Lazer Z1 MIPS Helmet

The Laser Z1 MIPS helmet brings together the already impressive strengths of the original Z1 and adds the extra protection promise of the MIPS – Multi-directional Impact Protection System – layer.

• Pros: Effective ventilation, comfortable, innovative closure system
• Cons: MIPS wears pads down quicker than those without

I've been using the Z1 MIPS for the last two years, so this review comes from hundreds of hours of use, but luckily I still cannot vouch for its protection in a big crash.

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The Z1 has been a favourite in the pro peloton for a long time, with Lotto Soudal and Jumbo-Visma both using this helmet during the Tour de France. It has been at the top of the helmet game since it was launched in 2014 simply because it's a great helmet.

The original Z1 offered impressive comfort thanks to the innovative closure system, with the dial on the top of the helmet tightening the system around the entire head rather than just at the back, so exerting pressure around the entire head too, not just the back. The system holds it in place well even when you're particularly sweaty, and whatever your head shape. The MIPS has been integrated really well so it doesn't impact this, which is something I was initially worried about having used the original model for a couple of years prior to this one.

Ventilation is also a real strength of the helmet, with the MIPS layer having negligible impact compared with the original version. You can still feel the wind blowing through your hair as you ride, with just a slight reduction that I only really notice because I regularly wear the MIPS and original version on consecutive rides.

The straps are the same as the original model; they don't twist easily and are comfortable against the skin for the duration of a long ride. Underneath, there is a traditional clip that's easy to use whether you're sweating on a hot summer ride or using extra-thick winter gloves.

Obviously, the main difference of the helmet is the MIPS layer, which sits a few millimetres below the foam inside the helmet. Four elasticated anchor points mean that it moves independently from the helmet shell, with the idea being that it reduces lateral forces on the head during impact and reduces the chance of concussion. Read our full article on MIPS to see if you're convinced of the benefits.

The only downside I've found with the MIPS version is that the pads wear quicker than on non-MIPS helmets, where they rub against the thin edge of the MIPS layer. I had to replace them after around a year, where in my non-MIPS Z1 they lasted closer to two.

Aside from that, when the helmet is on the head you can barely notice a difference. The MIPS layer isn't particularly subtle, and you can clearly see it through the vents, but given that it has 38 of those, trying to hide anything inside it would be an impossible task.

The helmet hits the road.cc Scales of Truth at 261g, which is very respectable for a high-end helmet with MIPS. For instance, the Giro Aether MIPS comes in 6g heavier and will make your wallet £85 lighter. It's only 47g heavier than the Abus AirBreaker, which doesn't have a MIPS layer and is £55 more expensive.

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At £169.99 it's not a cheap helmet, but it's certainly not as steep as many others. The Met Trenta, which Mat tested last year, is a full £95 more, which puts it into perspective.

Over the past couple of years I have tested dozens of helmets, but there has only been one that I always use on a weekend ride when I'm not reviewing – the Z1 MIPS. I could talk about the ventilation, comfort, or aesthetics, but in reality that fact alone is the one that truly sums up my thoughts.

Verdict

A really great helmet that's been my go-to for the past two years