Features, Lazer, Tech, Tech news - September 28, 2019

The Lazer Genesis returns and is the company’s lightest helmet yet

The original Lazer Genesis was a well-loved helmet for many years. Even in its prime, it wasn’t the most ventilated nor the lightest, but it often proved to be dreamily comfortable for its owners. Lazer’s Rollsys system – with its wire-based retention system wrapping the full circumference of the head – was the stand-out feature, and many who struggled to find a comfortable fitting helmet (myself included), found bliss in the Genesis.

That helmet was eventually superseded by the Z1, effectively a lighter and sleeker version of the Genesis, but even that model is looking tired after five years on the market. Enter the return of the Genesis (named the G1 in the USA and Canada), a helmet that retains Lazer’s classic styling but with greatly reduced weight and more generous internal channelling. The Rollsys retention system remains, and Lazer will offer its new top-tier racing lid in either MIPS or non-MIPS versions.

Improved in three ways

The new Genesis improves on the Z1 in three clear areas.

Firstly, weight has been shaved from the retention system and shell, with the non-MIPS version tipping the scales from 189g (small, CE model) – approximately 25g lighter than a Z1.

The ventilation is said to be greatly improved, too. And if a bare head is 100% efficient at pulling air over it when moving, the new Genesis is said to be 108% efficient. Lazer is far from the first to claim its helmet is better ventilated than a bare head, but such a feat is the first for the Belgium company.

Revised channeling is said to improve ventilation over the Z1.

Finally, Lazer focussed on the design of the helmet, namely seeking a narrower profile that offered improved aerodynamics and a better look. And having tried on a sample at Eurobike, it indeed provides a very compact outer form while retaining the familiar Lazer fit. However, the Bullet 2.0 is still Lazer’s answer to an aero road helmet, and the company made no specific claims about the aerodynamics of the Genesis.

Other details

Like the Z1, the new Genesis will be offered with Lazer’s patented plastic Aeroshell that covers many of the 22 vents in order to block the wind. That shell may offer aerodynamic benefit, but really, it’s more useful for keeping the winter chill out. The helmet will include both lightweight and thicker comfort pads.

Aeroshell covers will be available for the new Genesis.

Somewhat uncommonly, the new Genesis will be available in CE-, CPSC- and AUS-approved models from the get-go. Both MIPS and non-MIPS versions will be offered in the three sizes, however, the MIPS-version will use a traditional yellow slip-plane liner that adds approximately 25g and reduces ventilation. Sadly there’s nothing more integrated on offer here.

The new Genesis will be in stores from November, priced at US$219 / €220 (not available in Australia) for the non-MIPS version, and US$240 / €240 / AU$349 for the MIPS version. We’ll be getting our hands on a test sample soon, so stay tuned for a full review.