Limar's Etna Helmet Focuses on Comfort & Coverage - Taipei Cycle Show 2023
Limar's new Etna at Taipei Cycle Show 2023
Limar is an Italian brand that predominantly makes helmets. Although perhaps better known for their road line, they have recently begun to venture into off-road protection. They continue that trend by now releasing the three-quarters coverage Etna model. It joins their existing open-face models, most notably their higher-end Tonale.
The Etna (as in Mount) features MIPS and has an RRP of €185. It will be available in two sizes. Medium (53 - 57 cm & 450 grams) and large (57 - 61 cm & 500 grams). The helmet features a total of 15 vents, with 2 in the front, 8 over the top of the helmet and give at the rear. The visor lifts up and looks to be able to accommodate goggles or glasses easily, although I didn't have any on hand to try. The helmet will be available in five different colours. The helmet featured here is in the Matt Black Titanium colorway.
The ever-so-slightly flexible connection between the ear-loops and main helmet aid comfort.
Having used this style of helmet in the past, a common complaint that I personally have is how the side elements can press in on the side of my face. Whilst most helmets give options of different pad widths that lessen the problem, I have tended to find it persists in the models I've tried and ridden in. With the Etna, the connection between the looped ear-guard is more flexible. What this means in terms of protection I can't say, but for me, it felt comfortable in the brief time I had it on to look simultaneously awkward and absent in photos.
I look uncomfortable, but that wasn't certainly down to the helmet - sadly that's just my vibe.
The helmet offers good coverage around the back.
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When I reach for my full face, its not because I want a stronger helmet, its because I want my face and jaw protected. (and maybe also wear goggles without looking like a knob)
Half shells are in general more prone to rotating on ya head on impact (in a bad way, not a ‘MIPS’ way). These full cut style lids limit this rotation.
All IMO, you do whatever you want.
Dirt jump half lid are also an option (TSG have great fit) but the vent are really poor.
I wish we had more helmets without occipital adjustment relying on padding for the fit not a plastic stuff squeezing your head. Headshapes are so different from one to another, with just a bit of padding here and there you can have a helmet that fits and stays just as you want.
If you have other synonym for this plastic stuff, please be welcome to enlighten me... English is not my language.
Also, his tech tip for cleaning rotors with wd40 electric contact cleaner has saved me so much money. Carry on Henry!
Availability and price for me. He went into the use of it in one of his old GMBN tech videos. Saved me nearly $15 a can compared to "MTB specific" brake cleaners.