Your safety is in our nature. We take care of it

KASK’s R&D Manager, Alessandro Cernicchi, explains how safety, comfort and design come together in every KASK helmet — and why a holistic approach to protection is the key to evolving equestrian safety.

Q: What makes a KASK helmet different from others on the market?

At KASK, we design every element of our helmets ourselves — from the outer shell to the smallest piece of padding. We don’t rely on external suppliers for ideas or innovation; every detail is the result of our own research, engineering, and testing.

We see a helmet as a complete system. It’s never about a single component or a single piece of technology; it’s about how all the elements — shape, materials, fit, ventilation — work together to protect the rider’s head in every situation.

This is what we call a holistic design philosophy. Safety, comfort, and design are not three separate goals — they are deeply connected. A helmet that looks elegant and feels natural to wear will be worn more consistently, and that means better protection overall.

Q: How does the design process begin?

It all starts with an idea — often a sketch that captures how we want the helmet to feel and perform. From there, our designers and engineers collaborate to refine that vision into a working prototype.

Each prototype must deliver three things: protection, comfort, and aesthetic balance. Once we’re happy with the design, we produce all tools and molds in-house and work closely with our network of Italian manufacturing partners. This gives us full control from the first prototype to the final helmet, ensuring consistent precision and quality.

Q: What materials are used and how do they contribute to safety?

The outer shell provides resistance to penetration, while the inner liner absorbs and manages impact energy. For the liner, we use expanded polystyrene (EPS), a lightweight yet remarkably efficient material that plays the most important role in absorbing shock during a fall.

Inside, comfort materials matter too. Our premium paddings use breathable fabrics — and in our premium models, Merino wool, a natural fibre that regulates temperature and resists odour.

Q: How are helmets tested and validated?

All KASK helmets meet international standards such as EN and ASTM, which assess linear impacts, penetration, and mechanical strength. But we also go further with our own WG11 protocol.

WG11 isn’t a technology — it’s a scientific validation method designed to ensure that our helmets do not generate dangerous rotational accelerations during angled impacts. These rotational movements are a key factor in concussions and brain injuries.

We use instrumented headforms to measure BrIC (Brain Injury Criterion), a value that quantifies the likelihood of brain injury. While the acceptable threshold is 0.51 – 50% probability of mild injury – KASK helmets achieve an average BrIC of 0.21 – which corresponds to a 5% probability of mild injury – showing proper resistance to rotational forces.

Q: How do you balance comfort, protection, and design?

A comfortable helmet is a safer helmet. If it feels good to wear, riders will use it properly every time they ride. Comfort also prevents fatigue, especially during long training sessions or competitions.

Our designers work hand in hand with engineers to ensure the helmet’s shape follows the natural lines of the head, distributing weight evenly. Ventilation channels are positioned to maximise airflow without compromising protection, and our adjustment systems are designed to hold the helmet securely without pressure points.

At the same time, we know that style matters. Riders want a helmet that reflects their personality and discipline — something elegant, not industrial. That’s why every KASK helmet is a balance between technical function and timeless design.

Q: How do standards and science influence your design decisions?

We base every decision on data, not trends. Helmet safety standards evolve as scientific knowledge does, and we adapt accordingly. But we’re careful — innovation must be validated before it replaces something that has already been proven to save lives.

Every feature added to a helmet must deliver real value. If it doesn’t improve protection, comfort, or usability, we don’t add it. In our view, unnecessary complexity can be detrimental to safety.

Q: What’s next for helmet design?

We see exciting potential in the development of the new biofidelic headforms — test models that better replicate the behaviour of the human head and brain during impact. This will help us understand injury mechanisms even more precisely and guide future improvements.

We’re also continuing research into sustainable materials and fully recyclable production processes. But our guiding principle remains the same: safety is the core of our business. Every change must improve protection, not just make headlines.

Q: What advice would you give to riders choosing their next helmet?

Every great ride starts in your head — and that’s exactly what we take care of. Choose a helmet that’s been designed and validated as a system, not one that promises miracles through a single “new technology.”

Look for proven safety, verified protocols like WG11, and above all, comfort that encourages you to wear it every time you ride. Style and safety can — and should — go hand in hand. That’s the KASK way.

Every great adventure starts in your head. We take care of it.