Like others have shared, this helmet seems to run a bit larger than other helmets I've used (Giro and Oakley). I had a bad accident a few weeks ago (two broken ribs, loads of road rash, and a cracked top tube), but the helmet absolutely did its job. I was knocked out and actually don't remember what caused the accident (I was on a solo ride, rural road, when I came to I told the paramedics I was avoiding a turkey vulture), but based on the damage to the helmet, the outcome certainly could have been worse. The back of the helmet was crushed, and I had a had a small cut on the back of my scalp, but no concussion or significant head trauma.
I was struck on the back of my head by the side mirror of a speeding moving van; a DUI hit and run at 7:30 a.m. no less. I was knocked out and tossed off my bike into the dirt on the side of the road, landing on the top of my head. I have no doubt that the blow from the truck would have been fatal had I not had a quality MIPS helmet; the second blow may not have been fatal, but it sure would not have been good. My Lazer Z1 helmet absorbed the blows well enough so that when I gathered myself, I was foggy, but not badly concussed. Other parts of my body did not fare as well, but at least I didn't get my head staved in.
I have an oval-shaped head, and this fit well. The retention strap turner on the top took a bit to get used to, but worked well. It is very light and well ventilated. I got the little red flashing light for the back, but that seemed more of a gimmick and I would not do so again. Don't count on it to replace a bike-mounted high intensity light. I don't think it was bright enough to even augment one.
My collision happened just outside of Lazer's 3-year Crash Replacement Program's timeline, but I sent them an email stating the above story with photos, and told them that I wasn't looking for their deal, only that I was thanking them for such a good product. They immediately gave me the 50% off for a new helmet. I immediately got a new Lazer G1.
Great customer service! I'm sold on this brand - the cost is irrelevant considering the cost of what could have been.
I love the Z1 fit. I have always done well with Lazer helmets. This is my first MIPS version. It sits a little higher on the head than the non-MIPS version. It is close but just a little different. Probably not a deal breaker for most as the shape is the same, just the cradle doesn't quite have that Kask-like snug fit down around the occiput. Also, I bought the large as the large fit me well in the Z-1 non-MIPS. This one has just a little play in the tightest setting. FWIW I have a long oval head, Kask fits me a little better, POC is OK, Giro terrible.
This has been my primary helmet for a couple years. I always rode with confidence but a recent close call proved it. I was commuting to work and hit a patch of black ice and landed on my hip and my head bounced off a curb. My hips still sore and bruised up and my neck will need a few chiropractic visits to heal properly but my heads intact and undamaged. A man driving by was shocked I was able to walk away from the crash seeing it firsthand and I'm forever grateful that this helmet held up and did it's job. Great product.
Bought last summer as i replace helmets every two years or less. On a descent, early morning, hit something in the roadway and launched at 27 mph....front right side of the helmet absorbed the blow...a slight laceration on my eyebrow from my glasses...no facial bones or teeth broken. Broke clavicle, scapula and 8 ribs...rushed to hospitaltrauma center and CTscan 45 minutes of impact...no issues other than pain but had i not had MIPS, and the helmet, who knows....any helmet that does this is a good helmet....so, can't rate anything but 5 STARS.
My top consideration when selecting a helmet is ventilation and sweat management. This helmet hits top marks on both. Not only it boasts large vents, but in addition the sweat is cleverly channeled away from your eyes and your sunglasses. The Z1 is also very comfortable. By moving the adjustment mechanism away from the back of the head and to the top off the helmet it firmly anchors the helmet whereby it does not move under road vibration. This clever feature also adds ventilation be it is perceived or actual.
I ride 3-5 times a week on paved bike trails and road. I ride up to week long tours. This month (Sept 2020) I was riding the virtual Gold Star 500 when, due to a failure to communicate, I crashed with another rider at 20mph. We both went to ER. Me in an ambulance. Clavicle broken in two places, requiring surgery to plate and screw the pieces together. But no head injury at all! Even though my head bounced off the asphalt, my Z1 only had minor dings and not even a headache for me. Great product.
I only have a handful of rides but its already hot enough in the mornings in Arizona to test out the air flow and flows more air through it than my previous Kask Protone. The fit is a bit different than the Kask, it hold firm onto my head but it just feels a little strange as it holds higher up. The rear retention system feels like it doesnt hold as firm but I couldnt shake it off my head with out the chin straps so it just feels a bit less secure but in actuality its absolutely fine. I also like the metallic greenyellow color, looks great and hopefully makes you more visible to drives
Although I bought this right before the brew model still very happy. It is light and alot of ventilation which should be being help in Texas
Would buy again
after a lot of web based helmet research ( local LBS only carries 2 brands) I decided to move from Kask to Lazer.
the Z1 seems to be better like by most and I preferred the styling so I went with it. It is a great fitting helmet* lightweight and comfortable straps as well as great ventilation. The floating feel of MIPS ( this is my 1st MIPS) felt a little odd at 1st but I don't notice it any longer.
* in criticism of this helmet is the fit. My head is 57.5cm. This is unquestionably a Medium size and I wear medium in every other brand. I am a little disappointed that i have to adjust the fit dial to nearly the bottom of the adjustment screw for it to fit properly. I had to double check that this wasn't a large. It fits barely and is good enough but at least in this particular case the sizing seems to be a little off.
road and gravel rides and races. goo quality, Very comfortable and the fit is very good. Like the aero shel
option, and good price was it was on sale.
My favorite Lazer helmet so far. Great fit and weighs less than my previous Helium helmet. Super comfortable, great ventilation and I recommend to anyone. Spend the $$ and get the MIPS.
Don't settle for anything less, you won't regret it.
Safety and head protection. I like the aggressive look and color choice (white) for hot summer days. Best helmet I've ever owned. Happy to have found a couple at a great price.
I initially bought a different brand of MIPS helmet which I didn't like and returned. This one fits great and is really nice looking. The MIPS insert will make it feel slightly different than a conventional helmet, but was no issue. Very nice helmet and an added benefit of being even safer.
Fits well. Seems to keep sweat out of my eyes better than my old helmet. The ventilation is nice for hot Texas summer days and I can squirt water through it. Overall comfortable helmet.
I love the Lazer helmets and this is my third one. Was pleased that this one has the MIPS shell protection. Got a size medium, fits perfetly. Love the top adjuster to make it tight and also the fact my pony-tail can go through the opening. I like the Z1 model and as others have indicated, the front doesn't impact my vision like some others.
Use it for road riding, very lite and great ventilation.
There is no downside. The Hi-Viz yellow stands out, the helmet itself is light on the lid and with MIPS! That's a win-win-WIN!
Helmet is light, feels great, great price!
