KEP Italia Helmets: Your Questions Answered & Myths Busted

KEP Italia Helmets: Your Questions Answered & Myths Busted

When it comes to riding helmets, few brands generate as many questions as KEP Italia. From price assumptions to safety myths and confusion about customisation, riders often hear a lot of opinions — but not always a lot of facts.

So let’s clear the air.

We’re here to answer the most common questions riders ask about KEP helmets, bust persistent myths, and explain why KEP has become a trusted choice for riders at every level, not just the elite.

Are KEP Helmets Affordable?

While KEP is well known for premium, custom helmets, they are competitively priced with their competitors having a similar price range.

KEP also offers accessible entry-level options — most notably the KEP Smart Nova.

The Smart Nova delivers:

• The same certified safety standards as higher-priced KEP models

• Lightweight construction

• Excellent ventilation

• A clean, modern design suitable for everyday riding

• Interchangeable flexible visor

What it doesn’t include is cosmetic customisation like interchangeable panels — which is exactly why it’s more affordable. You’re paying for protection and comfort, not decorative extras. Although, the Smart Nova does offer a glitter option for those wanting a little glam.

Myth busted: KEP helmets are not all high-end luxury items. Riders on a realistic budget can still ride in a certified, Italian-made KEP helmet with Smart Nova helmets starting at a competitive $750.

Do KEP Helmets Prioritise Looks Over Protection?

Absolutely not.
All KEP helmets are built around internationally recognised safety certifications, including:

• ASTM F1163-23 / SEI
  The SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) certification is internationally recognized as a symbol of reliability and safety. The SEI mark ensures that every certified KEP Italia helmet meets the strict ASTM F1163-23 standards, with ongoing inspections conducted even at the company itself. This certification confirms not only the high construction quality of our helmets but also the complete traceability of every single product, offering the wearer maximum safety in every situation.

• ISO 9001
  ISO 9001 certification demonstrates that the company’s operations meet the minimum requirements set by regulations, giving end customers full confidence in the quality of KEP Italia riding helmets and the traceability of the entire supply chain.

• CE EN1384:2023
  Europe: CE EN1384:2023, replacing previous VG1 01.040 2014-12 and EN1384:2017 standards. The new EN 1384:2023 certification marks a significant step forward, introducing stricter tests and more comprehensive documentation to guarantee superior safety in every aspect.

These certifications require rigorous testing for:

• Impact absorption
  Verifies the helmet’s resistance to blows, such as those caused by a fall or a horse’s kick.

• Penetration Test
  Ensures the shell can protect the head from sharp objects.

• Retention system strength
  Checks that the retention system is strong enough not to break or detach from the helmet in the event of a fall.

• Roll-Off Test
  Ensures the helmet does not fly off during a fall before hitting the ground.

• Crush Resistance Test
  Checks the helmet’s ability to withstand lateral compression.

• Environmental Resistance Test
  Verifies the helmet’s resistance to various environmental conditions, such as extreme temperatures and humidity.

KEP helmets use high-quality composite shells and energy-absorbing internal liners designed to crush on impact, dispersing force away from the rider’s head. 

Make a habit of inspecting your helmet to ensure it remains in optimal condition. Check the outer shell for cracks, dents, or other signs of damage, confirm that the retention system functions correctly, and verify that the internal padding is intact.

We strongly recommend replacing your helmet immediately after any impact, even if no external damage is visible. As a general guideline, helmets should also be replaced every five years with regular use, as materials can degrade over time due to sweat, UV exposure, and environmental factors, reducing their protective performance.

Also! KEP Italia helmets are absolutely safe for children. Each helmet provides the same high level of protection and is carefully designed to suit the proportions and features of different head shapes. All KEP Italia helmets meet and exceed international safety standards, ensuring reliable protection for riders of every age.

This leads us directly to one of the biggest myths…

Do KEP Helmets Break Easily?

You may have seen photos online of KEP helmets cracked or split after a fall — and assumed that meant they failed.

In reality, that visible damage is often evidence that the helmet worked exactly as intended.

Modern riding helmets are designed to:

• Absorb impact by sacrificing their structure

• Reduce the energy transferred to the rider’s brain

Important takeaway:
If a helmet cracks, dents, or breaks during a fall, it has done its job. It should then be replaced — just like any other certified helmet.

