First off, for a top-of-the-range helmet and in spite of its name, the Lazer Sport Helium isn’t helium-light, our medium size model weighing 299g, considerably more than the claimed 260g.
Secondly, when you’re wearing it you really don’t notice those 39g – or the 100g or so extra it carries compared with today’s lightest lids. What you do notice is its airy feel, thanks to its 19 large vents, well shaped to channel air over your head, and the first-rate fit. And that weight serves a purpose: to ensure it has the strength to secure the American CPSC standard, arguably more stringent than Europe’s CE mark.
The Helium offers a very generous amount of vertical adjustment, while the all-round adjustment is better than just about any other helmet out there. The Rollsys retention system is easily adjusted with one hand using a small wheel at the back. The result is a fit that is secure and snug without being constricting. That it’s made in four sizes helps further in achieving the correct fit, and the XL is a boon for the literally big-headed rider.
As with many modern helmets, there is a composite ‘skeleton’ (or ‘Rigidity Brace System’ in Lazer-speak) for added crash protection. Different densities of foam are used elsewhere in the Helium’s construction – denser where it’s most needed – and there’s a neatly installed extra layer of shell over most of the helmet’s inner lip, reducing accidental damage from knocks.
We also like the small red rear LED in the Rollsys adjuster, the easy-to-use buckles, and the fact that the colour of the straps matches the helmet.
One of the world’s oldest helmet-makers have produced another high quality helmet, with numerous optional extras including an insect-deflecting mesh, winter-weight pads and a waterproof ‘Aeroshell’.
As we said, its extra mass, while not quite princess and the pea, isn’t something you notice. But what you can’t miss is its decidedly heavyweight price. We’d certainly recommend the Helium for its performance, adjustability, fit, size and 11-colour range – including a very shouty fluoro yellow – but it is an expensive option.
This article was originally published in Cycling Plus magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.