Nerv 2.0 by Icaro 2000 is a helmet that was designed specifically to offer head protection for paraglider, hang glider and microlight pilots, and for skiers and snowboarders.
It is ideal for both these fields of sports considering its lightness, style and certified safety.
In fact it is certified both for air sports - EN 966 - and for skiing and snowboarding - EN 1077.
Icaro is committed to the ongoing improvement of its products by means of constant developments in technology, and the latest redesign of Nerv comprises many new features to offer even higher levels of performance, protection and comfort.
We have recalibrated its internal ventilation, added an inner cap in the high-tech fabric Coolmax, and optimized sizes with two new outer shells.
Characteristics that remain unchanged are the Italian design, the appealing style and colours, and the quality of a helmet made exclusively in Italy. We are proud to present Nerv 2.0, ideal for sport flying, skiing and snowboarding!
Nerv 2.0’s stylish lines are the result of design by Ignazio Bernardi in collaboration with Italy’s most prestigious helmet development company.
A new helmet starts from the desired technical characteristics, and it is given form by means of artisanal processes. In fact the first prototype is sculpted from wood and plaster, and it is then scanned and codified into a 3D file. This in turn is used for computer simulations on which colours and detail design can be perfected, and it provides the data necessary for the CNC machines that will cut the dies for the outer shell and the polystyrene inner shell.
Similar processes are used for all the other helmet components, such as ear covers, visor and so forth.
Once everything is ready, the helmet can be assembled, checked for quality, tested and packaged. The finished product is a fine example of Italian design and technological prowess.
For Nerv 2.0 we have introduced two outer shells, a larger version for sizes 60 and 61, and a smaller version for sizes 54-55, 56-57 and 58-59.
The principal reason for this change was to increase safety by means of a higher thickness for the inner polystyrene shell.
The smaller outer shell is 222 mm in width, the larger version is 236 mm in width.
A minimal difference, just 14 mm.
But this was essential for passing the stringent impact tests required for EN 966 certification.
We have retained the 3mm-thick polycarbonate outer shell, which is both exceptionally light and very strong.
We have increased the thickness of the inner polystyrene shell, in order to further enhance the safety and protection offered by Nerv 2.0
Vents on the helmet’s exterior guarantee interior air flow, with two channels between the outer shell and the polystyrene inner shell optimizing comfort and temperature during use in the air or on the snow..
The size of a helmet is specified by the comfort padding’s inner circumference.
The size number therefore corresponds to the head circumference in centimetres, which you can determine using a soft measuring tape.
Nerv is available in the following sizes:
Small 56-57, Medium 58-59, Large 60-61
Please note that as there are two versions of the outer shell, one for the larger and the other for the smaller sizes, it is important to choose the correct version.
If you are in doubt whether to opt for the larger helmet with size 60, or the smaller helmet with size 59, we recommend choosing the larger version. The larger helmet can be adjusted using the rotary size regulator described below even if it initially feels too large. On the other hand, there is no way of adjusting the smaller size 59 helmet if it feels too tight.
The new rotary size regulator can be used to modify not only the helmet’s internal circumference, but also its position with respect to the back of the neck.
It is simple to adjust and the operation can be performed directly by the pilot.
Comfort is ensured by padding on the size regulator’s inner surface.
We have introduced a cap in the high-technology fabric Coolmax, which increases comfort by wicking perspiration away from the head and enabling it to evaporate rapidly, keeping you cool and dry.
Every Nerv 2.0 helmet has a label that guarantees the use of this famous new textile, which is also soft to touch and so makes the helmet even more comfortable.
4 caps are available:
for the larger helmet, marked with a label:
The visor is an optional extra.
It is made of polycarbonate with anti-scratch and anti-fog treatment.
Four versions are available: transparent, tinted grey, orange, mirror.
Foam edging can also be applied to reduce air circulation inside the visor.
In order to further increase safety for paraglider pilots, we have introduced a new visor fastening system. It was essential to ensure that the aluminium disc does not project from the outer shell by more than 5 mm, ensuring that the paraglider lines cannot get caught on the helmet.
This modification was also mandatory for EN 966 and EN 1077 certification.
There is an O-ring inside the aluminium disc which provides the friction necessary to adjust visor position continuously and smoothly.
When the visor is lifted completely, it is entirely outside the field of vision.
