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review
Helmets
Zero RH ZW HelmetZero RH ZW Helmet 1

Zero RH ZW Helmet

8
by Stu Kerton
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 14, 2013

0
£90.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Great looking helmet that's backed up by good build quality and a comfortable fit. The price is pretty competitive too
Weight: 
232g
Contact: 
www.veroli.co.uk
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Italian brand ZeroRH+ have a range of three helmets in their cycling portfolio; the ZR, the ZX and this - the ZW.

The ZW, like practically all helmets on the market,is made from an expanded polystyrene (EPS) liner which is co-moulded to the polycarbonate shell. This keeps the helmet together after the first impact just in case of a second.

This type of construction also allows for plenty of vents, 27 in all so heat transfer isn't going to be a problem. Being able to remove material obviously means a removal of weight with the S/M tested here having a claimed weight of 230g which while not the lightest is still pretty impressive.

Unlike some helmets which seem to perch atop your head, the ZW has enough depth to feel as though it fits onto it, finishing just above the ear. To make sure it stays in place you'll find the usual selection of straps and buckles giving plenty of adjustment. The main strap has a lateral divider below each ear which easily slides for fit and has a comfortable chin pad as well. There is also plenty of internal padding which is removable for washing.

Retention is taken care of by ZeroRH+'s Power Fit system. It's a dial style unit much the same as seen on a lot of helmets these days which makes it easy to adjust fit on the fly. There is about 10mm of movement up or down to make it comfortable on the neck.

As far as fit goes it's a very similar style to a Giro Atmos. Internal dimensions are 210mm in length with 170mm width so suits a more narrow head than a round one. Once adjusted it certainly stays put and it does feel very light when its on.

There is a choice of eight colours in all; red, black, white, cyan, lime, orange, white, aqua light and apart from the S/M (54-58cm) tested there is also a L/XL (58-61cm). The ZW is also available with a peak and that model is known as 0/2000 and is available in either plain black or plain white for the same price as the standard ZW.

Ninety quid is the RRP and its quite well priced compared to a lot of its competitors. The build quality looks good with no rough edges plus you get spare pads and a bag to keep it in, ideal for keeping the helmet out of damaging UV rays when its not in use.

Verdict

Great looking helmet that's backed up by good build quality and a comfortable fit. The price is pretty competitive too.

road.cc test report

Make and model: Zero RH ZW Helmet

Size tested: Size 54-58

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The ZW is designed for fast road riding or racing and I think the design and styling means it fits in well in a crowded marketplace.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

EPS shell co-molded to a polycarbonate shell

Power Fit retention system which is dial operated to customise fit

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Everything looks well put together and finished. No untidy edges or stray threads.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Well vented and a good fit.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

Once adjusted it stays set up and is very comfortable no matter how long you wear it for.

Rate the product for value:
 
8/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Very well indeed. It fits well, is comfortable, looks good all for a decent price.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

The comfort.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 34  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: Ribble Winter Trainer for commuting, Genesis Flyer  My best bike is: Sarto Rovigo

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

 

Zero RH ZW Helmet
Zero
rh
Helmet
Stu Kerton

Since writing his first bike review for road.cc back in early 2009 senior product reviewer Stu has tested more than a thousand pieces of kit, and hundreds of bikes.

With an HND in mechanical engineering and previous roles as a CNC programmer/machinist, draughtsman and development engineer (working in new product design) Stu understands what it takes to bring a product to market. A mix of that knowledge combined with his love of road and gravel cycling puts him in the ideal position to put the latest kit through its paces.

He first made the switch to road cycling in 1999, primarily for fitness, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to take over which led to around ten years as a time triallist and some pretty decent results. These days though riding is more about escapism, keeping the weight off and just enjoying the fact that he gets to ride the latest technology as part of his day job.

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