Brought back into action in 2019, the Lazer Impala MIPS is a trail helmet that offers good value, superb comfort and a range of features. The straps are a bit slippery and it's not the coolest, but the price makes these things bearable.
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The half-face Impala MIPS is bestowed with every feature you could want on a good trail and enduro lid. There's deep coverage at the rear, a visor that's adjustable for google storage, an easy-to-use cradle, adjustable chin straps and a protective covering over the whole of the EPS material.
There's also a more open shape to the front of the lid, which means it fits perfectly with my current fave glasses, the admittedly large Smith Wildcats.
The Impala fits snugly, cradling the head well – in fact, it's one of the comfiest helmets I've ever worn. The 'Advanced TurnFit System' encases the skull and adjusts via a large dial, and the helmet can be tweaked for height too. The dial is easy to locate and use, with a concise ratchet action.
The rear of the cradle offers a large area to distribute pressure at the base of the skull; in fact, pressure is distributed evenly throughout the lid, helping it to that high comfort level.
The MIPS system is the plastic layer kind: it's not the coolest way to integrate MIPS, but it is one of the most widely used. This in part adds to the slightly warm nature of the helmet. With regards to this heat build up, I'd say the Impala is marginally warmer than a Giro Montara, for example.
My biggest moan about the Impala is the slippery chin strapping; I had tighten the adjusters and reposition the strap dividers before every ride.
Those dividers are also unnecessarily large, plus they don't clamp like many – probably a large factor in the movement and loosening of the strap. It's an annoyance but, on the flip side, the straps are flexible and soft against the skin.
There's a Velcro camera/light mount and a helmet storage bag included. Okay, the mount might not be the most sophisticated thing out there but it's all added value all the same, and though the RRP is £120 we've already seen these as low as £80 – an absolute steal.
Plus, if you crash and damage your lid within three years, Lazer will replace it for 50% of the cost of a new one.
If you're trail or enduro riding and want premium features for less than the likes of the Bell Sixer MIPS (£150), Giro Montara MIPS (£150) or Smith Optics Forefront 2 MIPS (£175), then check out the Lazer Impala MIPS – you won't be disappointed.