Hot
- Economically priced MIPS helmet
- ROLLSYS System provides 360 degrees of horizontal and vertical fit adjustment
- Removable visor for different looks and added sun protection
- Crash Replacement Program – 3 years of coverage, 50% discount on replacement helmet
Not
- Optional integrated LED light difficult to remove for recharging and not bright enough as a daytime running light
Price: $89.99 MSRP
Colors: White, Blue, Black
Sizes: Small (52–56cm), Medium (55-59cm), Large (58-61cm)
# of Vents: 13
Weight: 291g (size small, no visor), 304 (with visor)
Availability: Online, Retail
How Obtained: Company Sample
RBR advertiser: No
Truly a Cameleon
Lazer’s Cameleon helmet gets its name from its ability to change looks by adding or removing the visor. With the visor on it’s perfect for commuting and trail rides. Remove the visor and you have a road helmet. But what doesn’t change is this economically priced ($89.99 MSRP) helmet is comfortable and safe with MIPS installed.
To dial in the right fit, Lazer uses a ROLLSYS System which provides 360 degrees of horizontal and vertical adjustment. This was my first experience wearing a Lazer helmet, so when I initially tried it on I looked for the typical dial on the back. But there wasn’t one. It took a while for me to figure out the thumbwheel on top of the helmet is what adjusts the fit. The extended sizing along with the ROLLSYS System gave me plenty of room to adjust for a winter beanie or headband. Then the side straps with sliders kept the straps flat against the face and the helmet secure.
I was only able to test the helmet during cold conditions, but without a cap, I definitely felt a lot of are being passed through the 13 vents. According to my scale, the Cameleon weighs in at 291g (small) without the visor and 304g with the visor.
Optional Rear LED Light
The company sent an optional integrated LED rear light that pops into the rear vent of the helmet. Honestly, I find this design flawed. First, you need to remove the light to charge and removal is difficult and over time it may damage the helmet. Second, the light wasn’t bright enough as a daytime running light, so an additional like would be required if riding during the day. Third, the light brightness was just ok at night. I do like having a light integrated into the helmet, but some improvements need to be made to the current version. Not worth the extra $19.99. If Lazer produced a better light that could be charged while still in the helmet, then a premium price would be warranted.
Optional LED light integrates into the rear of the helmet.
Bottom Line
The Lazer Cameleon is a good, economical option if looking for a versatile, comfortable MIPS helmet. But I’d pass on the optional LED light until the company produces a better option.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women's cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri's full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
I’ll second your thoughts on the ROLLSYS system. I’ve had a Lazer MIPS helmet for a couple of years and the adjustment mechanism is very easy to use with different head coverings. I cold weather, I put a heavier scull cap or even a stocking cap on underneath and use the roller to quickly snug the helmet up. I’ll probably purchase another one of these as my current helmet gets too much age.
I’ll second your thoughts on the ROLLSYS system. I’ve had a Lazer MIPS helmet for a couple of years and the adjustment mechanism is very easy to use with different head coverings. In cold weather, I put a heavier scull cap or even a stocking cap on underneath and use the roller to quickly snug the helmet up. I’ll probably purchase another one of these as my current helmet gets too much age.
Thanks for the feedback. Nice to hear others have similar experiences.