Kask Protone Icon helmet review - unboxing, fitting, sunglass showdown, weigh-in and first comments

This new-style Kask Protone helmet now has 'Icon' in the product name. With a new “WG11” feature, this is a chance to ride an old favourite - and one of the most popular helmets of recent years. With classic styling, it offers plenty of ventilation, good match with sunglasses, easily removable padding, rear tensioning with easy-to-use positioning to ensure it's positioned just-so for you.
Great helmet...! But I've been reluctant to wear it because... well, it's black and I'm not big on black helmets. Still, it's now unboxed - and compared with other helmets I've used - and ready to wear.
This is the edit of my unboxing, first impressions, sunglass comparison, and fitting... next: I'll ride with it on my head.
- Rob
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Related links:
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[@cielocycling]

Owning both protone models I can tell you that the original one is a bit more “direct” than the newer icon version. The padding on the icon is a bit thicker and I think it's made from merino so it should smell even less. They’re both really great helmets that held up great so far (2y of usage), totally recommend them. And they don't give you this weird bulky look, like almost every other helmet (including POC, Giro, Specialized, MET, etc.) except maybe the ABUS ones do.
I had an issue with my first protone, which let to the outer plastic shell detaching from the foam after a year or so (probably something going on with the glue). Contacted the supplier and after a bit of fuzz Kask then contacted me directly and offered me the newer icon version for no further charge, which I think is a great move from their side. So their costumer service is truly superb. With Kask you will buy some form of security, if anything goes wrong (Paola, if you read this, greetings to Italy from Berlin).
When it comes to fit and everything there's nothing anyone can tell you but your own head in a bike shop where they have the thing in stock, however I can tell you that I bought mine online without trying it on first and I had to size up, although I am a race snake.
Thanks Rob for your great video, I really enjoyed it and look forward to your next one. You were one of the people who inspired me to start my own channel (emphasis on start, as I haven't come far... yet) & spend all my money on MAAP clothing.
Cheers!!

[@ride-media]

Cielo,
Thanks for the comments... good input there. And interesting to note the Kask customers service that you reference.
Just got back from my first ride with the Protone Icon: nice - and ventilation is noticeable... (thankfully, as it's warming up in Sydney).
The strapping happens to suit my head shape, so that's a bonus for me... and it seems "versatile" enough to suit most heads.
Agree about how it sits on the head: not as pronounced as some, but I'm now used to seeing myself in the POC so it doesn't seem as bulbous as when I first started riding that brand of helmet. (Perception after months of use...)
Glad I offer some inspiration. Thanks for letting me know.
- Rob

[@kpj5]

Just got one thank u! ❤

[@17cream]

Protone is the best looking helmet, even after these years. Classic. I find the fit superb and comfortable.

[@lilth501]

The Kask Protone is all I ever wear.
Wonderful fit aggressive styling and recently great colours as well I've got one in green grey and white they look great with all the kits I wear these days

[@troycollett8540]

I have three kask helmets and they are all super comfy

[@boeing700]

Own three previous model protones, and just ordered the icon today. It’s the best helmet I’ve ever owned. Was thinking about adding a MET 3k carbon mips but decided, “why mess with a good thing!”

[@anthonymiller4004]

Hey Rob - nice video. I have the WG11 version - my second protone and really love it. The fit on the head and the straps are perfectly suited to me. I am interested though (having only recently got the WG11 version) what are the differences/improvements of the ICON?

[@Samuel-bu7xr]

Always come back to the Protone for comfort. What's unique about thie 'icon' model?

[@paulbates3545]

What model of Koo sunglasses are you wearing? they look good, but I don't know which ones they are!

[@scottm.5573]

How well does it fit with a cap underneath?

[@patrickoshea9398]

Very few people review the shape of the helmet fit - ie some people have a round head, and some have an oval shaped head. These suit a round shaped head, but don’t suit me as I’m more oval shape - ABUS helmets suit me perfectly.

[@sevelo321]

same here. the original protone was way too wide on the sides for me. Is this Icon same fit? Abus air breaker and gamechanger fit perfectly.

[@diegoeleazar9154]

I read that this have retention problems. How's your helmet holding up?

[@BikeLife154]

I bought the old version of the Protone 5 months ago in an M for under $150. My observations after using it for that time are pretty negative. No adjustment on the straps around the ears. I had to cut the chin strap cus there’s nowhere to tuck the end into so your forced to cut it. I have a pin head and the M is smaller than other brands. Not particularly comfortable. Winter here in Korea now and using this with a thin balaclava is tight! Nothing special in my book and wouldn’t spend money on another Kask helmet unless it was under $50! Love your enthusiasm though!

[@DavidSlattery]

After a month of riding, which do you prefer now? Your POC Ventral Air MIPS or the Protone Icon? Which one feels better quality, better made?

[@johncoates6039]

I got one the other day….my first Kask helmet. The ratcheting part in the helmet feels very loose. If input the helmet on and throw my head back and forth just a bit I can hear it ratchet and the device that sits at the back of the skull will move….is this normal?

[@ride-media]

John, you are twisting the dial to adjust the tension, right? If it's too loose, just twist to tighten it.
If you can hear it, then it's moving and you should feel it. When it's snug, you stop twisting.
And, with this helmet, you can also raise or lower the height - the spot it tightens on your head - to suit your head shape and personal preference, ie. where it's comfortable.

[@johncoates6039]

Not the dial….the long plastic piece that adjusts where the “octofit” rests. I can move it up and down with my pinky finger.

[@evanwilliams4920]

Nice review...cant get over your helmet finger taps every tine you do a helmet review😂
This is the helmet that forced me to try POC and Im so happy I did and now own 2 Ventrals and to Ventral Air....Basically this newer Icon version fit slightly tighter than the original version. Myself being at the very upper limit of a medium on original version, this was no good. Especially since if I dont fit into a given brands size medium, I will not size up due to a bulkier look of size Large. Loved the original Protone, but Kask messed with the size ever so slightly and for me this turned me to POC.....likely for life. Moral of the story, dont fix it if it aint broke.

[@lusamhai289]

58 cm should choose M or L , thanks

[@user-fm2qe1zi2d]

Which country made this brand?

[@valentincretu5497]

Italy

[@OldDavo1950]

Tell us the Price son.

[@fucktheworld1207]

POC helmets are way better.