Limar F111

Price Paid:  $70.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Falls Lake Loop

Bike Setup:
Jamis Comet 2004
Easton EC90 SL Fork
Thomson Elite Stem
San Marco Aspide Arrowhead Saddle
Carbon Concepts Seatpost

Summary:
I wanted a new, robust helmet that would allow good visibility when riding in the drops. The F111 (Mod. 2002) seemed to fit the bill, and it was on sale at Performance. The shell of the helmet is well made, and the thin, polycarbonate outershell makes it (likely) quite robust. The fit for my head is quite good. However, I do not recommend the helmet. The strap adjusters (left and right) slip, and it is a pain to readjust before every ride. Most importantly, the microadjust system (the adjustable band around the back of your head) is velcroed in and the cloth-covered band broke apart after about 10 uses. The reason for this, I think, is that there is some torsional force acting on the band, causing significant stress at the band edges that are plastic-welded together. Supposedly newer models of have a different retention system. I also found that the helmet is quite hot, despite its 37 vents. Others have reported this also.
Disappointing performance for a helmet that usually sells for well over a $100.

Strengths:
Good fit, robust shell, nice looks.

Weaknesses:
Poor retention system design.
Cooling inefficient.

Similar Products Used:
Giro, Bell, Garneau

Price Paid:  $190.00 at Hotspot - South Afri

Bike Setup:
Bianchi Carbon, Dura Ace

Summary:
Great Fit, Very Confortable. Good design -looks good. Light. Big vents.

Strengths:
Good fit, comfortable, Looks

Weaknesses:
Guarantee : Local Distributor (South Africa) wont honour the international guarantee after a fall. (They want me to pay half the retail price). Bad investment because of this.

Similar Products Used:
Ryder, Lynx

Price Paid:  $80.00 at eBay

Favorite Ride:
Dinosaur

Bike Setup:
CAAD 3 w/ Dura-ace 9spd

Summary:
The fit is great and I really like the dial-in system. You'd think that something with so many vents would have alot of air flow but it doesn't. I might save this for fall through spring riding and get an Atmos for the hot and humid summer.

Strengths:
Great fit

Weaknesses:
No air flow

Similar Products Used:
Giro Helios

Price Paid:  $159.00 at Bulltek Sports

Favorite Ride:
All day

Bike Setup:
Kuota Ksano frame, Mavic Ksyrium, Campy Chorus

Summary:
Tried several other helmets before selecting this one. Great looks and Fit.
New "Dial" adjustment system works great. One hand to losen or tighten - very quick and easy even while riding.
Comfortable strap pad under the chin.
Easy to ride all day in total comfort.

Strengths:
Comfortable and cool (both in looks and temp). Strong Design. No "mushroom head" look like some helmets. Well Made.
Very light weight. Loads of vents.
CoolMax padding.
It is a great looking helmet that is well constructed. Doesn't slip forward like some helmets do. Always feels secure.

Weaknesses:
Price.
Very small sun visor (more for looks than for keeping the sun out of your eyes)

Similar Products Used:
Bell, Briko, Vigor (another great helmet you might check out...very strong and comfortable...a tad big but also very affordable and well vented.)

Price Paid:  $120.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
any long, rolling road race

Bike Setup:
Seven Axiom, D/A Group

Summary:
Good shell construction & sharp looking.

Many vents but little cooling.

Unfortunately, the "micro system" that holds the helmet on is poorly designed and is held to the helmet by Velcro (which comes loose easily) instead of some sort of anchor system like Giro or Bell Helmets.

Pads & Micro system wear out quickly (warranty doesn't cover these) and the manufacturer (Importer) wants ~$40 for replacements...

You can do better than this the 1/2 the price!

Strengths:
Cool looking

Weaknesses:
Pads, vents, & retension system...

Similar Products Used:
Giro Pneumo