Lazer Impala KinetiCore mountain bike helmet review

The Lazer Impala KinetiCore half shell mountain bike helmet brings premium features and new DualCore protection technology, though it comes at a price.
By Jeff Barber
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A man wearing a black and red bike helmet and sunglasses stands outdoors with a blurred background of colorful autumn foliage and trees. He has short hair and a stubbly beard, and he appears to be looking off to the side. The image captures a moment of contemplation in nature.

When it comes to trail helmets, Lazer’s Impala has always been a solid choice, offering dependable coverage at a reasonable price. Now, Lazer is back with a full overhaul of the Impala, swapping MIPS for its in-house KinetiCore and DualCore protection system and tacking on some premium features with a price bump to match. After logging a couple hundred trail miles with the new Impala KinetiCore on my head, I’ve got a solid feel for where this helmet shines and where it might not be the best fit.

Lazer Impala KinetiCore key specs

  • KinetiCore and DualCore rotational impact tech
  • Weight: 365g (size medium)
  • Magnetic buckle, three-position visor
  • Price: $199.99
  • Buy from Lazer

At 365g (medium), the new Impala lands in the middleweight class. It’s heavier than the Fox Speedframe but still lighter than the Smith Forefront 3 I tested earlier this year. Lazer eliminated some of the vents, dropping the count from 22 down to 16, which makes this one less appealing for sweltering summer days. For cooler rides or for riders who prioritize protection and stability over max ventilation, it’s a fair trade.

A close-up image of the top of a black helmet featuring a prominent RECCO® safety label. The helmet shows signs of use, with some dust and scratches on its surface. The background consists of blurred natural elements, suggesting an outdoor environment.
Close-up of a black helmet with ventilation openings, showcasing intricate details and textures against a blurred natural background.
Close-up view of the interior of a red helmet featuring an orange padded lining. The padding has cutouts for ventilation and is marked with the word "POLYGIENE." The helmet is placed on a textured surface with fallen leaves in the background.
Above, left: DualCore EPS layers visible through the vent.

Protection tech: DualCore debut

The most significant update to the Impala is the addition of Lazer’s new DualCore rotational impact protection system. While KinetiCore itself isn’t brand new — Lazer’s been integrating it into their helmets for a while — DualCore is. The design utilizes two separate layers of EPS foam to manage both direct and rotational impacts. A harder, denser EPS layer sits at the outside of the helmet for direct impacts, while a lower density layer inside the helmet is meant to protect against rotational impacts.

Lazer’s decision to move from MIPS to KinetiCore will no doubt spark some discussion. The removable, washable KinetiCore liner sits snugly against the head and adds padded comfort. While Virginia Tech hadn’t posted a safety rating for the new Impala at the time of this review, it’s worth noting that the KinetiCore version of another Lazer helmet, the Jackal, rated lower than the MIPS version. So the big question is: Will DualCore push the Impala ahead in the rankings? It seems promising, but we’ll have to wait for lab data to know for sure.

A person wearing a black and red bicycle helmet and sunglasses, touching their chin thoughtfully. The background features trees with autumn foliage, creating a vibrant outdoor scene. The individual is dressed in a dark hoodie, and their expression appears focused.
A person wearing a black and red helmet stands in a forest, seen from behind. They are dressed in a dark hoodie, and the background features blurred trees with autumn foliage.

Premium features

The Impala’s feature set definitely reflects the higher price point. The magnetic chin strap is a small but welcome upgrade, making it super easy to buckle up with one hand, even with gloves on. A RECCO reflector is built in for backcountry search-and-rescue capability, something typically found on more expensive helmets or snow gear. As far as I can tell, this is the first Lazer helmet to include RECCO.

The three-position visor is designed to break away in the event of a crash, and though Lazer doesn’t tout eyewear storage, I found a couple of spots on the helmet that work for holding sunglasses. Around back, a textured panel is designed to keep a goggle strap in place.

The Lazer Impala includes a GoPro-style mount that slots into the top of the shell. Many brands charge extra for this accessory, so it’s nice that Lazer includes it in the box. I used it to mount a light for night riding, and it held firm over multiple outings. However, after a few rides, I lost the mount during a daytime ride when it must’ve snagged on a low-hanging branch. Since I wasn’t using the light at the time, I didn’t notice the mount was missing until it was too late. On the plus side, the mount does break away cleanly, which should help prevent neck injuries in a crash. My advice is to remove the mount if you’re not actively using it.

Close-up of the interior of a red cycling helmet showing padding, adjustable straps, and safety labels.

Fit and sizing

Lazer offers the Impala in three sizes. A standard, ratchet-style retention system ensures a solid fit that seems pretty true to size. On fast, bumpy descents, the Lazer Impala is quiet and stable.

The updated Impala sports a sleek, modern look with just the right amount of flair. A glossy color detail adds a pop without being over the top, and the helmet sits fairly low on the head. The shape and styling should work well for a wide range of riders.

When I tested the original Impala back in 2019, I noted the chin straps were too short for a comfortable fit. The latest version features longer straps with good strap management to keep the excess from flapping in the wind. I also noticed the updated retention system arches just above the ears, avoiding interference with eyewear temples, which has been a problem with other helmets I’ve tested.

A close-up of a brightly colored bicycle helmet hanging with a pair of sunglasses attached to it. The helmet features a black and red design, showcasing vents and straps. The background is a blurred natural setting with greenery.
A close-up view of a black bicycle helmet placed on a wooden surface, with autumn foliage blurred in the background. The helmet features multiple ventilation openings on the top, showcasing its aerodynamic design.

Price bump: Worth it?

At $199, the new Impala KinetiCore is a full $60 more than the outgoing MIPS version. (Well, in 2019 dollars anyway. More recently, the helmet was priced at $160.) That’s a steep jump, and it puts the Impala up against some stiff competition. Still, the added features like DualCore, the RECCO reflector, magnetic buckle, and included mount go a long way toward justifying the increase. Riders who want a high-feature, all-around trail helmet with a strong focus on safety will likely find it a worthwhile upgrade.

Though the price of the Impala now aligns with Lazer’s top-shelf half-shell, the Jackal, it’s worth noting that the Coyote is priced at just $119. The Lazer Coyote also features Kineticore, a magnetic buckle, and an adjustable visor, making it a pretty compelling alternative. I own that helmet as well, and I find the two to be pretty evenly matched, at least on the stuff that’s noticeable on a day-to-day basis.

I’ll keep the Impala in rotation for most of the year, especially for night rides if I can pick up a new GoPro mount, and also for cooler-weather sessions. But when the heat cranks up in summer, I’ll reach for something lighter and more ventilated.

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Pros and cons of Lazer Impala KinetiCore

Pros

  • Rotational impact protection
  • Includes premium features like a magnetic buckle, helmet mount, and three-position visor
  • Comfortable fit

Cons

  • Not super ventilated
  • Helmet mount might pop off too easily

Bottom line

Lazer truly upgraded the Impala with premium, smart features and new protection tech. DualCore safety sounds promising, though I’d wait for external validation before deciding whether it’s really worth paying a premium over another Lazer helmet, like the Coyote.

 
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