|
|
FEATURES: ON TEST: LAZER GENESIS RD HELMET
Road Bike Action
March 3, 2010
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
STORY
Lazer Helmets is headquartered in Belgium, and in addition to cycling helmets, the Lazer lineup includes motorcycle, snowboarding and paragliding headgear. The Lazer Genesis is their lightweight road racing helmet, and it is designed around the Rollsys adjustable fit system. Rollsys allows the helmet to be fine-tuned while riding, which makes it possible to add a hat, scarf or skull cap for warmth on the fly should the weather sour. The Genesis helmet is extremely well-ventilated and weighs 290-grams depending upon size. Expect to pay $175.
TECH
Rollsys refers to a roller dial located on the upper rear section of the helmet that tightens a plastic headband mounted inside the shell. The band is actually two parts, a front cup and a rear cup, which are pulled together by a wind-up cable mechanism. The enveloping cups are fixed to the helmet walls in such a way that it will not wiggle on the head when the road is rough. Because the dial-up mechanism takes care of the fit, the Genesis helmet does not require pads of various thicknesses, the lack of which assists airflow through the head area. Twelve vents keep your cranium cool, while six rigid foam sections and an in-molded shell protect from impacts. Lazer claims that the closed cell foam is designed to mute multiple impacts as long as there is no cracking and that the shell is in intact. The helmet meets or exceeds CE, CPSC and AS standards. The Genesis is sold in 11 color combinations and in three basic sizes: XX-Small, Med/Large, and X-Large.
RBA SAYS
The Rollsys retention mechanism helps minimize the size of the Genesis helmet, so it looks sleeker and more aerodynamic than many. The rear section is also minimally sculpted, which is a pleasant departure from the present cruise-ship styling. Genesis helmets are easy to fit up: get the straps right, put it on and spin the dial until the inside stuff wraps snugly against your head. Some words of warning, though: Don’t over tighten the Rollsys function. Once your body warms up, increased circulation will swell your head slightly, and this can cause discomfort or even headaches. Leave it a tiny bit loose to get the sweet spot.
We tested the Genesis in sweltering heat and also on near-freezing rides. The ventilation is wonderful, so you’ll need some protection from the cold. The Lazer helmet stayed put, even while descending some wicked asphalt sections of California’s coastal mountains. The pads are comfortable and dry quickly after a long, sweaty climb. The nylon webbing feels a little stiff, so it is imperative that you get the straps directed around your ears and chin before your first grueling ride. Helping to ease that process are flip-lock sliders at the junction of the fore and aft webbing.
VERDICT
Bottom line: If you can pop for its $175 sticker price, the Genesis helmet is a keeper. While 290-grams is a bit weighty when compared with its most expensive competitors, you do not feel anything but air when it is on your head. The Rollsys retention system feels secure while minimizing the contact points between your head and the foam liner. Its styling is sharp, and there are enough color options to match any kit or bicycle’s graphics.
PRICE: $175
WEIGHT: 290-grams (XXS)
INFO: www.lazerhelmets.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|