Kali Maya - Affordable Half-Shell Enduro Helmet

Jun 17, 2014
by Richard Cunningham  

Kali Maya Helmet 2015

Kali's newest helmet is a deep-coverage design that offers all-mountain protection at weights competitive with XC racing lids.



Kali Protectives used Lifeboat's Press Camp in Park City, Utah, to debut an affordable deep-coverage half-shell helmet targeted at trail riders and North American Enduro racers. The Maya uses Kali's dual-density Composite Fusion Plus EPS liner that is co-molded directly into the shell. The technology, which incorporates profiled spikes that nest between a harder outer EPS layer and a softer inner layer, is reported to transfer impact forces laterally within the liner, and is so effective that it allows the Maya helmet to be made thinner and lighter weight. The Maya's generously-sized visor is molded with a bayonet-style mounting bracket which adapts GoPro cameras and most popular helmet-mounted lamps.

Kali Maya Helmet 2015

The Maya's contemporary lines mirror those of the most popular Euro all-mountain half shell helmets. Large vents spaced well apart and defined goggle strap retention ridges add comfort and utility. The GoPro camera mount on the visor is removable.



The Visor is adjustable with a thumb-wheel, similar to most DH lids. Retention is via a 360-degree band, tensioned by the Dual Closure ratchet system that is used on Kali's top-drawer Maraka XC helmet. Vents are large and placed efectively, so the Maya's contemporary-looking profile remains largely unbroken. In-molding the liner allowes Kali to wrap the shell around and under the edges of the helmet, which gives it a finished look and makes it easier to keep clean. Maya hlemets will be available in matte black as well as two-tone matte black and white, or matte blue and white colorways. Maya helmets pass CPSC and EN1078 standards. Its weight is reported to be only 300 grams and the MSRP is $99 USD. Sizes will be initially offered in small/medium and large/X-large, while the projected delivery date is early Winter, 2014.
Kali Protectives

Kali Maya Helmet 2015

The Maya's simple padding (left) includes a bug screen. Kali's Brad Waldron says that the visor and its thumb-screw hardware are still being finalized. The Dual Closure Fit System moves the pressure points away from the sensitive areas near the back of the head.



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Reviews and Tech First Looks Helmets Kali Protectives


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93 Comments
  • 33 0
 If that is affordable, than the giro feature is pennies.
  • 18 3
 Thats what I was thinking, how is $100 considered affordable? For that I'll spend the extra $50 and get the TLD. Bell and Gyro have similar helmets with better retention systems and more vents for $50-60. Kali makes some ugly ass helmets in the first place, they shouldn't be expensive on top of that.
  • 10 4
 Calm the f*ck down guys, this thing is only $25 more than the Feature. The Feature's MSRP is $75, and you guys obviously are getting it for significantly less, same will happen with this helmet. This thing weighs a tad more than the feature but has a camera mount and a more sophisticated construction.

