Orbea just sent over images of their 2011 helmets, straight from Spain, and they’re beautiful…and beautifully odd looking in some cases.

The Odin (above), Rune and Thor have some wicked styling, and all appear to offer full coverage and beefy retention systems. Two have included visors, and there’s a good selection of colors and patterns on them, too.

Orbea USA sales manager Ronnie Points said their focus on helmets was comfort and airflow (and protection, obviously), rather than fighting the lightest helmet battle. The three models vary in the layers of materials they offer, and thus protection and weight. Check them out after the break…

The Odin is the top of the line model, though not the lightest. It’s designed to pull air around the sides and completely around your head. Orbea USA sales manager Ronnie Points says even when mountain biking he can feel the air moving all the way through to the back of his head. Retail on the Odin should be around $200.

The Odin has the broadest range of colors, and it’s what the Euskatel-Euskadi team is rockin’ this year:

The differences between the models, besides the shapes, is the layered construction. In a nutshell, here’s the breakdown:

• Odin – 4 layers: polycarbonate, carbon fiber, EPS and nylon.
• Thor – 3 layers: polycarbonate, EPS and nylon
• Rune – 2 layers: polycarbonate and EPS

Orbea says the more layers used, the more they can reduce the surface area, which allows for bigger vents and better cooling airflow. Based on the list above, it’s pretty evident when you look at the photos. For security and comfort, the retention system is separate from the straps. They have COOLMAX pads and a rubber support surface inside to make it feel softer and smoother, and there’s a winter kit to block some of the vents available separately.

The Thor is the mid-tier helmet. It comes with a visor (a tiny one). Colors and other views below.

Being the god of thunder with a winged helmet and all, Thor was the design inspiration for this one. Retail price should be around $150.

The Rune is the last of the collection. It also comes with a tiny visor and has your basic red, blue, white and black color options: