Product test
Less weight, more comfort: Lazer’s new Z1 helmet put to the test
by Patrick Bardelli
The new Sphere KinetiCore racing bike helmet from Lazer tested
21.1.2026
Translation: machine translated
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Great ventilation, very comfortable to wear and a cool design. These are just some of the advantages of the new racing bike helmet from Lazer. Here is my detailed test report on the Sphere KinetiCore.
The new Sphere KinetiCore road helmet from Lazer in size M weighs in at 280 grammes. That's around 60 grammes more than the Z1. I tested the revised classic from the Belgians in spring 2024 and, in addition to the Advanced Rollsys system, also criticised the lightweight helmet's goggle garage. You can read it all in peace and quiet here:
KinetiCore instead of Mips
KinetiCore is the name of the technology developed by Lazer, which is also used in the new Sphere alongside the Z1. The safety system, which was launched four years ago, is designed to protect against head injuries in the event of a collision. According to the manufacturer, ten years of development work went into the small polystyrene elements.
The engineers analysed the crumple zones of vehicles, among other things. This led them to incorporate cone-shaped foam parts on the inside of the helmet, which deform or even break in the event of an impact and thus divert the kinetic energy away from the cyclist's head. The result is what Lazer calls «controlled crumple zones»: a structure made of EPS foam blocks that are integrated into the helmet. The abbreviation EPS stands for expanded polystyrene and describes the plastic known under the brand name Styrofoam.
Along with several other Lazer KinetiCore helmets, the Sphere has also received a 5-star rating and thus the top score from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. It therefore fulfils the most important requirements in terms of safety on the road.
Advanced TurnSys system
Compared to the Z1, the new Sphere has the familiar system with the so-called Advanced TurnSys system in the rear of the helmet. Thank goodness, one is inclined to say. The updated adjustment system of the Z1, 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. However, I find the adjustment via this thumbwheel on the top of the helmet cumbersome. I have to turn the wheel as far as it will go until the helmet fits. With the Sphere, this now works normally again «» .
Easy Eyewear Docking Port
And Lazer has also revised my second criticism of the Z1 in the new Sphere: the eyewear dock. Could it really be that the manufacturer has read my product test on the Z1 and implemented the suggestions for improvement? Or was it perhaps not just me who felt the same about the fit and goggles? Probably the latter. It doesn't really matter, the main thing is that the bike glasses can now be securely inserted with the temples in the openings provided when I don't need them.
Ventilation, comfort and design
In contrast to many other helmets that try to outdo each other with the number of ventilation openings, the Sphere KinetiCore manages with three frontal openings. In addition, there are two openings at the front for the goggle garage, which also provide pleasant ventilation. The result is an almost cool climate under the plastic. Of course, this is also due to the current temperatures.
On my last ride, it was around two degrees in the morning. Despite the balaclava under the helmet, it's almost too cold. However, I assume that the ventilation system is also playing its part. I'm therefore looking forward to the summer and hope that the cooling system will deliver what it promises today. To increase safety and visibility, a Lazer LED rear light can be attached to the back of the helmet using a direct mount. However, I have not tested this.
On the other hand, I can say a lot of positive things about the comfort of the helmet and its design. I like the glossy version in dove grey. I generally think that grey is an underrated colour. However, we don't currently have this colour in the shop. The helmet is currently available in white, green and black. The good ventilation in combination with the movable front headband, which prevents pressure points, ensures that the Sphere KinetiCore is extremely comfortable to wear.
In a nutshell
With the Sphere KinetiCore from Lazer, everything fits for me
I have nothing to criticise about this racing bike helmet. Really nothing. It is very comfortable to wear and the helmet fits my head like a glove. Thanks to the Advanced TurnSys system with the dial in the neck area, the helmet can be adjusted perfectly. The large ventilation openings and the movable front headband take care of the rest in terms of climate and comfortable fit.
The revised goggle garage makes stowing your cycling goggles child's play and I generally like the design of the Sphere KinetiCore. The same applies here: the eye travels with you.
Pro
- Very comfortable helmet
- Top ventilation
- Easily accessible glasses garage
- cool design
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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