A New Standard in Mountain Bike Protection
Kali Protectives has introduced the Kru helmet, a full‑face model that fuses the rugged safety of downhill mountain bike helmets with the breathable comfort of trail designs. Inspired by the sleek lines of ice‑hockey helmets, the Kru aims to give riders the protection they expect from a downhill lid while retaining the lightness and airflow of a non‑downhill helmet.
At the heart of the Kru is a continuous 360‑degree titanium chin bar that wraps around the lower face. This integrated structure eliminates weak points and delivers full‑face coverage without the bulk typically associated with dedicated downhill helmets.
Brad Waldron, Kali’s founder and lead engineer, says the idea came from studying ice‑hockey helmets and translating their protective geometry into a mountain‑bike context. “We wanted a helmet that could handle the impacts of aggressive riding yet still let riders breathe on long climbs,” he explains.
The helmet meets and exceeds a suite of safety standards, including CPSC, EN 1078 and ASTM F1952 Downhill certifications. In addition, Kali conducts its own internal impact tests to push the performance envelope beyond baseline requirements.
Lightweight Design and Real‑World Weight
Weighing 650 g in size S/M and 680 g in size L/XL, the Kru is noticeably lighter than many downhill‑specific helmets, such as Bell’s Full‑10. This weight advantage is achieved through careful material selection and the integrated titanium chin bar, which preserves strength while reducing overall mass.
Ventilation is another strong suit. The Kru’s airflow channels are engineered to keep the rider cool during climbs and descents, addressing a common shortcoming of full‑face helmets that can become uncomfortably hot on long ascents.
Priced at £299.99 or $450, the Kru sits in the mid‑range of enduro helmets and undercuts many dedicated downhill models. This price point, combined with its safety credentials, positions it as an attractive option for riders seeking high protection without a premium price tag.
The launch comes at a time when manufacturers such as Troy Lee Designs, Fox and Bell continue to dominate the high‑end market. Kali’s entry adds a fresh alternative that blends design cues from hockey with the functional demands of modern mountain biking.
With its combination of safety, comfort and cost‑effectiveness, the Kru helmet is poised to influence how riders think about full‑face protection, setting a new benchmark for what a trail‑oriented helmet can achieve.