Laser Z1 Cycling Helmet Review 2017
In our quest for top of the line cycling helmets, we contacted Laser Sport (http://www.lazersport.com/) to send us out the Laser Z1 Cycling Helmet. The Z1 is Laser’s top of the line road cycling helmet with a stunning 31 vents for killer ventilation and a weight of 270 grams (size large), which also makes it quite light.
Laser Sport History
Founded in 1919 Lazer, or cross SA as it was called back then was active in the motorcycle industry. It all started with Roger Lacroix who made leather articles for motorcycle riders. These items went from gloves to hats. In 1930 Roger made the first rigid leather hat, which was predecessor for the modern helmet. In 1945 the company went commercial and started selling their products on a larger scale. From there on R&D became an important part of the company, which led to a first aluminum helmet in 1948. Innovations rapidly followed each other and over the course of 20 years the helmets evolved from thermoplastic shells to injected full face helmets which passed all safety standards.
Belgium is arguably the most rabid cycling nation in the world. So it’s no surprise that the country that produced Eddy Merckx, the Tour of Flanders and embrocation would also produce some of the best bike helmets. Lazer is the world’s oldest helmet company, having started out making old leather hairnets for Belgian hardmen racing steel bicycles over cobbled farm roads.
Their helmets are the result of over 90 years of experience, passion and dedication.
This attitude has shaped Lazer into one of the most innovating helmet companies in the world.
Currently Lazer designs, manufactures and markets its bicycle- , leisure- ,winter and eyewear products in more than 50 countries, over 5 continents.
In 1980 the company decided to keep up with the times and changed their name to the now famous ‘Lazer’. The name change was part of an effort to renew and reshape the company to keep up with modern times and technology. During that period laser technology was just starting to surface, and it was the hip new thing with a bright future. Shortly after the name change, they again started with something that was coming up at that time, and started a bicycle division. Using their motor helmet knowhow they made the best bicycling helmets on the market. It didn’t take long for Lazer to team up with champions like Eddy Merckx and use their input to improve the bicycle helmets.
Over the course of the nineties Lazer expanded their bicycle range and provided many of the greatest cyclists in history with superb helmets. Together with an expanding collection and improving products came international success. The Lazer brand quickly became available throughout Europe.
When new technologies developed and materials evolved Lazer was at the forefront of innovation. They were always among the first to try out new ways of production and materials. This curious attitude towards innovation led to creative products like time trial helmets with build in visors and a new, revolutionary fitting system called Rollsys®.
Together with a growing market for bicycle related products Lazer decided to branch out into new product categories. Staying true to the core business of ‘head protection’ Lazer decided to create a revolutionary eyewear system that was completely complementary to the cycling helmet. Resolving some of the issues traditional eyewear has, the Magneto was born. This was the start of the Lazer vision division and the birth of an entire eyewear collection.
Looking beyond cycling Lazer also ventured into the ski- and snowboard market at the beginning of 2012. And now has a full collection of helmets for winter sports.
Laser Sport is based out of Antwerp, Belgium.
On August 31, 2016 Shimano who had wanted to purchase a cycling helmet company completed the purchase of Laser Sport.
Laser Z1 ARS Advanced Rollsys® Retention System
The Laser Z1 uses Laser’s patented ARS Advanced Rollsys® retention system, which uses a roller at the top of the helmet to adjust tension. A strap encases the head providing a cushion of air between the helmet and the strap. We found Z1’s retention mechanism to be one of the best in the industry for both fit and comfort.
By turning a thumb wheel, situated on top of the helmet the system permits an accurate and progressive peripheral sizing adjustment. The fit of the helmet will symmetrically be tightened without any pressure points on the head.
Laser Z1 uses Laser’s patented ARS Advanced Rollsys® retention system.
The Z1’s strap can be adjusted both up and down to improve fit.
The Z1 buckle and strap have a minimal design and make for a great fit.
Laser Z1 Accessories
The Z1 can be equipped with with several accessories including
- Rear Helmet LED Light (Z-LED)
- Aeroshell Z1 snap on Aero shield for aero dynamic performance
- Cappuccinlock helmet lock
- LifeBEAM heart rate measurement tool
- Aquapad headband
We were sent both the Aeroshell Z1 and the Z-LED to try out. I found the Aeroshell Z1 to be an excellent companion to the Z1 helmet for colder days when you don’t want as much venting and to make the helmet as aero as possible for time trials and cold race days.
The plastic cover aero shield simply snaps on to the helmet for a really secure fit. The Aero Shield comes in 5 colors and 1 transparent shade including
- Flash Green
- Flash Pink
- Flash Orange
- Flash Yellow
- Red White
- Transparent
The helmet also comes with a clear plastic rain/dust guard to protect the Rollsys adjustment knob on the top of the helmet. I sort of like the look of the guard when it is one the helmet.
We had issue with the Z-LED where we couldn’t get ours to operate even after replacing the batteries, so we were never able to really test it out. The Z-LED attaches to the rear of the helmet and should be able to turn on and off by pushing a light button. Nothing too sophisticated.
Technical Specifications
- 4-piece In-Mold technology with carbon RBS (Rigidity Brace System) multi-impact resistance offers excellent
protection in the event of a crash or collision - Featherlight construction feels nearly weightless
- T-Pro design adds material around the temples for better protection
- 31 large vents are Vent Tunnel tested to maximize airflow over the head
- Colors include: Matte Black, Flash Black, White Silver, Matte Titanium, Matte White Blue Eps, Matte Black Blue Eps, Matte Black Camo Flash Green, Matte Black Camo Flash Orange, Matte Black Red
- Adjustable Head Basket:
- Allows the back part of the Advanced Rollsys System to move up and down based on rider preference
- Advanced Rollsys System can be adjusted further to rider needs for even more comfort
- Advanced Rollsys System:
- Upgraded version of the award-wining Rollsys System
- Fully integrated mechanism surrounds the head completely
- Thumb wheel at the top of the helmet provides an accurate and progressive, peripheral sizing adjustment
- Fit of the helmet is symmetrically tightened without pressure points
- Easy one-handed use, even while riding
- Ponytail compatible
- Colored straps align with the helmet color
- Fluo Colors are highly visible for extra safety (Flash Orange, Flash Orange/Blue helmet only)
- Aeroshell compatible (not included)
- Certified CE, CPSC, AS
Sizing
- Small: 52 – 57 cm
- Medium: 55 – 60 cm
- Large: 58 – 62 cm
BOTTOM LINE | LASER Z1 CYCLING HELMET | 2017
The Z1 provides an exceptional fit and based on our reviews of other cycling helmets, the z1 is probably the best fitting helmet we have tried. The ARS Advanced Rollsys® retention system is super easy to use and allows the helmet to fit a wide range of head sizes. The helmet fits true to size and those who are in-between sizes should be able to get a larger or smaller helmet due to the retention system.
The Laser Z1 cycling helmet is more ventilated than the Rudy Project Racemaster, Oakley’s new Oakley ARO Helmet line and just about any other helmet we have ridden with. I found that the helmet prices for the Z1 are all over the place online, ranging from $150 – $250.
If you are looking for a great helmet that allows for plenty of ventilation, the Z1 is the best out there right now. It’s so good you almost feel like your not wearing a helmet.
Check out Laser Sport (http://www.lazersport.com/) website for their full line of cycling related products.
