Review: Kali Savara Helmet and Aazis Plus 180 Knee/Shin pads

Check out Rich Easton's review on the Kali Savara Helmet and Aazis Plus 180 Knee/Shin pads that he's been riding & reviewing recently exclusively for MoreDirt!

Kali isn’t the first brand that springs to mind when you think of protective gear, but if their new range of helmet and pads are anything to go by then they are well worth remembering.

Shown here is the Savara helmet. Kali have a range of four helmets aimed solely at the downhill market, from the top-of-the-range carbon offering to the entry level Savara.

Initial impressions were good. The helmet comes in a branded drawstring bag, which is good to see at this price point. It’s quite a small helmet compared to more expensive offerings from other brands, but it extends down and covers the back of the head fine and is compatible with a neckbrace. Kali have fitted the helmet with a unique visor adjustment system. This works by having two bolts at each side of the visor, removing the need for a fiddly bolt in the centre.

Having used top end downhill and motocross helmets for years, I wasn’t sure what to expect when the Savara arrived. However, I was very impressed with the stiffness and rigidity of this entry level model. The weight of the helmet is good, coming in at 1050g to 1150g (depending on the size), which is only around 300g heavier than their flagship carbon helmet. I couldn’t personally comment on the amount of protection the helmet would offer in a crash (and I didn’t really fancy testing that aspect) but it has passed the relevant safety standards for mountain bike helmets, and it’s overall stiff feel is confidence-inspiring.

Using the helmet.

I tested the helmet on an uplift day at Antur Stinog, a rock littered welsh hillside where you really need confidence in your protective gear. The fit was a little snug on my head, perhaps indicating that I could have gone one size up. Having said that, the helmet was comfortable and wasn’t displaced by the numerous rock gardens littering the tracks. Having come from a meatier helmet, the overriding sensation was how good the airflow through it was. This was no doubt a result of the 14 large vents dotted around the shell.

Features

• Fiberglass shell with ESP liner
• Integrated airflow system
• Antibacterial, removable and washable liner

Kneepads

Kali also sent their Aazis Plus 180 knee and shin guards for us to review. The first thing that hit me when I opened the package was the Rasta colour scheme. It’s a bit bright for my taste but thankfully they also come in the more standard black and white, which should be a better match for the majority of riding kit.

The pads are constructed using an elasticised fabric, covering most of the leg from the knee down to the ankle. The solid knee and shin pads are integrated into this. Kali use a material called Aramid, which is also used in ballistic vests, so they should be able to handle a sharp rock or two.

Using the pads

Out of the two products Kali sent for us to test it was the pads that impressed me most. I wasn’t planning on testing the protection level of either, but during the uplift day I ran out of talent twice and landed hard on the pads. On both occasions they took the impact perfectly, not moving or spinning around like a lot of other pads do. Even after crashing down a slate-riddled welsh hillside, the surface of the material is still in perfect condition (the only mark being a small scuff on one of the logos). The pads didn’t rub or cause any discomfort throughout the day, which is down to the soft elasticised material separating the skin from the hard shells.

The bottom line

The Savara helmet is a good, light and well-ventilated entry level model and would be worth considering if you are in the market for a sub £70 helmet.

Kali have really impressed with how good the fit and protection of the knee and shin pads are. Definitely recommended if you’re looking for a new set of leg-protectors.

Kali are distributed in the UK by Surf Sales