Lazer Genesis helmet

With its sleek design and 19 vents, the Lazer Genesis is a great helmet, especially considering the price. The optional aeroshell (£14.99) means this can handle the fastest races and coldest training rides equally well.

This latest Genesis is the company's second-tier helmet, sitting below the Z1. It was Lazer's top end lid until the Z1 came along, so I was expecting a great fit. 

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Let's start with that then. I've never worn a Lazer before – I'm a Kask man – so popping the Genesis on felt rather strange. The helmet sits quite low on my head and I was impressed by the extra cover over the temple region. The weird feel came from the Rollsys retention system: there's no cradle and ratchet like you'd find on other lids, it's a wire-based system that secures around the top of the head, leaving the back of the head free of plastic. It'll suit people who tie their hair back for riding as there's nothing to get in the way of ponytails – not that I have one.

Aside from ponytail compatibility, the Lazer does very well in other areas. One of these is versatility. In warm conditions, the 19 vents channel air over the head very well. This is also the case during intense efforts. I put the Lazer to good use in the South Cyclocross Championships and found that I didn't get the usual sweat in my eyes. Part of this is due to the über-thin padding. I was initially concerned that it would create pressure points, but even after a long Sunday ride I was perfectly comfortable.

The lack of bulky retention system also means the arms of your sunglasses are free to sit against your head, giving much better grip. My Kask Rapido's system doesn't sit well with either Oakley Radar or Jawbreakers.

I used the Genesis with a detachable aeroshell in a high-vis yellow, available aftermarket for £14.99. It's primarily designed to reduce drag during races, but also serves as a very useful attachment in British weather. I've used it on a good number of rainy and cold commutes, where I'd normally wear a cap. Getting a hot head hasn't been an issue in our glorious British winter, though it could be a problem in milder weather.

The straps that fasten under the chin are soft and comfortable, but I did have an issue with the rubber band that holds the excess strap against the rest of the strap sliding down. It meant I had to constantly readjust the band, or I was left with the excess dangling from my chin. Not exactly a deal-breaker, but not a good look either.

My only other gripe is that the vents don't give you anywhere to put your sunnies, but it's a small price to pay for what is a very good helmet.

The Genesis isn't the lightest at 275g, but it certainly doesn't feel heavy – and weight isn't something I prioritise when the item is meant to save my skull.

Having used the Genesis for a very muddy cyclo-cross race, I gave it a good blast with the hose and then a clean with the sponge. The helmet has come up looking brand new, the black colour helping no doubt. The internal pads are removable and I washed them by hand. One of the benefits of their thin build is that they dry in no time. I was pleased to find that when I left the cafe after a coffee stop, my lid was already dry and free from that horrible cold, sweaty feeling.

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At £119, it sits just above Kask's excellent Mojito in price. I've always had an issue with Kasks getting rather sweaty, holding onto that sweat and then releasing it into my eyes on the last lap of a 'cross race; I've had no such issues with the Lazer. It's also more versatile: while the Kask is better for fitting your sunglasses in, it doesn't feature the option of an aero cover; yes, you have to buy the accessories, but £15 for the aeroshell is a good investment.

Overall, the Lazer Genesis is comfortable and versatile, with the brilliant Rollsys retention system. The lack of rear cradle is great for those with long hair, and the aero cover fits securely and adds diversity to an already great helmet.

Verdict

Fits well, looks great and performs perfectly in a variety of situations