Lazer Genesis Helmet

Lazer's Genesis has evolved from a mid-range helmet into a lightweight, breathable lid that performs well on hot days and during races. The ventilation is among the best that I've tried and it works brilliantly when climbing at threshold. The fit is very comfortable and the Rollsys retention system works well to spread pressure. The price is the only slight issue.

• Pros: Comfortable; excellent ventilation; low weight; loads of colour options; aero shell great for inclement weather
• Cons: Slightly bulkier than the Z1; price increase from the older model

Lazer's latest version of the Genesis helmet sees it go on a diet, losing 65g and quite a bit of material too. Vents have increased in size and number, from 19 up to 22, but the Rollsys retention system is unchanged and still works very well. While I'm impressed by the low weight – it's the lightest ever Lazer helmet – I'd pick the heavier Mips-equipped version (£189.99) for the increased crash protection.​

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When we first saw the new Genesis at Eurobike last year, it was clear that Lazer had done a full redesign of what was already a very good helmet. The vents are noticeably bigger and the shape has changed to bring it more in line with the Z1 aesthetically. Lazer makes helmets dedicated to cheating the wind, so its designers were free to focus on getting the weight low and the breathability as good as possible, the two factors that pro riders want to see.

The weight is impressive. At just 210g for our medium, this was always going to feel feathery light on the head, and in use this is exactly what you get. It's slightly heavier than the claimed 199g for this medium but that's still going to be good enough for the weight weenies.

Ventilation that is better than riding with a bare head was the claim when we first got the details of the helmet. While Lazer states that the helmet provides 108% ventilation, I can't feel an improvement over riding without a helmet. There is still material blocking sections of the forehead and despite the cooling air being pulled through the helmet via the channels, I couldn't feel the claimed improvement. That said, the Genesis is very good at keeping you cool, so if you're going to be doing a lot of riding in hot weather, this is a great choice.

> Buyer's Guide: 19 of the best high performance helmets

For those of us in the middle of a long UK winter of much rain and icy winds, the aeroshell is a brilliant add-on (£14.99) that I've used a lot. It blocks rain and wind totally, keeping the head dry, though I did get caught out on a couple of climbs when the temperature rose about 10°C. If you want to stay comfortable then saving it for cold days is a good move.

For me the fit is good, with no pressure points or sizing issues. I did find that the sides of the helmet sit slightly further out than the Z1, so I still prefer my old lid on the looks front. Whether just riding or racing, the low weight makes the Genesis barely noticeable and I've really loved wearing it.

At £169.99, this new version of the Genesis is a bit of a price hike from the old model, but it's still  okay for a performance helmet. Lazer's own Z1 Mips costs the same, though, and I'd be tempted to go with that for the better aesthetics on my head.

> All you need to know about Mips

Kask's Valegro is also £169.99, and also focuses on ventilation and low weight. If you're a real weight weenie, the Valegro is 4g lighter at 206g.

Conclusion

Lazer's new Genesis is an impressively well-ventilated road helmet. The weight is low and it fits nicely, resulting in plenty of comfort on longer rides. The slightly bulkier silhouette means I still favour my Z1, but for rides in hot weather, you'll be well served by the Genesis.

Verdict

Light, comfy and well vented – a very good road race helmet