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If You Plan to Huck It, Better Wear a Bucket! No matter how chill of a trail you plan on riding, it’s always essential to wear a helmet. And if you're going to be wearing one on every ride, it's definitely worth having a helmet that you genuinely like. For me, this means a helmet that fits properly, looks cool, is durable, and most importantly, will protect my noggin if and when I inevitably crash.
In this article, we'll dive into two helmets that I know best: the Giro Fixture MIPS, which I’ve been riding with for years, and the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore, which I acquired this biking season. Both are excellent helmets, but I hope this article can shed light on the details and help you decide which one to purchase.
As a disclaimer, some of the links in this post are affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them. This does not affect the cost of the product to you. I only recommend products I believe in and use myself, but your experience with these products may vary.
Mountain Bike Helmet Replacement Guidelines
Mountain bike helmets should be replaced approximately every five years, according to Consumer Reports. Interestingly, Lazer recommends on its website that you replace your helmet every one to three years to ensure it remains in perfect working condition. Giro suggests replacing your helmet every three to five years, depending on use and handling. While there is some variation in these timeframes, I believe five years is a solid replacement limit. If you’ve owned your current helmet for five or more years, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Retail Price: $109.99
Weight: 340g
Material: EPS Foam, Polycarbonate, Nylon
Vents: 21
What I Like:
The Look: When I bought this helmet in a small retail shop in McCall, Idaho, it immediately stood out because of its striking color scheme. With my purple bike, the color coordination sealed the deal. Lazer's unique helmet colors are eye-catching but not overdone. They retain a sleek and professional look while standing out from the one-tone helmets that have dominated the market for decades.
The Buckle: The magnetic buckle is what truly hooked me when I tried the helmet on. The satisfying click of the two magnets connecting for ultimate safety just feels good. For those who sometimes forget to buckle their helmet (guilty as charged), this helmet makes it easy to never miss it.
The Technology: KinetiCore is Lazer's proprietary technology, designed to compete with MIPS, a more widely recognized helmet safety feature. Both technologies aim to reduce rotational force during angled impacts. According to Lazer, KinetiCore "protects against both direct and rotational impact." I appreciate knowing that all the impact protection was built directly into the helmet, rather than added secondarily.
The Feel: Once adjusted to your head, this helmet feels great. It’s relatively lightweight, and the material touching your head is minimal. Lazer has reduced the amount of EPS foam inside the helmet, which not only enhances comfort but is also more environmentally friendly. The plush padding and nylon straps provide plenty of clearance around your ears, so there’s no need to worry about discomfort or straps getting caught.
Potential Improvements:
The Adjustability: While the helmet is highly adjustable, it can sometimes be difficult to tell if the dial at the rear is tightening the fit. It takes several turns before you begin to feel the adjustment.
Retail Price: $74.95 (Fixture II)
Weight: 340g
Material: EPS Foam, Polycarbonate, Nylon
Vents: 21
What I Like:
The Durability: In full transparency, the helmet I own is the Fixture MIPS I, the previous version of Giro’s current model. I’ve ridden with this helmet for the past five years, and it’s still going strong. There’s very minimal wear, and I believe it would still protect my head in a crash. The only noticeable wear is a small piece of foam missing from the rear, likely due to years of normal use and the occasional tumble out of a car trunk.
The Adjustability: As you turn the dial at the rear of the helmet, you immediately feel the helmet's cage click and tighten around your head. The responsiveness of the adjustment mechanism is a strong point for this helmet.
The Weight: According to BikeRadar, the Fixture I weighs 343g, slightly heavier than its newer counterpart at 330g. Despite the difference, either version feels extremely lightweight on your head.
Potential Improvements:
The Fit: My only complaint with this helmet is the difficulty in adjusting the chin strap to avoid my earlobes. The lack of an adjuster at the base of the V-shaped strap means that I occasionally experience some discomfort. Unfortunately, Giro did not add adjustable sliders to the ear straps on the Fixture II.
Helmet Showdown: Giro Fixture MIPS vs. Lazer Coyote KinetiCore
When comparing the Giro Fixture MIPS to the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore, both helmets bring their own strengths to the table, catering to different needs and preferences.
Price: The Giro Fixture MIPS comes in at a more affordable price point, making it an excellent choice for riders seeking solid protection without breaking the bank. Its value for money is hard to beat, especially considering its durability and performance over time. On the other hand, the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore is slightly more expensive, but I believe that the roughly $35 higher price tag is justified by its quality.
Technology: In terms of technology, the Giro Fixture MIPS uses the well-known MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology, which is widely recognized for its ability to reduce rotational forces during an impact. It’s a tried-and-true feature that has earned the trust of riders over the years.
The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore, however, introduces Lazer’s proprietary KinetiCore technology, which is designed to provide both direct and rotational impact protection. This technology is fully integrated into the helmet’s design, making it a more eco-friendly and innovative option for those looking for the latest in helmet safety. Personally I think it’s great that Lazer is competing directly with MIPS who is the market leader incumbent among helmet safety technology.
Fit and Comfort: Fit and comfort are paramount in choosing a helmet. The Giro Fixture MIPS II is slightly lighter than the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore, but only by 10g which really isn’t noticeable. That said, The Fixture also offers immediate adjustability with its responsive dial, ensuring a snug fit. However, it falls short in the strap department, where the lack of an adjustable slider may cause minor discomfort. The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore, on the other hand, excels in comfort with its lightweight design and well-padded interior. Its magnetic buckle adds an extra layer of convenience, making it a joy to wear.
Style and Design: If aesthetics are important to you, the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore takes the lead with its bold, modern design and unique color options. It’s a helmet that stands out in a crowd while maintaining a sleek, professional appearance. One more note on design is that the Coyote KinetiCore has an adjustable visor, allowing you to tilt the visor into three separate positions. The Fixture’s visor is not adjustable, but it is removable, which can be helpful since it will pop off if you accidentally drop your helmet. The Giro Fixture MIPS, while more understated in its design, still offers a classic look that will appeal to those who prefer a more traditional style.
Durability: When it comes to durability, the Giro Fixture MIPS has proven itself over the years, showing minimal wear even after five years of use. The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore is newer to my collection, but its robust construction suggests it will also hold up well over time.
Best Mountain Bike Helmet - Conclusion:
Ultimately, the choice between the Giro Fixture MIPS and the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore comes down to your priorities. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, durable helmet with reliable safety features, the Giro Fixture MIPS is a fantastic option. However, if you're willing to spend a bit more for cutting-edge technology, a comfortable fit, and a striking design, the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore is worth the investment. Ultimately it is up to the rider to decide which is the best mountain bike helmet!
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