Review: Lazer Z1 helmet. All around excellent.

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Review: Lazer Z1 helmet. All around excellent.

Lazer Z1

The Lazer Z1 is a go-to helmet. Having the luxury of several helmets to select for a ride from past reviews, we find the the Z1 is often the first choice.

The reasons why can be summed up with a simple “it does everything well.” Lazer has produced a real all-rounder that checks practically all the boxes on the criteria list.

First, it’s pretty light at 276 grams for the large size (there are three sizs, S, M & L) Like all lighter weigh helmets, you don’t really notice it one your head. It disappears.

Backside

Backside

In fact, overall fit is one of the reasons you don’t know you’re wearing the Z1. The retention system adjusts smoothly all around your head, creating a nice firm cradle that doesn’t have any tight or pinch spots where you feel the pressure. It’s a subtle head caress. Bonus, the plastic side-pieces aren’t so thin that they look like a joke — which also speaks to the overall build-quality.

What’s also nice is the adjustable head basket which gives you five possible positions for dialing in the height of the retention system at the back of your head. Once we set ours, we felt an extra measure of comfort and security.

Fit is different for everyone based on head shape and for our oval head, it’s great –very much a Giro fit. That said, my teen son, who has a much rounder head was able to wear the Lazer and not any of my other helmets. Weird but handy to know.

Front side

Front side

We also like the way they’ve put the adjustment for fit on the top of the helmet versus in back. It’s just a little easier to reach when riding and it’s well-integrated so it doesn’t stick out visually. This design also cleans up the look of the rear where the dial would be on the majority of lids.

When you look at the Z1 from the side view, you’ll notice the helmet goes lower down to give additional coverage to your temples. This changes the look of the lid and you may or may not like that but there’s no question that the safety factors go up. Thanks to POC, safety has become a higher priority for helmet design and Lazer has done a smart job of building in some extra coverage.

Inside

Inside

We mentioned versatility and the Lazer does give you the option of a snap-on aftermarket aero-shell. In terms of styling, the look is pretty stylish in the photos. We didn’t have the shell but based on other reviews, the price ($20) and the styling, we’d be tempted. We find most aero helmets appear too plain and nondescript and this one has a bit of flair to the shape.

Another accessory that works with the Z1 is Lazer’s cool Magneto sunglasses. The helmet comes with “magdocs.” That’s two small pieces of plastic with magnets that attach inside the rear vents. As the Magdoc names implies, it creates a holding place for your Magneto sunglasses. We attached them without any problem and they feel snug — even on a bumpy road and certainly walking into a coffee shop post-ride.

Overview

Overview

So yeah, cool. Which it should be with 31 vents. Do the reviews and everybody gives the Z1 high markets for ventilation and we found that to be true. It compares very favorably with our Giro Aeon and Specialized Prevail helmets.

The Z1 sports a wide selection of color options to match just about every kit you own. We count eleven different looks including Camoflash and an icy White Blue combination.

While at $270, the Lazer isn’t cheap, the build quality, ventilation, fit adjustability and range of options (aeroshell, Magneto glasses, X-LED tail light, LifeBEAM heart rate monitor and Cappuccino lock) make it a great choice of everyday use and multiple upgrades. It’s not just a helmet, it’s practically a lifestyle.

Lazer

Lazer Z1 helmet

 

 

 

By |2019-02-03T15:49:53-08:00January 21st, 2016|Product Reviews, Uncategorized|2 Comments

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