A helmet only works if it fits. That sounds obvious, but the majority of riders — even experienced ones — are riding in helmets that are slightly too loose, sitting too high, or strapped incorrectly. None of those helmets will perform the way they were designed to in a real impact. Here's how to get the fit right before you ride.
video guide: how to fit your helmet
Step 1: Measure Your Head
Wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your head — typically about an inch above your eyebrows and above your ears. If you don't have a soft tape measure, use a piece of string and then measure it against a ruler. Most Kali helmets list sizing in centimeters, so note your measurement and match it to the size chart for your specific model before purchasing.
Step 2: Choose the Right Model for Your Head Size
Not all helmets fit the same range of head sizes, and some models are better suited to smaller or larger heads than others. Here's how the Kali lineup breaks down:
- Lunati 2.0 ($110): Available in S/M and L/XL. The Lunati tends to fit smaller heads particularly well within each size band — if you're on the smaller end of S/M across other helmets, the Lunati is often a better fit than the Cascade in the same size.
- Cascade Astra ($160) and Cascade ($285): Available in S/M and L/XL. These helmets run true to size and suit a wide range of head shapes within each band.
- Invader 2.0 ($250): Available in XS-M and L-XXL — the widest size range of any full-face in the lineup. If you're between sizes or have found other full-face helmets hard to fit, the Invader 2.0 is a great starting point.
- Trinity Carbon ($560): Available in individual sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and XXL — the most precise fit option in the lineup. If you've struggled to nail fit in helmets that only offer S/M or L/XL, the Trinity Carbon's individual sizing makes a real difference.
Step 3: Check Position on Your Head
Put the helmet on and confirm it sits level, roughly one to two finger-widths above your eyebrows. It should not tilt back to expose your forehead — a helmet tipped back offers virtually no frontal protection in a crash, which is the most common impact zone. It also shouldn't sit so low that it impairs your vision or crush your eyewear into your nose. (Link to Getting the Right Fit with your Helmet and Eyewear)
Step 4: Engage the Retention System
Tighten the dial at the back of the helmet until it feels snug and secure without creating pressure points. You should be able to shake your head firmly without the helmet shifting, but it shouldn't feel like it's squeezing your skull. Take a moment to center the retention cradle before tightening so pressure distributes evenly around the rear of your head.
Step 5: Adjust the Straps
The straps form a V-shape that cradles just below each ear — the front strap just ahead of your ear, the rear strap just behind it. Tighten the chin strap so only one or two fingers fit between the strap and your chin. Open your mouth wide: you should feel the helmet press gently down onto your head. If it doesn't move at all, the chin strap needs to tighten up.
Step 6: The Shake Test
Grip the front of the helmet and try to push it back. It should resist firmly. Then push from the rear and try to rock it forward. Same result. If the helmet moves significantly in either direction, revisit your retention system and straps before riding.
Full-Face Fit: Cheek Pads
Full-face helmets add one more variable: cheek pad thickness. Your cheeks should contact the pads with light, even pressure — snug enough that the helmet can't rotate side to side, but not so tight it distorts your face or jaw. Most Kali full-face models ship with multiple cheek pad thicknesses so you can fine-tune this.
Video guide: How to Set Up Your Full-Face Cheek Pads →
When to Replace Your Helmet
Replace your helmet after any significant impact, even if it looks intact. Helmet foam is designed to crush on impact to absorb energy — once crushed, it won't perform the same way again. Kali's Lifetime Crash Replacement (LCR) policy means you can return a crashed Kali helmet and receive a replacement, which removes the temptation to keep riding in compromised gear.
Beyond crashes, most manufacturers recommend replacing helmets every three to five years as materials degrade with UV exposure, sweat, and regular use.
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