Originally previewed at Eurobike, we now have more details on California-based Kali Protectives' latest lid, the Interceptor, which is available now.
Founded by Brad Waldron, Kali Protectives has always been a brand that looked at helmets a little differently, trying to go above and beyond when it came to safety, and the new Interceptor is no exception.
On the surface, it has all the hallmarks of a trail helmet, with a goggle-compatible three position visor, plenty of venting and decent rear coverage.
Under the hood, the helmet is a bit more than just EPS foam, using what Kali calls Nano Fusion and a LDL (Low Density Layer).
According to Kali, its Nano Fusion moulding process uses self-healing acrylic foam and carbon nanotubes in the EPS foam liner to reinforce areas identified as common impact areas. Kali also say its Nano Fusion method allows for more energy to be absorbed in a smaller volume of material, meaning it can use less foam to make the lid lighter and more compact.
Kali’s LDL consists of viscoelastic padding, which looks a bit like Lego blocks and in its latest iteration is made from a material called Armourgel.
When Kali was first experimenting with LDL, the brand put a type of vinyl nitrite it called Bumper Fit into its lids. On impact, this Bumper Fit (and now the Armourgel) material hardens and is said to help provide added protection for low-G impacts or subconcussive impacts.
These are hits that fall below the threshold of a typical EPS liner, which we are learning over time can result in premature neurodegeneration. The LDL is made from Armourgel padding and is claimed to reduce rotational impact forces of up to 25 percent and low-g linear forces of up to 30 percent.
As with previous Kali lids, the Interceptor features accessory mounts that are designed to break away in the event of a crash, again in an effort to reduce head injury.
With 24 vents the Interceptor also features Kali’s Supervents where composites are used to reinforce the vents, allowing Kali to make them as big as possible.
It’s not often that we see BOA dials anywhere but shoes, however the Interceptor's retention system uses a BOA and wire in lieu of a traditional ratcheting dial.
Tipping the scales at 360g, the Interceptor is available now and is set to retail for $180. UK and Australian pricing are to be confirmed.