Test: Visor helmets for road cyclists in comparison

• Abus In-Vizz Ascent (cheapest and lightest helmet)
• Casco Speedairo RS (good upholstery, insect protection)
• Giro Vanquish Mips (good aerodynamics, well ventilated)
• Lazer Bullet 2.0 + Lens + Led (good aerodynamics, crash replacement control)

Individual review of the four visor helmets tested

Abus In-Vizz Ascent

The visor, which can be swivelled into the helmet shell, has advantages and disadvantages. If necessary, it can quickly disappear into the helmet shell and you can't lose it. The visor is relatively close to the forehead, but keeps enough distance to the eyes and nose, which is why there is also room for larger glasses. On the other hand, the lens is relatively narrow; it does not reach as far down and therefore provides comparatively less protection from the wind. The price of 160 euros and a weight of 320 grams make the Abus the cheapest and lightest helmet in the quartet. It is very comfortable to wear and can be easily adjusted thanks to the large adjustment wheel on the head ring. It is available in ten different designs and two sizes, and reflective strips increase visibility. It is supplied with a tinted visor, with a clear and yellow shell available as a set for an extra 50 euros.

Casco Speedairo RS

The Casco is relatively short in relation to the width of the helmet. If you usually wear size M, you should also try size L, which is actually only recommended for head circumferences of 59 centimetres or more. The visor is pulled into grooves on the helmet shell with elasticated straps, it sits very firmly and also close to the eyes and nose. Opening the visor by swivelling it upwards is nevertheless easy and safe. The inside of the helmet is lavishly padded and fitted with a floating hairnet, which improves comfort. The adjustment wheel is small but easy to use. The chin strap is fastened with a metal ring clip, which is opened with a pull cord, which requires some practice. Effective insect protection. Seven visors are available as an option at a price of 50 euros each.

Giro Vanquish Mips

The Giro features the integrated MIPS safety system, which is designed to reduce some of the acceleration energy in the event of an angled impact. You can easily work up a sweat under this integrated plastic cage. Very good all-round fit that most cyclists will get on well with. The height-adjustable head ring is adjusted using a small dial, which is comparatively difficult to operate. The wide visor, which is attached with a magnet, provides good protection from the wind, extends well over the nose and still leaves enough space for glasses. The nose cut-out is relatively narrow. There are four differently tinted visors, each costing 60 euros. First place in the aero rating and second place in the ventilation rating are testament to the very clever design of the helmet shell, visor integration and sophisticated control of the air flow through the air vents.

Lazer Bullet 2.0

The shape of the Lazer fits many heads. Weighing just under 390 grams, it is the heaviest helmet in the comparison, but is still comfortable to wear thanks to its good padding. The headband can be easily adjusted using the large dial with integrated LED rear light and is height-adjustable in ten click-stops. The ventilation can be regulated and the centre vent can be completely closed. The visor fits snugly and protects the eyes well from the wind, but leaves little room for goggles. The weak magnets hold the visor in place poorly. The windscreen parking space on the back of the helmet is almost impossible to hit while riding. Clear or differently tinted lenses are not available. The accident replacement scheme grants a discount of up to 50 per cent on new purchases within a period of three years from the date of purchase.

This is how extensively we tested the visor helmets

We measured air resistance and cooling performance in the GST wind tunnel in Immenstaad on Lake Constance. For this purpose, the helmets are positioned on a dummy with a heating head and the airflow is measured at a speed of 45 kilometres per hour. The power required to keep the test head at temperature provides information about the ventilation of the helmet. The special time trial helmet served as a reference Oakley ARO7 and the Specialized Evade aero road helmet. In comparison, the Abus helmet cools twice as well as the Oakley AR07 and still almost 40 per cent better than the closed Lazer Bullet. However, the Abus comes last in the aero rating. The best visor helmet in terms of aerodynamics is the Giro Vanquish, which is only three watts worse than the Oakley time trial helmet and is also very well ventilated.