Lazer Z1 MIPS Helmet, LifeBEAM Add-On

A Great Helmet Made Even Better

I tested Lazer’s top-of-the-line Z1 helmet (the original, non-MIPS version) in May 2015 as part of our MIPS Road Helmets Roundup Review of five different MIPS road lids. The Z1 was the “control” helmet against which all the MIPS versions were compared across numerous criteria, including ventilation, fit, padding, adjustability and more.

The Z1 was the second helmet in the “top of the line” classification I’ve tested in the past couple of years. I’ve ridden with all kinds – and all levels – of helmets over the years, from entry level to mid-level, from superlight to optic heart rate sensor built in. But what sets these top-of-the-line helmets apart is the array of features that add up to a level of comfort, adjustability and overall great fit that is hard to equal. The Z1 achieved high marks across all criteria (4.5 or higher, out of 5), with the sole exception being price. The Z1 is a full-featured helmet, to be sure, and the new MIPS version I tested for this review has been made even better.

Not only does it feature all the very same high-end features that made it a great helmet to begin with, but the new version also adds MIPS technology as well as the ability to add the new LifeBEAM HR sensor kit to the helmet. It’s the same heart rate sensor technology that was built into an earlier version of Lazer’s LifeBEAM Genesis helmet (click to read our review). But now Lazer and LifeBEAM are bringing an add-on kit to market that is compatible with not only the Z1, but also the Wasp, Wasp Air, Blade, Magma, and the women’s Cosmo, Jade and Elle helmets.

Before I get into the new LifeBEAM add-on, though, here’s a quick recap of what makes the Z1 a terrific helmet. You can also read about MIPS technology by clicking the following:

{slider WHAT IS MIPS?|blue|closed}

Modern (non-MIPS) bike helmets are wonderful pieces of technology in terms of their impact resistance. They are designed – and tested – to help prevent skull fractures and other major blunt-force trauma. They are not, however, designed to mitigate the forces that can cause a concussion.

A Swedish company called Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) patented the slip plane concept (what it calls a low-friction layer), using two layers in the helmet (the MIPS “liner”) to help mitigate the rotational force of an impact, which can result in a concussion or other brain injury. Here’s how the company itself describes the technology:

“In a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System the shell and the liner are separated by a low friction layer. When a helmet with MIPS Brain Protection System is subjected to an angled impact, the low friction layer allows the helmet to slide relative to the head.”

Click to read MIPS and Sliding Resistance of Bicycle Helmets from helmets.org. Click to read more from MIPS at http://www.mipshelmet.com/ {/sliders}

Packed With Features

The Lazer Z1 MIPS achieves top marks across the board in all the important features of a great helmet: ventilation, fit, adjustability, weight, comfort and extras. I’ll quickly go through each one. 

FIT & ADJUSTABILITY. The fit of the Z1 MIPS is about as good as it gets. It is easily adjustable, comfortable even with minimal padding, and easy to dial in.

The helmet features Lazer’s Advanced Rollsys fit System (ARS), with an easy-to-use rolling dial at the top of the helmet, which progressively increases or lessens the peripheral “grip” around the circumference of the head. This is coupled with the adjustable head basket, which can be moved up or down to position where the helmet fits the back of your head.

As for dialing in the fit, the combination of the ARS, adjustable head basket and adjustable strap clips to manage the under-the-ear confluence made it one of only 2 helmets I’ve ever got dialed in on the first try. (Make that 3 now, counting the Z1 MIPS version, which is equally impressive in that respect.)

VENTILATION. With 31 vents in a system tested in a “vent tunnel,” this is among the best-ventilated helmets available. Quite simply, there’s plenty of well-thought-out airflow.

Importantly, when adding MIPS to this helmet, it seems to have been done to deliberately keep that airflow intact. The MIPS liner does a pretty good job matching the placement of vents in the helmet. And I can’t say I noticed any real difference in airflow between the non-MIPS and MIPS versions. (This from a self-described “massive head sweater” who takes these things seriously.)

PADDING. Just as with the non-MIPS version, this lid takes a minimalist approach, as with many high-end helmets. And that’s a good thing. This helmet features only 2 pieces of padding: One piece that runs across the forehead to each side of the helmet at the temple, and runs from the middle of the forehead back toward the crown. The other U-shaped piece sits in the middle of the helmet. Simple, effective. No need for anything more.

WEIGHT. Very lightweight, at a stated 270g for the large model tested. It’s not the absolute lightest helmet I’ve ever worn, but it’s in the top tier. Most important, it’s not at all noticeable on rides of any length.

COMFORT. Everything stated above rolls up to a supremelycomfortable helmet.

EXTRAS. T.Pro design shape provides more coverage of the temples for added protection. The optional Aero Shell easily snaps onto helmet to provide improved aerodynamics for race conditions and rain coverage and additional warmth during cold weather rides. Head basket shape curved up in the middle to accommodate ponytails with no impedance. Comes with the Magneto helmet/sunglasses retention system. Upgrade options include a tail light or LifeBEAM HR sensor/transmitter (both fit in the same place on the “mud guard” that snaps onto the back of the helmet, so only one can be used at any given time. Also comes with a carry bag.

