We first saw the Lazer Revolution helmet when it was unveiled at Eurobike earlier this year. Now, with a production sample now in hand we can give you our first impressions. First, here's a recap on why you should actually care about this lid.
Two helmets in one, that's the idea with this one. Like the Bell Super 2R, the Lazer has its very own detachable chin guard and that means that it can transform into a full-face lid. Any full-face design should offer you more protection over an open face, that's a given, but the level of protection on offer here is exactly what sets the Lazer apart from the Bell. You see, the Super 2R, with its chinguard in place does not meet the full ASTM full-face safety standard.
This new Lazer does meet that standard, and for those who are fond of a faceplant that could well be the difference between a trip to the dentist or not. The price to pay for this added protection? Convenience. Unlike the clip-on interface of the Bell, the Lazer requires no less than six bolts to attach its forthcoming chin guard.
Yep, 'forthcoming' – unfortunately Lazer hasn't made it yet. Although we've previously seen mockup versions of the chin guard, it isn't actually expected to arrive until spring time.
So, it seems unlikely that the Revolution is a helmet for those who want to convert their helmet mid-ride, but for many riders this could still be something they've been looking for. While the Revolution isn't in full-face mode it still offers two different looks – the same interface that accepts the forthcoming chinguard arrives with two different blanking caps. The first of these leaves an exposed c-section and it's cut quite high above the ear. Clip the second set of black plastic caps in place and you've got a truly unique design. Lazer calls these parts ear pads.
Where have we seen such side protection before? Well, Mark Hamill and other members of the Rebel Alliance actually appeared to be sporting similar designs in their X-wing fighters (see what we mean?). In truth, the design takes influence from kayaking helmets, and Lazer reckons there's potential for coloured versions of the caps as well as ones versions that could include speakers.
This Lazer has another unique selling point too, and that's its light/camera mount. Nope, the 'SMS' on the top doesn't mean it can send text messages, instead it stands for 'safety mount system', and that's because the Revolution has met all of the required standards with a GoPro camera in place. At the time of writing, that makes Lazer the only brand to offer a helmet that meets safety standards with a mounted camera or accessory – quite a big deal, we reckon.
No less than 23 generous vents feature across the in-mould shell of the Revolution and on the scales we measured the lid at 427g with its smaller plastic covers, and 475g with the larger ear pads.
The Revolution also gets an adjustable visor which, once raised, will happily seat a pair of goggles - and like many of its competitors the back of the helmet can also do the same. Inside a new, height-adjustable retention system allows for quick and easy adjustment of around 4cm, and it'll be sold in three sizes.
Lazer is the only brand to offer a helmet that meets safety standards with a mounted camera or accessory, and this is it
The looks may divide opinion but nobody can deny that this lid offers something that others do not at present. We'll be wearing it from now on, (and eagerly awaiting our chinguard in the new year) so expect a full review as soon as possible.
In the meantime Lazer will soon sell you a Revolution for £100 (international pricing is still TBC) sans its chinguard. We're expecting the chinguard version to land for £150 and a MIPS version is also in the pipeline (we've been told that version will command a premium of £20).
