When Lazer debuted its Helium helmet in 2010, it brought with it a remarkably comfortable fit system. A dial on top of the high-end race lid – kind of odd placement, but OK – spools a cable that runs down the sides of the helmet and around the back of the wearer's head. Cinch it down, and it feels like something has suddenly been vacuum-formed to your head. My first reaction was, "Whoa, that's nice."
Since then, though, Lazer has been updating the helmet by periodically adding magnets. Lots of magnets. First came the Magic Buckle, which uses magnets, rather than a clip, to fasten the straps. Now Lazer has built magnets into the straps themselves. These ones match up with magnets in the company's new Magneto glasses. The Magneto is basically just a lens with, yes, magnets, that snap it into place on the helmet, sort of like a Smart Cover for an iPad.
Think about wearing a good pair of cycling glasses with snug-fitting temples. Then think about wearing just the lenses snapped onto thin fabric straps at the sides of your head. Yeah, they flop around. A lot, with every bump, stop, and stiff wind gust.
The Magneto shades are photochromic and get dark in a hurry, which is nice. And the lens comes with temple pieces so you assemble the kit and wear them as regular glasses, which is far superior to using just the magnets. Still, the fit isn't as good as comparable cycling-specific shades. The main reason for buying these would be to wear them with the Helium, and on that count, they fall short.
The Magic Buckle, also, while very well-intentioned, doesn't quite deliver on its promise. The goal here was to create a buckle that a wearer could close one-handed. And it definitely works. But the buckle sometimes snaps into place backward, which is less secure, and the magnets make the buckle too heavy. It tends to hang low and sway back and forth.
The Helium is a great helmet that seems to have been led astray by fancy add-ons. I'd like it better if Lazer would just go back to the basics here – the venting, the light weight, and the awesome fit system. As for cycling glasses, I'll stick with what I've got.
WIRED Perhaps the nicest fit adjustment of any bike helmet. Breezy vents and comfy pads.
TIRED Bells and whistles distract from overall quality. Magnets add bulk and weight. Shaky, annoying Magneto glasses are optional, but the magnets that hold them in place aren't; they're sewn into the straps. One "improvement" too many.
Lazer Helium helmet: $230 at LazerSport.com
Magneto glasses: $120 at LazerSport.com
