Kali Protectives began in 2009 in Morgan Hill, CA and develops helmets for motorcycling as well as bicycling. Its helmets typically attempt to go beyond the established standards for safety. The Interceptor sits as its all-mountain or enduro helmet.
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Kali Interceptor features
- Nano-Fusion technology
- Low-density layer technology
- Boa retention system
- Adjustable visor
- Vents: 24
- Weight: 390 grams
- Two sizes: Small/Medium (55-61cm); Large/X-Large (60-64cm)
Added protection
Kali prides itself on going above and beyond in terms of safety with its Nano-Fusion and Low Density Layer technologies.
Nano-Fusion is an in-molded, multi-density EPS with acrylic self-healing foam and carbon nanotubes. Kali claims that it "dissipates impact energy more efficiently in a smaller volume." The smaller volume of material allows Kali to make lighter weight helmets with a smaller overall profile.
The Low Density Layer (LDL) consists of specially designed viscoelastic padding called Armorgel placed throughout the interior of the helmet. The little green rows of circles look like a Lego. Kali states the LDL reduces rotational impact forces by up to 25% and low-G linear impact forces by up to 30%.
Does this additional tech work? It's impossible for me to say for certain but for the sake of testing (not really) I did take a silly, but actually substantial crash to my helmeted head. The Interceptor stayed put and didn't explode. I did have a headache, but didn't lose consciousness, and was able to get back on the bike and ride two and a half hours back to my house.
Well vented and comfortable fit
The Interceptor features 24 vents and they all do their job very well. Its airflow was on par with other trail lids, and superior to a POC Trabec or TLD A1 helmet.
The fit was adjusted with a Boa dial. Not some similar functioning competitor, but an actual, branded Boa dial. Like everything equipped with a Boa system, it was exceedingly simple to tighten and loosen, and adjustments stayed secure.
While there's no height adjustment for the fit system, the stock fit worked well with my head. And despite only offering two sizes (S/M and L/XL), the former fit both my wife's and my head easily within the Boa dial's adjustment range.
The visor clicks into three positions. Even at the lowest, it was well out of the field of view, and highest was suitable for stashing goggles.
Slipping sunglass arms into the vents could be done but my sunnies never felt securely attached to the helmet enough to ride quickly.
Kali Interceptor bottom line
Does the added Nano-Fusion and LDL technology make the Interceptor a safer helmet? I'm not sure, but they definitely don't lessen the protection. One thing I am sure of is that the adjustment, ventilation, fit and finish is on par with the latest from the big name helmet brands.