Lazer is a model that’s been round for greater than 100 years. Their latest helmet is the most recent incarnation of the Z1. Beforehand, the Z1 used MIPS for rotational influence safety. The most recent Z1 replaces MIPS with Lazer’s Kineticore know-how that acts like a crumple zone in automobiles.
The Lazer Z1 KinetiCore comes with a helmet bag, however the Aeroshell prices a further $29.99
PEZ readers will know that I’ve ridden many Lazer helmets through the years, together with the Helium, the unique model of the Z1, Sphere MIPS, and Vento KinetiCore. With my Flanders particular version Z1 reaching retirement age, I used to be psyched to get my palms (or is that my head?) on the most recent Lazer Z1 KinetiCore.
Out with the outdated (Z1 Flanders particular version – background) and in with the brand new (Z1 KinetiCore – foreground)
Lazer Z1 KinetiCore – $279.99
The Lazer Z1 KinetiCore is Lazer’s high quality helmet when you’re in search of air stream/cooling (when you’re in search of #aero, that’s their Vento KinetiCore). Per Lazer:
- Light-weight and comfy excessive efficiency highway helmet
- 5-Star Safety Expertise: Constructed with prime rated Lazer KinetiCore to scale back danger of harm from direct or rotational influence
- Premium Air flow: 3% extra cooling with Z1 KinetiCore as in comparison with carrying no helmet in any respect!
- Comfy and Safe Match: an up to date Lazer Superior RollSys system is operated by a clean thumb wheel
- Featherweight Safety: weighs 220 grams or about three power bars
- Head circumference in CM : S 52 – 56, M 55 – 59, L 58 – 61
The Lazer Z1 KinetiCore is available in six completely different colours (Harbor Gray, Metallic Purple, Matte Black, Cosmic Blue, White, Flash Orange), in addition to a restricted version Tour de France mannequin that’s darkish blue with yellow graphics. PEZ acquired the Flash Orange for one thing hi-viz with out it being fluo yellow.
Plenty of entrance vents (by my depend, 16) to tug air in
All the opposite vents (prime, aspect, and again) pull air via and out the helmet
The KinetiCore molding creates air channels to assist pull air from the entrance via to the again of the helmet for cooling
The Z1 KinetiCore cuts a fairly glossy profile
Snap on the Aeroshell for a extra slippery profile (or for defense in opposition to the weather)
I’m going to overlook my Flanders particular version Aeroshell
Lazer spec is 220 grams (however they don’t say for what dimension — mine is medium)
As a result of I’m certain somebody desires to know
Match
All my different Lazer helmets (really, all of my different helmets) are dimension medium and the Z1 Kineticore was no exception. Nonetheless, it’s all the time a good suggestion to measure your head circumference and use the producer’s sizing information. That plus strive before you purchase to be double certain.
The rear basket could be adjusted up or down through a ratchet system for match/consolation and to accommodate a ponytail. NOTE: This generally is a little fiddly to maneuver. It’s a must to pull or push fairly firmly on the ratchet half to get it to maneuver, so a minor PITA.
The one factor that’s completely different from different helmets is Lazer’s RollSys match system. Most different helmets have an adjustment knob on the again that tightens the “headband” for match from the again. The Lazer RollSys has a “barrel adjuster” behind the helmet that adjusts the scarf all the best way round for a extra “even” match.
Righty tighty and lefty loosey
The “headband” adjusts all they round
Having ridden with a number of helmets that use the Roll Sys system, I’m a fan of as a result of it fully encircles the pinnacle, creating extra even distribution of pressure and eliminating stress factors. IMHO it’s merely a greater design than helmets that anchor the retention system into factors contained in the helmet and squish one finish of the helmet in opposition to your head.
One factor that’s completely different in regards to the new Z1 KinetiCore is that the straps don’t alter for match on the sides
IMHO a pointy trying helmet on my noggin’
Producers really design their vents to accommodate sunglass storage
KinetiCore
After all, what make the Lazer Z1 KinetiCore completely different from the earlier Z1 that used MIPS (and different helmets) is the KinetiCore know-how that gives further safety in opposition to rotational influence — which is extra frequent with biking accidents and most traumatic mind accidents are the results of rotational influence.
KinetiCore consists of blocks and channels molded into the EPS foam of the helmet throughout manufacturing which might be engineered to soak up or redirect the power of both linear or rotational impacts to assist scale back head harm. The idea is much like “crumple zones” constructed into trendy automobiles which might be designed to deform and crumple in a collision, absorbing and redirecting a number of the power of the influence and stop it from being transmitted to the occupants.
The KinetiCore blocks and channels present influence safety and create air channels to assist pull air from the entrance via to the again of the helmet for cooling
Along with security, the opposite advantages of KinectiCore are:
- Decreased weight: No further system added after manufacturing. Much less EPS foam utilized in building
- Elevated air flow: No liner or different materials blocking vents or airflow
- Decreased plastics in manufacturing: As much as 24% much less plastics as in comparison with earlier comparable fashions
It’s additionally price noting that the Lazer Z1 KinetiCore has a 5 star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ score from the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab (as of this writing, it’s quantity 27 on their checklist). All helmets have to satisfy minimal security requirements relying on what a part of the world you reside in:
- CE (acronym for the French Conformite Europeenne) for Europe and elements of Asia
- AUS for Australia and New Zealand
- CPSC (Shopper Product Security Fee) for Americas
However helmets ranked greater by Virginia Tech might provide higher safety that these which might be ranked decrease and their unbiased testing outcomes provide a further perspective on any buy choice. However as Virginia Tech factors out:
No helmet is concussion-proof. Any athlete can maintain a head harm, even with the easiest head safety. The helmet scores determine the helmets that greatest scale back your possibilities of sustaining a concussion.
In the end, it’s your head so your choice.
Common Rechargeable LED Taillight – $34.99
Taillight, charging wire, velcro strap mount (to make use of with non-Lazer helmets)
In case you experience at evening, this 40 lumens mild is an added layer of security to make use of with bike-mounted lights. It has 4 modes that can assist you be seen: regular, low mild pulse, vibrant(er) mild pulse, and flashing.
Proprietary magnetic connection-to-USB for charging
Insert the sunshine into the slot and twist to lock it in place
Scorching enjoyable within the summertime
It’s that point of 12 months when the temps and humidity are excessive each in Babylon on the Potomac and the Lowcountry. With its plethora of vents, the Lazer Z1 KinetiCore is strictly the form of helmet for these form of situations. I can’t verify Lazer’s declare of 3% extra cooling with Z1 KinetiCore as in comparison with carrying no helmet in any respect!, however I can say that my head hasn’t felt prefer it was overheating driving in 90+F/seems like 100+F situations. Positively a helmet for warm enjoyable within the summertime!
Groupama FDJ’s Grace Brown successful this 12 months’s Liege-Bastogne-Liege carrying the Lazer Z1 KinetiCore
Word: When you have different experiences with gear or one thing so as to add, drop us a line. We don’t declare to know all the things (we simply indicate it at instances). Give us a pat on the again when you just like the critiques or a slap within the head when you really feel the necessity!
PezCycling Information and the creator ask that you simply contact the producers earlier than utilizing any merchandise you see right here. Solely the producer can present correct and full info on correct/protected use, dealing with, upkeep, and or set up of merchandise in addition to any conditional info or product limitations.
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