Lazer Blade helmet + aero shell

Weighing a feathery 250g, Lazer's Blade helmet is discernibly lighter than many twice the price. Conforming to both CE and CSC standards and available in six colours, features once reserved for the Belgian brand's pro issue Z1 have trickled down to the mid-point.

Finish is generally excellent throughout. In-mould construction (where EPS liner and outer shell are formed simultaneously) is extremely neat; an exposed brim is the only indicator of cost-cutting and theoretically more susceptible to knocks and dings. This is pretty typical of this price point, though, and a carry sack comes as standard, minimising this risk in storage or when being transported by car.

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Talking of which, for 2015 it's adopted the Z1's Advance Rollsys retention system – this is designed to work like a car's roll cage, protecting the brain from twisting injuries that can result from a nasty crash. This isn't a completely original concept and is essentially a sophisticated nylon band that wraps symmetrically around the head for a pinch and pressure point-free fit.

This dials in via a recessed barrel adjuster, which has several advantages over the ubiquitous thumb wheel. Drilling into the crown area requires additional material – adding weight. Lazer has overcome this problem by using a clever bridge to provide reinforcement. It's certainly sleeker, not to mention more convenient for riders with ponytails. I found myself instinctively reaching around the back when fine-tuning fit on our first few outings, but it quickly became intuitive – albeit a little fiddly in full-finger gloves.

The strap dividers are more refined that most – among only a few that have lain perfectly flush against my head.

Less airy than its bigger brother, 22 vents are still impressive, scooping a steady stream of cooling air over the scalp. This seems unchanged whether cruising along at 20mph, grinding up a climb at walking pace and begging for a lower gear, or screaming down 1 in 4 descents. Wind noise at higher speeds has been minimal, so conversation needn't verge on shouting and, crucially, overall awareness isn't hampered.

I am blessed with a thick shock of hair, which is very conducive to a hot, sweaty scalp given an hour or so's intensive effort – even with the mercury hovering around 15 degrees. However, even during the recent heat wave (remember that?), those vents scoop a seamless flow of cooling air through, so most riders shouldn't have any problems with overheating.

On the flip side, thundery showers left me right royally soaked, but the helmet does come with an aero shell that you can attach on days when you want as much speed as possible or if the weather's looking threatening – or remember to pack a cap.

Overall, I've been seriously impressed by the Blade's performance, which is easily on par with some helmets at nearly twice the price.

Verdict

Excellent mid-price road helmet with remarkably high spec – recommended