Since being acquired by Shimano in 2016, Lazer's presence within cycling has grown and grown, especially in off-road markets. The company may have well been known in its native Europe as an old-school brand with cyclocross and road pedigree but until recently wasn't as common of a sight on the heads of mountain bikers.
However, after several years of slowly building up momentum, it really feels like Lazer has arrived, releasing sleeker-looking helmets that hit the key notes of aesthetics and protection. And the protection can not be understated, with the Coyote Kineticore being granted a 5-star protection rating from Virginia Tech.
Of course, looks aren't the be-all and end-all, but I think most of us would acknowledge that we want a helmet that is both safe and that doesn't make us stick out like a sore thumb.
Coyote KinetiCore Details
• KinetiCore Integrated Rotational Impact Protection
• Has aftermarket light and fleece liner
• Crash replacement program offered
• Weight: 340 grams (size M)
• Five star Virginia Tech rating, CPSC certified
Colors: cali, white/black, black, light blue, dark green, purple fade
Ventilation
The Coyote helmet has 21 vents but that only tells half the story as to how this helmet keeps you cool. Oftentimes, I find myself rolling my eyes as I hear about how this particular helmet has some proprietary technology or some magical venting, but in this instance, it's not all marketing spiel. The ribbed and raised internal profile genuinely do a notably better job of keeping air circulating around your head than many other models that I have tried. In fact, when going between different helmets that airflow was always noticeable in comparison.
Technology
At the heart of Lazer helmets is their own rotational impact protection system called KinetiCore. In 2022, when they announced their new technology and its use in their helmets, they were quick to point out that they had up until that point used MIPS all through their ranges. The KinetiCore design involves shaping the EPS foam into blocks that are intended to deform and shear to reduce the force of an impact.
This technology isn't just reserved for Lazer's high-end helmets either; it's also used in some of their kid's and commuter helmets. I can't speak to the improved safety of this system but it should be noted its five-star score from Virginia Tech. One thing I do like about it though is the lack of creaking that you can get some MIPS systems. Although some generations are better than others, it's always irritated me.
The helmet has many of the features that you would expect, including an adjustable visor that aids eyewear storage and a magnetic buckle. Should you live in a climate cold enough to merit it, the helmet also has an aftermarket fleece liner available. It is also compatible with the Lazer Universal LED rear light.
Price & Weight
Although not a direct consequence of using their own rotational impact system, I also like the price. £79.99 seem reasonable to me for a mid-to-premium helmet. The styling, while inoffensive, can sometimes be a little bulbous and domed. This criticism is obviously quite superficial, but I'm not sure I'm convinced about the look of the curved visor. It looks like it came straight off an entry-level commuter helmet. Maybe if that bothers you you could spend more on something else. However, when it comes to actually riding, the value compared to the performance is very good.
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