Less weight, more comfort: Lazer’s new Z1 helmet put to the test

Patrick Bardelli

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.

Sometimes less is more. The Z1 in size M weighs just 220 grammes. This makes the racing bike helmet from Lazer a lightweight among bike helmets and makes it more comfortable to wear. Then there are cases where more is simply more. For example, when it concerns ventilation. More openings ensure better ventilation. And the updated Z1 has a total of 31. For comparison, the Ravel from Alpina, which I usually wear on my gravel bike, weighs 290 grammes.

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.

Crumple zones of vehicles being one of the main focuses of Lazer’s engineers. This led to the incorporation of cone-shaped pieces of foam on the inside of the helmet, which deform or even break in the event of an impact. This directs the kinetic energy away from the cyclist’s head. Lazer calls this «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 a plastic mainly known under the brand name Styrofoam.

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:

To increase safety and visibility, a Lazer LED rear light can be attached to the back of the helmet using a direct mount. The Z1 is also compatible with the Lazer Aeroshell. This protects the head from rain, mud or snow and covers the front and side ventilation slits. In turn, resulting in an even more aerodynamic helmet. But I didn’t test an aeroshell or rear light this time.

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

Bike helmets

−8%

CHF247.– was CHF269.–

Lazer Sport Z1 KinetiCore

1

Patrick Bardelli

Senior Editor

Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.ch

From 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.

Follow

---

Bike

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Follow topic

These articles might also interest you