Product test
Ten years of development and «controlled crumple zones» have gone into Lazer’s new bike helmet.
by Patrick Bardelli
Less weight, more comfort: Lazer’s new Z1 helmet put to the test
24.4.2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Less plastic, less weight – but more comfort. The Belgian brand Lazer has reissued its classic and given the Z1 racing bike helmet a new look. The «new» helmet gave a great performance in test conditions, just one point was deducted.
5 stars for KinetiCore
KinetiCore is the name of the technology developed by Lazer, which is also used in the Z1 alongside a number of other models. The safety system, which was launched two years ago, is designed to protect against head injuries in the event of a collision. According to the manufacturer, ten years of development work have gone into the small polystyrene elements.
More on the topic here:
Along with several other Lazer KinetiCore helmets, the Z1 has also received a 5-star rating and thus the top grade from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (website in German). It therefore meets the most important requirements in terms of safety on the road.
The Advanced Rollsys system – a minor issue
According to Lazer, the new version of the Z1 is 15 per cent lighter and uses 40 grammes less plastic compared to its predecessor. The updated closure system, which Lazer calls the Advanced Rollsys System, is seamlessly integrated into the helmet and is operated via a thumbwheel on the top of the helmet.
The new design is intended to contribute significantly to maximising aerodynamic performance and functionality. According to the manufacturer, it was specifically developed to fit those with long hair. Finally, in addition to the 31 openings, the flexible headband promotes ventilation and is designed to provide optimum cooling.
And here comes my only reservation about this helmet: it may be due to the fact that I have no hair. Neither long nor short hair. But the adjustment via the thumbwheel on top is awkward. I have to turn the wheel the furthest it can go until the helmet fits. And this despite the fact that size M (head circumference 55 to 59 centimetres) normally fits me perfectly. I prefer the system with the wheel in the neck area like Alpina’s Ravel.
Again I wonder, where I should put my glasses?
Lazer answers this question as follows: «cycling glasses can be easily docked in special slots on the helmet. The updated, shorter fit ensures a better fit of the temples.» So far, so good. In the manufacturer’s video, it also looks very simple:
Maybe it’s my fine motor skills, but even with this helmet, it’s difficult to hook the glasses onto them. Fortunately, I’ve now found an alternative:
In a nutshell
Very comfortable racing bike helmet with one area to improve on
The 31 ventilation openings of the Lazer Z1 ensure a cool head. At 220 grammes in size M, this bike helmet is also impressive in terms of weight. As for safety, the same conclusion applies as for the mountain bike helmet we tested:
For Lazer, it certainly makes sense to free itself from any dependencies on suppliers such as Mips by coming up with its own «KinetiCore» technology. For me as a consumer, the type of safety technology that’s being used plays a secondary role as long as it protects me as well as possible in the case of a crash. And naturally, that’s what I expect when I’m using this helmet.
The only shortcoming of the Z1 is the thumbwheel.
Pro
- very light
- very good ventilation
- compatible with a light and aeroshell
- aerodynamic design
- less raw material consumption
- for use on road and gravel
Contra
- Advanced Rollsys system
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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