JACKAL MIPS HELMET
Lazer have continued to overhaul their helmet range, and following on from the popular Impala, the Jackal now sits atop Lazer’s mountain bike trail helmet range. While the Impala has options either with our without the MIPS slip liner - which can help prevent further injury by reducing rotational forces – the Lazer Jackal MIPS model is the only one offered in Australia. And it only comes in black. If you follow helmet testing standards (what else is the weekend for?) then you’ll know that Virginia Tech’s testing has become an international benchmark. The Jackal MIPS gets 5 stars for safety – that’s the top score.
The Jackal comes in small, medium and large, and the helmet straps are as comfortable as ever, with a wide range of adjustment. The retention system is easy to use with a very audible click on the dial at the base of the helmet. The yoke is height adjustable so it can really sit stably. With a Fidlock magnetic clasp, it really is easy to make the Lazer Jackal fit like your hair – which is what you want. The Jackal has a large visor that can stay securely in three positions. The visor shape is tapered compared to the Impala, and is overall a far better design in terms of staying put. The MIPS slip liner has plenty of Xstatic helmet pads to keep the lid comfortable on your head, not matter whether there is long hair or no hair.
The overall design of the Jackal is similar to the Impala, with vents that port upwards, and are less reliant on moving at high speed to create airflow, thus working way better for ventilation on a mountain bike when slogging back up a hill. The Jackal’s vents are a tiny bit smaller, and the helmet has a little more material on the top of your head and around the back. All in all the Jackal is a bulkier helmet, being designed for more aggressive riding and therefore having some more material to help protect your melon. My medium test helmet comes in at 410g compared to 325g for the non-MIPS Impala. It’s not really noticeable on my head and it’s nice to know there is more material there.
Lazer have added a textured section to help hold a goggle strap, and the retention system doesn’t get in the way of sunglasses arms – at least not for me. Lastly, the Jackal comes with an accessory mount, which is ideal for mounting a GoPro or night light if that’s your jam. It sits snugly into a vent and was very stable with the straps snugged up, with no chance of the mount budging.
ON THE TRAIL
The Jackal feels secure on the trail. The extra coverage compared to the Impala isn't that noticeable, but pretty important. Mountain bike helmets need to cover a whole range of impacts, and the extra coverage towards the rear is essential for the kind of accidents that might involve falling sideways or backwards, or just rag-dolling down a rock garden.
While there is more helmet there, I never found it too hot or bulky, even in a reasonably steamy Queensland summer. Funnily enough the two things I noticed the most was the helmet straps and the visor. My Impala visor would always flip up in the wind or drop down on bad landings, but the Jackal’s visor stayed wherever I put it. But those helmet straps are a worthy mention as they hold barely any sweat, keep their adjustments and dry very quickly. If you live anywhere hot, you know how gross it is to have stinky, wet helmet straps as a reminder of yesterday’s session. Lazer’s straps and the Xstatic pads provide no such lingering memory if they’re not kept in a cool, dark place.
Lazer said they wanted to make a helmet that maximised comfort, enjoyment and freedom. I think they have nailed it. A medium Lazer has always fitted me well, and I find the shape comfortable. While I liked the Impala, I really like the more secure feel of the Jackal. With helmets getting sturdier I think it is worthwhile making sure your current lid is up to how you’re riding – so drop in to a Lazer dealer and try a Jackal on for size if you’re due an upgrade. This will be my go to trail lid from here on in.