KEP Helmets Buying Guide

KEP Italia was founded in 2007 in Italy by two women, Lelia Polini and Bianca Collet-Serret, with the aim to research and produce helmets embodying safety, comfort, innovation, and elegance. Since the first prototype, KEP Italia continues to strive toward excellence by verifying the performance and efficiency of every single component during product development and then testing their helmets against rigorous international safety standards. Their innovative spirit aims to keep KEP helmets at the forefront of safety technology without sacrificing style. 100% made and designed in Italy, KEP Italia helmets are meant to represent the best in Italian excellence.

Below is an in-depth look at what makes KEP such a stand-out brand with their ever-evolving line of riding helmets.

Since its inception, KEP Italia has been dedicated to achieving the highest degree of safety and elegance. Their goal is to create a helmet that riders want to wear, both in terms of looking and feeling good, and also being completely trustworthy. While no helmet can guarantee total safety in the event of a fall, a properly constructed one can immensely reduce the risks. The Cromo 2.0 is the first of its kind, with a new integrated microchip under the front insert that can store the rider's health data to be transmitted to first responders to help speed up medical aid.

Safety should not have to come at the cost of style. Designed by fashion masters in Italy, KEP helmets create a classy and elegant profile that looks beautiful no matter which riding arena you enter. The Cromo 2.0 helmets now offer easy customization options that allow riders to explore different looks without the need to commit to an entire helmet. With new changeable visors along with front and rear inserts, riders have a multitude of combinations available to them within one helmet.

All KEP helmets are carefully crafted using only the highest quality materials. These include: laser-perforated steel with light and sturdy honeycomb structures, aluminum, carbon, DDQ stainless steel, and Kevlar. Flexible visors are used to avoid common facial and neck injuries associated with restricted head movement when making contact with the ground. The extended nape provides a greater surface area of protection for the back of the head. Even the helmet strap, a crucial safety piece, has been thoughtfully designed with five secured points and checked for tensile stretch to ensure the helmet remains on the rider's head during a fall.

All KEP Italia designs undergo considerable testing before they hit the market, including but not limited to: shock absorption, penetration, strap resistance, shift, and crush tests. This testing allows them to meet the following certifications:

• CE certification to VG1 01.040 2014-12
• SEI certification to ASTM F1163:2015
• Kite Mark certification to VG1 01.040 2014-12
• IC Mark certification to EN 1384
• Kite Mark certification to PAS05:2011

Check out our guide to riding helmet safety standards for more information.

KEP helmets are the first equestrian helmets to be certified for use on asphalt and with e-bikes, scooters, bicycles, skateboards, and skates.

KEP Italia is dedicated to creating next-level helmets by creating adaptable features that are both beautiful and functional for riders. The following features can be found in all KEP Italia helmet models:

• Polycarbonate shell made using molding system, making it light and very resilient
• Air control system for optimal ventilation, controlling internal temperature and circulating air through special channels in the polystyrene from front to back
  
• Easy-to-adjust chin strap with five attachment points
  
• Internal Coolmax lining is detachable and can be washed by hand in cold water or in the washing machine at 30°C
• Front grille with protective internal steel mesh

KEP's two major helmet lines have a few additional features that set them apart from one another. The Cromo 2.0 helmets have changeable front and rear inserts, allowing the rider to change their helmet's style at any time. They also have a changeable visor to provide either more sun protection with the polo visor, a standard visor for classic show ring style, or a skull cap with the jockey visor edge. The 2.0 has adjustable front vents that can be opened and closed by sliding the KEP logo up or down to adjust the airflow for seasonal comfort.

Watch the Cromo 2.0 tutorial video below to see how to customize your KEP helmet.

The Smart helmets provide all of KEP's stand-out features but do not allow for customization options. This makes them a great option for riders who like a clean, classic look at a slightly lower price point. The Smart also has a fixed ventilation system for riders who know they like having constant airflow. This line of helmets comes in a wide polo visor option or a standard visor option.

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the Cromo 2.0 and the Smart helmets so you can find which KEP is right for you:

A helmet's comfort and safety rely on it being the correct size and shape for the rider. KEP Italia produces helmets with only two sizes of outer shells: medium and large. Each shell can hold eight different size liners in both an oval or long oval shape. This allows riders to adapt their helmet for different hairstyles or cuts that dramatically change hair volume, which can change your helmet fit.

For helpful tips on how to take your helmet measurements, check out our how to fit a helmet guide.

KEP Helmet Size Chart:

Closing Thoughts

When you invest in a KEP Italia helmet, you can rest assured that you are buying into a level of passion and dedication that results in top-of-the-line materials, design, technology, and style! Interested in customizing your KEP? Check out all of the beautiful front inserts and insert sets we have to offer. You can create multiple looks with just one helmet!

For information on keeping your KEP in its best condition, see each helmet's product page for care and maintenance instructions. In the case of damage or impact, KEP recommends you contact them to have the helmet examined before any further use. Please reach out to our customer service team by calling 1 (800) 620-9145 or emailing info@ridingwarehouse.com for assistance with this procedure.

"We can never be sure that we'll reach the absolute best, but we'll certainly never stop striving for it."

- KEP Italia