Nerv 2.0 is a helmet for air sports, skiing and snowboarding, all sports which are performed in environments that can reach low temperatures.
The level of internal ventilation, provided by the slots on the outer shell and the channels in the inner shell, was specifically designed for the environmental and aerological characteristics typical of these two sectors of sport.
The ear covers are very soft, comfortable and easily removable.
For optimum protection, we recommend always using the helmet with the protective ear covers in position.
A titanium-anodized aluminium rollbar adds additional chin protection for Nerv 2.0, already a tough, exclusive helmet for air sport pilots, skiers and snowboarders.
The Rollbar can be retrofitted to any Nerv helmet: you just have to change the two ear protectors.
The Rollbar is also available as a standard feature.
Our customers often ask us about the additional protection offered by this component.
The rollbar is fixed to the ear covers, which are in turn fastened securely to the outer shell. This optimizes protection for the chin.
In fact, just as a helmet is designed to absorb impact by energy by the progressive deformation of the polystyrene inner shell and then the outer shell, the rollbar absorbs the energy of an impact to the chin area by the progressive distortion of the entire assembly, rollbar, ear covers and the respective fastenings.
If the rollbar were fixed rigidly to the outer shell, this process of energy absorption would not occur correctly, with detrimental effects on user safety.
Different helmet patterns offer differing degrees of protection.
When compared to the “jet” format, a full-face helmet offers the highest protection, but with slightly reduced visibility when looking downwards.
This is why we have introduced the rollbar concept, which offers an interesting compromise between protection, field of vision and user comfort.
In fact, this helmet with rollbar is a favourite amongst paraglider and paramotor pilots, for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding, in addition to other land sports such as cycling.
The chin strap can easily be adjusted, with millimetric precision.
You just have to press the red button to undo the strap.
The chin strap is padded with soft, comfortable fabric.
One of the advantages of using polycarbonate for the outer shell is the fact that it offers great freedom in the graphic design and colours used for its surface finish.
But this flexibility also means that it is difficult to maintain an identical colour in successive production runs.
So the finished helmets may show slight chromatic variations.
Of course, once we have defined the desired hue, we do everything possible to ensure that it remains the same, as far as is possible, from batch to batch.
The video illustrates the rigorous testing that is performed to obtain EN 966 (sport flying helmets) and EN 1077 (skiing and snowboarding) certification.
Our helmets are tested by CSI or Italcert, two Italian laboratory authorized by Italy’s Ministry of Transport.
The Nerv 2.0 is designed specifically for hang glider, paraglider and microlight pilots, and for skiers and snowboarders.
It is designed and built to be as light as possible, while optimizing safety.
Like its predecessor, Nerv 2.0 is certified in compliance with the European standards EN 966 and EN 1077.
View the certificate issued by Italcert and the complete EN 966 test report.
How can a single helmet such as Nerv 2.0 be suited to sports as different as paragliding & hang gliding, skiing & snowboarding?
In fact, the practical requirements for a helmet for air and snow sports are comparable.
The helmets must offer satisfactory impact protection and they must be light, to reduce the possibility of muscle fatigue or injury during extensive use.
The specifications of Nerv 2.0, and above all its thoroughly-tested impact performance and low overall weight, make it ideal for both these areas of sport, as shown officially by the dual certification, EN 966 (air sports) and EN 1077 (skiing and snowboarding).
For further information on EN 966 and EN 1077 testing, please see our page About safety
Helmet with large outer shell: 580 grams
Helmet with small outer shell: currently 630 grams, a lighter version is coming soon
Visor 93 grams
View the new Manual for the Nerv 2.0
All our helmets are created by Italian designers, made in Italy using Italian materials and technology, assembled at our workshop in Laveno by trained Italian personnel, and certified by an Italian company.
It would be cheaper to outsource production overseas. We prefer to do everything ourselves, here in Italy, for a reason: quality, which means safety and user satisfaction. Our quality is not just a slogan: it is demonstrated by tangible results. Our hang gliders and helmets are used by leading pilots who have conquered an impressive list of world championship victories.
And you can see quality in action. You are welcome to visit our workshop and watch our team working on the helmets.
For privacy reasons, we never publish the name of the customer who sent us the comment.
"I live in the USA. I have flown with my Icaro Nerv for years and love it."
"I have recently bought a helmet Nerv on Internet. I am very satisfied by the design, the comfort and the color."
Texts by Henry Neuteboom
[email protected]