I actually like that retention system. Some of the wheel-type ones push uncomfortably on the little ridge on the back of my skull.
  • 2 0
 yeah, the retention system on this and the flux is really comfy.
  • 2 0
 Thats good to know because retention system is one of the most important features beyond ventilation. Don't knock the hustle, some of us have tight budgets but need adequate protection. The big issue for me is the increasing heat of driving tru the trails and it always ends up at my dome and eyewear. I run hot always but some people can roll for hours without an issue.
  • 4 1
 this thing looks like a fucking fridge......
  • 28 2
 looks like a flux from behind, so does the rear closure system
  • 7 2
 I dunno why you got neg propped lol i agree. Mine has the same closure system as well
  • 25 1
 Strange, I was thinking it looks like a duck billed platypus. But the Flux is close too
  • 8 3
 one that hasnt eaten for weeks - its ribs are showing on the side...
  • 3 0
 $50-60 is affordable . $100 is just slightly cheaper than the competitor
  • 17 4
 Helmets in general are a f***ing rip-off! And I know they serve an important purpose, before someone pipes up, but that should be all the more reason for them being cheaper. The mark up must be immense.
  • 7 3
 Totally agree. For what they actually are the price is ridiculous.
  • 20 17
 You're right. Its only our grey matter they protect. This helmet is only 1/20th of price of a (cheap) bike, I don't see that as expensive. The mark up probably isn't immense, do you know how expensive standars are? Or r&d and testing for that matter? You can always go and buy a wallmart helmet if this one is too expensive for you, or you can attach straps to a hollowed out watermelon. From my experience, since I owned both low budget and high end helmets, there is a substantial difference between them. Are you willing to risk a serious injury, heartache for you family and possibly enormous medical bills because you cheaped out on a helmet? Thats a definite no in my book. Don't be a fool.
  • 9 8
 enduro specific thats why
  • 4 2
 Err not at all mate you have taken the comments in the wrong context. Just because a helmet is expensive doesn't mean it's going to protect your head any better. I have run Fox rampage helmets for years which are £99. They have passed more safety tests than helmets twice the price.
  • 5 0
 @krsh - You piped up!
  • 3 3
 It's R & D that makes these things expensive, not the material.... This is a decent price, since they are using other companies look and design they can probably offer it a this much lower price
  • 1 2
 There's WalMart in Slovenia? Or are you suggesting that HE could go to WalMart, and the "low budget" helmet that you used in the past was in fact the hollowed out watermelon that you referenced?
  • 2 0
 If I am not mistaken we dont even pay VAT on helmets.
  • 7 1
 Helmets are cheap to make, that's why there are so many helmet manufacturers.They know that they'll be loads of idiots who'll fall for the slick marketing fonts and that it's designed for some kind of 'specific' riding. Those people (100% with no clue how they are made or what from) always say 'but what price my head?' When they are sporting a plastic coated piece of polystyrene fashion statement that cost 75 cents to make in China.

One born every minute.

If you think spending more gives you better protection HOW?
  • 1 0
 Simply my friend, because say enduro is super 'IN' if kalhi say helmet for xtrail sales down to half. LOL
  • 1 0
 Buy a helmet on fit then style.
  • 1 1
 I got my 661 comp for free at y shop for selling the owners bike Razz i have never spent a penny on head protection
  • 1 0
 Head are the most heavy part of human body at the most hight: in a crash can have a lot of speed; and usually allways go to the floor for his heavy composition. and in a bad crash you can lost your "hard drive" 4 ever. Cheap helmet are bether than a nice cap LOL.
  • 1 0
 You sure about that? I swear my c**k is heavier than my head lol. Do they do C**kmets to protect it ;-)
  • 1 0
 Probably your C***ck are more heavy than your head; but im sure if you dont protect your C***ck you can have more serius problems than a big crash. Protect to all of resist consecuences are th gold rule.
  • 11 1
 Got a Gero feature.. Fully tested on several occasions... Works quite well.
  • 2 4
 But the Feature has absolutely terrible ventilation and leaves two impressions in my forehead for about 1/2 an hour after wearing it because of the shape at the front. Just about had enough of it and am looking to get a Bell Super.

