Lazer Introduces the Jackal KinetiCore Helmet

Today, Lazer has released the latest version of their Jackal trail helmet featuring their exclusive KinetiCore rotational impact protection technology. Sharing the same 5-star Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating as the Jackal MIPS, KinetiCore uses strategically placed blocks and channels in the EPS foam that act as crumple zones to absorb rotational impacts. The overall shell design, vent layout, and aesthetic mirror the MIPS version. However, the new protection system creates a lighter and better-ventilated helmet produced with less plastic and allows Lazer to offer top-notch protection without licensing technology from another brand. Dive into all the details about the Jackal KinetiCore below, and look for our impressions in an upcoming Gear Show! 

Highlights

• Lazer’s patented KinetiCore technology with controlled crumple zones to absorb rotational impacts
• 5-star Virginia Tech Helmet Safety rating
• Strategically place ventilation channels pull air through the helmet
• TurnSys fit system provides tailored fit with vertical and horizontal adjustment
• Magnetic buckle
• Easily adjustable visor with space to secure goggles underneath
• Recesses in helmet shell accommodate sunglasses to avoid temple pressure
• Goggle grip on the back of the helmet keeps strap securely in place
• Includes action camera mount
• Compatible with Universal Lazer LED light on the back of the helmet
• 50-grams less plastic used in production than Jackal MIPS
• Approximately 13% lighter than Jackal MIPS
• New environmentally friendly packaging 
• 342-grams (measured, size medium)
• Sizes: small, medium, large
• Available in five colorways
• MSRP: $219.99 USD

How Does KinetiCore Work?

KinetiCore uses controlled crumple zones to absorb impacts. To draw on a familiar analogy and namesake; in modern cars you have crumple zones. These are areas that are specifically designed to break around you to absorb impact if you crash. Our controlled crumple zone work in a very similar way to this to protect your head. They are individual but work together synchronously to cushion your head from impact and re-direct the bad energy. Upon an impact, the blocks will break, compress or distort, absorbing an impact. KinetiCore is not more fragile than other rotational protection technologies, such as MIPS or WaveCel, but the design of the crumple zones makes it easier to identify when a catastrophic impact has occurred requiring replacing the helmet.

The Why Behind KinetiCore

The conversation on rotational impact started many years ago but it was clear to Lazer that there’s work to be done before cyclists truly understand. Generally, rotational impact protection has been considered an additional feature or added on. Although inherently adding protection, this enhanced level of protection has always been at the compromise of overall helmet performance. Added weight, decreased ventilation and/or more expensive. It has been Lazer’s mission, and responsibility, to find the optimum balance of protection and helmet performance. This is why Lazer created KinetiCore. 

Types of Impacts: Knowing the Difference

Most people don’t know about linear nor rotational protection but they care about overall safety. Although education is low, most people do understand and value independent quality references and ratings e.g. Virginia Tech. It takes more than just protection to make a great helmet. Whether you’re riding fast or slow, if you’re unlucky and crash, you need to be protected from both types of these impacts: 

Direct Impact: occurs when a cyclist falls straight onto a hard surface. 

Rotational Impact: happens when a cyclists falls at an angle when moving. 

The Benefits of KinetiCore 

The fact that KinetiCore is integrated into the helmet is crucial as it results in less plastic being used in the construction, which reduces the overall weight of the helmet and allows for increased ventilation and improved airflow through each design. 

Improved protection: The Integrated Rotational Impact Protection provided by the Controlled Crumple Zones protects riders from both direct and rotational impacts, for a more confident ride.

Lower weight: The precision-engineered EPS foam block and channel design of KinetiCore eliminates the need for added protection systems and reduces overall helmet weight without sacrificing protection.

Increased ventilation: The built-in channels increase overall ventilation and improve airflow for a cooler and more comfortable ride.

Reduces plastics': The unique Controlled Crumple Zone design of KinetiCore uses less overall material and reduces the amount of plastics used in helmet construction when compared to previous models.

Action Camera Mount

The Jackal KinetiCore helmet includes an action camera mount to capture your ride and create memories. 

Adjustable Visor

The visor is easy to move up and down while riding for improved visibility and to make space for your goggles or eyewear.

Comfort and Ease

The TurnSys fit system provides a tailored fit with vertical adjustment that's easy to adjust on the move with a simple turn of the dial. 

Better by Design 

The Better by Design launch campaign by Lazer highlights the optimum balance of protection and overall helmet performance. It marks the end of a long journey of development and the start of KinetiCore – a simple idea that takes an entirely new approach to helmet technology. With the most 5 Star (Best Available) and 4 Star (Very Good) manufacturing expertise to redefine benchmarks in protection and credibly re-ignite the rotational impact conversation. After years of testing, refining and perfecting new helmet technology, the result is Lazer’s proprietary Integrated Rotational Impact Protection – advanced protection built-in for every cyclist.  

The Jackal KinetiCore helmet is available now! For more information, please visit www.lazersports.us