Lazer Oasiz MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet Review

The Oasiz mountain bike helmet sits atop Lazer’s MTB line as their premiere trail helmet. Tested here is the MIPS-equipped version of the Oasiz, which retails for $160. It’s also available without MIPS for $140. Both versions are offered in seven color ways from the subdued Black Grey Matte (tested) to the pupil-searing Flash Yellow. …

Fording a river in the Oasiz (photo: Helena Kotola)
Fording a river in the Oasiz (photo: Helena Kotala)

The Oasiz mountain bike helmet sits atop Lazer’s MTB line as their premiere trail helmet. Tested here is the MIPS-equipped version of the Oasiz, which retails for $160. It’s also available without MIPS for $140. Both versions are offered in seven color ways from the subdued Black Grey Matte (tested) to the pupil-searing Flash Yellow.

Design

Styling on the Oasiz is aggressive and angular. The lines of the helmet are closer to those of an XC race or road helmet, and I prefer the look of the Oasiz to some of the more rounded designs currently on the market. My head is large enough as is–I don’t need anything that accentuates its bulbousness.

Sharp lines on the Lazer Oasiz
Sharp lines on the Lazer Oasiz

Like most trail helmets today, it drops down a bit farther in the back when compared to a traditional XC helmet. Other features include an adjustable visor, an integrated GoPro mount on top of the helmet, Lazer’s Rollsys Retention System, and their Magic Buckle.

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Fit

Weighing in at 285g for the medium size and featuring 21 vents, the Oasiz felt light and airy on my head. The helmet I tested was black and even on the hottest days of summer here in Georgia, I never felt like my head was cooking.

I recently tested Lazer’s Ultrax helmet, which is essentially a less expensive version of the Oasiz. The Ultrax is a great helmet for the money, but the fit wasn’t perfect for me. The Oasiz was noticeably more comfortable, but the shell didn’t feel as deep as the Ultrax. Even with the extended rear coverage, it felt more like an XC mountain biking helmet when worn.

Large vents, and lots of them, keep your head cool
Large vents, and lots of them, keep your head cool

The Rollsys Retention System makes for easy fit adjustments, even while riding. Just reach up to find the dial on top of the helmet and turn it to either tighten or loosen the fit. Unlike other dial-based systems, Rollsys tightens symmetrically around your head, instead of just tightening at the very back of the helmet. I like to loosen my helmet for extended fire road climbs and then tighten it back down for the descents. Rollsys made that a breeze.

I thought the Magic Buckle was going to be gimmicky, but in practice, it’s quite useful. Instead of a traditional male/female clip, Lazer uses magnets in the buckle. Once the ends of the straps are close enough, the buckle snaps into place. With a quick flick of your thumb and forefinger, you can slide the buckle apart to remove the helmet. Buckling or unbuckling, it’s easy to use one-handed, while wearing gloves.

Lazer Oasiz MIPS MTB Helmet White Large
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Final Thoughts

Unlike my test of the Ultrax, I was fortunate not to test the Oasiz’s durability in a crash. But judging by how the Ultrax faired in my crash and the fact that the Oasiz adds another level of protection with MIPS, I’d put money on it being a safe mountain bike helmet.

Oasiz in the desert (photo: Greg Heil)
Oasiz in the desert (photo: Greg Heil)

In terms of function, the Oasiz has a number of well-thought-out features that actually improve upon the standard helmet. Concerning fit, the Oasiz is up there with the most comfortable helmets I’ve ever worn–even in the sweltering heat.

If there was one thing I would change about the helmet, it would be to make it a touch deeper. If nothing else, I think it would give me a little more peace of mind about the security of my gray matter.

That said, mountain bike helmets are probably one of the most difficult pieces of gear to fit. What may feel a bit too shallow on my head may be perfect for you. Regardless, the Oasiz is still the first helmet I reach for when I’m heading to the trails.

Thanks to Lazer for providing the Oasiz MIPS for review