The Zero RH+ ZY is a new addition to the Italian firm’s helmet range, and a welcome one at that, thanks to its well ventilated, stylish design and an excellent fit.
The ZY sits roughly in the middle of the brand’s four-strong road helmet collection at £110, above the ZW, alongside the ZX and beneath the range-topping ZR.
For your money you get a lid which combines a plastic outer shell with internal polystyrene – nothing new there – and there’s also a plastic inner cage embedded within the polystyrene to improve the helmet’s structural integrity.
Not willing to turn ourselves into crash test dummies in the name of the job, we haven’t yet put that claim to the test, but the helmet has obviously been granted the CE EN 1078 safety certificate required for it to hit the market.
The helmet’s design allows the use of a generous number of well-sized vents, which means air transfer is excellent and the ZY proved a good companion on the hottest days of summer.
We noted in our first look that the helmet has a deep fit, which encloses the head rather than perches on it, and the result is very comfortable, with the helmet sitting securely and inconspicuously when riding. It’s worth noting, however, that heads come in all shapes and sizes, so try before you buy if you can, to see what suits you.
The helmet is secured using what Zero RH+ call a Power-Fit Double System, which offers lateral and vertical adjustment. The former is taken care of by a chunky, soft touch, ergonomic dial which is easy to adjust on-the-fly, while the cradle itself can be adjusted to one of three vertical positions to help find the best fit on the back of the head.
It’s a design which gives the helmet its name, as the fit mechanism is shaped roughly as a ‘Y’ at the rear of the helmet, and the design of the shell also reflects this. Otherwise, the lid is held in place with a well-padded chin strap. Internal padding is kept to a minimum but this doesn’t affect comfort and allows the helmet to sit close to the head.
The ZY is available in two sizes, with the XS/M model (54-58cm) having a claimed weight of 250g, and the L/XL (58-62cm) version a bit heavier at a claimed 275g respectively.
Our L/XL sample tipped the RCUK scales at a little more than that – 293g – which is not featherweight (the world’s lightest helmet, the Limar Ultralight, weighs just 160g) but remains competitive and it felt light when worn, helped by the excellent fit.
All that’s left to mention, then, is that the ZY is a stylish lid, with smooth sweeping lines from the front, which contrast with the angular, aggressive rear and the ‘Y’ design. The helmet is available in eight colours, listed on the Zero RH+ website.
Sizes: XS/M, L/XL
Price: £110
Website: Zero RH+
UK distributor: Veroli
