Lazer’s latest flagship road helmet dubbed the Z1 Kineticore first broke cover back in January, which as its name implies, features the Belgian brand’s proprietary impact, head protection system.
Kineticore comprises a waffle-like foam that lines the inside of the helmet in a grid-like fashion, creating a series of crumple zones that collapse around the rider’s head at various angles during impact, reducing rotational impact forces similar to MIPS, albeit with a lighter more ventilated design, earning the new helmet a 5-star rating from Virginia Tech’s Helmet Lab.
Elsewhere, the Z1 Kineticore features Lazer’s RollSys retention system that sits atop the helmet, along with a ponytail-friendly, height-adjustable rear cradle, as well as recycled, antibacterial straps and an LED taillight that snaps into place at the rear of the shell.
Additionally, the Z1 Kineticore is once again treated to air vents galore and an integrated eyewear dock that’s become commonplace with most premium helmets.
All in, Lazer says the Z1 Kineticore tips the scales at a feathery 220 grams, a slight weight savings over its MIPS-equipped Z1 predecessor.
So, weight aside, does the new Z1 surpass the out-going Z1 in terms of comfort and performance?
Truthfully, one would have to squint to in order to tell the two apart, as both lids possess the same silhouette, vent pattern and retention system. Perhaps, the only noticeable difference lies in the side straps, which unlike the out-going Z1 don’t adjust.
Indeed, out on the road, my noggin tells me that the Z1 Kineticore delivers the same level of comfort, airiness and ease of adjustment as the previous model.
So, what’s the difference?
Well, for those who consider head protection paramount, Lazer does claim its Kineticore technology is superior to MIPS, providing additional protection against rotational impact over its competitor- something that I hope to never have to validate.
The Z1 Kineticore sells for $280.00, which is available in sizes ranging from small to large, with no fewer than eight color options.
Lazer
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