TESTED: Lazer Helium Helmet

Belgian based company Lazer has been producing helmets for well over 100 years now. Claimed at just 290 grams for a Medium size, the Helium is their top-level helmet for road riding and XC racing. It features 19 vents and is available in 4 sizes from Small through to XL.

Complex Construction

Most helmets are constructed from a hard Polycarbonate (PC) outer shell that’s thermally fused to an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam core. There are different ways to do it and different types of EPS foam, but most modern helmets are typically built the same way.

The Helium is unique in that it uses a dual-density EPS foam core, with a layer of low-density foam placed closer to the rider’s skull. This softer density foam helps to slow down the rate of impact and absorb more energy. It does make the helmet a tad thicker in profile, but the added protection is well worth it in our opinion.

Deeper inside the foam core you’ll find a reinforcing carbon skeleton, which helps to add strength and to keep the helmet in one piece during a proper hard crash. The Helium has 7 different PC panels on its exterior, including an extra reinforcing rib around the rider’s forehead. That said, I’d like to see further coverage around the helmet rim to reduce the foam from getting chipped when squashed inside a gear bag.

X-Static pads line the inside of the helmet, though Lazer has used Aquapads to cushion the brow. These water-based gel pads are quite comfortable, and they also assist in channeling sweat away from the your eyes.

Adjustable Comfort

The most distinguishing feature of any Lazer helmet is the unique Rollsys retention system. A thin Nylon wire threads around the internal circumference of the helmet, and is tightened via a small toggle wheel on top of the helmet. It takes a while to get used to the position, but once you’re familiar with it, the wheel is easy to dial in with a single hand while riding.

The Helium is also equipped with the adjustable Head Basket, which allows for vertical adjustment of the rear harness. Running the harness in its lowest position provides a huge improvement in stability compared to previous Lazer helmets I’ve used, which were guilty of feeling wobbly even when adjusted correctly.

Otherwise the Helium delivered exactly what we wanted from it. The magnetic buckle is quick to use, the thin straps were secure, and the small LED taillight was a nifty feature for night riding.

It’s extremely well ventilated and it fitted a wide variety of head shapes. Sizing is on the smaller side though, which is exacerbated by the Aquapads that don’t compress as much as conventional foam padding.

If you’re looking for a lightweight helmet for long distance trail riding and marathon racing, the Lazer Helium is a top-notch choice with lots of adjustability and premium protection.

Hits

• Lightweight & breathable
• High tech dual-density construction
• Available in 9 different colours

Misses

• Difficult to mount some helmet lights to
• Expensive

Price: $279

Contact: www.bikesportz.com.au