REASONS TO BUY
Incredible impact test scores
Very well priced
Many color options
REASONS TO AVOID
Big visor an acquired taste
Large profile
Lazer Coyote Kineticore Review
A wallet friendly option that boasts impressive impact scores and color schemes
Credit: Zach Lovell
RELATED: Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2025
Our Verdict
The Lazer Coyote KinetiCore offers excellent performance at half the price of many mountain bike helmets, making it a great option for shoppers on a budget. From long pedals to technical rock gardens, our testers were happy in the Coyote, with decent ventilation and comfort comparable to many high-end models. In GearLab's impact testing done at the ACT Lab, this budget helmet even came in at the very top of the lineup, thoroughly impressing our review team. While the overall profile of the helmet and its sun visor may be too large for some, many bikers will find this option to be just what they're looking for, especially with a name as cool as Lazer Coyote. Be sure to check out our article on best mountain bike helmets to see how this model stacks up to the competition.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Lazer Coyote Kineticore | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Highly Affordable and Best Impact Test |  Another Excellent Option for Comfort | |||
| Price | $82.49 at Evo Compare at 4 sellers | $97.50 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $34.99 at Evo Compare at 2 sellers | $59.49 at Amazon Compare at 4 sellers | $85.00 at REI |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | A mountain bike helmet with incredible impact test scores and is easy on the wallet | This comfy mountain bike helmet excels at long trail or cross country rides | This stylish lid offers modern, all-mountain coverage that won't break the bank | An affordable option with all-day comfort | Riders on a budget will find comfort and protection with this helmet |
| Rating Categories | Lazer Coyote Kineti... | Smith Engage Mips | Specialized Camber | Giro Radix Mips | Smith Convoy |
| Impact Test (30%) | |||||
| Comfort (20%) | |||||
| Ventilation (20%) | |||||
| Usability (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Specifications | Lazer Coyote Kineti... | Smith Engage Mips | Specialized Camber | Giro Radix Mips | Smith Convoy |
| Rotational Impact Protection System | LAZER KINETICORE | Mips | Mips | Mips | Mips |
| Weight (Ounces, Grams) | 13.80 oz, 391g | 13.10 oz, 371g | 13.8 oz, 394g | 12.6 oz, 360g | 12.5 oz, 355g |
| Number of vents | 22 | 21 | 13 | 25 | 21 |
| Goggle or Sunglasses Integration | Sunglass & goggle integration | Sunglass & goggle integration | No | No | eyewear integration |
| Adjustable Visor | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL | S, M, L, XL | XS, S, M, L, XL | S, M, L, XL | S, M, L, XL |
| Certifications | CPSC, EN 1078 | CPSC Bicycle for ages 5+, CE EN 1078 | CPSC | CPSC, CE EN1078 | CPSC, CE EN1078, AS/NZS2063 |
| Virginia Tech Helmet Safety Rating (if applicable) | 5-star | 5-star |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Mountain bike helmets like the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore proves you don't have to spend big bucks to get great performance. While there are other models that offer better scores in some areas, this helmet came out front in arguably the most important metric: the impact test. When considering its overall functionality, the Lazer Coyote is worthy of consideration.
We spent weeks with the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore across rides of all shapes and sizes.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Impact Test
We conducted comprehensive lab testing on each and every helmet in our lineup, objectively measuring how well each model responds to impact. As previously mentioned, this helmet came in at the very top of the lineup.
Slow Impact Test Results
The chart displays slow impact results from lab contrasting the top-rated Coyote with the Fox Racing SpeedFrame Pro (average performer) and the least effective Giro Montaro Mips. An elevated curve signifies reduced safeguarding for the test head in this assessment.
Fast Impact Test Results
The Coyote also scored well in the Fast Impact test, just behind the Specialized Ambush.
Next, we take the two scores from the Fast and Slow impact tests and create an overall Impact Test Score below.
