Pitched as the perfect helmet for bikepacking expeditions, the Limar Air Stratos helmet is a lightweight, well-ventilated helmet with Mips protection.
Based in Bergamo in Italy, Limar says the Air Stratos is aimed at gravel riding, which leads us to wonder what the difference is between a road and a gravel helmet. In the context of the Limar Air Stratos, Limar says this is because of the strong construction of the helmet.
I wore the Air Stratos Mips for between eight and ten hours a day, for 18 days straight, on my ride from London to Tunisia and it was an excellent helmet.
Limar Air Stratos Mips material + technology
The Air Stratos is tailored towards everyday practicality rather than aerodynamic performance, with its 15 ventilation holes and interior air flow channels for breathability.
The helmet uses a double layered in-mould shell which Limar says makes it strong, while still being lightweight, at a claimed 240g for a size medium.
According to Limar the double in-mould means that the polycarbonate shell is both on top and on the bottom rim of the helmet. The polycarbonate layer works together with the inner eps shell to increase the product strength in the in-mould process.
Limar adds that this strong construction is designed to withstand a lifetime’s worth of bikepacking, adventures and single tracks. I cannot quantify this claim, despite my exhaustive test period using the helmet, but I do think this is a sturdy and durable helmet.
The helmet also benefits from non-allergenic pads which help keep your head dry with little risk of skin irritation.
I was cycling in temperatures ranging from 20-36 degrees and the Air Stratos definitely ventilated well, because I rarely felt I was overheating.
Limar Air Stratos Mips safety
As mentioned, the Air Stratos features Mips in the form of Mips Air. Mips says Air is the lightest version of its slip-plane liner mechanism, that aims to reduce rotational energies being transferred to the head in the event of an impact.
The layer is integrated into the padding of the helmet and enables 10-15mm of relative movement between the helmet shell and the padding.
There are several different helmet safety technologies and there is a big debate over whether Mips is the best choice, but it is worth noting that most of the helmets top rated by the Virginia Tech lab use Mips.
Limar Air Stratos Mips fit + sizing
The Limar Air Stratos Mips is available in two sizes: medium and large. The medium is for heads whose circumference is 53-57cm and the large is for 57-61cm. My head circumference is 56cm and a size medium according to Limar.
When the helmet is adjusted using the AirFit system, the helmet fits securely and comfortably on my head. The straps do not rub and the white splitter makes things easy to adjust as it’s simple to use and not fiddly.
Another element to note is that the space created by the AirFit retention system is on the small side for riders with a ponytail – I found it quite fiddly to get my hair through the space and take it out again.
The retention system works well overall, but I would have preferred a larger dial at the rear to help with adjustment on the move. The dial the Air Stratos uses is quite small, making adjustment a bit inconvenient when wearing gloves or when cycling over rough terrain.
Limar Air Stratos Mips performance
Overall the Air Stratos coped well with all-day riding in the heat. I was really impressed with how well ventilated it was, how it kept my head cool and how internal pads dry quickly.
The helmet fits well, and although I would have preferred a larger retention dial it is easy enough to adjust and re-adjust on the go.
I was worried about potential chafing from the chin strap, but I didn’t have any issues with this.
My hair did get caught a few times in the Mips protection and as mentioned the space provided by the helmet retention system for a ponytail is a bit small, but these issues won’t affect everyone and aren’t serious enough to be deal-breakers for those that are.
The positioning of the vents also allows for easy storage of sunglasses which I really appreciated.
Limar Air Stratos Mips cost
The Air Stratos costs £144.99. Compared to similar priced helmets, the Limar Air Stratos Mips is good value for money as it packs lots of features for a reasonable price.
The Giro Synthe Mips helmet has 19 vents compared to the Air Stratos’ 15, weighs slightly more at 277g for a medium and it also costs more at £189.99.
The Bell Falcon XR is cheaper at £129.99 but nearly 100g heavier at 338g for a medium.
Limar Air Stratos Mips review summary
The Limar Air Stratos Mips is a great helmet – comfortable for all day riding in the heat and well-ventilated. It is versatile and comes in at a reasonable price.
I would argue this helmet is not just for bikepacking adventures but would serve both road and more urban riders well too.
Limar Air Stratos Mips specifications
| Price | £144.99 |
| Weight | 240g (claimed) |
| Sizes available | M, L |
| Safety tech | Mips Air |
| Adjustment system | AirFit |
| Number of vents | 15 |
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