My manera is the best helmet I've had, and I've tried loads, light, great for impacts, used with and without hood, when I used to have to helmets. Plus I've noticed less whiplash and bucketing in wipeouts. Highly recommend.

I like the Manera too - its light weight, low profile and simplicity. I bought the L because the M felt a bit snug - if I was buying again I'd get the M. It now feels slightly too big - not sure if the helmet has 'eased' over time or if I was having a 'big head day' when I tried them on.

Been wearing the oakley WTR helmet for the past month and it is all I will be wearing from now on. My gath will no longer be used.

Reposting a mini overview of the Oakley WTR Icon that I wrote. Note that I just got the WTR Icon and haven't had the opportunity to try it on the water yet.

Pros:
- Very comfortable. Feels very secure and comfortable on my (large) head. The adjustment ratchet cradles my head well and the ear/jaw piece is snug, but not uncomfortable at all. I am confident that the helmet will stay secure in all crashes and will not move around at all.
- Very adjustable. My head is the very large end of the size range for the large size, and while it probably wont fit me over a hood, it fits very well without a hood and the adjustment ratchet has a big range. The range will probably work over a hood for most people.
- Tons of drainage. Don't expect any "bucketing" effect with this design.
- Zero hearing compromise.
- Fairly lightweight, while also having good impact protection. There is an stiff external skeleton shell, standard impact foam, then waterproof fitting foam inside.
- Pretty low profile. Doesn't feel like a bobble head in terms of size or weight. Won't substantially increase surface area (won't increase impact due to large size against water).

Cons:
- Adjustment ratchet feels a little flimsy. Pretty standard mechanism from a bike helmet. It shouldn't take much abuse, but time will tell how well it holds up. The rest of the helmet feels very robust and durable.
- I had some concerns about the design of the drainage holes and their compromise for a foil strike. In person, I don't see any realistic situation where a foil would come through the drainage holes, but the area above the ear is a bit exposed.
- Comparatively quite expensive, but I expect it will last for several years and it definitely feels like a "premium" quality product.

Other Observations:
- The ear protectors can snap out. I will wear them for the protection and don't see any downside having them on there.
- It would be nice if it had a fidlock type buckle at this pricepoint. The buckle isn't removable so I can't switch it out.
- Nowhere to add a Gopro mount if that matters to you (doesn't matter to me).
- External shell feels very solid. Doesn't flex like some other helmets (Gath).
- Pretty badass looking design. Low profile and won't stand out like the Simba helmet, but it looks pretty cool to me.

I've been using the Oakley WTR Icon for 6 days now (mix of prone and wing in waves).Paid full price for it.Never used a helmet before for watersports.
Super light, super comfy, I can't feel it.I use SurfEars, sunglasses and a cap under it and my rashguard's hood on top of it.
Everything fits well and comfortably without pressure points.
Falls are definitely less unpleasant.No brainer purchase
I picked one up for the girlfriend.

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marc5 said..
I wanted to wear the Gath Jedi because of the visor but couldn't get a good fit. Every head is a different shape, and I found the Jedi to run a little large for their size chart. So I simply added a velcro stick-on visor to my old very comfortable Pro-Tec Ace with the ear protectors. Great fit and love the visor.

Interested in knowing more about the stick on visor, would it work with a Gath Neo?

Does the balz pro come with a chinstrap cover? It's pictured in one of the pictures on the ensis website. My one didn't come with a cover for the chinstrap. Aside from that it's a comfy helmet.