Mountain Bike Rider — March 2018

GROUP TEST

KASK REX

£159

SPECIFICATIONWeight: 326g • Sizes: M, L • Contact: velobrands.co.uk

Italian brand Kask is known for its high-
endroadandtrackcyclinghelmets,but
alsousesitsknow-howtomakethis
lightweight Rex trail lid.
Withafairlyroundedprofile,this
extended rear coverage helmet uses
multiple layers of polycarbonate in
the outer shell; something Kask claims
affordsgreatersafety.There’sno
rotational impact protection like MIPS or
Leatt’sturbinetechnology,butthishelps
the20-ventlidbethelightestontestat
326g.Sturdyaluminiumboltsholdthe
snap-in-place two-position visor and
there’sarearplasticlatticeforgoggle
straps and a P.O.V. camera mount.
Fitadjustmentisbywayofasmall
tensioning dial with a precise range
andanindexedratchetalteringthe
rear cradle height. Inside, it’s deep and
spacious,withthickpads,andfeels
properly secure, even when undone.
Thereareonlytwosizes,MandL,but
the Rex tightens around the skull gently
withoutanyhotspots,andtheshape
workswellformostriders.Theexterior
is relatively low-profile too. Big vent
holes and the low weight keep the Kask

reasonably cool during hard efforts,

butthethickerfoampadsgetsoaked

withsweat,soitcangetquiteclammy.

Dryingspeedisonlyaverage,sowe

frequently squeezed out moisture

by pressing the shell into the

forehead to prevent sweat

dripping into eyes.

The Rex is very expensive

andusessomesmallparts

likethelittlerubberisedpadsin

the rear webbing that came

unstuckonourveryfirst

ride. Kask will replace

these for free

if you have

the same

issue,butwealsopeeledoffalittle

Velcro gripper holding the liner pads

when removing to wash them, so there’s

asensetheRexisabitfragilefor

the rough and tumble world of

mountain biking.

LEATT DBX 3.0

£139.99

SPECIFICATIONWeight: 387g • Sizes: S, M, L • Contact: hotlines-uk.com

Leattinitiallymadeitsnameasa

protection brand offering neck braces

formotocrossridersanddownhill

racers. Its latest DBX 3.0 helmet has

18 vents, an

angularprofile and a quality, fully-

wrapped,matt finish that’s very durable.

Hidden inside are some very

innovative features unique to the South

Africanbrand,includingthe10

‘turbines’ that isolate the rider’s

skull. Made out of a shock-

absorbinggel, these circular

shapes form the interface

between helmet and head to

help absorb direct impacts, and

canalsodeflectinrotational

strikes. Essentially, the

flexible spokes on each

gel turbine (and the

structures themselves)

can twist in a

glancing impact

to reduce 40

percentoftherotationalacceleration,

according to Leatt.

These squidgy wheels stand proud of

theinternalfoampadding,butthey’re

soft and comfy, and backed by deep,

cushy moisture-wicking padding, so

there’snopressureorrubbing.Leatt’s

retentiondialhasthreeheightoptions

with precise indexing, and the chinstrap

fastenswithaniftymagneticbuckle,

although this is a bit chunky and doesn’t

offer much in terms of ease of use.

Atfirst,theDBXfeelsabitperched

andtight,butthethickpadsconform

toheadshapequicklyandit’sactually

barely noticeable when riding, with

effectiveventsthatshiftplentyofair

over the scalp. Dual internal channels on

either side of the forehead behind the

narrow,longpeakareespeciallygoodat

keeping the brow cool and minimising

sweatdripping down too.

WhileLeatt’sfocusonsafetyis

commendable, it adds expense and

bulk.TheDBX3.0iswelldialled,but

it’s the heaviest lid on test and wasn’t

an outright favourite in terms of either

ventilation or pure comfort.