Helmet Help Request from California Members

[gfloyd2002]

So, I've pretty much decided to buy a Kali Naza Carbon helmet. I've touted them in these forums after researching the crap out of my next helmet. I was looking at Shoei, Arai, Nexx and Kali and I'm pretty sure I want the Kali. Incredibly light weight, proprietary protective technology from aerospace industry owner/tech guy, locally owned California company using innovation to break into a very competitive industry. Carbon fiber helmet for under $400. Quality looks top notch and quality for price seems unbeatable. I really like the product and the company.

One problem: I want to actually hold one in my hands and try one on before I buy one. I really value my head and won't buy a helmet sight unseen regardless of how good it looks on paper. Well, I'm in California right now, and have been to two different dealers listed on the Kali website and neither carries the product. I've called a few more, and its the same story. They can order them, but that doesn't help me. I'll be in SoCal, Las Vegas, Central Cal, and NoCal over the next week and can get to almost any shop in those areas with little inconvenience, but I'm tired of driving to a motorcycle shop only to find they don't have my helmet. (Ok, that isn't completely true. I dig browsing in motorcycle shops, and would be poor as a crack addict if Barbados had one.)

So . . . for those California (or Las Vegas) Ninjette members - has anyone actually been to a motorcycle shop that carries Kali helmets? Just give me a name, and I'll be able to get to it.

[geoff2k]

I assume you've already called/emailed Kali directly and asked them for dealers along your route that might have actual stock? Seems like it would be in their interest to help buyers find their products...

[gfloyd2002]

Originally Posted by geoff2k

I assume you've already called/emailed Kali directly and asked them for dealers along your route that might have actual stock? Seems like it would be in their interest to help buyers find their products...

Yup. Did that day before yesterday. No response yet and my vacation time in California is burning down quickly. I suspect they may not have data on which of their authorized dealers actually have helmets in stock. They'd know who bought helmets, but not who still had any on the shelves, perhaps. Either that or they just haven't gotten around to answering me yet. Either way, given my time constraints, I thought I'd try here while I wait for them.

[Alex]

I haven't seen them nearby at the two or three shops I frequent, but haven't been specifically looking for 'em yet either?

[rusninja]

if you get it set up a review x] i want this one to replace my exo 500 someday x]

[jamesio]

Are you sure it's not just because it saya "Kali" on it?

Haha, that's a cool plus anyway! Sweet lid.

[rockNroll]

Originally Posted by gfloyd2002

Yup. Did that day before yesterday. No response yet and my vacation time in California is burning down quickly. I suspect they may not have data on which of their authorized dealers actually have helmets in stock. They'd know who bought helmets, but not who still had any on the shelves, perhaps. Either that or they just haven't gotten around to answering me yet. Either way, given my time constraints, I thought I'd try here while I wait for them.

No reply after a couple days? Wonder how long it would take to get a new visor or something if you needed it? I would vote pass just on this.

[Kevin2109]

Look into the brand shark. Its what I have, If you are interested in trying it on I have mine

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com...Helmets%3ARSR2

[CThunder-blue]

You can try contacting Motostrano. Not sure about stock, but they tend to have a few of what they sell online. http://www.motostrano.com/

http://www.santaclaracycle.com/

http://www.gpsportsonline.com/

Those are the local shops that I see that may have them up here in the Bay.

[Azhyen]

Question, if you ordered the helmet online from any of these dealers, they don't allow returns? Sure you might be eating return-shipping costs, but that's better than getting stuck with a helmet you don't like. I say just get it online from a dealer that'll let you return it if you're unsatisfied.

[gfloyd2002]

Yeah, I can return if I don't like it, and may end up going that route via RevZilla. Very disappointed in lack of response by customer service, though. As mentioned above, that doesn't bode well.

I did confirm with Santa Clara Cycle that they have them, so I may make a trip over there. Motostrano would be closer, I'll try them, too. Thanks, Tri, for the tip.

[CThunder-blue]

No problem bud. Good luck and let us know how you like it.

[Alex]

Shoot me a note when you plan on visiting SCC, it's only a few minutes from home base.

[gfloyd2002]

Kali got back to me, which makes me happy. One of the reasons to go with a small local company is the customer service. Seems the issue was the July 4 holiday. Just in case anyone was interested, here is what Kali said.

From: alli@kaliprotectives.com
> Subject: Kali Question
> Date: Tue, 5 Jul 2011 16:02:30 -0700
>
>
> My name is Alli and I received your question about where to try on a Kali helmet while back in the states.
> Sorry its been a struggle to find us on the store room floors, we're trying our best and we thank you for your patience!
>
> My first recommendation is that you try out our partner and one of our best dealers, SF Moto during your visit in Lafayette. They are located here:
> SFMOTO
> 275 8th St
> San Francisco CA
> (415) 255-3132
>
> If this isn't a possibility there is a potential that you can swing by here to get fitted as well.
>
> Let me know what works for you and thanks for choosing Kali!
>

[sarapacman99]

they're a real cool company to deal with. when i first saw the naza carbon on revzilla, my first thought was i needed a shaded visor.

emailed them early morning got a reply at noon. happy with Kali.

[gfloyd2002]

Tried on the Naza Carbon today after months of wanting to. It is a freaking amazing helmet. Lighter than light, really well constructed. Finish was Arai quality. Inside pads super comfortable and clearly done right. Comes with backup internal pads to fine tune fit. Cost was under $400 for a great quality carbon fiber helmet. Has to be the best deal going --- if your head shape tends toward round.

They are round. Arai Quantum round. Hurt my forehead to wear it round. Had me wishing for a more oval fit. So despite best quality/price ratio out there, I won't be getting one. Lesson for anyone shopping for helmets -- TRY THEM ON FIRST! I was (and am) sold that this helmet and company are top notch and the value is great, but the helmet isn't the right fit for me.

[kkim]

what's your head shape?

[gfloyd2002]

Neutral oval. Arai Vector 2 and Shoei Quest fit very well. I think that is where I'm leaning now. Though I wish I'd had time to try on a Nexx XR1R while I was in Cali.

[gfloyd2002]

Went with an Arai Vector in Kawi Green. Got it on closeout since it is 2010 model, and a great match for my 2010 SE Green.

[Boom King]

^^^ Floyd, did you get a new bike? That doesn't look like a 250

Looking forward to your review on the Arai helmet. Sounds like we may have similar head shapes. The only real criticisms I've heard is that the visor system makes it a pain to change them and the side pods make the helmet noisy.

[Gurk]

I'm probably late but just my 2 cents.
I'm a newbie (don't even have my bike yet) but I've tried on Shoei X12 for the first day of my Motorcycle course for 5 hours. And i wore my Nexx XR1R for the second day 5 hours. I can't say enough good things about the Nexx. Lighter, vertical view is ridiculously large in comparision. It got super hot and I felt like suffocating day 1 after 4 hours. None of that the second day even though X12 was Large and my Nexx is medium.

Don't get me wrong, I liked the X12 also but not nearly as much! Can't wait to test it extensively.