The Lazer Coyote earned an impressive impact test score of 9.3, putting it at the front of the pack. We formulated this score by carrying out impact tests in partnership with the ACT Lab, thoroughly analyzing every product in our review in a controlled environment to offer you more information about each helmet. While it wasn't part of the overall score, we also took a look at each option's overall coverage while being worn.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Lazer created their own rotational impact protection they dubbed “Kineticore”, which is an alternative to the popular “Mips” system that's used across many helmet manufacturers. Kineticore was designed to protect against direct and rotational impact thanks to EPS foam blocks that crumple when impacted, absorbing energy that would otherwise reach the biker's brain. Objectively, this is an excellent option when considering protection in certain contexts and is its highest scoring metric.
The Lazer Coyote came out on top after collecting data from the ACT Lab impact tests.
Credit: GearLab & ACT Lab
Comfort
If a helmet isn't comfortable, it can make even the shortest bike rides unpleasant, so we gave this metric 20% of the total score of the Lazer Coyote. We tested this metric by spending weeks in the Coyote across a variety of rides, from aggressive downhill trails to long cross country cruises. This helmet came in above average.
We found the Lazer Coyote to be a comfortable bike helmet across all types of rides, whether heading uphill or downhill. The chin and ear straps were simple and easy to adjust to dial in the fit, and the straps offered excellent next-to-skin feel. We slightly reduced the score in this metric due to the higher positioning of the helmet and wished it sat just a bit lower on the head. As with any subjective metric, this option may score higher or lower for you simply depending on how well it fits.
The Lazer Coyote offers decent comfort and a fit that's simple to dial in.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Ventilation
We gave this crucial metric 20% of the total score of the Lazer Coyote. We tested ventilation by wearing the Coyote for a variety of rides and also carrying out a standardized, pedal intensive circuit. While this helmet didn't come in first place, it held its own in the lineup.
The Kineticore design of the Lazer Coyote offers a more blocky foam that we found to usher heat and moisture away from the head. The wider strips of padding along the center of the helmet were the primary sweat areas, slightly reducing this option's performance in this metric. We saw a common trade-off of ventilation to impact test performance throughout our helmet lineup, but the Coyote pleasantly surprised us with decent scores in both areas.
The gridded KinetiCore pattern offers added protection, but it also aids in ventilation.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Usability
We gave usability 15% of the total score of the Lazer Coyote. We examined this metric by simply sizing up the various features of each helmet and testing them in the field to determine their effectiveness. This helmet scored about average in the lineup.
We appreciated the previously described Kineticore design, which simultaneously improves ventilation and impact protection. The chinstrap uses a magnetic side-slide design that was easy to take on and off with one hand, with the magnetism practically closing the buckle for you.
The magnetic, side-entrance chin buckle was effective and easy to use.
Credit: Zach Lovell
The back-of-head strap system utilizes the classic wheel design to tighten or loosen the fit, though we found it a bit cumbersome to adjust the height. The largest consideration in the features metric was the lengthy sun visor, which was among the longer designs of our lineup. Ultimately, you'll either love or hate it depending on your preferences, but the three set positions were easy to switch between.
While the large visor is an acquired taste, its 3 stages allow one to easily adjust its position.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
We gave this metric 10% of the total score of the Lazer Coyote. We simply weighed each option and utilized a weight ratings calculator to distill a score on a 1-10 scale. This option came in near the top of the pack.
At 13.8 ounces, the Lazer Coyote offers an excellent weight for cyclists trying to keep things light. When considering the incredibly high score of the impact test, the Coyote is a mold-breaker.
Should You Buy the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore?
The Lazer Coyote offers an incredible amount of performance in a budget package. When considering the top tier scoring in the impact test and weight metrics, this will be a no-brainer if it fits your head well. Though the bold design and sun visor might not appeal to everyone, this high-quality helmet has few drawbacks.
What Other Should You Consider?
If you're seeking a more breathable helmet, we'd steer you towards the Giro Manifest Spherical, which also offers a more modest profile and sun visor. If the Lazer Coyote doesn't feel as comfortable, we'd recommend trying out the Smith Engage Mips, which was a favorite for comfort among our testers.
—Zach Lovell
You Might Also Like
