By Brandon Bilyeu
Hot!
- 5-Star Viginia Tech helmet rating
- Lazer KinetiCore rotational protection
- Excellent venting
- Secure and easy to operate retention system
- Super light
- Aeroshell available
Not
- Helmet straps ear clearance is not adjustable
Cost: $280
How obtained: review sample from company
Available: online, retail
Colors: Metallic Red, Matte Black, Cosmic Blue, White, Flash Orange, Harbor Grey
Website: Lazer Z1
RBR Sponsor: no
Tested: 30+ hours
Sizing(head circumference in cm): S(52-56) / M(55-59) / L(58-61)
Lazer Z1 – Safe and Light
The Z1 is Lazer’s top of the line lightweight and well-ventilated race helmet (see the Vento KinetiCore if you prefer an aero race helmet). Races and everyday riding inevitably involve crashes, so Lazer prioritized safety by using their own proprietary integrated rotational impact protection technology call KinetiCore.
KinetiCore provides similar safety functions as MIPS, but MIPS is an add-on technology that is inserted into helmets adding bulk and weight, where KinetiCore is molded as part of the EPS foam of the helmet. Put simply, the inner surface of the helmet is made up of foam blocks that create “controlled crumple zones that crumple under impact and absorb the energy that otherwise would have reached the cyclist’s brain (Lazer KinetiCore).” The result is the Z1 receiving the highest rating of 5 stars from the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings.
The integration of the rotational impact protection makes for a very lightweight helmet at 220 grams (~0.5lbs) for size medium. Additionally, the gaps between the blocks provide airflow channels to improve cooling performance. During the recent hot and humid weather, I appreciated the light and airy feel of the helmet.
Well Thought Out Fit System
The Z1 uses Lazer’s Advanced Rollsys System (ARS) to hold the helmet in place. A dial allows you to easily adjust the tension of a cage around the circumference of your head but differs in that the dial is located on top of the helmet instead of at the rear. This allows the rear of the helmet to be more open which is very helpful for those with ponytails. And while small rear mounted dials can be hard to operate with thick winter gloves, the ARS dial does not require finger dexterity as you can just roll your hand across it.
There is also an Adjustable Head Basket (AHB) at the rear of the helmet that cradles the back of the head for a very stable fit. The AHB is vertically adjustable to five different positions to customize the fit based on your head shape. I found the AHB mechanism to be quite difficult to adjust, but it is a one-time adjustment and then I’m very confident that it will never get out of alignment. My head shape falls into the round category and the Z1 has a more oval shape, but the AHB really helped to make the fit feel right.
The helmet is secured under the chin with a standard buckle and fixed strap separators keep the straps off the ears. The fixed strap separators are my only minor gripe with the Z1. The straps behind my ears bulge out instead of lying flat on my head and because there is no adjustment there is nothing I can do about it. On fast descents I get a bit of flapping, but otherwise it’s not an issue except for aesthetics. But I also struggle to get adjustable straps set correctly, so fixed isn’t so bad. Your results may vary based on head shape and preferred helmet fit.
Bottom Line
A 5-star Viginia Tech Helment Rating means the Z1 has you covered on the safety front. That it is also super light, well ventilated, and very comfortable makes this a great helmet.
Brandon Bilyeu is an avid recreational roadie who lives in Regensburg, Germany. He’s a year-round bike commuter and is a mechanical design engineer by trade. Click to read Brandon’s full bio.