TESTED: Lazer Revolution helmet

Belgian helmet brand Lazer have been hard at work developing some fantastic helmets in recent years. We have tested the lightweight Genesis before, and I own a fantastic Z1 for cross-country riding and racing. But at the other end of the spectrum sits the Revolution. Coming in both a standard and a MIPS version, the Revolution offers the extra protection you would expect from an all-mountain lid, with extended coverage at the back, but also removable ear protectors and an optional chin guard.

Sizing up the Revolution

Grabbing the Revolution, you notice it's not a fly-weight helmet. The medium non-MIPS helmet I tested weighed 430g on my Park scales. That's about twice the weight of my XC lid. But the Revolution has other tasks in mind, and isn't missing anything. It has a fully adjustable visor, an integrated mount for a GoPro (or light, like the My Tiny Sun we tested last issue), a highly adjustable retention system via the Advanced Turnfit System, channelled venting, plus comfortable and washable X-static padding. The visor has a number of positions that it clicks through easily, from way up so you can fit your goggles below, to flat with the base of the helmet to keep a low sun out of your eyes.

With 23 gaping vents and the internal channels, overheating was unlikely to be a problem in the Revolution. And although it's kind of large, and kind of heavy – it wasn't noticeable on the bike. The ATS retention system is also height adjustable, so you can make sure it secures nicely beneath the base of your scull. Even with a camera up top it was stable – which you can't say about all helmets.

That mount is called the Safety Mounting System – because it's been crash tested with a camera installed, to ensure it doesn't reduce the structural integrity of the helmet. Given whatever you mount there is so stable, I can actually see it as a safety feature in itself. I've been preoccupied with a light or camera on my helmet more times than once, taking my thoughts away from the trail, which just isn't safe. With a secure fitting, you are less likely to be fiddling, and not adding something to the outside of the helmet that hasn't been designed around for impact. This is important to note not just for riders making videos, but also for night riding. It's a really big safety factor.

The ear guards seemed odd, and caused a giggle, but they make a lot of sense. Not only do they protect your ears, but they'll also help reduce your exposure when sliding along the ground, with a smoother covering that won't catch as easily.

We also had a MIPS model on hand to test – and we certainly don't usually try testing the crash effectiveness of helmets. Nevertheless, test rider Justin Morris did just that. While he broke 5 ribs and broke his hip in 3 places, cut up his eye socket and chin, his head was otherwise uninjured, as the helmet stayed in place and did its job admirably.

And there's the important point – the helmet is really stable. That's what I noticed the most. Sure it was comfortable, and with three sizes it's likely most people will find a size that fits them. But it stayed in place in smooth trails and rough, with a camera or light on top or just running bare. I didn't need to stop and readjust the helmet straps, or how it was sitting on my head.

With the available chin guard, Lazer have aimed to have the helmet meet the standards required for Enduro racing. The Revolution comes in a range of colours from bright to muted, and if you think the features tick all the boxes for you, it is well worth visiting a Lazer dealer to try one on.

Hits:

• Comfort and fit

• Stability in all terrain

• In-built mount and versatile features

Misses:

• A bit weighty and bulky

RRP: $219.95, MIPS $249.95, Chin Guard $149.95

From: bikesportz.com.au