This thing however looks like it's got even worse ventilation than the Feature, and just an amalgamation of other helmets. Awful looking thing. Oh I know lets just slap a GoPro mount on to make it sell.
  • 1 0
 Bell Stoker. Only $65, it vents well, and it has a dial that works great. It also doesn't look to shabby. Very basic.
  • 3 0
 Yup, the Bell Stoker. I have a Urge, enduro-Matic, $80. The Urge is perfect for my largish head, but doesn't fit everyone. I just bought the Stoker for my kid, $65, and was surprised at the quality and fit (excellent).
Because Bell gave out grants to some of my fav places i thought I'd 'give back'. Glad I did.
I just wish more companies would use bug netting like Kali & Uvex. Riding in May & June can be a hassle because of the buggers.
  • 2 0
 Heads are like snow flakes. All of our melons are shaped differently. I tried on the POC Trabec, the TLD A1, and none of them felt as glove like as the Bell. Get what is comfortable. Steeze is secondary.
  • 1 0
 Out of curiosity, does the Stoker have the vents at the brow like the Super does? I paid the extra for the Super because of the mount, but I'm finding those vents are my favorite feature. Only helmet I've ever worn that I haven't had sweat dripping onto my glasses from the brow.
  • 1 0
 The reason I like my Urge is because of the "gangsta pad" which keeps the sweat off perfectly and it can be adjusted to the fit you need. Regarding the Stoker; my kid used to complain about his bontrGer X/C lid - too hot. But on Sunday, mid 80's, he never took it off for 3 hours. So it must be well ventilated. My Urge has less vents than any other, yet it's the best I've used for ventilation, go figure.
  • 1 0
 The Stoker looks just like the Feature in terms of size and number of vents really. I tried a Super on in a shop on Sunday and it was the first helmet I've ever tried on that fitted that I didn't have to umm and ahhh between L and XL or M and L because i have a weird shaped head. Plus I managed to get the Super for a fair bit cheaper online I was happy.
  • 3 0
 Giro & Bell are under the same corporate umbrella, its no accident they look similar.
  • 1 0
 I have a gigantic head so have only ever used Giro helmets as their large is LARGE. Im upgrading my carbon remedy and Xen pretty soon so can someone tell me what is likely to fit me? What veero has said ^^ has put me off a Feature
  • 1 0
 Try a bunch on. Only you can make the proper judgement about what works for you. I get hot in any helmet. I don't feel that the feature is any hotter than the next. It's all just a personal thing in the end.
  • 1 0
 Yeah you definitely have to go with what fits. I used to only fit into an XL TLD D2, the Large wouldn't even go on over the top of my head. Broke my old composite D2 and found an XL D3 was mahoosive. L fits like a glove.

Tried a 661 Recon, Medium too small, Large too big. Tried the Feature L way too big big Medium a bit snug but comfy apart from leaving the dents in the forehead. Tried the Super on an it was like the angles were singing. Perfect fit straight away.

Go round the shops if you're lucky enough yo have them near you. It was only pure chance I wandered through the shop at Bike Park Wales and tried the Super on. Helmet fit is so personal, only you can decide.


--> deadtime: that explains them looking so similar, hadn't realised Bell and Giro were owned by the same people.
  • 7 0
 HUGE fan of Kali, they are the only helmet I'll wear, especially after witnessing my buddy head slam and walk away. any lesser helmet would have caused him to not be here anymore. I've never worn a more comfortable and safer feeling lid on my 30+ years of riding.
-DM
  • 2 0
 I'm glad your friend is all right, but how could you know a different helmet would have a different result?
  • 1 0
 I wouldn't want to bet anyone's life on it
  • 5 1
 I like the helmet and it's price point.

If you think it's expensive, compare its price to a similar Urge helmet.

The mark up on helmets is not a large margin.
Yes, it is once production starts, but they have to do a ton of R&d. Then they have to pay a 3rd party testing company ( UL or ANSI ) a lot of money to destroy their product, then they have to deal with lawsuits from people jumping 20' gaps with an XC lid.

Then they have to start saving money to start the whole process over again with a new model.
  • 3 1
 This. Holy shit, every time one of these comes out everyone is like "lol so expensive and stupid, my helmet is way cheaper". Even with all the points you made, MSRP is only $20-25 more than all the other helmets people are talking about, and those don't come with a gopro mount. That alone would cost $12 retail. Now you're talking about an $8 difference.

