Kali Maraka XC Helmet - Review
The Maraka offers stylish looks, well engineered safety features, and a super lightweight design.
Kali Protectives' 268 gram Maraka is designed to fit between the half shell enduro style helmets that are so popular these days and minimalist cross-country lids. Its shell is made with a dual density EPS foam, with a stiffer layer on the helmet's outer perimeter. The inner layer is softer and has been manipulated into cone shapes that are fused into the stiffer outer layer, with the idea being that the cones will help disperse an impact's force in multiple directions, thus lessening the blow to the rider's head. Kali has also added reinforcement to the helmet's structure by incorporating harder plastic supports around its large front vents. And speaking of vents, there are twenty five openings to let air pass through. Internally, the Maraka utilizes the brand's dual closure system, along with pads manufactured out of an absorbent, cross-linked polymer material to both hold your head in place and absorb shock on impacts. A removable visor is easily put on or taken off depending on your goal for the day. Available sizes include extra-small/small, small/medium, and medium/large. Colours include red, blue, and black/white (shown here). MSRP: $189.00 USD. www.kaliprotectives.com
Kali's Supervent system which provides added structural integrity to the largest vents. Out back, a ratchet adjustment system provides quick sizing, although it lacks height adjustability.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | We've been wearing a lot of enduro style helmets lately, both for the increased coverage that some provide and, admittedly, because they seem to be the a hot item over the last year or so. But we found ourselves wanting something a little less hot, literally, after a few weeks of riding in some dry, warm weather, which is where the Maraka came into the picture. Its large forward facing vents allow for ample air flow, far more than any of the latest enduro lids can dream about, and the difference when riding in steamy conditions is night and day. We also appreciate the amount of engineering that Kali has put into the Maraka, and although we did our best to avoid putting it to the test in this regard, it's reassuring to know that Kali has thoroughly tested its design. What about fit? Its shell felt quite neutral to us - not too round and not too oval shaped - although we did note that the lack of a height adjustment for its retention system made fine tuning impossible. So, as with any helmet, be sure to give it a test fit before walking out of the store. Is it a winner? Given that it offers great ventilation and some clever safety features, we'd say so. - Jordan Carr |
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Member since Aug 7, 2013
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What you pay for is some combination of more refined adjustments, extra/better ventilation, aero properties, more plastic coverage of the foam to prevent the little knocks that eat away at it, and lighter weight.
Find a certified helmet and then pick a balance of price and features that works for you.
It took me 30-40 seconds to get to a full stop and take off my helmet..
I'm bald so I had wasp stings all over my head. At that moment I'd have paid $500 for a helmet that would have killed that SOB.
I did get get him, though.
There is no evidence to suggest expensive helmets protect better than cheap ones. Often, the cheaper helmets protect better because they typically have more foam (less vents, heavier), and a rounder shape that allows the head to roll easier. All helmets are certified to a standard. Your time would be better spent lecturing people to wear helmets properly than to spend more.
Trying to get a replacement has been impossible (they've been out of stock for months).
If you can get a good deal it may be worth it, but if you want comfort the Avana model is not right. Kali actually agree/confirmed that the liner on that model is not up to par for a helmet of that price level, however they're not doing anything about it.