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Helmets
LEM Volata helmet LEM Volata helmet LEM Volata helmet LEM Volata helmet LEM Volata helmet
LEM Volata helmet

LEM Volata helmet

7
by Stu Kerton
UPDATED Thu, Feb 28, 2019 10:54

First Published Feb 28, 2019

0
£59.99

VERDICT:

7
10
For the money there is a lot to like, especially the amount of adjustability for fit, but ventilation could be an issue
Weight: 
272g
Contact: 
www.lemhelmets.eu
How we test

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The LEM Volata helmet offers a comfortable shape, plenty of adjustment and a decent weight for the money. It's well worth a look if you want to go semi-aero on a budget, although ventilation could be an issue as temperatures rise.

  • Pros: Adjustment for circumference and height, attention to detail
  • Cons: Ventilation will be an issue when it gets hot outside

I was pleasantly surprised when I first wore the Volata, especially as the fit is so good. There is adjustment for the circumference of your head by the usual dial, and the system runs right the way round to your temples. Some cheaper helmets only adjust at the back, so it's good that the LEM allows you to dial in an equal tension pretty much all the way around the helmet. The cradle can also be adjusted in height by five settings as well.

> Buy this online here

The padding is quite a thick density but it makes for plenty of comfort. You also get a pad added to the rear of the cradle, again not something you always see on top end helmets and it all adds to the value.

LEM Volata helmet-5.jpg

The webbing for the straps is well stitched and soft against the skin, but although LEM says that it is reflective I have reservations about how effective it actually is. Directing a light at it highlights the subtle black reflective stickers on the back of the helmet, but the webbing bounced back very little light.

LEM Volata helmet-3.jpg
LEM Volata helmet-4.jpg

At 272g for this medium size it is about right for a helmet of this price. A Kask Mojito X is double the money but only shaves off 60g, although saying that, holding both side by side it's amazing how much you can notice that 60g.

The Volata is a semi-aero design, which often affects ventilation. It's been okay at this time of year, but as the temperatures have been increasing it has become a little bit on the warm side. I can imagine when we hit spring and summer it might be a little bit overwhelmed, even though it does have quite a few vents at the front and rear, 17 in total.

LEM Volata helmet-2.jpg

Some helmets, like the Met Manta Aero, actually feel like they are sucking the air in through the minimal number of vents.

> Should you buy an aero helmet?

Price-wise, it compares well with a lot of similar helmets. The Cannondale Intake is a similar weight for the same price; Dave found it to have decent ventilation, but the LEM does have height adjustment for the cradle.

> Buyer's Guide: 9 of the best cheap helmets

The Volata has better ventilation than the Giro Isode MIPS helmet, which is about the same weight, and will cost you another tenner too.

Overall, the LEM Volata does a very good job of delivering a decent semi-aero helmet for £60, but there are some compromises.

Verdict

For the money there is a lot to like, especially the amount of adjustability for fit, but ventilation could be an issue

road.cc test report

Make and model: LEM Volata helmet

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

LEM says, "From the peloton to the bike path, the dynamic, sleek, and comfortable Volata road bike helmet pushes you to excel with confidence''and a smile. Known as the 'final sprint' throughout Italian cycling, the Volata enhances your riding experience, helping you find your zone, whether you're cranking for fitness, commuting, or on your next club ride or century tour. With its aerodynamic design, adjustable micro-fit system, and 17 cooling vents, the homestretch is always in sight."

The LEM Volata offers a decent stab at an aero helmet on a budget.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

From LEM:

LEM Tech Integrated™ EPS in-mold technology

17 cooling vents for maximum comfort control

LEM FS2™ Padded Occipital Lobe 5 position height adjustment fit system for custom-fit feel

Lightweight, aerodynamic design

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10
Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
7/10
Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
8/10
Rate the product for value:
 
6/10

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

For a £60 helmet it is well specced.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Excellent fit and adjustment.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Ventilation isn't the best when the going gets warm.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

When you look at the weight and details it's right on the money for what you should be getting.

Did you enjoy using the product? On the whole, yes.

Would you consider buying the product? No

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

There is a lot to like overall, and the LEM delivers strongly across the board for the money. Ventilation could be an issue in warmer climes though.

Overall rating: 7/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: This month's test bike  My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF draped in the latest bling test components

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed

LEM Volata helmet 2019
LEM Volata helmet
LEM 2019
LEM
Stu Kerton

Since writing his first bike review for road.cc back in early 2009 senior product reviewer Stu has tested more than a thousand pieces of kit, and hundreds of bikes.

With an HND in mechanical engineering and previous roles as a CNC programmer/machinist, draughtsman and development engineer (working in new product design) Stu understands what it takes to bring a product to market. A mix of that knowledge combined with his love of road and gravel cycling puts him in the ideal position to put the latest kit through its paces.

He first made the switch to road cycling in 1999, primarily for fitness, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to take over which led to around ten years as a time triallist and some pretty decent results. These days though riding is more about escapism, keeping the weight off and just enjoying the fact that he gets to ride the latest technology as part of his day job.

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