Kali Tava Flow helmet

The Kali Tava Flow helmet feels comfortable, secure and light on the head, and includes some innovative anti-concussion technology, but compared to other aero helmets I have used the ventilation could be better.

• Pros: Comfortable, innovative technologies
• Cons: Channeling of ventilation could be better

Kali is not a household name in the UK; operating out of California, it was initially creating motor sports helmets before moving into cycling. It offers four different road cycling helmets: the Tava, which is for aerodynamics/racing, the Therapy for regular road riding and cross country mountain biking, the Loka for gravel and general road riding, and the Prime for commuting.

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Without a wind tunnel for testing, I am unable to assess accurately the aerodynamic qualities of the helmet, but in a totally non-scientific way it feels fast. This is possibly because of the almost complete closure over the front, with only two vents at the top of the forehead, and the low-profile design. Although I am unable to give actual numbers, I'd say it is likely to offer an aero advantage, at least over a non-aero equivalent.

In addition to the aero elements of the design, Kali has included an innovative take on the MIPS system, offering 'composite fusion' and 'nano fusion' – essentially a layer of low density cones and what look like rubber spots. These are designed to reduce rotational force during impact (in the same way as MIPS), lowering the chances of concussion.

Luckily, I didn't manage to test this element of the helmet, but the fact that it's there and scientific data suggests it makes a significant difference is pretty impressive.

> All you need to know about MIPS

The helmet itself is very comfortable to wear, with well-cushioned pads and an impressive securing system. This consists of a harness at the back with a Boa dial attached to wires that run across the back of the head and around to each temple. To keep everything in place Kali has included a runner on each side to prevent the wires making contact with the side of your head. As you might expect from a Boa dial, the micro adjustment is excellent, offering precise and incremental tuning.

Keeping everything on your head are the soft straps, which sit nicely against the head thanks to adjustable dividers. One thing I found a little annoying was that the straps are very long and when folded back on themselves can fall out of the silicone holder.

Ventilation is the one area that I feel could be improved. This is not a surprise given that it is designed for speed above all else, but I tested the Catlike Vento recently, also an aero helmet, and its ventilation was pretty impressive. At the front there are two small vents feeding four larger ones at the rear, but I didn't really find that much air flowed over the top of the head as there isn't much channelling within the helmet itself, and the front vents are not large.

The helmet comes in on the road.cc scales at a respectable 272g, which is good for an aero lid that includes a MIPS-like feature. The Smith Overtake MIPS helmet, for example, is 12g heavier and costs £20 more, though it offers better ventilation.

> Buyer's Guide: 18 of the best high-performance helmets

The Specialized S-Works Evade II helmet also offers better ventilation and is the same price as the Kali, but doesn't have the same MIPS-like features.

> Should you buy an aero helmet?

Overall, the Tava is comfortable and has some impressive technical elements, but the ventilation could be better, especially compared with other similarly priced aero helmets.

Verdict

A very well made and innovative helmet, but ventilation could be better