Despite the Helium moniker and more advanced look and feel (not to mention price), Lazer's latest helmet isn't much lighter than the similarly styled and long-standing Genesis model it supersedes.
In fact, our test model offers a mere 3g advantage, and the high-tech dual-density foam liner has the side effect of pumping up the outer width by almost 10mm, making for a bulkier appearance than the decidedly low-profile Genesis.
That being said, the Helium still offers some benefits over what is already one of the most comfortable helmets on the market. Lazer have thankfully retained the near-full-circumference coverage and one-handed adjustment of their superb Rollsys retention system, but trimmed down the bulk for a softer feel and also ventilated the full-width brow pad.
In addition, Lazer offer the Helium in three sizes instead of two, so buyers should be able to get a closer fit than before, and for sake of comparison, the 1.24 length-to-width ratio closely approximates those of Giro and Bell.
Add in the thinner straps, silkier X-Static pad material and fairly generous pad coverage and the result is a decidedly luxurious feel with no pressure points, especially for those with close-cropped (or no!) hair. If you tend to travel a lot with your helmets stuffed in luggage, the newly-added lower front shell improves long-term durability, too.
Visible fibre composite reinforcements allow for healthy-sized vents, though again they're barely different in exterior dimensions than on the Genesis. However, deeper internal channelling and the slightly sparser pads make for noticeably improved airflow. Total ventilation is good overall, though it's still a step behind the best examples from the likes of Giro, Bell and Specialized.
Buyers who are looking to keep up with the latest trends – the Helium is the current lid of choice for the Katusha, Telenet-Fidea, and LUNA squads – won't have much to complain about at all with Lazer's latest helmet, as it's exceedingly comfortable, stylish, and reasonably cool. Otherwise, the Genesis still remains the far better buy of the two.