Italian company with a little over 20 years of experience making helmets, all of which are 100 percent manufactured in Italy. Recently they signed a partnership with Team Sky from the UK. (The Team Sky Vertigo—above right—is my fav color, BTW.) On a more endemic front, Kask has signed Wattie Ink triathletes Lesley Paterson and Heather Jackson, who I believe will be racing in the K.31 Crono helmet ($350) this year. Look for some stellar results from these two women this season.

A little more stylin' than the standard product shots

Kask offers several cycling helmets ranging from $150 to $350. The Vertigo ($299) is the top level helmet in Kask’s road racing lineup, although it’s tough enough to be used for mountain biking as well. I’ve put in 30 hours riding time on the road and 10 hours on the mountain bike in this helmet. At first glance the helmet looks similar to a lot of others in this price range. Loads of air vents, pretty lightweight, lots of colors … but where it truly crushes the competition is in the details. The chin strap is wrapped in leather, the ear straps have reflective ribbing, the brace at the back has gel inserts to cushion your head. The decals are clean and not covering every inch of the helmet like so many other companies. I dig the Kask logo too.

Gel inserts cushion your head

The meat and potatoes

In most helmets I wear a medium (Bell, Giro, Catlike, Specialized, etc). I was told by the Kask representative that the helmets run small. There are only two sizes available in the Vertigo: medium and large. I’m just a hair larger than a medium but, the large was too big. With the back ratchet all the way open, my helmet fits just right.

On first use the gel grippers snagged my hair a bit (another way to get rid of the silver hair anyhoo…) but as soon as I started rolling the helmet stayed in place. I didn’t think about it again until I took it off. The helmet provided adequate air flow though my rats nest which is also a plus. The only thing I did notice a few times was that it was a bit heavier on my head than the other contenders, but that was negated by its styling. I think the biggest advantage to the Kask Vertigo is that not every Joe on the road has one. I fancy parts and accessories that are hard to find or even rare (i.e. my blue 3T faceplate, SyCip frames, custom Oakleys, etc). Go ahead, call me a snob.

Another color option

Would I buy a $300 helmet? Yep. Do I need that helmet for the sporadic type of riding I do? Maybe. I suggest when you walk into the bike shop looking for a new helmet, you’re actually deciding on what’s important to you besides safety. They are all safe and tested. You have to love a company that names a color “Mojito” (above left). Yum. I really like my Vertigo. Wait, why is the room spinning? It’s the Mojito, nevermind.

I can’t wait to get more miles in this helmet, and I’m positive you’ll start seeing them rolling down your local roads and rides.

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Gordon Yeager runs a boutique bicycle mechanic service in the San Diego area. He has 18 years experience in the bicycle industry including neutral support for USA Cycling and Mavic SSC. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and riding his bike as much as he can. Follow him on Twitter, visit his website, and watch for his gear reviews and tips in this monthly column.