Innovative, adjustable vent works as part-time aero shell
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The bullet is a step in another direction from Lazer’s flagship Z1 road lid, which is sold with a snap-on aeroshell(Image credit: Oliver Woodman/Immediate Media)
The shape of the Lazer Bullet is the result of months of CFD testing and wind-tunnel time(Image credit: Oliver Woodman/Immediate Media)
Aero constraints mean that the Bullet goes without Lazer's popular Rollsys retention system(Image credit: Oliver Woodman/Immediate Media)
In its open position the Bullet significantly improves its own ventilation(Image credit: Oliver Woodman/Immediate Media)
With its vent slid forward (closed) the Bullet is set for improved aerodynamics(Image credit: Oliver Woodman/Immediate Media)
(L) The bullet with its vent open for maximum cooling and (R) with its vent closed for improved aerodynamics (Image credit: Oliver Woodman/Immediate Media)
Riders looking to improve their aerodynamics can often end up hot-headed thanks to the inherently poor ventilation of most aero-optimised helmets. And it's this problem that Belgian helmet brand Lazer set out to resolve with its latest road helmet, the Bullet.
First previewed on BikeRadar at Eurobike 2016, the Bullet stands out in its category thanks to a unique adjustable ventilation system that allows a rider to choose between a cooler head (vent open) or maximum aero benefit (vent closed).
With its small frontal area and teardrop rear profile, the Bullet blends the familiar with the unknown in a design that appears to have gone down well with BikeRadar's social media following. It's a step in another direction from Lazer's flagship Z1 road lid, which is sold with a snap-on aeroshell.
"We were pushed by our pro riders for something more specifically aero than the Aeroshell helmets," said Lazer's Chris Smith. "The Bullet has a slimmer frontal profile and an elongated shape that was designed for aerodynamics with computer modeling and wind-tunnel tested."
The Bullet's VOD vent (Ventilation On Demand, if you were wondering) — that's the large plastic panel at the front centre of the helmet's shell — can easily be switched on the fly at the swipe of a hand.
Look closely at the vent and you'll see it operates with tilting slats similar to those found in a Venetian blind. The Bullet also features sizeable, additional vents either side of the VOD system.
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The Bullet will be offered in four sizes and is expected to arrive for spring 2017 although sadly its official weights and pricing details are yet to be announced.
Similarities can be drawn between the Bullet and Bell's Star Pro aero helmet. First launched in 2014, the Bell Star Pro featured an internal cover that could be slid open or closed with a finger.
Aero priorities mean that the Bullet goes without Lazer's Rollsys top-mounted retention system and instead makes use of the company's TS+ rear dial. The Bullet is also ready to take on Lazer's Lifebeam heart rate monitor system, which is sold separately as a kit.
We'll be getting a production helmet as soon as they're available so stay tuned to BikeRadar for more on the Lazer Bullet.
