A new downhill mountain bike helmet is certified under standards put out by the U.S. Department Of Transportation (DOT). This means the helmet, made by Kali Protectives, can do double duty for pedalers and moto-heads.
It’s safe enough to use on motorcycles but light enough for a mountain bike. This gives riders a dual-use product that is also among the lightest and smallest of its kind.
The Kali Shiva has a carbon shell and unique engineering. It weighs a scant 37 ounces, putting it on par with the lightest off-road motorcycle helmets ever made.
That is not light compared with some full-face mountain bike helmets (the Bell Super 2R with MIPS tech weighs 24 ounces), but for those looking for the utmost in downhill protection, the extra ounces are the price for extra protection.
The DOT certification means the helmet holds up to a higher drop test, has a stiffer chin bar, and has passed an additional penetration test.
Beyond being one of the lightest DOT helmets on the market, the company claims it is 30% smaller than the average motocross helmet, a factor that improves safety by reducing rotational forces.
It uses a multi-density EPS liner molded to a carbon fiber shell. Triangular “pyramids” of foam distribute forces laterally in a crash, the company cites, allowing for a lighter-density foam and a thinner shell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vILkuykuaq4
In addition to the obvious benefit of a single helmet designed for two uses, the Kali Shiva has some nice touches. Eight forward-facing vents keep the sweat from getting crazy. An integrated mount holds GoPros, Contour cameras, Light & Motion lights, and other accessories.
The new kind of hard hat does not come cheap. The Kali Shiva is available now for $500.
