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
By Zach Lovell ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ April 25, 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, 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.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Mountain bike helmets like the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore prove 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 on top in arguably the most important metric – the impact test. When considering its overall functionality, the Lazer Coyote is worthy of consideration.
The Lazer Coyote came out on top after collecting data from the impact tests.
Credit: GearLab & ACT Lab
Impact Test
We conducted comprehensive lab testing on each and every helmet in our lineup, objectively measuring how well each model responds to impact. The Lazer Coyote showed outstanding results in this portion of our assessment.
Slow Impact Test Results
The chart below displays slow impact results from lab testing, contrasting the top-rated Coyote with the lowest-scoring model. 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, putting up numbers just behind the top performer.
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 protective foam blocks that are designed to crumple when impacted, theoretically absorbing energy that would otherwise reach the biker's brain. All of our data and observations tell us that this helmet is an excellent option when considering protection.
We spent weeks with the Lazer Coyote KinetiCore across rides of all shapes and sizes.
Credit: Zach Lovell
Comfort
In terms of comfort, the Lazer Coyote 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 an 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
While this helmet didn't come in first place for ventilation, 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 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 longest 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
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.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Lazer Coyote Kineticore versus top competing products:
—Zach Lovell
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