Historically, two big players have been leading the industry regarding full-face helmets — Fox and Troy Lee Designs (TLD). In days gone by, these brands led the way in terms of both style and safety. However, the cranium-conscious folk of today can enjoy the thrill of variety, and now there are several high-quality, full-coverage options outside of the ‘Big Two.’ The Lazer Chase KinetiCore is the latest high-tech, brain and teeth-saving head gear to hit the market.
Lazer Chase KinetiCore Safety
This helmet is ASTM-certified for downhill racing. That means it has been placed in the highest protection category referenced in our sport. Lazer has employed its plastic-free MIPS alternative KinetiCore technology using unique crumple zones/bumps that tactically break to absorb energy. This increases protection for direct hits as well as impacts with significant rotational force. And Lazer really does ‘walk the walk’; the Virginia Tech Helmet Lab, which conducts independent testing on cycling helmets, gave the Lazer Chase their highest rating of five stars for rotational impacts.
Aside from the safety benefits, KinetiCore also adds to the overall breathability. With the foam noads moulded into the shell, they don’t obstruct the vents, like MIPS can, as the liner is not built into the actual shell. KinetiCore also creates a plethora of little channels that give the air somewhere to go inside the helmet, helping it to flow through and suck the heat right off your head.
Lazer has also opted for a fixed breakaway visor, which the Belgian outfit claims could save your neck in a nasty off. We haven’t tested this feature. However it’s well-positioned out of view.
Lazer Chase KinetiCore weight
Whilst the Lazer Chase has a DH rating, the heavy-weight penalties we usually associate with this label are thankfully not present. The Lazer Chase comes in at a respectable 990g (size medium). For reference, Troy Lee Design’s popular DH-rated helmet, the Composite D4, weighs around 1100g (size medium). Another one to compare weight with is Fox’s RPC helmet. This comes in at about 1200g (size medium). Even more impressive, it’s only about 70g heavier than the Cage, Lazer’s Enduro lid.
The Chase is designed for full-blown downhill riding, but we have no reservations about opting for this lid in the case of enduro riding. We did some more extended pedals in the Chase to see how it performs. The results were pleasing, as advertised. it has excellent airflow, and the weight isn’t something that stood out at all.
Lazer Chase comfort and looks
The impressive airflow is credited to its well-thought-out vents, and the Belgian outfit has found a good balance between where to let air flow freely, and where to throw in some interference. We applaud Lazer for opting for a mouth/chin vent with a grated cover, as there is nothing worse than copping a mouthful of mud halfway through a descent.
Compared to the Fox Proframe, a full-face helmet designed for maximum weight reduction has an open vent directly in front of your mouth. It’s excellent for airflow (and easy access snacks!) but not for keeping mud out. Lazer has placed two large, completely open vents on the chin bar to compensate for the slightly obstructed front vent on either side of the mouth. This is unique among DH lids and drastically improves the amount of airflow through the front of the helmet. This is definitely a key factor in making it more pedal-friendly.
When it comes to aesthetics, we don’t often like to admit that it matters to us. For many, though, it does. You’ll remember we mentioned the historical domination of both Fox and TLD in the full-face market. A lot of this could be attributed to the ‘it’ factor associated with these brands, and many other options could have been described as “dorky.” Luckily, nowadays, almost all full-face helmets have the aesthetics dialled in. The Chase’s squared-off chin bar looks similar to Fox’s RPC helmet, a lid often praised for its good looks.
Lazer Chase size and fit:
Lazer offers the Chase in five sizes from XS-XL, two more than many similar helmets. With a tighter range in each shell size, there is no need to add extra tightening features or dial-based retention systems.
The chin strap is secured with a traditional D-ring. There are fancier options out there, like the Fidlock magnetic closure system. However, the D-ring is somewhat re-assuring in a full-blown DH helmet, and you know that even in the most violent of crashes, there is no way for it to come undone.
Flow’s Verdict
The Lazer Chase KinetiCore has impressed us during our review period. It is a great option that should not be overlooked, even with the market dominance of other brands.
The Chase offers top-level safety tech, sharp looks, and comfort; it comes at a budget-friendly price of $299.99. This is excellent value, considering helmets with similar tech are often listed at over $700 AUD. If you’re interested in this helmet, consider the Lazer Cage.
The Chase is cheaper, offers more protection, looks better (in our opinion) and is less than 100g heavier. With all that in mind, we expect you’ll see many of these out on the trails.
