If you’ve ridden dirt jumps, skate parks, or BMX at any point in your life, you’re probably familiar with the state of helmets that come with the territory. Most commonly due to their price point, skid lids use a thick ABS shell with an EPS foam liner glued into the inside. The resulting helmet is durable (to a point) but typically heavy, hot, and not exactly comfortable. On the other side there are more expensive in-molded helmets that make for a lighter, more comfortable fit but typically suffer in durability because of that. Somewhere in the middle are the skate lids which are more comfortable, but lack the necessary bicycle certifications.
Kali’s founder Brad Waldron is known to tell it like he sees it. Case in point – when it comes to Kali’s new Viva, Brad light heartedly states, “The Viva is the best helmet we’ve ever created that no one will ever give a shit about, but that’s ok.” While dirt jump/BMX helmets might not gain the most attention in the media, this is one helmet that Brad wanted to build for himself and his family and friends more than anything. Calling it the most technologically advanced BMX/Dirt Jump helmet ever made, the goal was fairly straight forward. Create a DJ/BMX helmet that was as durable as the ABS half shells but also included the comfort and fit of the in-molded variety.
What appears to be just another BMX/DJ helmet on the outside, the Viva is actually another technological marvel from Kali…
In the works for years, the final result appears to be worth the wait. Starting with a dent resistant ABS Shell, Kali separates themselves from the competition by in-molding their EPS liner directly into the hard shell. The difference being other in-molded BMX/DJ lids use a polycarbonate shell which is prone to denting and damage from hanging on your bike or drop kicking it after you failed to land that 360, again. Kali doesn’t stop there either. By utilizing their Composite Fusion and Fusion 3 muti density foam with Conehead technology, the helmet makes use of a layer of lower density foam for a lower profile fit. The fit is said to mimic that of non-certified skate lids but with full CSPC and EN1078 certifications. As further protection against errant impacts with your handlebar, the helmet uses a PC wrap around the inside edge of EPS foam for increased durability.
To help keep your cool, the Viva uses an Integrated Airflow System which includes a large circular vent on the top of the head. Offered in three shell sizes, each helmet includes a separate set of Bumper Fit moisture wicking padding for sizing adjustments. Available in black, green, and white, Vivas will sell for $50 and are available now.
