Lazer’s new Tonic KinetiCore helmet is designed for recreational road cyclists looking for an affordable cycling helmet. The helmet combines Lazer’s innovative KinetiCore safety system with a sleek profile and ventilation. Despite a retail price of only $79.99 the Lazer Tonic KinetiCore achieves a four out of five star Virginia Tech rating. It’s an impressive helmet on paper as it offers safety and affordability. The helmet is available in small to large sizes and is currently offered in seven different color schemes which include front-to-rear color fades. Inside the helmet you’ll find KinetiCore’s EPS foam crumple zones which provide shock and rotational force absorption without the need for secondary liners such as MIPS. Unlike Lazer’s higher-end offerings, the Tonic KinetiCore makes due with a Advanced TurnSys System which uses a traditional cradle mounted dial to adjust the fit.
The Lazer Tonic KinetiCore combines Lazer’s innovative KinetiCore technology with a budget friendly road cycling design.
| Rating | 9.4 / 10 |
| Retail Price | $79.99 |
| Measured weight (in g) | 250 (medium) |
| Likes | + Budget friendly + Wide range of color schemes available including front to rear fade options + Comfortable and well ventilated design |
| Dislikes | – Exposed foam rim gives away budget price of helmet |
| Where to Buy (US) | Lazer |
UNBOXING
The Lazer Tonic KinetiCore comes in a simple cardboard helmet box with a slide-out tray to access the helmet. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Tonic KinetiCore helmet
- Safety pamphlet
Not surprisingly, the helmet does not include any accessories or fabric storage bag typically found on more expensive helmets.
FIT & FINISH
Lazer describes the Tonic KinetiCore design as inconspicuous and able to blend in anywhere. It’s clear that Lazer has purposely held back on the styling of the helmet and utilized a traditional rectangular vent design with minimal sculpting. The helmet has a two piece shell with a front and rear section and features a shallow profile that’s common in road cycling helmets. Unlike the Lazer Strada KinetiCore or Lazer Vento KinetiCore models which have a visually separated outer rim, the Tonic KinetiCore has a uniform appearance. Currently, Lazer offers seven color variations which include multiple glossy solid colors as well as more interesting front to rear fade options. While the helmet is not flashy or as distinctive as Lazer’s other offerings it still looks good and provides great coverage.
One of the clear signs of cost cutting with the Tonic KinetiCore is the amount of exposed foam. The inner rim of the helmet has exposed foam which only doesn’t look as polished as higher-end helmets but it is also less durable. Also, the edges between the foam and the shell along the vent cutouts aren’t quite as crisp or tidy as the more expensive KinetiCore helmets. The other cost cutting indicator is the fact that the Tonic KinetiCore uses a traditional rear cradle mounted dial instead of Lazer’s distinctive BeltSys top mounted systems. Branded as the Advanced TurnSys System, the design offers simple upward/downward adjustment with a dual direction dial to adjust the fit. It’s a simple and effective design that offers a comfortable fit but simply doesn’t stand out as much as the top mounted belt design of the other models.
The Tonic KinetiCore also offers a mounting slot for Lazer’s Universal Rear LED directly in front of the dial. It’s a small cutout that visually looks like a USB-C slot and allows Lazer’s helmet light to be directly mounted on the helmet. It’s an optional feature, as is a winter-specific fleece inner liner that provides additional warmth for cold weather cycling. Inside the helmet you’ll find the 28 vent cutouts cut through the EPS foam of the helmet. Unlike MIPS helmets which have secondary liners, the Tonic KinetiCore is open and airy with EPS crumple zone protrusions strategically placed along the edges of the helmet. This rotational impact protection approach eliminates the need for secondary liners and results in a more eco-friendly and light overall helmet.
ON THE ROAD
We found the medium sized Lazer Tonic KinetiCore to be a well fitting and comfortable helmet to ride. The sizing is consistent with other Lazer helmets and offers easy adjustments using the rear dial and side straps. Despite the budget price, the helmet weights only 250 grams which makes it light enough that you can easily forget you are wearing a helmet. Thanks to the 28 vents and lack of any blocking MIPS liners, the Tonic is also a well ventilated helmet that keeps you cool even on warm days. Even in the plain white color scheme, the Tonic also blends in well with much more expensive helmets as it shares the same shallow road cycling profile common on higher end helmets. From a financial perspective, we’d go as far as say the Tonic KinetiCore is the best helmet in the lineup as it’s budget friendly while still offering modern safety features.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Lazer Tonic KinetiCore to be a budget friendly and comfortable helmet. Even though it’s a fraction of the price of Lazer’s more expensive models the helmet offers similar lightweight, comfort and ventilation. We were impressed with the lightweight and airy design of the helmet which makes it perfect for long days in the saddle. Although the self proclaimed “inconspicuous design” isn’t particularly distinctive, the helmet has a sleek shallow profile and a variety of color options to jazz things up. From a financial perspective, the Tonic KinetiCore is the best helmet in the KinetiCore lineup as it is affordable and achieves a four star Virginia Tech rating. The only obvious giveaways that this is a budget friendly helmet is the exposed foam along the helmet edge and lack of a top mounted BeltSys system that Lazer features on higher-end models. That said, if you’re looking for a safe and affordable helmet with Lazer’s KinetiCore technology then the Tonic KinetiCore is one we’d recommend.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Lazer. 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.