KASK Valegro Helmet Review

With its 37 vents, compact design, and featherlight weight, the Kask Valegro has many assets to face the summer heat. Designed to offer maximum ventilation, it also features multiple adjustment systems and a premium finish. All for a reasonable price.

By Pierre-Maxime BRANCHE. Photos: 3bikes.fr and D.R.

The Valegro was specially developed for Team Sky, in close collaboration with all the riders of the British team. We are indeed talking about the former Team Sky because this helmet is not a new product for 2019. It was first worn by Christopher Froome, Michal Kwiatkowski and others during the 2017 Tour de France and has been available to the general public since January 2018. Nearly 18 months later, it still accompanies the riders of the renamed Team Ineos (formerly Sky) and will participate in its third Grand Tour in 29 days.

Hyper-ventilated

Its guiding principle? Ventilation. The Valegro is made for hot weather, when, during intense effort, for example, climbing a pass, the head needs maximum cooling. Of course, it has been wind tunnel tested to optimize its aerodynamics and not hinder progress. The engineers of the Italian brand notably based their design on data obtained from the Bambino (time trial / triathlon) and Infinito (road performance) models to create an “aerodynamic” product, but its main focus remains thermal comfort. This wind tunnel testing was therefore primarily an opportunity to design a profile that promotes airflow both outside and inside the helmet. The result: a very compact shell design with 37 “small” vents distributed over the entire structure, the largest located in the center of the frontal surface. When viewed from the front, side, or back, the impression of hyper-ventilation is undeniable.

Featherlight

A direct consequence of these numerous openings: the weight. Available in three sizes (S, M, and L for head circumferences from 50 to 62 cm) and eight colors (glossy or matte finish), the Valegro in the tested S version (50-56) weighs 186 grams verified by us, instead of the 180 g announced by the brand. Again, a good point in terms of lightness when considering intense effort or summer heat. The construction also contributes to this featherlight weight with In Moulding technology, which features an internal polystyrene shell bonded to a polycarbonate outer shell, a now very classic technique that lightens the scale and offers excellent shock absorption.

Multiple adjustments

For positioning, the Valegro has several adjustment systems. On the one hand, a micrometric tightening dial for occipital retention (Octo Fit). This retention is also height-adjustable thanks to a rod of more than 5 cm with 26 clicks. On the other hand, on each side of the dial, two ear-shaped supports are present and horizontally adjustable via three other clicks. They are positioned at the base of the skull to stabilize the fit regardless of head shape. Finally, there are two independent straps that do not have length adjustment. However, the hypoallergenic and washable eco-leather chinstrap allows for adjusting the length of the tightening under the chin. One can read the inscription “Made in Italy,” an opportunity to specify that this Valegro is entirely manufactured on the other side of the Alps.

Resistex Carbon padding

This beautiful leather finish of the chinstrap contributes to the overall comfort of the Valegro. Inside the structure, there are thermoformed Resistex Carbon padding (antistatic and bacteriostatic) and thermoregulating for moisture transfer. This material is a breathable, quick-drying padding that directs perspiration towards the outer shell to ensure maximum thermal regulation during long efforts. These pads are all positioned in the direction of airflow, thus lengthwise, very narrow, and 5 mm thick. Also for comfort, note the presence of a small pad on the two rear occipital retention supports.

Very compact design

What a beautiful blue! Received in its Light Blue color, the Valegro is very summery. Once this first good impression has passed, one inevitably focuses on its weight. In the hands, it feels very light, especially in this S size.

Simply placed on the head without adjustment and with the Octo Fit dial fully open, its presence is discreet, but one still feels the very compact design, very close to the head, with slight pressure on the sides of the forehead. This is rather pleasant because it gives the impression that it is only a natural extension of the head or, conversely, that it adapts to the shape of the skull. This is also explained by the ergonomics of the two rear supports that delicately surround the occipital area.

A leather chinstrap

In the mirror, and for a narrow face like mine, the mushroom effect is (unfortunately) still a bit present. This impression is reinforced by a very wide shell structure on the sides, above the ears, and also on the front of the forehead. On the other hand, the rounded design at the back is very aesthetic and fits the back of the head well.

Handled in all directions, vents are observed everywhere. There is no area with too much structure. Even the front part just above the eyes has four air inlets. Inside, the pads are indeed all positioned lengthwise and seem at first glance very thin, even though they are already not very thick. The leather chinstrap is super classy and gives the Valegro a very qualitative effect. To adjust it, one simultaneously adjusts the tension of the micrometric dial and its height on the 26 available clicks, which also influence the position of the rear retention supports. Once properly positioned, the length of the chinstrap is adjusted, as the straps themselves do not have an adjustment system.

Excellent retention

During effort, the retention is excellent. The Valegro becomes one with the head; it does not move despite road imperfections, changes in direction, and head movements. The two straps are well adhered to the skin, forming a nice V under the ears. They do not rub and do not feature any plastic material that could cause irritation from friction. Under the chin, the leather chinstrap is most pleasant. Even after several hours in the sun, this leather does not move or irritate.

Thermal balance assured

What about its strong point, ventilation? It is indeed at the expected level. The 37 vents present perfectly play their role. On short rides of 2 hours, long rides of more than 6 hours with climbs, the Valegro did not cause overheating. No heat build-up to note in the May and June temperatures encountered on the French Riviera. The forehead and back of the skull do not experience heating. We won’t talk about coolness, nor do we feel the air currents passing through the inside of the structure (although a little on the top of the skull with speed), but we feel ourselves progressing over the kilometers in a very good thermal balance regardless of the intensity provided.

Pressure points

We can therefore indeed affirm that the Valegro makes you forget it… or almost. In our case, and from the first ride, two pressure points somewhat marred this perfect picture. Despite various adjustments and tension tests, we returned from each of our rides with two marks on the side of the forehead corresponding to the two most forward pads at the front of the structure. No particular discomfort on short rides, but it is more noticeable during long-duration efforts. Repositioning the pads, which were in perfect condition, did not help.

Another peculiarity is that the front of the structure rests solely on these two support points on the forehead. One can therefore slide a little finger behind the shell across the entire width of the forehead. This gap is ideal for airflow to ventilate this entire area. But due to the absence of padding in the horizontal direction, it is also a veritable highway without a protective barrier for drops of perspiration which, when they accumulate, then slide into the eyes. Quite annoying in our case during the first intense heat.

Starting its 3rd Tour de France

Very narrow and 5 mm thick, these long pads are ultimately comfortable, whereas they represented one of our concerns. No other pressure points were felt on the entire head, even after several hours. The same goes for the small layer of foam located on the two rear supports, which effectively cushion contact with the occipital area.

Designed to provide maximum ventilation, the Valegro perfectly fulfills its mission. With its numerous vents, comfort, and adjustment, it will be a perfect companion for your summer rides, making you forget it thanks to its featherlight weight and without breaking the bank with a reasonable price under €200 or slightly above if you opt for one of the matte finishes. With all these assets, it’s no wonder that two years after its release, Team Ineos riders are still preparing to pack it for the Tour de France to face the July temperatures in the Pyrenean and Alpine passes.