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Kali Protectives displays three new models at Interbike

  • Ron 

Kali Protectives expands their helmet line with three new models that are making their debut at Interbike 2015. The DANU is a well vented commuter helmet, while the ROPA and TAVU expand their depth in the road category.

The DANU™ (and it’s sister helmet the DANU Reflective) is a lightweight, ventilated, feature packed commuter helmet designed to be functional and eco-­friendly.

The DANU commuter helmet
The DANU commuter helmet

Commuters love speed and convenience, so the DANU ​​features the patented Fidlock SNAP buckle for fast chin strap closing and opening. Magnets make closing the buckle a one­ handed and nearly automatic procedure. Opening is just as easy and accomplished by sliding the buckle laterally with two fingers. This makes opening and closing the buckle with gloves on exceptionally easy.

To keep things cool on the move, the DANU​ ​features an integrated airflow system with 10 vents and internal air channels. Adjustable pads with an integrated visor provide comfort and added sun protection while the Dial Fit System keeps things in place. The exceedingly low weight, despite the deep coverage design, aids in reducing fatigue without sacrificing protection.

The DANU also utilizes KALI’s reusable and renewable Bio­Dome construction methods. A durable ABS and polycarbonate blended shell is in­molded with a recycled EPS liner, while recycled PET water bottles are used to make the chin straps.

Expanded Visibility

The DANU™ Reflective is unique in that it offers a completely reflective shell, allowing for expanded visibility above and beyond reflective straps or stickers.

The DANU Reflective has crystal­like particles pressed into the polycarbonate sheet before it is vacuum formed into the helmet shape.
The DANU Reflective has crystal­like particles pressed into the polycarbonate sheet before it is vacuum formed into the helmet shape.

To achieve this illuminating effect, crystal­like particles are pressed into the PC sheet before it is vacuum formed into the final helmet shell. The result is a helmet that is more visible, day or night, radiating under the sun, or the beam of a headlight.

Kali’s ROPA™ is their answer to cyclists looking for a lightweight, well ventilated, entry-­level helmet at a reasonable price point of just $65.

KALI's ROPA is a budget-focused road helmet.
KALI’s ROPA is a budget-focused road helmet.

Borrowing elements from the successful PHENOM™, the ROPA offers a sleek, road-­oriented design with 24 vents. The polycarbonate shell is in­-molded to the minimal EPS liner to keep the weight down without compromising safety. Kali’s Micro Fit Closure System provides a secure fit, is height adjustable, and is easily adjusted with one hand.

Highlights:

  • Weight: 250g
  • Available Sizes: S/M, M/L
  • Available Colors: Black/Red, Blue/White, Black/White
  • USA pricing: $65
  • Shipping: Spring 2016

Finally, the new TAVA™ helmet is Kali’s first foray into the top of the line aero road category.

The TAVA features several new technologies that have been in the works for years and borrow much of what Kali has learned from their experiences riding, racing, and testing other helmets in our line.

Tava black grey_Left
The TAVA is Kali’s first foray into the aerodynamic road category.

With the introduction of the MARAKA™ RD in 2012, the first generation of BUMPER FIT™ (their closed cell “memory” foam technology molded directly into the helmet) also made its debut. This foam has three essential jobs: reduce low G impacts, reduce rotational forces, and ensure a killer fit.

With the TAVA, Kali introduces BUMPER FIT™ 2.0, the newest iteration of that proven technology. BUMPER FIT 2.0 consists of specially designed sections of armor gel placed throughout the inside of the helmet. In addition to improving fit and comfort, BUMPER FIT 2.0 expands on the benefits of its predecessor, reducing low G impacts by 12% while at the same time reducing rotational forces by an average of 25%, and over 30% in some cases.

The TAVA also utilizes COMPOSITE FUSION™ Squared an evolution of our proven COMPOSITE FUSION™ Plus technology. With this Squared variation, Kali in­molds special Nano Core foam with cones facing opposing directions, both inwardly and outwardly. This effectively creates dual crumple zones that address the initial impact of the helmet hitting the ground as well as the secondary impact of the rider’s head hitting the inside of the helmet, better managing and redirecting the energy of an impact away and around the rider’s head.

To ensure that they kept the TAVA’s volume down, they implemented Nano Core: a lightweight material that is bound together with nano polymers. This nano material possess superior energy management when compared to EPS, allowing us to incorporate COMPOSITE FUSION Squared construction and protection while maintaining the small helmet volume for which Kali Protectives is known.

Aerodynamically, the TAVA is a helmet that performs well in a zero degree position, but truly excels in varying crosswinds. When compared to four leading competitors, the TAVA reduced drag by an average of 50 grams at a 5 degree offset. This is equivalent to a 1⁄2 second per kilometer, saving 25 seconds in a 50 km race.

Technology:

●  BUMPER FIT™ 2.0 – Builds upon what KALI learned from their original incarnation of BUMPER FIT™, creating a system which helps to reduce low G impacts by 12%, while reducing rotational forces by 25%.
●  COMPOSITE FUSION™ Squared ­ attacks both impacts in the event of a crash. First, your helmet hitting the ground, and second, your head hitting your helmet. With cones facing in opposing directions, Kali is further able to reduce the density of the foam near your head, redirecting the energy away from your head, therefore reducing G forces.
●  Nano Core™ ­ Last year, Kali showed a new material they have been experimenting with called Nano Core. This material is a lightweight nano infused material that dissipates energy more efficiently than EPS. By blending the two materials, we can incorporate COMPOSITE FUSION™ Squared into a more compact package, lowering the overall volume without sacrificing energy management.
●  Boa® Fit System ­ Kali has partnered with Boa® to utilize one of the best closure systems in the industry. Boa® is renowned for its ease of adjustment and dependability. The incorporation of the Boa® system will give the rider unparalleled fit and function in the new TAVA.

Tags: aerodynamic, carbon, commuter, commuters, Headgear, helmet, Interbike, Kali Protectives, Lightweight, racing, safety, technology
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