Catlike Cloud 352 – First Look

While Catlike introduced the Cloud 352 in March, we didn’t get our first actual look at it until last week. And we have to admit that we were pretty excited about it. The 352 was designed to achieve that perfect harmony between aerodynamics and ventilation. As Catlike tells us: the Cloud 352 was created for triathletes and cyclists who seek to maximize their performance while gaining superior aerodynamics, all without sacrificing excellent ventilation.

Cloud 352-Black-White-Red-Brethable Reticulated Shell

The Catlike Cloud 352

The 352 starts with Catlike’s “Dual AEROSystem” technology that allows it to adapt to the environment thanks to two interchangeable shells (changed via the removal of two screws). The first shell was developed by Catlike after researching to determine what ventilation pattern was the most aerodynamic. As a result, they created the “Breathable Reticulated Shell” with a total of 352 holes throughout that enables constant airflow, providing exceptional reticular aerodynamics. According to Catlike, that makes the Cloud 352 one of the most ventilated helmets in the world.

Preproduction Cloud 352

Preproduction Cloud 352

For those looking to maximize the aero – there is the VeloDrom shell. The VeloDrom shell has a completely smooth surface (not one single hole, let alone 352 of them). This shell is also designed to give extra protection to cyclists in bad weather conditions, as it ensures protection against rain.

Preproduction Cloud 352

Preproduction Cloud 352

While the VeloDrom shell is not as ventilated as the Breathable shell, the ventilation of the VeloDrom shell is still quite good, thanks to the Dual Flow technology that allows airflow through the channels that are created between the holes placed in the front and rear.

Preproduction Cloud 352

Preproduction Cloud 352

The Cloud 352 also incorporates a new strap divider system that allows for easy adjustments in just one movement.

Preproduction Cloud 352

Preproduction Cloud 352

And to improve rider safety at night and in low light conditions, the Cloud 352 also features reflective stickers for high visibility

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The Cloud 352 should be available at the end of summer for $250 USD. It will be available in small (54-56 cm), medium (57-59 cm), and large (60-62 cm) and in five colors – White-Fluorescent Yellow, White-Grey, White-Black-Fluorescent Yellow, Black-White-Red, and Black-Red-White.

Cloud 352 Range

Our Thoughts

Catlike has gone big into triathlon this year with both the Cloud 352 and Rapid Tri. While the bolt-on shell design seems more complex at first glance than some of the other options on the market, it should be lighter than an active aerodynamics design. At $250, the price is in the middle of the aero road helmet category. But being that it doubles as a warm weather road and cold weather classics helmet, the price is right in line with what we’d expect. Only a long-term test (and maybe some comparative wind tunnel analysis) will tell us where the Cloud 352 really stacks up. The good news is that Catlike promised us one to test in the coming months. So keep your eyes peeled, and let us know what questions you have.

4 responses to “Catlike Cloud 352 – First Look

  1. I have been looking into this helmet, the bontrager ballista and the met rivale. Do you have any opinions between these three?

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