I purchased a brand new Lazer Helium Helmet last summer. I based my choice on the sizing spec’s that I read on the inter-webs and the advice of my, bike wizard, Jim Huber. Seems the word on the street is, if you have a ginormous skull, Laser is the best fit. Along with the helmet, I ordered the accessory winter padding that Lazer makes to fit inside the Helium. I wore this Helmet/Liner combination all last winter with great success. Now granted…last winter was exceptionally mild around the great lakes, so keep in mind that any of my impressions were developed in the 10F- 25F temperature range.
The winter liner replaces the regular padding that comes with the Helium and is held in place by the same velcro. The insert has ear coverings and a short visor that keeps the ‘ice-cream headaches’ at bay, all sewn into an easy to install (one-piece) winter accessory. The generous sizing of the helmet allows me to layer a variety of cycling caps comfortably underneath. The Rollsys size adjustment, that comes with the Helium makes getting the perfect snug fit very easy. The Lazer Helium seems to be designed to accommodate wearing a cycling cap better than any other helmet, I’ve ever worn. A big part of keeping my head warm and comfortable, in the winter, is perspiration management. I sweat a lot and wearing a cap is my solution for collecting and directing sweat away from my eyes. I throw a couple of hats in my frame bag and change them out when they become too saturated. This keeps me warm and dry in most conditions. So the Lazer liner/helmet’s capacity to allow me to wear caps made from wool, polypro, and even cotton (this winter) was a big plus for this set-up. The insulation that the insert provides is concentrated on the brow and bi-laterally to the ears. The top is vented and the back has no insulation at all. When I first installed the pad, I worried that the top venting would leave me with a cold noggin, but my fears proved to be unfounded. There was only one instance during the time that I tested the liner, where a 30+ MPH tailwind made a dent in my (hot) head through the back of the vented helmet. Fortunatly, trail riding, geneally keeps a rider changing directions and (hopefully) out of the wind. The liner worked great 99% of the time as long as I stayed moving. If I stopped for very long, and my cap was wet, my head would start to get cold. That’s when I would change to a dry cap and warm right up.
I stored my helmet and liner inside this season, instead of out in the cold garage to make sure that the liner dried out, between rides. The liner doesn’t harbour a bad smell and is machine washable. I’ve run it through the wash a few times this season and it still looks as good as new (pictured above). So if you sport a fiery planetary melon and fancy riding in mild-ish winter conditions, I think this is a very good option.
I give this product 4 gnomes = Mui Bueno!
Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me for reviewing. We were not paid or bribed to give this review and it will reflect our honest opinion or thoughts throughout.
Thanks for this review. I have a helium and am considering getting the winter liner for this year.
One thing I can’t tell from any description or review is the temples of sunglasses interact with the ear flaps. One of the problems I have with my current ear-warmer solutions is that putting on glasses requires either putting the temples on the exterior of the ear coverings, or putting them on the inside which then ends up allow air to enter from the front.
Can you give some insight?
The earflaps are rather puffy, so I run glasses on the inside of the ear covering. I run very hot, so I’m probably not the best person to ask about unwanted air flow, because I’m almost always very warm and would welcome the cranial venting. If it’s so cold that said venting would give me brain freeze or frost-bite, I would be wearing a full coverage helmet (with tunable vents) and goggles, like say below 10 degrees F.
hi there,
I have the NEXT helmet model, what liner do I need and where to order. Thanks