What Makes the Cromo 2.0 Special?

The KEP Cromo 2.0 is where safety meets individuality.

At its core, it offers the same protective technology as other KEP helmets — but with one major difference: customisation.

Interchangeable Design

The Cromo 2.0 allows riders to:

• Swap front and rear panels

• Interchangeable visors

• Customise chinstrap, ventilation grills, grids and frame

• Personalise colours, finishes, and materials

This means you can refresh your helmet’s look without replacing the entire helmet — a long-term value that often gets overlooked.

Practical Customisation, Not Just Cosmetic

Customisation isn’t only about style. Riders competing in different disciplines, teams, or sponsorships can adapt their helmet’s appearance without sacrificing fit or safety. Cromo 2.0 helmets allow one rider to use one helmet for multiple disciplines, take the Eventer: They can use a standard or polo visor for their dressage and show jumping rounds, and with the same helmet can remove the visor for cross country.

You can fully customise your Cromo 2.0 through our official customisation services. Adding unauthorised elements such as stickers, paint, or decorations can compromise the helmet’s structural integrity or alter the properties of its materials. Our approved customisation process uses tested techniques and materials that maintain the helmet’s safety and performance.

Myth busted: Custom helmets aren’t “less serious” or “fashion helmets.” The Cromo 2.0’s design flexibility sits on top of the same certified safety structure.

Interchangeable Parts = Less Safe?

Another common concern is that helmets with interchangeable elements or a lot of ventilation must be weaker.

Not true.

The interchangeable components on KEP helmets are external and cosmetic, while the helmet’s protective shell and liner remain intact. All configurations are tested to meet certification standards.

Ventilation features in KEP helmets are integrated during safety testing, so airflow doesn’t reduce protective ability.

Good ventilation makes the helmet more comfortable and wearable — which in turn makes riders more likely to wear it consistently.

The same applies to one of KEP’s most talked-about features…

 

What Are Breakaway Visors?

KEP helmets feature interchangeable, flexible, breakaway visors, designed with safety in mind.

Why a Flexible, Breakaway Visor Matters

In a fall, a rigid visor can:

• Catch on the ground

• Increase rotational force

• Place additional strain on the neck

Breakaway visors are engineered to detach under pressure, reducing the risk of rotational injury.

Why Interchangeable Is a Bonus

Riders can:

• Switch between wide, standard or jockey peaks for any discipline

• Replace a visor after a fall without replacing the helmet (if the helmet itself hasn’t taken impact)

Myth busted: A visor coming off in a fall is not a defect — it’s a safety feature.

When Should You Replace a Helmet?

This is one of the most important — and misunderstood — topics in helmet safety.

Replace Your Helmet If:

• You’ve had any significant fall or impact

• The helmet shows cracks, dents, or crushed areas

• The retention system has been stressed

• The helmet is 5 years old with regular use, even without a fall

Over time, materials degrade due to:

• UV exposure

• Sweat and heat

• Natural breakdown of protective foams

This guidance applies to all helmet brands, not just KEP.

Myth busted: Helmets don’t last forever — and keeping one “because it looks fine” can be a serious safety risk.

What KEP Really Offers Riders

KEP Italia’s reputation is often shaped by high-profile riders and premium designs — but the brand’s real strength lies in choice.

• Smart Nova: Affordable, certified, everyday protection

• Cromo 2.0: Long-term value through customisation

• Carbon E-Light: Strongest helmet made from Carbon Fibre

• Fast Edurance: High ventilation, lower price point

• All models: High ventilation, lightweight comfort, certified safety
  

Whether you’re a leisure rider, a young rider, or a competitive professional, KEP offers helmets that meet you where you are — without compromising on protection.

How to Pick the Perfect KEP Italia Helmet 

Choosing a riding helmet is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as an equestrian — because it’s the gear that protects your most vital part: your head. KEP Italia makes excellent helmets, but picking the right one can feel overwhelming with all the options, features, and sizing details to think about.

Let’s break it down into clear steps so you can confidently choose the best KEP helmet for your riding style, budget, head shape, and needs.

Step 1 — Know Your Riding Style & Goals

Different riders need different helmet features depending on how they ride most.

