The Blade might be an entry-level model in Lazer’s road range, but its excellent venting, light weight, great looks and clever cradle make it one of the best performing and best value helmets out there.
- Highs: Great price; light; airy; ponytail perfect
- Lows: Lack of lower cradle at rear of head takes getting used to
At first glance, the Blade appears to be a cheaper clone of Lazer’s pro-level Z1 and the shape is certainly based on that range-topping helmet, using the same rear spoiler design. You’d think weight might be the biggest concession here, but our size small sample comes in at 220g – 10g under the claimed weight and 5g lighter than the claimed heft of a size medium Z1. Even comparing listed weights medium to medium, the Blade only loses out by 15g.
Part of that lightness is thanks to the 22 vents and the internal channels, which do a great job of sucking in air and keeping your head cool even when the sun’s really beating you into submission. The two large U-shaped vents on the front are particularly good at cooling the forehead and avoiding drippy sweat. The thin, flexible cradle is attached to the front of the helmet, but everywhere else around the perimeter there’s a gap between this and the polystyrene shell, again helping to avoid heat build up.
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The cradle is comfortably secured thanks to Lazer’s top-mounted Advanced Rollsys System. Also used on the Z1, this one-finger operated roller tightens or loosens the helmet’s cradle symmetrically by moving its connection point along a length of threaded plastic. This in turn means that there aren’t the usual clicks of a ratchet-style retention system dictating individual adjustment steps. The sturdy straps have simple adjusters to position their meeting points just under the ears, while a standard plastic clip locks the straps together.
While not a women’s specific lid, by placing the ARS on the top of the helmet, Lazer has left the rear almost totally clear, which makes the brand’s helmets ideally suited to riders with ponytails. Better still, if you prefer to wear your hair in a thicker braid or bun, there’s plenty of room for this too. In fact, one of our female testers has pinched it and resolutely refuses to give it back.
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