When you one of the most successful helmet designs worn in World Tour racing for several years, especially one with a great look, feel, and function, you have a choice. Retire it, praise it and move on, or turn it into an improved and evolved version that retains essentially the same shape and silhouette that cyclists love. With the Protone, Kask chose the latter option thus moving into Icon status. While low profile styling of the exterior remains the largely the same, as well as the venting port structure, the Protone Icon has seen a redesign of the interior EPS foam channeling and support, a real set of upgrades to the OctoFit retention system that makes it the OctoFit+, while shell utilizes seamless technology, joining the lower and upper parts of the shell to create a refined and super-elegant look.

The Protone Icon has been developed in accordance with the KASK WG11 protocol, which they consider an objective, scientific approach to measuring a helmet design and performance against rotational impacts. Kask has always been committed to creating products that provide both excellent safety and comfort, exceeding requirements set by international standards and norms. Their position is that most helmets tests use rotational impact prevention technologies with headforms that have a higher coefficient of friction than those of the human skull and therefore may not reflect what occurs in some accidents. The company offers a much more detailed explanation of the testing process on their website. The informed construction is composed of several elements. MIT Technology guarantees a higher head safety, with complete polystyrene protection thanks to the polycarbonate layer that covers the shell on the top, on the base ring and on the rear of the helmet- so the foam is not exposed. Internally the perfected fit and sculpting of EPS foam with new internal shaping and integrated design helps to reduce rotational friction. Finally, an innovative inner strengthening frame offers a greater mechanical strength and a better compactness. In case of impact it prevents the helmet from breaking into many pieces, but allows the impact energy to dissipate while still providing some protection around the skull. This can quite important to cyclist, as many cycling crashes involve multiple potential impacts from sliding or other riders.

OctoFit+ brings plenty of upgrades by itself. The new, larger over-injected rubber dial provides improved finger grip and and sits in a new cradle design. The vertical stabilizer has been redesigned for greater overall fit stability while providing a more comfortable fit for riders with longer hair. The ergonomic neck support ensures a fast and secure fit against the back of the head. Helmet safety incorporates many detailed technologies but it only works if the fit and rider comfort ensure a helmet is properly worn and allows the technology to do it's work.

In the venting department, Kask's signature Protone Aero Control design is still in place. The strategically placed 7 (or 8 depending how you define the central zone) massive front vents provide air intake for cooling. These front vents work in tandem with the rear vents to provide heat porting (exhaust ports) which provides hot air release. The air coming in through the front vents cool your head even more effectively and and then travels through the rear vents to release the heat and moisture. Towards the rear of the top of the helmet you will find a small section that is void of vents for improved aerodynamics and you won't miss having vents there.

Finally Kask continues the comfort theme with the hypoallergenic and washable ECO leather chinstrap. This iconic-in-itself feature is extremely comfortable and helps to avoid skin irritation. The use of Tridimensional 3D DRY padding ensures best comfort and performance thanks to a multi-layer open cell construction process, and finally removable, washable Coolmax pads keep you cool in hot weather as well as being absorbent to reduce perspiration rolling down on your glasses or face, and have the benefit of natural quick-drying technology.