Last month, I received two helmets from Lazer Helmets – a Genesis and a Helium. I really really like them both, so I’m posting a review for those of you who are in the market for a new helmet and/or are tired of the same old options. I’ve worn quite a few helmets over the years, including the Giro Atmos, Specialized Decibel (pictured above for comparison’s sake), Bell, Rudy Project, and Limar. Lazer helmets are by far my favorite (which is why I am so grateful to have them as my sponsor!).
The Helium and Genesis are fairly similar, although the Helium is definitely the fancier of the two. These are the things I really like about both helmets:
- The Rollsys retention system makes for a fantastic fit. For the first time, I have a helmet that puts an equal amount of pressure around my entire head, rather than squeezing the sides, giving me a Klingon forehead, leaving a finger-width of room by my ears but digging into my brain, etc. In my opinion, the Rollsys system is designed be the most versatile of any retention system, offering the best fit for the widest variety of head-shapes.
- The Rollsys adjustment nob on the top of the helmet is easier for me to reach than adjustment buttons that are mounted on the back of other helmet brands, plus it only involves one finger motion to turn the nob, rather than two fingers pulling plastic pieces together or twisting a large dial. (Also, when my hair is long enough to make a ponytail, it will be nice to be able to put on the helmet without having to pull my hair through anything).
- Both helmets feel really secure on my head without feeling too tight. I can shake my head around and the Rollsys retention system keeps my helmet in place.
- My head stays nice and cool. Both the Helium and the Genesis feature 19 air vents, and believe me, even though it’s technically winter, I’ve been grateful for each and every one while training here in tropical Hawaii!
- I love the aesthetic details, especially on the harness straps – three straps are the base color, and one strap is the “accent” color. You can see the one pink strap in the photo of me in the Helium above. It’s a nice touch, and a nice surprise because the images on Lazer’s website show the helmets only, not the straps!
And here’s a list of why you might spring for the Helium over the Genesis:
- The air vents in the Helium are slightly larger. I mostly noticed this when I tried to fit my sunglasses into the helmet vents – worked fine with the Helium, not so fine with the Genesis. I’m still using my old Specialized no-hinge sunglasses from last year, it could be that other brands fit into the vents better.
- Relatedly, the Helium feels better-ventilated than the Genesis. It could be that I used the Helium first, and the difference between it and my Specialized Decibel felt really dramatic, then by the time I put on the Genesis I was already accustomed to the Lazer feel.
- The Helium is lighter – 220 grams vs. 290 grams for the Genesis. It also has a slightly smaller profile and carbon reinforcement.
- The Helium offers 3 sizes, while the Genesis comes in two sizes. The only real reason this gives the Helium an advantage is if you fall on the cusp of the two Genesis sizes. Here is a size chart.
And one final “tip”: there is a small round piece of velcro at the very front of the helmet that is part of the pad-securing system on the inside of both helmets. I took mine out because they were pressing into my forehead. Now the helmets are much more comfortable and there was no noticeable impact on securing the pads.
Here is a link to Lazer’s Dealer Locater page, or you can do a Google Products search if you want to buy your helmet on-line. I hope you find this review helpful, and please feel free to ask any questions about either helmet!
