Kali Helmets 2014 Helmets Revealed

October 4th, 2013 1:06pm

AT this years Interbike we visited with Kali Helmets to find out what has been cooking at the innovative little company. Well to our delight, we found an expanded lineup and a true push for the continued advancement of helmet technology.

Even the graphics are getting better. But graphics don't save your head, fit and technology does and as we said, Kali is loaded with it which is more than we can say for most of the helmet offerings these days.

Some of the technology they are now employing is the NEW Composite Fusion Plus - that improves on the already impressive composite fusion that in-molds the dual densitiy foam fingers to the shell in one process. This is very important because it acutally reduces the impacts and spreads the force of the impact over a greater area - thus reducing concussion possibilities. The new triangulated shapes tested to reduce impact by 25%. I appreciate the fact that the company was honest enough to tell they could not explain it scientifically why it absorbs better, but all the scientific data shows it does, so they went with it and we get the better product for it.

As a desert based rider, weight and venting are everything and the Maraka line up of XC and Road helmets have it all. The SuperVent technology they tout provide both form and function. The huge openings giving you maximum air flow, while the frame structure around the vents that can be seen easily on the black and green helmet are part of internal/external frame work supporting the helmet. It looks great and is functional.

Fit - the most important feature of any helmet - Kali has improved here also. While the DH helmets have always fit my head well, the rest of the line-up didn't. Kali fixed that too as you will see in the video below. The new bumper fit system with a soft dual density foam and dual closure fit system make this THE best fitting helmet on the planet.

Finally - the new DH helmet - the Shiva - has every technology feature Kali makes built into it. The end result is a DOT approved Downhill helmet that weighs less than 1000grams. The weight savings is massive over other helmets and provides DOT level protection as well. I ride an Kali Avatar II and it continues to blow people away with the weight and protection.

In full disclosure, I did a full impact test OTB with my previous Kali helmet and while my body was broken pretty bad, my head wasn't and for that I am truly thankful I had this helmet on.

Am I sponored by Kali? No. Just like you, I am looking for great products period. If they are not the most expensive - even better - which gives Kali another advantage - great price points. Sure you can pay more for a paint job, but the first time it rolls around the shuttle and gets scratched, it won't look so hot. So check out the video and ask your local bike store if you can try one on - you will be amazed.

/center>