The Lazer Blade KinetiCore helmet is the latest KinetiCore helmet to join Lazer’s extensive lineup. This is a dual-purpose helmet that is optimized for road and gravel cyclists that offers a streamlined shape for higher speed riding and more coverage for exploring gravel trails. Retail price for the Lazer Blade KinetiCore is a very affordable $99 and it is compatible with an optional Lazer rear LED. Instead of using MIPS or other rotational safety systems, Lazer has utilized their own KinetiCore system which uses carefully placed EPS foam structures cut into the helmet itself. The Blade also has 20 vents to help air flow through and their adjustable Advanced TurnSys fit system which has a rear mounted cradle.
The Lazer Blade KinetiCore combines sleek styling with small vents and more coverage to create a lightweight road and gravel cycling helmet.
| Rating | 9.5 / 10 |
| Retail Price | $99.99 |
| Measured weight (in g) | 258 (size medium) |
| Likes | + Affordable price + Offered in a variety of eye-catching color and graphic options + Comfortable fit system and very lightweight construction thanks to KinetiCore |
| Dislikes | – Lazer has a confusing number of helmets in their lineup |
| Where to Buy (US) | Lazer Sports |
UNBOXING
The Lazer Blade KinetiCore helmet comes in a standard helmet cardboard box with a front slide out design that lets you see the helmet in the box. Once you open the box you’ll find:
- Blade KinetiCore helmet
- Informational tags attached to helmet straps
- Safety pamphlet
Lazer has done a good job reducing packaging waste and plastic usage with nice details like paper straps instead of zip ties or plastic straps.
FIT & FINISH
Visually, the Lazer Blade shares the same swoopy design that has become part of Lazer’s design signature. It’s a two piece shell with a main upper portion and separate bottom rim that extends upward near the rear. There are twenty air vents with taller vertical ones near the front and smaller vents toward the rear. Unlike the Lazer Vento or other road aero helmets there are vents throughout the helmet for additional ventilation instead of optimizing aerodynamics. Although Lazer markets this helmet as a mixed use helmet for both road cycling and gravel use, the helmet visually looks more like a road helmet with its slim and streamlined design.
The Lazer Blade is currently offered in seven color variations with some unique pastel like colors such as peach, light green and grey. There are also a few graphic options that have gradients on the lower section for additional contrast. We have the white version which isn’t as eye-catching but shares a similar blending of matte and glossy colors on the edge and inside the vent sections.
The helmet features Lazer’s Advanced TurnSys System which is a height adjustable cradle design with a rear dial. It’s a standard dial on the cradle instead of Lazer’s more adventurous belts and integrated dial in the helmet shell we’ve seen with their higher-end models. The design is well made with a padded rear cradle and thin wrap around cradle that is easy to adjust to different head sizes. Lazer has also utilized thin nylon straps with a new splitter design that sits flatter for more comfort while retaining adjustability. There is also a standard plastic buckle with a small loop to hold any excess strap length. Lazer has also designed the rear cradle to be height adjustable and even pony tail compatible with a large opening. Note, you can also attach Lazer’s Universal LED taillight onto the small rectangular slot in the dial center. It’s a clever way to mount a taillight without the need for straps or magnetics that looks good with or without a light attached.
As with all of the KinetiCore helmets, the Lazer Sphere KinetiCore is compatible with Lazer’s universal rear helmet LED. They use this USB-like rectangular slot to attach to the helmet and provide optional rearward light. Interestly, this helmet actually has two spots for the LEDs, one on the rear dial and one on the rear of the helmet. I suspect this might have been an unintentional feature if the helmet was originally designed to use a different fit system than a rear dial which has the LED slot built into it.
One of the main features of the Blade helmet is the use of Lazer’s KinetiCore construction. This replaces MIPS or other add-on rotational safety mechanisms with a simple EPS foam design. The interior of the helmet has carefully constructed raised foam blocks that are designed to crush during a crash and help offset rotation and direct impact forces. This design results in a very minimalist helmet interior that allows for improved airflow and reduced helmet weight.
RIDING IMPRESSIONS
Lazer has been busy converting all their existing helmets to KinetiCore helmets as well as introducing new helmets like the Blade KinetiCore we have in this review. At first glance, the helmet looks quite similar to the Lazer Sphere KinetiCore and other offerings, but differs in the fact that it has more smaller vents and slightly extended coverage. While we think Lazer has too many helmets to choose from, it’s confusing to pick one at this point, it’s always nice to see lightweight and affordable options. The size medium we have fit just as well as our other size medium Lazer and Smith helmets with plenty of room for adjustment. Thanks to the KinetiCore construction, the helmet is a very lightweight 258 grams which makes it easy to forget you are even wearing the helmet. The twenty vents are also well placed and allow airflow to go through the helmet even on warm days.
The Blade also shared the more shallow design of Lazer’s other road cycling helmets which results in plenty of space for sunglasses. Even large sunglasses such as the Shimano S-Phyre and the Smith Syncline do not rub against the rim of the helmet and can be stored in the front vents. We also found the updated strap splitter design to be well designed and comfortable. The wide shape of the splitter distributes the weight of the straps to avoid pressure points while still allowing the straps to be adjustable.
THE VERDICT
Overall we found the Lazer Blade KinetiCore helmet to be a surprisingly affordable and well made helmet. Lazer has blended elements from their road cycling helmets such as a smooth and swoopy design with gravel elements such as smaller vents and additional coverage. The result is the Blade which can be used for either activity while still being lightweight and ventilated, thanks in part to the KinetiCore construction. Lazer even offers a variety of unique color combinations to help the helmet stand out in a crowded marketplace. While we still think Lazer has a confusing number of helmets in their lineup, the affordable price and lightweight of the Blade make it an easy helmet to recommend.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Lazer Sports. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.