I'm looking at getting a new road bike helmet. I currently have a Giro, but it's really more of a mtn bike helmet (larger, less venting, etc.).

I'm looking for a lower profile helmet. Mine does have that mushroom head aura about it.

I've read a number of great reviews about several of the Kask helmets and was leaning that way. Yesterday a local retailer introduced me, though, to a Limar helmet (635), which was pretty impressive.

I'm just curious if anyone with experience with both could compare the two brands, Kask vs Limar. Comfort and quality comparisons?

I have been attracted to the Garneau X-lite also. No one locally carries this one or Kask. Just looking for any advice that could steer me. I want something comfortable, lower profile, but I don't want to compromise coverage/safety.

Thanks,
Tesgin

Kask are really comfortable to me(really nice retention system). No crash replacement program, so no discount if you use it right away. I had one and it did its job well. Replaced it in a hurry after the crash with a same price level Bontrager, which had nicer padding but less ideal retention system, but was still comfortable and had some nominal crash replacement discounts.

Really, the answer is to buy the one that fits the best at the price you want to pay in the style you are looking for. Each company has different ways of meeting each price point, so it comes down to fit, pretty much like everything else to do with bicycles. They're all only good for their intended purpose one time, so get what fits you and you can live with and it hopefully never needs to fulfill its purpose.

Thanks. That makes sense.

Update, FWIW.

I did order a Kask from Amazon. A medium, which was just too small (my head size is smack-dab in between a medium and a large). I returned it and ordered the large and it "fit" but wasn't a good shape for my head. My head is more oblong, longer front to back, and the Kask was more round. I returned that one too.

I'm thinking of ordering a Limar. I tried on a 635 from my LBS; it fit great but the wheel to adjust the tightness was broken. Thinking of ordering a Limar Ultralight, but I've read a few accounts of people also experiencing trouble with the wheel breaking.

Anyone have any input on that?

Would I be as happy with something like a Giro? Any thoughts on how a giro would compare?

Tesgin

I had EXACTLY the same problem with my Kask Infinity. Their medium goes to 58cm, and their large starts at 59cm. My head is 58.5cm. The large looks a bit too big but it works, and I only use this helmet as a winter helmet so it doesn't matter that much. I was in the market for a new (second, summer) helmet last year, so this kept me from buying another Kask. I ended up buying a Giro Synthe instead. I also bought a Giro Selector TT helmet to replace my other Kask, a Bambino TT helmet. Overall I find the quality of the Giro helmets to be on par with Kask or maybe even a little better in some ways. The Giro Selector is actually a lot nicer on the inside.

I've been using a Limar UL for a year now.
Simply the lightest helmet I have ever used. The Medium weights around 200 grams.

I havent had any issues with the tension adjustment wheel. The helmets runs small. I wear a small in almost all helmet brands and went up to a Medium in the Limar and it just barely fits.

I have an Oval/Oblong head and the Limar is a good shape for that. I find Giro to be more round and mushroomy.

Thanks, all. Very helpful. I think I'll probably give the Limar a try.

I'll second that. I have a narrow-ish head and my Giro fits really snug front-to-back with a lot of room on the sides. I've gotten used to it, but the fit could certainly be better. I'll be looking at different brands when it's time to replace it.