The Kali Protectives Lunati 2.0 Helmet offers a lot for off-road riders, potentially being one of best mountain bike helmets specifically for its ventilation and affordability. That said, it's a little fiddly to adjust under the ears and the internal fit system needs fine-tuning to get it remotely comfortable but once dealt with, the helmet is stable and secure.
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Kali Protectives Lunati 2.0 helmet - Technical details
In terms of the exterior, the Lunati features a stylish shell design and bright eye-catching colourway. This particular model comes in the matte-black with contrasting red-fade - it looks great. The sharp-looking shell features 25 air vents, so there’s no worrying about overheating during a hard efforts and the like.
The peak is removable if desired to go peakless, maybe on a gravel ride, and will break off in the event of an impact according to Kali Protectives. It’s a fixed peak so adjustibility is not an option but it does also offer really good sun protection.
Sliders on the side straps offer micro-adjustment underneath the ear and lock into position. However, I found them fiddly to use and ended up spending too long to get them in my ideal position.
The Lunati comes with an excellent feature to mount lights or a GoPro to the top. It's easy to use and minimises faff. Included are a couple of attachments that simply slide onto the mount located on the top of the lid.
Looking at the most crucial feature of any helmet is the safety on offer. As well as the in-moulding technology which fuses the shell and EPS foam construction together, the helmet also has a Quadcore Low-Density layer which Kali claims to add protection for rotational and low-g impact. It is bright yellow and looks a bit like a honeycomb.
The gel padding is lined in chunky strips inside the deeper part of the helmet to protect the top of the head and the forehead. These strips are stuck to the foam with the removable anti-microbial pads that attach by way of velcro patches. Because of the Quadcore’s thickness, it takes up a lot of inner helmet real estate.
Kali Protectives Lunati 2.0 helmet - Performance
The only uncomfortable aspect for me (I say that as all head shapes are different) is the plastic Vista fit system that's responsible for keeping the helmet secure and in the correct position on my head. The dial is easy to use - even with gloves - thanks to the serrated edge, but I found once cinched around my head, the comfort level dropped off quite significantly.
Equivalent retention systems usually offer 360-degree head contact to give a secure hold but this system had gaps around the sides and the back of my head. Even after dialling the wheel in more, nothing changed save for some unwanted pressure around the forehead.
To nullify this, you'll need to apply more and more pressure which has some comfort trade-offs as well as a propensity to pull the skin around the forehead and eyebrows - but, again, this is more to do with my head shape than outright blight on the helmet.
Owing to the myriad vents, the integrated mesh bug liner is a helpful addition - especially here in Scotland where there's a certainty you'll run into a swarm of midges at some point.
The claimed weight is 286g. It is on the lower end of the scale compared to others in the same category. It feels light and unnoticeable while riding. Lots of features are condensed into good reliable, lightweight head protection package.
Kali Protectives Lunati 2.0 helmet - Verdict
An enduro lid for just under £80 is very reasonable. The Lunati has mounts, rotational head protection technology, a bug shield and enough room at the back to fit a ponytail if you have one - it’s worth the money. The previously reviewed Specialized Camber Helmet features MIPS safety technology but no mounting options and is £10 less. For £5 less, the Scott Argo Plus puts up a fair fight with its fancy MIPS technology and super-smooth silhouette but, again, no sign of mounts.
In conclusion, this is a great entry-level helmet that isn’t too pricey and is packed with features you wouldn't associate with this price point. While the materials feel a bit low-key there's a lot of nifty tech going on here including the but the Quadcore Low-Density layer safety technology and mounting provisions for cameras and lights. I'd advise trying a different brand if you have a narrow head like me otherwise the Kali Protectives Lunati 2.0 helmet is perfect for anything off-road, whether that's trail centres or gravel miles.
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