Ask yourself:
✔ Do I want a helmet just for lessons and hacking?
✔ Or do I plan to show and compete?
✔ What weather conditions do I ride in most?

Your answers will shape which helmet is best.

Step 2 — Understand Safety Standards

Safety should be your first priority.

KEP Italia helmets meet internationally recognised certifications, including:
✔ ASTM/SEI (widely required in U.S. competitions)
✔ CE (European safety approval)
✔ VG1 (modern European equestrian standard)

These certifications ensure the helmet:
✅ Absorbs impact
✅ Protects against penetration
✅ Retention systems stay secure in a fall

Important: Never choose a helmet based on looks or price alone — always check certifications first.

Step 3 — Get the Right Fit

This might be the most critical step.

A helmet that fits poorly is less protective and more uncomfortable — no matter how advanced the technology is.

How to measure your head:

1. Wrap a flexible tape measure around your head just above the eyebrows

2. Find the widest part of your head and measure

3. Use KEP’s size chart to pick your size

Fit checklist:

✔ Helmet sits level on your head (not tipped forward)
✔ Doesn’t tilt or wobble when you shake your head
✔ Snug but not painful
✔ Chin strap sits comfortably under your jaw

KEP liners and pads are also adjustable, so you can fine-tune fit without needing a new helmet.

If the helmet fits well at the front and back, but loose on the sides of your head, you’ll probably need a Narrow Liner instead of the oval liner.

If you’re not sure if you’re a Medium 58 or Large 59, there is an in-between liner available.

Note: If the helmet feels too loose or too tight when trying it on, it’ll likely still feel that way at the barn — helmets don’t break in like shoes.

Step 4 — Choose Based on Features & Budget

KEP offers helmets in different tiers so you can match performance with price.

Entry Level — KEP Fast Endurance 

✔ Excellent safety performance
✔ Lightweight and highly ventilated
✔ From $760 - $840 nzd
✔ Great for trekking, endurance riding, everyday riding

Best for: Riders who want protection, extra ventilation and quality without customisation or premium finishes.

Entry Level — KEP Smart Nova

✔ Excellent safety performance
✔ Lightweight and ventilated
✔ Interchangeable flexible visor
✔ Competitively affordable from $750 - $895 nzd
✔ Great for schooling, lessons, everyday riding

Best for: Riders who want protection and quality with some personalisation options.

Mid / Premium — KEP Cromo 2.0

✔ Excellent safety performance
✔ Interchangeable front and rear panels
✔ Flexible Interchangeable Visor
✔ Lightweight and ventilated
✔ Custom colours and finishes
✔ Special grids, frames or materials
✔ From $950 - $3000+ nzd

Best for: Competitive riders, frequent competitors, people who want personalisation and customisation.

Note: A customisable helmet doesn’t compromise protection. All tested configurations meet safety standards.

Premium — KEP Carbon E-Light Helmets

✔ One of the safest helmets in the world
✔ Available in different styles from Naked, 2 or 3 panel inserts
✔ Carbon Fibre shell
✔ Light with superior strength
✔ Optimal Ventilation
✔ From $1780 - $3500+ nzd

Best for: Competitive riders, track riders, high risk riders, frequent competitors.

Step 5 — Understand Visors

Most KEP helmets use flexible breakaway visors.

Why that matters:

• In a fall, a rigid visor can snag and cause rotational force

• Breakaway visors detach under pressure — reducing strain

• If the visor is damaged in a fall, it can be replaced without replacing the whole helmet

This is a safety feature, not a flaw.

Pick between a jockey visor (skull cap or no visor), a standard visor or a polo (wide brimmed) visor. 

Remember! Cromo 2.0 and Smart Nova helmets provide you with the ability to swap between visor types.

Quick Comparison: KEP Italia Helmet Line-Up

Informed Riders Are Safer Riders

Most myths about KEP helmets come from misunderstandings about how modern helmets work — not from flaws in the helmets themselves.

When you strip away the noise, the facts are clear:

• KEP helmets meet stringent safety standards

• Entry-level options make the brand accessible

• Customisation does not reduce protection

• Visible damage after a fall often means the helmet worked

• Knowing when to replace a helmet is as important as choosing the right one

The best helmet is not the most expensive or the most talked about — it’s the one that fits properly, meets safety standards, and is worn consistently.

And on that front, KEP Italia delivers.