Seems like a really viable product. Not crazy about the visor aesthetics, but like you said I think the price point is just right for what you're getting.
  • 7 1
 I guess they saved money by not refining it whatsoever, not a great looking lid.
  • 2 0
 for full face helmets i usually just say screw it and just buy clearance priced helmets from the motocross shops. they seem to have good deals i get some ridding gear from motto shops as well like gloves, jerseys and other things is seems cheaper larger quantity of clearance items too. plus there is not much of a difference. i dont mind a heavier dot helmet anyways. as for the half shells i like the fit of the troy lee a1 and the smith optics forefront. this helmet is a bit cheaper on the wallet though, i may have to take a look before i purchase my next helmet.
  • 2 2
 MX helmets are not appropriate for bike riding. The speeds are generally much higher in MX so the helmets are stiffer. That means they protect less in a bicycle speed impact.
  • 1 0
 I will have to consider this next helmet purchase. I will look into it more
  • 1 0
 mx, downhil and free ride have similar risk and speeds. mx dose not have random crazy mountain features littering their tracks which is where the added protection from an mx helmet should help out nicely. i do understand the stiffer helmet can jar your head a bit harder, where as the bike helmet can absorb a bit easier. i guess it is something i am on the fence with just need to check it out
  • 1 0
 www.pinkbike.com/news/DH-Helmets-vs-Motocross-Helmets-Which-Is-Safer.html there we go answers to the question. great learning lesson this go around
  • 6 0
 Fugly as hell. If you are on a budget, get a Giro Feature instead.
  • 3 0
 They got the visor inspiration here - images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/photos/000/006/cache/platypus_662_600x450.jpg
  • 1 0
 Hopefully that padding is an improved version of what they provide on other helmets (it looks very similar though). Otherwise prepare for a really safe but really uncomfortable experience, and then a few months after it disintegrates you're stuck with DIY liners (since the company can't provide new ones).
  • 2 0
 Stoked to see the nice features like the dual-density materials and camera mount, but they really need to offer more than just 2 sizes.
  • 4 1
 if $100 is too much to spend on a helmet, then you're doing it completely wrong.
  • 1 0
 The closure system of the black one in the first pic looks like a dial. I actually prefer that to the "dual-closure system" which would require two hands to operate.
  • 1 0
 It really doesn't, just pinch two fingers together.
  • 1 0
 ^^^The dial was a prototype that Kali was testing. The Dual Closure ratchet is the one they settled upon for production.
  • 3 1
 i have a skate style poc but its only 160 g . it was also only 60 bucks. no visor tho , not like you really need one
  • 3 0
 Duck billed platypus a-like..........
  • 3 0
 You can find Troy Lee a1 helmets for $99 now. No brainer..
  • 2 3
 Affordable is equal to enduro hammer capacity? aka ima rip my bike, trail bike, so hard grin and holler on a 5n5 ain't no thing? Ok, been der done dat, but, is it truly up to a 'par' as such... not quite hating just wary of reallly sending'er with a jelmet that won't know crash grade till, an enduro throttle crash? Like kali tho... Haha
  • 1 4
 Enduro hammer = a fully close to a tilt and style set by bigger bikes? Spped, line, impact, graves is rad? Haha.. Fun bikes tho....
  • 13 0
 I have no idea what you're trying to say.
  • 1 0
 haha ditto Pedro. I can't make heads or tails of that shit.
  • 1 0
 Ha, well, neither can I, too much fun that day I guess. Whoops. I think tho was heading towards cheap helmets and more intense intended uses.. Riding hard and sending it while wary of not 'cheaping' out on protection... However, nothing against kali.
  • 2 0
 Theres a reason they didnt give you a frontal view. Feck that visor is ugly
  • 4 2
 I wouldn't let my dog wear that helmet
  • 2 3
 Yes, it wouldn't protect his head, would it?
  • 2 2
 your dog wears helmets?
  • 4 2
 only on the 3rd Sunday of each month
  • 2 2
 Your dog wears your helmet...?
  • 1 1
 more graphics. in fact, more graphics for all enduro helmets. why do all of them have to be black or white or mono-colored mostly
  • 1 1
 You haven't seen any Troy Lee Designs helmets then?
  • 2 0
 Need to see the helmet on a real head!
  • 3 1
 But are they enduro goggle compatible
  • 3 1
 pretty cool, but the the Tld A1 stays on the hot seat so far .. Wink
  • 3 1
 Star Wars just called - the Stormtroopers want their helmet back!
  • 1 0
 if you like Kali, then get a Chakra helmet. super lightweight with more than enough protection.
  • 2 1
 I just bought a helmet for 13$. dirt jump helmet by 661. =)
Thats affordable
  • 1 0
 I'll stick with my Giro Feature. Way less cost and looks better than this thing
  • 2 1
 I'll love to see more colors
  • 1 0
 I just want the Xen back !!!
  • 4 2
 Heinous
  • 2 0
 Uglier than an arsehole.
  • 1 0
 Enduro helmet. #buzzwords
  • 1 0
 QUAAAAAACK
  • 1 0
 thatssss dessspicable
  • 10 9
 Looks like a session.
  • 1 0
 HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!!
  • 1 1
 I just realized that the price of the helmets increased a lot.
  • 1 0
 Full face or nothing.
  • 2 3
 Looks the business







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