By John Marsh, Editor & Publisher
HOT!
|
NOT!
|
Cost: MSRP $99.99
Source: Retail, online
How obtained: sample from company
RBR advertiser: no
Tested: 3 months
Features:
Air Vents: 22
Sizes: M (50-57 cm), L (55-61 cm)
Weight: M 200 g/ L 230 g
Sizing System: Bidirectional sizing system with quick release
Pads: Washable ergonomic pads
Technology: Monoshell In-Mould
|
Lightweight Helmet at a Lightweight Price
I’m the kind of guy who goes back to the well if I find a product I like and am comfortable with. When a crash three years ago split my Bell Ghisallo helmet at the temple all the way through from outside to inside — yet I didn’t even realize my head hit the ground, and I had no headache or head trauma whatsoever — I went out and bought the exact same model. So any other helmet was going to have a lot to live up to (though I certainly don’t intend to crash-test it for a review!).
Limar is known for its lightweight lids, and the 777 Superlight is not even its lightest helmet. (RoadBikeRider.com has a review of one of what is now called the Ultralight line of helmets, the Limar Carbon Pro 104.) Still, at 230 grams for the Large size I tested, I noticed an immediate — and welcome — difference in the feel of the 777 helmet on my head (compared to the 340g Ghisallo). That’s just under a quarter pound lighter, and while we don’t normally think of “shaving weight” from helmets, 110 grams is significant.
Sizing/Retention System Another Advantage
Another notable advantage is the Limar “bidirectional sizing system,” its sizing and retention system. In many helmets, the retention system snugs the helmet to your head by pulling it from back to front, against your forehead. The Limar 777’s system features a plastic band that completely circles the head, and a rubber dial in the back that easily but comfortably dials in a snug fit. Even with the helmet unbuckled, the fit is secure. The large dial is easy to grip, and turning it counter-clockwise to loosen it makes it easy to adjust the helmet to fit over a cycling cap or other headcover.
The 777 Superlight’s low-profile styling, however, has both advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, it is sleeker and less bulky than other helmets (it seems to be a full inch narrower and also shorter than my old Bell, for example). The first time I wore it, one of my riding buddies immediately noticed it, and complimented me on its looks.
On the minus side, its low profile and light weight means it uses less material to form its monoshell core. Therefore, its air vents can’t be as large and open as some other helmets. I’m a notorious head-sweater (but also a follically-challenged rider with close-cropped hair), and the airflow has been adequate for me. Moreover, the entire testing period has coincided with this summer’s scorching heat wave. Still, otherreviews of this helmet have raised the airflow issue, and it would not be fair to gloss over it.
A neat feature of the vents on the front side of the helmet is that They’re covered with netting to prevent flying insects and bugs from invading your head space while riding. If you’ve ever had a bee or wasp fly into your helmet at 20 mph, you understand how beneficial this small feature can be!
Nit to Pick, Final Judgment
While it is admittedly a minor issue, one thing I don’t like about the straps on the helmet is that the rear straps are not held permanently in one place. They are strung through a loop, and if you move the helmet (say, to wipe sweat from your eyebrows), when you readjust the fit, you also may have to reach back and readjust the rear straps to fit perfectly around your ears.
That’s certainly not a big deal, and on balance the positives of this helmet — its light weight, snug-fitting retention system and low-profile good looks — more than win the day. The kicker may be the price: While it’s listed at $99.99, already not a bad price for a truly lightweight helmet with all-around nice features, I didn’t see a single retail outlet selling this lid at full price. If you’re looking for a new helmet, the Limar 777 Superlight is worth checking out.
August 2012
John Marsh is the editor and publisher of RBR Newsletter and RoadBikeRider.com. A rider of “less than podium” talent, he sees himself as RBR’s Ringmaster, guiding the real talent (RBR’s great coaches, contributors and authors) in bringing our readers consistently useful, informative, entertaining info that helps make them better road cyclists. That’s what we’re all about here—always have been, always will be. Click to read John’s full bio.
Leave a Reply