While KASK is relatively new to equestrian helmets, they have been making safety helmets for other sports since 2004. Based in Italy, they seek to balance technological features and safety with attractive design in their products. The brand is the choice helmet of several top grand prix show jumpers. Notable brand ambassadors include Jessica Springsteen, who competed in her all-black matte KASK Star Lady at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The Star Lady helmet has a really clean minimal design and the all-black hunter matte model is a nod to traditional hunt caps. Brown leather harnesses are even available to complete the throwback look.
KASK Star Lady Helmet
Overall Rating: A
Price Range: Up to $690 MSRP
Best Price: $449 USD + tax and shipping
Standards: VG1 01.040 2014-12, ASTM F1163 with SEI mark
Weight: 570g (20.1oz or 1.26lbs)
Sizing: Every cm from 50 to 63 cm (shell sizing below)
S/M (51 – 57cm or 20 5/64 - 22 7/16in)
M/L (54 – 59cm or 21 17/64 - 23 15/64in)
L/XL (60 – 63cm or 23 5/8 - 24 51/64in)
Technical Design: A+
The Star Lady has a molded outer shell covered with a special textile material which is waterproof, scratch resistant, and washable. The liner is removable and is 100% merino wool, which has natural antibacterial properties and also adds breathability. The long brim of the Star Lady keeps sun out of the rider’s eyes.
KASK inner shells are designed with the highest standards in safety and made with expanded polystyrene. They feature three levels of densities in order to ensure total shock protection, comfort, and lightness. The attractive front frame of the helmet is a hallmark of KASK design and the helmets are also customizable from various retailers.
Fit: A-
KASK’s FIT System cradles the back of the rider’s head and is intended to improve fit. The back of the helmet has significantly greater protection and coverage than other helmet brands. KASK helmets are best suited to riders with round heads.
If your head is oval shaped, getting fitted in person is essential as you may want to consider sizing up and adding lateral inserts (available from KASK). Also consider if you plan on showing with your hair up, as this helmet’s cradle system does not allow much room for hair if you are fitted with your hair down in a ponytail.
Durability: A-
After a couple months of use, the outer textile material is somewhat challenging to keep clean. It tends to show marks that are not easy to remove with the recommended KASK instructions (water, neutral pH soap, and a soft, clean cloth, and leave it to air dry at room temperature.) The inner liner is very easy to remove and clean by hand or in the washing machine on the delicate cycle with woolite. The faux leather harness is showing no signs of wear after daily use.
Ventilation: A+
The Star Lady is exceptionally breathable with two aeration grids providing airflow and a thin, durable harness that is fully-adjustable. No other helmet on the market has blended excellent ventilation with design in such a well-hidden and attractive way. After an hour of riding on a hot summer day, the airflow helps keep riders feeling fresh.
Weight: A+
At just a hair over 1.25lbs, the Star Lady is one of the lightest large brim helmets on the market. The helmet can be worn for hours at a time, which works well for trainers who like to keep their helmets on while teaching lessons, in case they need to hop on a challenging client horse or are at a show switching between riding in one ring and teaching in another.
Where to buy:
KASK helmets are sold at a variety of tack shops in the U.S., including Riding Warehouse, SmartPak, and Farm House Tack. It is recommended to try your helmet on in person before purchase. TackNRider in Wellington are expert fitters across a variety of helmet brands and supremely knowledgeable and helpful with finding the right helmet for your head. If you have time to spare and want a more customized helmet, HypoStore has a wide variety of in-stock options, including brown chin straps for a traditional look.
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