Lazer

Jackal Kineticore Helmet

Very comfy!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I just switched from the Fox Speedframe Pro into this helmet and it is WAY more comfortable for me. I used to get a major pressure point on my forehead with the Fox, but this Lazer helmet fits so well and really like the adjustment system . I do wish that there was one more vent on top, but overall i get good air flow vs other helmets I have had in the past.

Need round head

It does seem light but you definitely need a rounder head profile! It does feel like it sits on the top of your head like a top hat rather the on your head like a baseball hat if that makes sense. But that could be because it didn't fit quite right

Cool tech, very comfortable!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I was very intrigued by the idea of Kineticore when I first learned about it. Everything about it makes sense to me. Rotational impact protection without the snaggy, sweaty, ventilation reducing yellow liner. -Instead of the added protection limiting ventilation, it increases it. I live in TX and airy helmets are important down here. This lid breathes well despite the amount of coverage that it has. -Instead of the added protection adding weight, it reduces it. Foam is removed from the normal shape of the helmet in key areas that allow the "crumple zones" to be effective while still keeping the structural strength of the helmet. This helmet feels solid in the hands but doesn't feel weighty at all while wearing it. I wouldn't go as far as saying it's an ultralight helmet, but pretty good for an enduro-style lid. I really like all the features. -The visor's 3 positions all work great and stay put, but I normally have it in the middle spot. -The fidlock buckle is a great thing I wish all my other helmets had! -The rubber pad for the goggle strap is nice and wide for plenty of grip. -The included light/camera mount is SUPER solid when mounted. I do night riding in the winter and it's really important that my light with its built-in, heavier battery stays put and doesn't jiggle. My only complaints...I love the look of the helmet, but it does have a bit of that mushroom look. I'm totally willing to overlook that though because the rest of the helmet makes up for it. Also, while I got the grey one, I really wish that there was a white one. Dark helmets are hotter.

Lightweight and Comfortable

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

After picking up the G1 a few months ago, I was excited to try the Jackal Kineticore, and it did not disappoint. Similar to the G1, the Jackal is lightweight and vents well. I'm a pretty sweaty rider, and so far no issues with sweat in my eyes or overheating. The rear fit system comes down lower than in most other Lazer helmets so it's not quite as ponytail friendly, but still beats out most other options on the market. The Jackal is pretty dialed for riding with goggles, as the visor is highly adjustable and you can store them on the helmet when not in use. This will come in handy later this summer when the Utah moondust returns. The one flaw that I've found is a lack of glasses storage on the helmet. Not a huge deal once goggle season begins.

Impressive Design

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Lazer does a great job with their road helmets but is relatively new to the mtb world so the Jackal surprised me with how good it feels. I'm coming from a Smith Forefront 2 which fits great and went with the same size. If anything the Jackal fits even better - there's plenty of adjustability and it's works well with my fairly average head shape. It didn't bounce around on rough trails and I forgot I was wearing it which is the best thing you can say about a helmet. The magnetic buckle is a small thing but I love it - snapping it closed one handed while pedaling no longer takes any focus. The Kineticore pads are unobtrusive so better than MIPS - I don't thinkg to hard about safety systems when buying helmets but this one is supposed to be pretty good. The visor is adjustable and is shaped nicely, deflecting plenty of brush on an overgrown trail. I was excited to see a light mount included but it's unimpressive - it velcros rather than clips on and blocks one of the vents. It takes Gopro style mounts. The shape provides similar coverage to the Forefront but has a rounder look which I don't care for. That's my main negative point on the Jackal, but it may look better on you. Color options are top notch! I didn't weight this but it felt as light or lighter than any similar helmet I've tried.

The Visor i've dreamed of.

