The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore brings excellent ventilation and interesting rotational impact protection tech at a very neat price. It also features a high-quality build resulting in impressive comfort and a respectable weight that’ll please new and experienced riders alike, although it sits a bit high on the head and the straps pose a bit of a wrestling match to start with.
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Lazer Coyote KinetiCore - Technical details
The Coyote KinetiCore is a trail-ready open-face lid that features Lazer’s own form of rotational impact protection, KinetiCore. This method of fending off harsh rotational forces goes about things a little differently as it steers clear of additional cradles or liners built into the helmet’s interior. Instead, KinetiCore is cut into the EPS to form crumple zones. Not only does this add the benefit of extra protection, but Lazer reckons it makes the helmet lighter than its competitors, and breezier, claiming a cooling efficiency of 95.6% - whatever that means... However, that's achieved with credit to 23 vents.
However, KinetiCore’s real party piece is that it has earned the helmet a five-star Virginia Tech rating, which should mean that it’s one safe helmet. The omission of a cradle also means that this helmet uses 30g less plastic than its Mips-equipped range-mate.
On top of that cool tech, the Coyote benefits from vertical adjustability provided by the brand’s TurnSys system which also acts as the helmet’s fit adjustment. Lazer’s Universal LED light can be fitted to the rear of the helmet and impressively for a helmet of this price, there’s a magnetic buckle.
Lazer says that this helmet is eyewear friendly with recesses in the helmet’s shape that allow space for glasses’ arms and there’s a goggle grip at the rear that’s designed to reduce the risk of a goggles’ strap slipping. Finally, there’s a three-position visor.
As for weight, the Coyote KinetiCore tips the scales at 350g which is on par for a trail helmet like this.
Lazer Coyote KinetiCore - Performance
From the get-go, the Coyote KinetiCore has proven to be a mighty impressive helmet, especially considering its relatively meagre asking price.
Out of the box, the chin strap adjustments were off, which is to be expected for any fresh helmet but I found the strap dividers to be mega-fiddly. It took a good while to find the perfect placement but eventually, I managed to find a comfortable adjustment. Though, this is a fit-and-forget task, so once I found the spot, things were golden.
On the head, the Coyote clearly sits a little higher than many of the best mountain bike helmets but comfort was akin to a much pricier lid. The helmet’s general comfort is only boosted by its rather impressive airflow capabilities that are very clearly aided by Lazer’s smart KinetiCore tech.
It works similarly to the internal channelling that we see on tonnes of helmets on the market, but simply because of the way KinetiCore is formed, it’s as if the whole interior of the helmet is channelled. These sections guide air over the complete circumference of the head, resulting in incredibly few, if any hot spots. The number of vents on this helmet only helps the cause.
The combination of great comfort and superb breathability only adds to the helmet’s pleasant experience. Then add the lightweight on top, and it’s a helmet that will remain comfortable, and nearly unnoticeable through longer rides.
As for build quality, the Coyote is proof that budget friendly helmets are getting very, very good. It’s put together incredibly well with a sturdy visor but useful and a decent wrap-around outer shell that keeps the EPS safe whilst placing the lid down. While I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of this colourway, it certainly looks the part, and there’s little foam on show, something that more experienced, or style-conscious riders will appreciate.
Lazer Coyote KinetiCore - Verdict
Throughout this review, I’ve alluded to the Coyote KinetiCore’s great value against the similarly priced competition - and that’s exactly what it shows. There are cheaper helmets around that perform very well, such as the Leatt MTB AllMtn 1.0, but it looks more like an entry-level hat. It’s not quite as breezy either but it is £10, and it still benefits from rotational impact protection.
The Specialized Camber is another excellent helmet that’s cheaper again, but it misses the adjustable visor, its coverage isn’t as comprehensive and its breathability doesn’t stack up.
An excellent example of the Coyote’s value is when it’s compared to the Fox Mainframe, also at £80. This Mainframe gets a fixed peak and Jim found it a little warm. There’s also EPS exposed around the rim, hinting that it’s not as durable.
The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore shows excellent bang for buck thanks to its top-level performance consisting of impressive breathability paired with a lightweight and comfort that’ll keep most riders happy all day. Asides from the fiddly strap dividers, and that it sits a bit high on the head, niggles are very few.