Kask WG11 Impact Protection
Kask created the Rotational Impact WG11 Test to raise helmet safety beyond international standards. It is an independent, scientifically driven testing protocol designed to measure how a helmet performs during rotational impacts, which are a major cause of concussions. WG11 is an invisible layer of protection built into every Kask helmet, giving riders confidence on every ride.
Why WG11 Matters
Traditional helmet standards focus mainly on linear impacts. Rotational forces, however, can be just as dangerous. Kask developed the WG11 protocol to address this gap and to challenge the industry to adopt higher safety expectations. With extensive research and lab testing, Kask ensures that every helmet meets strict performance criteria that go far beyond current global standards.
Moving Towards a Standard
Rotational impact testing is not yet included in formal global standards for cycling, industrial, equestrian, snow sport or climbing helmets. Only recently has the European Union updated the motorcycle helmet standard ECE 22.06 to include rotational impact testing. The Kask Rotational Impact WG11 Test is grounded in the same scientific principles used in this updated motorcycle standard.
Every Kask Helmet Is Tested
Since 2019, every Kask helmet has been tested using the WG11 protocol. All helmets achieve BrIC values below 0.39, far better than the Kask pass or fail threshold of 0.68. A lower BrIC value indicates a lower risk of concussion.
How the WG11 Test Works
- Headform: EN960 with friction coefficient 0.3
- Drop speed: 4.5 meters per second
- Anvil: 45 degree shaped anvil
- Anvil coating: 80 grit oxide abrasive
- Accelerometer: wireless triaxle measuring X, Y and Z axis
- Pass or fail: BrIC value less than 0.68
Drop Test
A helmeted headform is dropped from height to reach an impact velocity of 4.5 meters per second. The angled anvil and abrasive surface simulate a real world crash where the head rotates on impact.
Testing Conditions
The 45 degree anvil coated with 80 grit oxide sandpaper creates a realistic rotational impact scenario. This setup allows the test to measure how well the helmet manages rotational forces.
The Headform
The EN960 headform is used because it is specified in the ECE 22.06 standard and is considered one of the most accurate representations of human head and neck behaviour during impact.
BrIC Value Explained
The BrIC value is a measurement of rotational injury risk. Kask sets a strict pass or fail threshold of less than 0.68. All Kask helmets tested since 2019 have achieved BrIC values below 0.39, offering a significantly lower risk of concussion.
Committed to Performance
The Kask Rotational Impact WG11 Test ensures that every rider benefits from advanced protection. Kask continues to push safety performance forward, combining scientific research, innovative materials and rigorous testing to help riders get home safely.
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How WG11 Compares to MIPS
WG11 and MIPS share the same goal: reducing the rotational forces that can cause concussions during a crash. Both approaches recognise that real world impacts involve rotation as well as direct linear force, and both systems are designed to manage that rotational energy before it reaches the brain.
The difference is in how the protection is achieved. MIPS uses a low friction slip layer inside the helmet that allows a small amount of movement between the head and the outer shell during an angled impact. This controlled movement helps redirect rotational energy.
WG11 takes a different approach. Instead of adding a slip layer, Kask tests the entire helmet using a rotational impact protocol based on the ECE 22.06 motorcycle standard. The focus is on how the helmet structure, padding and materials behave together under rotational load. Technologies such as Multipod and Fluid Carbon 12 are engineered to manage both linear and rotational forces without adding extra layers or altering the fit.
In simple terms, both systems aim to reduce rotational injury risk, but they do it in different ways. MIPS adds a mechanical slip plane, while WG11 evaluates and optimises the helmet as a complete system to achieve low BrIC values. The result is the same objective: improved protection and reduced concussion risk for the rider.
Kask Cycling Helmets
Kask helmets are built on a simple idea: your safety is in our nature. Born in Italy and shaped by the mountains, forests and rugged landscapes that inspire athletes, Kask has been creating high performance helmets since 2004. Every model blends advanced protection, premium materials and unmistakable Italian design, giving riders confidence on every ride.
From the versatile Sintesi to the iconic Mojito 3 and the pro level Elemento, Kask helmets are engineered to deliver comfort, ventilation and safety in all conditions. Whether you ride road, gravel, cyclocross or mixed terrain, there is a Kask helmet designed to match your style and ambition.
Kask is driven by continuous innovation. The brand invests heavily in research and development to raise safety standards and refine helmet performance. Technologies such as Fluid Carbon 12, Multipod padding and the WG11 rotational impact test demonstrate Kask’s commitment to protecting riders with science backed solutions.
Comfort, safety and design form the foundation of the Kask CSD Project. Every helmet is developed and made in Italy, combining technical expertise with the creativity and craftsmanship that define Italian engineering. The result is a collection of helmets that look as good as they perform, trusted by professional athletes and everyday riders alike.
Across cycling, skiing, mountaineering and industrial safety, Kask products are built to meet the highest standards. For cyclists, this means lightweight construction, precise fit systems, premium padding and aerodynamic shaping that supports performance without compromising protection.
Explore the full range of Kask helmets and find the perfect match for your riding style, from the all round Sintesi to the race focused Elemento and the legendary Mojito 3.
