Lazer Revolution MIPS helmet review.

Around a year or so ago, the Lazer rep showed me this helmet in near finished form and I was generally quite "skeptical" to say the least. It was just too weird, too kooky and just did not appeal to any of the dumbfounded guys behind the counter who also felt the same way.

A few months of wearing the MIPS version of the finished article though and I'm actually finding a hard time finding anything wrong with it!

So, the "problem" is the immediate aesthetic. You either want to look like a Rogue Squadron extra from Star Wars, or you don't? From every angle this helmet is different, it just screams different, but I remember when POC released the finished Trabec model and everyone kinda scoffed at what became one of the most popular trail/Enduro helmets on the market. I think that's what is happening with the Revolution, people are coming around.

The unique shape actually helps accommodate a few features that the "Enduro set" will enjoy, such as a huge range of peak adjustment and a very generous rear step in the vent profile so your goggles don't ping off your head!

You have to see this helmet in the flesh really, as it's profile is not as big or "bulbous" as pictures of it might suggest, contrary to that it actually sits very nice and is exceptionally balanced, if not a tad on the heavy side. Not heavy, just heavier than some similarly equipped helmets on the market. (Around 370g for the small size)

It's also customizable. You can by colour coding kits for the peak and ear surrounds to get a bit coordination going with the rest of your gear and the supplied "ear muff" attachments actually make it look cooler in my opinion. These wee blinker type attachments also keep a lot of the cold off your ears when the weather gets chilly.

In the heat though, 23 vents keep the air flowing over your head and the body sits on your skull with what feels like very minimal contact, so despite the small weight penalty, the helmet feels light on the head. Another reason for this is the MIPS system that feels a bit like a second retention device as it's soft material cradles you head like a reassuring yellow plastic, protective hand on your bonce.

MIPS is a revolutionary technology that lets the helmet slide and rotate a short relative distance from the head to dampen rotational and angular impacts. I've been to the Scandinavian lab that developed the technology and I was mightily impressed by the evidence for mitigating some of the trauma caused by these types of injuries. A great addition to any helmet's features.

Also keeping your helmet stuck to your head is Lazer's ATS (Advanced Turn-dial System) that really locks up the shell to your skull without squeezing it in any particular way. The full coverage shell, MIPS system and ATS make sure that the Revolution stays in place on every axis when you're bouncing around on the trail.

Another cool feature is the breakaway Gopro mount. Since the "Schumacher incident" there's been a bit of a debate about helmet mounted accessories in certain circles, but Lazer have put safety first by combining an excellent and MIPS with genuine breakaway mount that will simply detach at any sign of significant impact whilst being strong enough that you don't lose your camera!

Another great feature is detachable chin guard that turns any Revolution model into a full-face helmet ready for Enduro or downhill duties. When it's fitted, the Revolution boats a full ASTM-DH certification, meaning it comes in fully race legal and the weight of a carbon helmet twice the price. Very impressive! The full face conversions also comes with a longer peak to complete the transition to full on Gnarr.

Colours are all over the place from plain old black or white, to full on camo patterns and lovely colour mixes like the one we have on test, and of course there's the option of customizing your ear surrounds and peak.

From the second I put this helmet on I loved it. My inital prejudice dissapeared immediately and out of the 4 helmets I currently have at my disposal its the one I go to first.

I don't think I've ever worn a helmet that's made me feel more confident in the saddle. Ample protection, unique looks and all the features of some helmets that have an extra price premium attached.

Check out the full Revolution range, starting at just £99.99 for the standard version.