PRICE. At $310 MSRP, it’s expensive. But the features, comfort, fit and extras are all hallmarks of a high-end helmet. None of the mid-range or lower-end helmets I’ve had in the past are comparable, so you could argue that you get what you pay for. Still, it’s a pricey lid.

SAFETY & MIPS. What we wrote in our MIPS roundup review still holds water. To us, here’s what it comes down to: More and more manufacturers are including MIPS in their helmet lineups (in a range of price points both affordable and expensive. So, when it comes time to replace your current helmet (recommended on average every couple of years, or after any crash or impact), consider checking out the MIPS equivalent of your favorite helmet, or perhaps an entirely new design featuring the technology. And be sure to try it on to ensure the proper size before buying.

When we did that MIPS roundup review, we made a point of stating that none of us was willing to suffer through a crash to “fully test” the functionality. Well, in the middle of my testing of the Z1 MIPS, I did crash and put the helmet to the full test. (See photo.) My buddy who was right behind me when I crashed said my head hit the pavement forcefully. And, indeed, the helmet broke apart somewhat on impact and shows evidence of my sliding across the road.

The takeaway: While I cannot say for sure that the helmet definitively kept me from suffering major head injury, and that the MIPS technology was an added benefit, I walked away without any head trauma. (I did severely fracture my clavicle.) I certainly would have suffered at a minimum a contusion and abrasions to my head, if not far worse. And I’ve reached the point in my cycling life – after suffering two significant crashes in which my helmet broke apart, but my head did not suffer at all – where I don’t need “definitive” proof of the helmet’s responsibility in the outcome. If it gives me a shot at protecting myself, and it takes the brunt of an impact that obviously would have hurt my head to any degree – I’m a proponent. A helmet is insurance, and why not insure your head to the extent of the available technology?

LifeBEAM HR Sensor Add-On

The main shortcoming of the original LifeBEAM helmet (the Lazer Genesis model, click to read our review) proved to be that over time the overall weight started to become noticeable – especially when compared to higher-end helmets like the Z1. The technology has since been refined into a small, light (45g) add-on package that I tested as part of the Z1 MIPS test.

The singular advantage is that you don’t have to mess with a heart rate strap again. You just turn on the little battery pack/transmitter on the back of your helmet, put on the helmet and ride.

The heart rate tracking kit seamlessly syncs with computers and apps via Bluetooth 4.0 and ANT+ (iOS, Android or Garmin), while delivering more than 15 hours of battery life. It’s rechargeable via USB. I have mine synced to both my computer (via ANT+) and Cyclemeter (my iPhone tracking app) via Bluetooth. Both work flawlessly.

A small wire threads through the helmet, under the MIPS liner, comes out the rear vent and plugs into the battery pack/transmitter. The battery pack/transmitter hooks onto the optional “mud cap,” a little piece of clear plastic that snaps in place over the helmet’s retention system. (See photos.)

To install the kit, you simply remove the forehead piece of padding, attach the new piece of gel-type padding that contains the optical sensor, then thread the wire through to the back of the helmet and plug it into the battery pack/transmitter. It takes just a couple of minutes and is as easy as it sounds. The device pairs with your computer and apps just like any other accessory. And the battery life holds up to the stated 15 hours. I have so many devices now (lights, cameras, computer) that I regularly charge them at certain intervals, so this just goes into the rotation.

It has worked flawlessly thus far, and I’m forever happy not to have to mess with a chest strap again. This is one of those things that just makes sense. As with the helmet, though, the price ($129 MSRP) of this cool little add-on can give you momentary pause, but a quick look at chest strap-based HRMs shows that even basic models start at around $50.

The Last Word

The Lazer Z1 is a top-of-the line MIPS helmet with features, comfort and looks that all deliver. It is the total package of design and functionality and is a great helmet made ever better by adding MIPS technology and upgrade features that take it to the top of the list of helmets worth considering when you’re looking for a new one.

May 2016

Postscript

Sometimes we like to circle back on products we tested (and love) to provide a down-the-road update on their long-term use.

I wrote the original review not long after crashing and smashing up the test helmet (in case you missed it, the photo is above). After clavicle surgery and recovery, I got back on the road in June and have been wearing an exact replacement ever since, with the LifeBEAM sensor on board, as well (it survived the crash unscathed).

Both the helmet and the sensor continue to be outstanding performers. I wouldn’t change a word in the original review. If anything, I like both the helmet and the HR sensor even more after over a full year of regular use. And I can report that the battery life of the LifeBEAM unit continues to amaze me: I have to re-charge almost all of my other various computers and lights two or three times more often than the little HR dongle. (And I absolutely DO NOT miss bothering with a chest strap; I’ll never, ever go back!)

If you’re looking for a great helmet that will deliver ride after ride for the long-term – and a terrific alternative to a bothersome chest strap to measure your heart rate – you’ll be hard-pressed to do better.

April 2017

John Marsh is the editor and publisher of RBR Newsletter and RoadBikeRider.com. A rider of “less than podium” talent, he sees himself as RBR’s Ringmaster, guiding the real talent (RBR’s great coaches, contributors and authors) in bringing our readers consistently useful, informative, entertaining info that helps make them better road cyclists. That’s what we’re all about here—always have been, always will be. Click to read John’s full bio.