KEP ITALIA CROMO 2.0

The Ultimate Guide to Italy's Most Customisable Riding Helmet

Table of Contents

1. What Comes in the Box

2.  Visor Options: Jockey, Standard, and Polo

3.  Customise Your Front and Rear Panels

4.  How to Change Your Panels Yourself

5.  The NFC Chip and the KEP App

6.  Design Your Dream Helmet with the KEP Configurator

7.  Safety Standards and Where the Cromo 2.0 is Approved

8.  How Sizing Works

9.  Accessories: Liners and More

10.  One Helmet, Multiple Disciplines

11.  Caring for Your Cromo 2.0

12.  100% Italian Made

13.  Where to Buy in New Zealand

Everything You Need to Know About the KEP Italia Cromo 2.0

If you have ever found yourself wishing your riding helmet could be as unique as your horse, then you need to meet the KEP Italia Cromo 2.0. Born in northern Italy and built for riders who refuse to compromise on either safety or style, this helmet is in a league of its own. Whether you are competing in the show ring, out on the polo field, or schooling at home, the Cromo 2.0 is one helmet that genuinely does it all.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you buy, from the different shell finishes and chinstrap options to the NFC safety chip tucked inside. Let us get into it.

1. What Comes in the Box

One of the first decisions you will make when choosing your Cromo 2.0 is the shell finish and colour, and it makes more difference than you might think. Not just aesthetically but in terms of what comes packaged with your helmet.

Matte and Shine Shells

The Matte and Shine shell options are the entry point into the Cromo 2.0 range. These helmets come paired with a synthetic leather chinstrap, handcrafted and secured at five points and matches the shell tone. These helmets are packaged in a handy drawstring bag. They are the perfect choice if you want a clean, contemporary look at a slightly more accessible price point, without sacrificing any of the safety or customisation features the Cromo 2.0 is known for.

 

Understanding the Finishes: Shine vs Polish, and Matte vs Textile

It is worth knowing the subtle but important differences between finishes that can look similar at first glance. The Shine finish is achieved through screen printing with a slightly metallic ink prior to molding. It creates a smooth, high-gloss surface that reflects light evenly across the shell. The Polish finish, on the other hand, takes things up a notch with a deeper, more luxurious gloss that is typically applied over a slightly metallic base, giving it a rich, almost mirror-like quality with greater depth and visual weight. 

Think of Shine as sleek and modern, and Polish as bold and glamorous.

On the other side of the spectrum, Matte is exactly what it sounds like: a flat, non-reflective finish with a contemporary, understated look that is very popular for  everyday riding and a clean competition aesthetic. It is achieved by applying matte paint over the Shine version, adding slight opacity to the underlying materials. Textile finishes, however, include three layers of painting: primer, colour and matte finish. This process results in vibrant, deep colours ensuring durability and quality.

Like the glossy versions, think of matter as sleek and modern, and Textile is rich and bold.

All Other Shell Finishes

Step up to any other shell finish, including Polish, Textile, Diamond, Metal, Mica, and more, and your helmet arrives in style. These versions come with a genuine leather chinstrap, hand-stitched and shaped in a single piece for a refined, premium feel. They also come packaged in a proper helmet bag rather than a drawstring, which doubles as useful everyday storage.

💡 In short: Matte and Shine = PU leather chinstrap + drawstring bag. All other finishes = genuine leather chinstrap + helmet bag.

2. Visor Options: Jockey, Standard, and Polo

Every Cromo 2.0 helmet comes with a jockey visor in the box, which turns the helmet into a skullcap, perfect for track work and cross country. But KEP Italia knows that riders have different needs, so they offer a variety of visor styles to choose from.

• Jockey Visor: Included as standard with every Cromo 2.0. Compact, neat, and versatile.

• Cross: A very short visor suitable for cross country.

• Standard Visor: A slightly more substantial brim for added sun protection, perfect for everyday riding and schooling.

• Polo Visor: A wider, flexible brim designed specifically for polo and outdoor use where sun protection is a priority. The polo visor style gives the helmet a bold, distinguished look.

The great news? The visor is part of the Cromo 2.0's interchangeable system, so you can switch between them as you like. More on that in a moment.

3. Customise Your Front and Rear Panels

Here is where the Cromo 2.0 truly sets itself apart from every other helmet on the market. The front and rear panels are completely interchangeable, meaning you can personalise your helmet to match your mood, your horse, your competition colours, or simply your personal style.

KEP Italia offers an extraordinary range of fabric and finish options for these panels. Some standout examples include:

• Galassia/Galaxy: A stunning galaxy-inspired fabric with shimmering, iridescent hues and textures.
• Luminor: A bold, light-reflecting insert that adds a striking, cutting edge style.
• Velvet: Rich, tactile, and undeniably luxurious. Velvet inserts give the helmet a classic, elegant look.
• Glitter: Catch the light at every angle. Glitter inserts are bold, fun, and absolutely show-stopping.
• Star: A sparkle-packed fabric that brings serious dazzle to any arena.
• Milano: A clean, embossed technique with various fabrics including satin, leather, velvet and varying arrangements of Swarovski crystals.
• Nebula: Suede lining, embellished with Swarovski Crystals that creates a unique play of light inspired by a starry sky.
• Metal: A metallic finish with aluminium particles that is sleek, modern, and colour changes under intense light.
• Diamond: A high-gloss, metallic finish that catches light beautifully and gives the helmet a jewel-like sparkle..
• Verona (including the new Verona colourways): A sophisticated woven textile with a refined, textured appearance. The new Verona options introduce fresh colourways to keep things current.