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

I think I just found my new I'm not going to ride like a totally idiot helmet! I have three helmets that I use for riding: A full face down hill helmet, a detachable chin bar DH certified and now this Jackal. When I have to pedal up and ride the dumb stuff I grab a full face, but for the average I'm going riding with the dog, or hit the flow trail or a quick spin before work I like a half shell. One of the main things I love about this helmet is the visor. I know right something that really has nothing to do with safety or fit but just a simple visor. What is so great about the visor is more so how the helmet fits. We've all been out on that late evening or early morning ride where the sun is simply shining right into your eyes and you are riding down the trail with your head cocked to the side trying to block out the sun. Well the way this helmet fits it's actually the first helmet I have ever had that I feel offers adequate sun protection while riding at these times of the day. I was out just yesterday for one of those here comes the sun rides and was super stoked about how well the visor performed. We all have a slightly different shaped head and I have found Lazer, Bell and Giro to be the most comfortable for me. The position of the rear retention strap on the back of the helmet can be adjusted up or down to suit your needs, this is a key element for me. If the retention strap sits to low it will give me a slight headache on longer rides. I haven't tested out the Kineticore in a crash yet so no words on how this will perform in a crash, but based on past experience with Lazer helmets I'll be just fine. Last thing to note that is usually overlooked on helmets is the chin strap. I love helmets that utilized the fidlock buckler. It's so much easer to work when you have gloves on and I've never ever had one open up on me or break. I should also mention one last thing that I prefer over a Kineticore helmet vs a standard MIPS is that if you have longer fine hair it will not get caught in little yellow knobs that you find in MIPS type helmets. Not a problem for me but something my wife has mentioned to me about some of her previous MIPS helmets. In the box:: Helmet, helmet bag, light / camera mount, and some little what look like sticky pads (super thin probably not a pad) As for sizing, I looked at the size chart, measured my noggin and ordered per chart. Fit is spot on so true to size. Which is also the same size I have in my other Lazer road helmet, my DH helmet and my other MTB helmet. I did not have the previous jackal helmet but did try one on and I believe this fits much better and runs larger than the MIPS Jackal version which I feel runs a bit small.

Comfort without sacrificing protection

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

No surprise that Lazer has come out with another awesome helmet design and this one in particular is pretty cool because it features the Kineticore tech. It's reasonably lightweight for how much protection it offers and the magnetic straps make it a breeze to take on and off even with gloves. I will say it is significantly bigger than my TLD A1 helmet but that's mainly due to the added protection of the helmet as a whole. The fit gauge in the back is great for a dialed feel and for me, personally, this fit true to size. I'm a L in helmets across the board and this one was no different. Overall, I've been able to ride this over the course of a couple rides and have no complaints at all, if you're looking for a helmet that has great protection but don't want to sacrifice breathability and weight I would highly suggest checking out the Jackal.

No hair? Don't care, still comfortable!

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

So comfortable! I have no hair which can be an issue when it comes to a comfortable helmet, but after my first couple rides in this Lazer Helmet I didn't want to take it off. I even caught myself getting ready to back out of the parking lot with it on. Plus the magnetic strap means no more taking off the gloves to find the clips, that is if you decide to ever take the helmet off. Don't forget about the built in GoPro mount, so you don't ever have to worry about forgetting the GoPro mount at home.

Dialed Fit and Comfort

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Loaded with safety, I am excited to see the massive focus change in cycling helmets from "light and aero" to "SAFER" with added focus on protection from low-speed impacts and rotational forces. This helmet is mega comfy. I tried on the old Jackal MIPS and while it was alright, I felt like I had to size up to get the fit I wanted. I am a Medium in POC, FOX (Speedframe only), SMITH, TLD, Bell, Giro, Specialized, and in this new Jackal Kineticore, the Medium fits me perfectly. It has a fit that is slightly more Oval, so if you like POC, GIRO, or Specialized, you will love the fit of the Jackal. I feel like it offers superior coverage, dropping down on the sides and back more. The retention system has a very positive feel, the pads are comfy, and I LOVE the FidLock buckle which makes it super easy to buckle the helmet 1 handed when you realize 100 yards into the trail that you forgot to buckle it. I wish every helmet had that buckle.

Sweet Helmet

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

This helmet is pretty sick! By far my favorite feature is the Fidlock strap closure system. It's magnetic and easily snaps into place, and then when you need to take it off all you have to do is kind of turn it and it comes undone, super easy even with gloves. It vents well and I never got hot. The adjustment system in the back is pretty cool and gives a very nice fit. Super happy with this helmet, makes it hard to ride with another helmet when you could be wearing this.