INTERVIEW
While we often see MIPS used in a large majority of helmets, you have pioneered Low Density Layer (LDL) utilising Rheon. How do these technologies address low-G impacts and rotational forces differently? Talk us through how it works? MIPS really taught us about rotational forces and why it is important to reduce their effect. I believe all helmets are too hard. In our testing, we see that if a helmet has lower-density foam, it reduces rotational forces better than any ‘system’ you can add to it. We took 3 different helmets and placed 5 different ‘anti-rotation’ systems in the helmets, including MIPS and Kali ERT. We discovered that all 5 ‘systems’ reduced rotation by pretty much the same amount. They all worked to similar degrees. What made the difference was the density of the foam inside the helmet. The softer the foam, the better the helmet performed. Our conclusion was that a soft layer was better than a plastic layer. The plastic layer is slowing the EPS from crushing linearly, basically making it harder. MIPS is focused on reducing rotational forces, which is important. I believe that too, but not at the expense of linear forces. We need to reduce a broader range of impacts.
If an Oxford stockist could only carry three Kali models to cover the broadest range of UK riders, what would you recommend and why? That is a tough one; every style of riding needs protection, but I do have my favourites. Kali’s roots are in motorcycle and full- face helmets. These are more complex to design and engineer; this is where I spend most of my ride time. That leads me to the Trinity and Invader line. After that, I go for the Cascade… I want to keep going, but that’s three! OK, I have to …. I really like the Maya full face child; increased protection for kids just makes me happy.
Higher price points often get the best tech, but there’s an evident focus on trickle-down safety. How do you ensure that a rider buying an entry-level Kali helmet is getting the same protection-first engineering offered in a higher-priced helmet?
It comes full circle with ‘just try’, you never know where it leads you. We first started with a low-density layer using memory foam; it wasn’t easy to put in a helmet. We then changed materials, I think four times, looking for better solutions. We have settled (for now) on a material that both works (most importantly) and is affordable. Now, every helmet we develop moving forward will have a low-density layer.
Where does environmental responsibility sit within Kali’s future product roadmap? This is very much a case of ‘just try’. We set out to make the most sustainable helmet we could. We used reclaimed ocean plastics, recycled EPS, straps from HDPE water bottles, bamboo fit pads, water-based paints, and recycled PC. I’m
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sure I’m forgetting something. In the end, the cost ended up higher than consumers were willing to pay. What happened is we learned from it, we learned that HDPE water bottle straps are not that expensive, we can put these in other helmets without affecting costs much. We now use that entirely on our urban line and look to expand that beyond. Keep trying!
Since 2019, Oxford Products has been your exclusive UK distributor. How has this partnership allowed Kali to better serve the specific needs and feedback of UK independent bicycle dealers (IBDs)? That’s easy, the people at Oxford know their customers and care about them. They also ride, and they know their products. They are out interacting with retailers and hear firsthand, when they share, I definitely listen.
In your opinion, why should a UK retailer choose to give their limited wall space to Kali over other helmet brands? I understand that it can be easier to put a brand on the wall that is a marketing powerhouse. Products may just walk out the door. Kali is a story that must be told. We care about anyone who rides with our products, and I am personally applicative to those retailers that take the time to talk about safety and technology.
Talk us through the crash replacement policy. How does this program work in tandem with Oxford, and in your opinion, what’s the main benefit for the retailer? Crash replacement started as a way to study real crashed helmets. We have made changes to the designs based on these helmets. We want retailers to know that we stand behind our
products, that we care about their consumers. Oxford lets us know when they have had a crashed helmet,
and we credit them for the replacement. Oxford then coordinates with the retailer. ●
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