These are just some of the options available. The full range is vast and regularly refreshed, so there is always something new to discover. Both the front and rear panels can be chosen independently, giving you even more combinations to play with.

💡 Want to see all available panel options? Head to the KEP Italia Configurator (more on this below) to browse the full library and build your perfect combination.

4. How to Change Your Panels Yourself

This is one of the most exciting things about the Cromo 2.0: you can swap out your front and rear panels yourself, right at home, in just a few simple steps. No tools required, no need to send your helmet anywhere.

KEP Italia's innovative mechanical interlocking system makes panel changes quick, secure, and satisfying. The same system applies to the visor, meaning you can switch between the jockey, standard, and polo visor just as easily.

Steps to change the front panel:

• Remove the helmet liner
• Remove the visor
• Unscrew the two screws with a small Phillips screwdriver.
• Release the front panel by pulling firmly on one side and then the other.
• To attach a new panel, insert the two hooks on the front panel into the slots, sliding Upwards
• Check the correct positioning of the hooks from the inside
• Refit and tighten the screws
• Reposition the visor and liner

 

5. The NFC Chip and the KEP App

Safety is built into the Cromo 2.0 at every level, including one feature that genuinely could make a difference in an emergency.

Tucked beneath the front panel is an integrated NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. This chip links to the KEP App, where you can store personal and medical information: blood type, emergency contacts, allergies, medications, and anything else a first responder might need.

If you are ever involved in an incident while riding, anyone with a smartphone can simply hold it near the top of your helmet to access your information instantly. No internet connection is required, which is especially important in rural areas.

💡 This is a brilliant feature for riders competing or hacking out alone. It takes minutes to set up and could genuinely save your life. Download the KEP App and get it filled in before your next ride.

6. Design Your Dream Helmet with the KEP Configurator

If you want to build your Cromo 2.0 completely from scratch, KEP Italia's online Configurator is your playground. You can find it at kepitalia.com/en/pages/configurator, and it lets you make every single decision yourself.

From the Configurator you can choose:

• Shell finish and colour
• Front and rear panel fabric and finish
• Visor style and colour
• Grill finish (chrome silver, black, gold, rose, and more)
• KEP logo style and detail
• Chinstrap colour and material

The Configurator gives you a live visual preview of your helmet as you build it, so there are no surprises when it arrives. Once you have finalised your design, you can bring the configuration to us at The Saddlery Store and we will place the order directly with the KEP Italia factory in Italy.

💡 Pro tip: Screenshot your favourite configurations as you go so you can compare different combinations before committing to your final design.

7. Safety Standards and Where the Cromo 2.0 is Approved

No matter how beautiful a helmet looks, safety always comes first. The KEP Italia Cromo 2.0 meets the highest international safety certifications, making it suitable for competition across multiple disciplines around the world.

Certifications include:

• CE VG1 01.040 2014-12: The European standard for equestrian helmets, required for competition across Europe.
• ASTM F1163-15: The American Society for Testing and Materials standard, recognised in the United States and many other countries.
• Other international certifications as applicable by market.

These certifications mean the Cromo 2.0 is approved for use at FEI-affiliated competitions, national competitions in New Zealand, and competitions governed by equestrian bodies across Australia, Europe, North America, and beyond.

Inside the helmet, the front grill features an internal protective steel mesh for additional structural integrity. The KEP Air Control System manages airflow through specially designed channels within the polystyrene shell, keeping your head cool without compromising protection.

💡 Always check with your specific competition body regarding their current helmet approval lists, as requirements can vary and are updated periodically.

8. How Sizing Works

KEP Italia helmets are available in two shell sizes: Medium (M) and Large (L). Each shell accommodates four to five interchangeable liner sizes, giving you a precise fit anywhere from 51 cm to 62 cm head circumference.

Here is how to measure yourself for a KEP helmet:

• Use a soft tape measure and wrap it around your head, approximately 2 to 3 cm above your eyebrows, where the helmet will sit.
• Make a note of the measurement in centimetres.
• Select the shell size that covers your measurement (M or L), then choose the liner that gives you a snug but comfortable fit.

KEP Italia also offers liners in two head shape variations: oval and narrow. This is a really thoughtful detail that makes a significant difference to how the helmet sits and how comfortable it feels over time. Not sure which shape your head is? A quick check with a friend or in a mirror will usually tell you whether your head is more circular from above (oval/round) or longer front-to-back (narrow).

💡 The interchangeable liner system also makes the Cromo 2.0 a smart investment for growing younger riders. You can simply swap to the next liner size as they grow, without needing to replace the entire helmet.

