If you follow Ibis rider Jeff Kendall-Weed on social media, you might have spotted the ripper riding with a shiny new helmet. Almost perfectly matched to his wheels, that EndurBro blue lid just happens to be the new Kali Maya deep coverage helmet. After first leaking the new design out to the press in Utah, Kali’s new Enduro helmet is ready for action.
All Enduro jokes aside, when it comes to that style of riding there actually is a need for a different level of protection than standard mountain biking. Speeds can be higher, jumps bigger, and as Jeff helps to illustrate to the extremes – bigger risks. For Kali, that has always meant that what goes inside the helmet is just as important as the outer shell. In this case you’ll find Kali’s Composite Fusion Plus under the surfaces with cone shaped multi-density EPS foam in key points and a softer, lower density foam throughout.
While the Maya is very close to the prototypes we were shown, a few things have changed. Details next…
Just like we discovered when we first saw the helmet, the Maya’s shape is designed specifically for improved protection. The sides of the helmet above the temples are without vents to better cushion the blow from side impacts, while the back of the helmet drops down further to protect the back of the head on those overzealous wheelies. That doesn’t mean ventilation was ignored though, as 12 vents hook up with internal channeling to help guide the air in from the front and out the back.
As often happens with new products when we get a sneak peek, a few details have changed. Initially, Kali’s founder Brad Waldron informed us that the Maya would use foam that measured 35g per cubic liter which would have been their lightest foam ever used. For production, the foam density has been bumped up to 70g per cubic liter which is still their lowest foam density ever. That 70g is compared to competitors who often use foam that measures between 100-120g per cubic liter. Lower density foam absorbs more impact, which in Kali’s testing makes a safer helmet but it still has to be strong enough to withstand high energy hits. That’s where the Composite Fusion Plus comes in at the crown of the helmet. Arguably, if you’re going to hit the crown of your head, you’re probably lawn darting yourself at a pretty high rate of speed. In that circumstance you’ll take full advantage of the multi-pronged approach to EPS foam.
The change from 35g to 70g foam does seem to have had an impact on weight, with Brad’s initial projection of 300g now listed at 350g. Compared to our early sample however, 350g is not far off from the 343g we measured.
Studio images c. Brad Holmes Photography
To match up with that Endurbro blue paint job, the Maya has some Enduro certified features at the front of the helmet as well. Using their new FlexyBill visor, the helmet packs in Gopro, Contour, and Light and Motion action camera and light compatibility. Inside you’ll find an antimicrobial liner with bug netting, and an auto height adjust dual closure system to size up the helmet.
In spite of all the features, you’ll still find the Maya on the shelf of your LBS for $100. Available today, or as Kali puts it today-ish (or whenever the California longshoremen strike is resolved).
Highlights:
- 350g Weight
- USA pricing is $100
- Available in size S/M and M/L
- Colors are Matte Black, EnduroBro Blue, and White/Black Duo
Details:
- COMPOSITE FUSION PLUS™ Technology: incorporates cone shaped multi-density EPS foam for improved impact dissipation
- Uses softest density foam in the mountain bike segment, because softer is better
- Break resistant FlexyBill™ visor
- Integrated Camera/Light Mount. Works with GoPro™, Contour™, and Light & Motion™
- Antimicrobial liner with integrated bug netting
- 5 Forward and 7 rearward facing vents, with deep internal channeling for ventilation
- Dual Closure Fit System which auto height adjusts
As for that riding from Jeff Kendal-Weed? Here you go – yes we all wish we could ride like Jeff. Most of it’s showing what a helmet normally does, just tagging along for the ride…but it’s the last few seconds where it doesn’t quite work out, which makes us glad to wear them. Head to our Facebook page for another “blooper”.
