Helmets are getting better, lighter, and more affordable every year. MIPS is becoming standard across helmets and is an absolute must-have. The Lazer Impala MIPS Bike Helmet is a solid offering that checks every one of those boxes.
Lazer Impala MIPS Helmet Features:
- MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System)
- Fit System: Advanced Turnfit System (ATS)
- Adjustable visor
- Goggle Parking
- Camera Mount
- Construction: In-Mold
- 22 vents
- Weight: 325g
- Price: $139.99
MIPS, Vents, and Adjustability
The Lazer Impala MIPS is an all-around solid helmet, checking the boxes of many of the top requested features on a trail-worthy mountain bike helmet.
For starters, it delivers solid, all around protection with the inclusion of MIPS technology and a deep cut on the rear of the helmet, providing additionally coverage along the base of your skull. For a quick overview, MIPS provides protection on rotational impacts. In short, when the helmet impacts the ground, the MIPS shell rotates inside the helmet, thus reducing forces that can cause further injury. Previously MIPS was featured only in premium helmets with premium prices. Lazer brings this tech at a very reasonable price. Fortunately I didn’t have a first person experience with the tech, but Jason has!
The Impala is packed with 22 vents bringing much needed airflow to help cool your melon. The vents are large and spaced evenly across the helmet. If you use the integrated camera mount (more on this later) it will drop the vent count to 21.
The Advanced Turnfit System (ATS) helps ensure that you get a custom fit. The ATS provides both horizontal and vertical adjustments. Pro Tip: use the vertical adjustment. I missed it for the first couple of rides and wasn’t happy with the fit. Once I used the vertical adjustment the helmet fit like a glove!
“GoPro, Start Video”
One feature that sets the Impala MIPS apart from other helmets is the integrated action camera mount. It is a plug that sits in the middle vent and is held in place with with a couple of hook-and-loop straps. I know you might be thinking “my after market strap works just fine”. Well, let me tell you that the seamless integration of the Impala mount reduces the rattle of other mounts, keeps the camera in place, and as a result, helps provide smoother video. Additionally, unlike other helmets, the camera mount was included during safety testing — ensuring that your GoPro doesn’t get permanently embedded in your skull should you crash.
Installation is easy and the straps are cut short so you don’t have to worry about rethreading the extra back into the helmet. The short straps do have a small drawback: they make it a bit difficult to get it cinched down absolutely tight. That being said, the mount is solid. I grazed my Hero5 Session on some branches and even took a few direct hits to the camera itself. The straps held true, keeping the mount and the GoPro on the helmet. My other nitpick is it does cover up one vent.
The Impala MIPS includes a three position visor. In the low position it acts like your typical visor. In the high position it opens up a space to park your goggles, if you use goggles. You can cinch it down to stay in place or leave it a bit loose to move it around as you need.
There were a couple small items that I wasn’t stoked on. First, the shell size seems to run a bit small. My head measures 60 cm, right in the middle of the large size range, but there’s very little wiggle room. It’s tight enough that I can barely get it over a headband. Second, it doesn’t take long for the pads to saturate with sweat and have it pour down your face. The pads are comfy but aren’t able to absorb very much (hence the need for the headband). All around though, the Impala MIPS is a solid helmet!
The Good
- MIPS at an affordable price
- Integrated camera mount
- Lots of adjustability (visor and fit)
- Extra coverage for back of your head
The Bad
- Sizing is a little tight
- Camera mount can difficult to get cinched
- Sweat pads don’t absorb much
Bottom Line: Lazer Impala MIPS
With the Lazer Impala MIPS you get a high performing helmet with premium features at a great price. It’s certainly an all-around fantastic helmet with all-mountain looks and all the safety features you’d expect.
Buy now: Available at backcountry.com