9. Accessories: Liners and More

The Cromo 2.0 is designed with year-round comfort in mind, and KEP Italia offers a range of accessories to help you get the most from your helmet regardless of the season.

Summer and Winter Liners

The Cromo 2.0 liner comes in 12 sizes: 51 to 58 for the Medium shell, and 59 to 62 for the Large shell. It removes and reattaches easily, and can be hand or machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius. A handy tip is to keep two sizes on hand, whether you ride with your hair up or down, or for growing children who can simply move up a size without needing a new helmet. The liner is also made from 100% recycled materials using KEP Italia's Greensoul technology.

For cooler months, a winter liner is available as a separate purchase. This liner provides additional warmth without compromising the fit or safety of the helmet.

Additional liners in different sizes are also available to purchase separately, which is useful if you want a spare or if you are sizing the helmet for a growing rider.

Other accessories to explore include:

• Replacement panel inserts in different fabrics and finishes
• Alternative visors (standard and polo) to expand your styling options
• Replacement chinstraps
• Jockey ear muffs
• Various bags for helmets, boots, storage and travel
• Name plates

💡 Ask us at The Saddlery Store about accessory availability for your specific helmet configuration.

10. One Helmet, Multiple Disciplines

Here is something that makes the Cromo 2.0 genuinely unique: one helmet can transform in seconds to suit completely different riding disciplines, just by swapping a few components.

Have a dressage test to complete? Wear the polo visor with a Galassia or Velvet panel in the matching colour of your tails. Do you have cross country next? Swap to the jockey visor for instant compliance. Got show jumping later? Pop the standard visor on and switch out to a Verona or Milano panel?

Not competing but playing at home or schooling? Use the polo visor for extra sun protection and a panel that suits you and your horse’s colours.

The interchangeable visor and panel system means you are not buying a different helmet for every occasion. You are buying one exceptional helmet that adapts with you.

💡 This is a brilliant selling point for riders who compete across multiple disciplines or want versatility without owning multiple helmets.

11. Caring for Your Cromo 2.0

Your Cromo 2.0 is an investment, and with the right care it will serve you well for years. Here are some straightforward guidelines to keep it in top condition:

• Wipe the outer shell gently with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents, which can damage the finish.

• The inner liner should be removed and washed regularly. Hand wash in cold water or machine wash on a gentle cycle at 30 degrees Celsius. Allow it to air dry fully before replacing.

• To clean the air vents, use low-pressure compressed air or a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt. Ensure the vents remain clear to guarantee proper airflow.

• Avoid leaving your helmet in direct sunlight or in a hot car for extended periods, as heat can degrade the materials over time. This applies to any helmet.

• Do not hang your helmet by the chinstrap, as this can put unnecessary stress on the attachment points.

• Store your helmet in its bag when not in use to protect the shell and inserts from dust and impact.

• If your helmet sustains an impact in a fall, replace it. Even if there is no visible damage, the internal structure may have been compromised. Safety comes first.

For leather chinstraps, a small amount of leather conditioner applied occasionally will keep the strap supple and extend its life. Synthetic chinstraps can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse well to remove all soap residue and allow it to air dry. Regularly check that the retention system works properly and shows no signs of wear.

12. 100% Italian Made

KEP Italia spent over two years developing the Cromo 2.0, refining every component from the shell geometry to the ventilation system to the panel locking mechanism. The result is a helmet that feels as considered as it looks.

When you order a custom Cromo 2.0, your helmet is built specifically for you at the factory and shipped when it is ready. This is not an off-the-shelf product plucked from a warehouse; it is a made-to-order item crafted in Italy with your exact specifications.

💡 Buying a KEP Italia helmet means supporting genuine Italian manufacturing and craftsmanship. There is something special about wearing a helmet that was made just for you, by hand, in Italy.

13. Where to Buy in New Zealand

Ready to get your hands on a KEP Italia Cromo 2.0? We are proud to stock a range of on-hand helmets here at The Saddlery Store, available to try on, purchase, and take home today.

We offer two ways to shop KEP Italia helmets:

• Showroom On-Hand Helmets: Browse our in-stock selection of Cromo 2.0 helmets, available now for immediate purchase. These are perfect if you want to try before you buy or need a helmet sooner rather than later.
• Pre-Order KEP Helmets: Browse our pre-order options, use the KEP Configurator to design your perfect helmet, and we will place the order with the factory in Italy for you.
• Pre-Order Configurator Helmet: Want a fully custom configuration? Jump on the KEP Configurator and design our helmet Then select The Saddlery Store and we’ll take care of the rest!

We also have Afterpay available, so you can spread the cost of your new helmet without the wait.

Visit us in store, shop online, or get in touch if you have any questions about finding the right Cromo 2.0 for you. 

💡 Free shipping on orders over $89. Afterpay available. Browse our on-hand KEP Italia helmets at The Saddlery Store today.

Final Thoughts

Whether you choose an on-hand model or build your dream helmet from scratch using the KEP Configurator, you are investing in something genuinely exceptional.

Shop our current KEP Italia collection at The Saddlery Store, and feel free to get in touch if you need any help finding your perfect fit.