Touted as “more lightweight, more ventilated, more iconic” the new Lazer Z1 KinetiCore helmet takes their iconic Z1 helmets and integrates Lazer’s proprietary KinetiCore technology. This replaces traditional MIPS liners with the lightweight EPS foam KinetiCore design to reduce direct and rotational impacts for improved safety. The new Z1 KinetiCore helmet retails for $279.99 and achieves an impressive 5 star Virginia Tech rating. Lazer has focused on lightweight and ventilation with the Z1 helmet which means you have 33 vents and cleverly integrated Advanced RollSys Fit System. With the Z1 you have a top mounted thumb wheel for adjustments which eliminates bulky rear dials and simplifies the rear cradle.
The Lazer Z1 KinetiCore takes the lightweight and highly ventilated Z1 helmet and incorporates Lazer’s KinetiCore safety technology.
| Rating | 9.2 / 10 |
| Retail Price | $279.99 |
| Measured weight (in g) | 234 (medium) |
| Likes | + Lightweight helmet that you forget you’re wearing it + 5 star Virginia Tech safety rating + Comfortable and highly ventilated design |
| Dislikes | – Rollsys top mounted thumbscrew lacks haptic feedback – Current color schemes lack graphic options |
| Where to Buy (US) | Lazer |
UNBOXING
The Lazer Z1 KinetiCore helmet comes in a standard cardboard slide-out helmet box with basic branding and specs printed directly onto it. Inside the box you’ll find:
- Z1 KinetiCore helmet
- Informational tags for KinetiCore and optional accessories
- Branded fabric carrying bag
- Safety pamphlet
As with other premium helmets, Lazer includes a fabric carrying bag which is perfect for keeping the helmet clean and protected when being stored or transported.
FIT & FINISH
The Lazer Z1 has been one of Lazer’s most ventilated helmets in their road cycling lineup with a waffle like design that lets air flow through it. With the new Lazer Z1 KinetiCore, Lazer has maintained a similar open design but simplified the construction by incorporating KinetiCore technology. Lazer offers the Z1 KinetiCore in six different colors currently which includes subtle colors like white, gray, black and matte black as well as brighter options such as red and orange. We have the matte black version here which combines a matte black outer with glossy black accents along the insets. The bright green KinetiCore logo on the side and the inner liner are the only pop of color on the helmet. We hope Lazer incorporates some graphic options like the Lazer Strada KinetiCore or more unique options like the Smith Trace “Get Wild” in the future.
Lazer has incorporated an impressive 33 vent into the helmet which keeps you cool regardless of the weather. The vents have a swoopy design with two main structural hoops along the front section. Special sunglass storage vents have been added to the Z1 with corresponding slots in the helmet’s foam to hold temple arms securely in place. As with other Lazer KinetiCore helmets, including the budget Lazer Tonic KinetiCore, the Z1 is compatible with Lazer’s optional universal rear taillight. It’s a subtle slot that looks like a USB-C port on the rear of the helmet that holds Lazer’s taillight in place. What’s nice about this design is that the mount is so small that the helmet looks good with or without the taillight installed. The taillight sits vertically on the Z1 which matches with the helmet’s design.
One of the unique features of the Z1 is the Advanced RollSys fit system. This replaced traditional rear dials with a clever top-mounted thumb wheel to adjust the fit of the helmet. Not only is this a sleeker design that hides the adjustment wheel but it also simplifies the rear cradle which makes the helmet more comfortable To keep the helmet lightweight, there are no side adjustments or bulky plastic splitter. Instead you have lightweight webbing with a glossy Z logo on the fabric splitter. The rear cradle is also height adjustable by snapping the rear cradle attachment into different slots inside the helmet.
One of the major differences with this latest Z1 helmet is the incorporation of Lazer’s KinetiCore technology. This replaces traditional MIPS liners with so-called controlled crumble zones of EPS foam built directly into the inner structure of the helmet. Not only is this simpler than MIPS designs but it’s also claimed to be lighter, more sustainable and provide better ventilation. While we can’t confirm the claims, the Virginia Tech 5 star rating means KinetiCore design is effective at reducing rotational and direct impacts. With the KinetiCore design utilizing the existing EPS foam, the interior of the helmet is open with no obstructions or additional liners blocking airflow.
ON THE ROAD
With Lazer’s focus on lightweight and ventilation, it’s no surprise the the Z1 KinetiCore is highly breathable and a featherweight. At only 234 grams for our medium variation you quickly forget you’re even wearing a helmet. The 33 vents also help funnel air through the helmet which keeps you cool regardless of the outside temperature. We also appreciated the simplicity of the Advanced Rollsys fit system and the lightweight straps. While we like the top mounted thumbscrew, it does lack haptic feedback as there are no clicks when you rotate it. The size medium fit us well otherwise, similar to other Lazer and Smith helmets, with plenty of adjustment to handle winter buffs underneath it.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Lazer Z1 KinetiCore to be a sleek and modernized iteration of the Lazer Z1 helmet. Lazer has been able to maintain the lightweight and ventilated design of the helmet while adding their KinetiCore safety technology. The KinetiCore system pairs well with the Z1’s philosophy as the helmet interior is open and unobstructed which allows even more airflow through the helmet. We liked the lightweight fit system and the simplified top mounted thumb screw for adjustments. As far as improvements, we’d like to see Lazer add some more graphic color options and add some haptic feedback when adjusting the fit system. That said, if you’re looking for a light and highly ventilated road cycling helmet the Z1 KinetiCore is a great choice.
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.