Hi folks,

There's a good number of helmet reviews on OM, and most seem to fall into the well known classic options such as the Petzl Ecrin & Elios.

So far, I have always managed to borrow a helmet - invariably a simple solid shell, like the Camp  Rock Star, from my club. I don't particularly like the idea of the ultra-light expanded polystyrene helmets like the Petzl Meteor, mainly because I would expect to ruin it while carrying it around. But there seem to be an increasing number of helmets out there that fall half-way between the shell/webbing and the cycle-helmet style (the Elios being one example).

I have a couple of quite good climbing shops locally, and I have noticed one or two nice looking items but can't find much in the way of reviews on the net. For example, the Kong Spider; Mammut Skywalker; Black Diamond Half Dome etc.

Do any of you have comments on helmets like these, or recommendations for other brands that have impressed you...

Thanks

John

I'm using a Grivel Salamander, very comfortable helmet. My girlfriend uses the Mammut Skywalker, I've tried it and found the fit again comfortable, I also prefer the more subtle white colour, as the Grivel is BRIGHT yellow.

 She found the Mammut helmet cheaper buying from France and paying the p&p.

Thanks all... great start!

Greg,

There's nowt wrong with the Rockstar - I just find it a bit heavy and cumbersome. Very robust classic style that I have several times. Good price, but as I am based in France I can get some other options for the same money.

Paul,

The Grivel looks interesting and is available in at least one of the local places to try on. The new one looks a bit more subtle - I didn't like the huge brand label much, though wouldn't care much if it kept my head intact! For me, local is France, and the Mammut goes for around 45 Euros I think. Any idea what it costs in the UK?

Fish,

From what I can tell it is a competitor of the Petzl Meteor. I am not the most graceful of movers and my kit tends to get a bit thumped. I could well arrive at a crag with this kind of helmet in pieces before I even start climbing if previous form is anything to go by! Still, you can email me a price if you like...! What size do you have?

... keep 'em coming

John

It's a large.  Will email you now.

 Agreed on the style though.. very similar to the Meteor.  The tracer might have slightly more protection (via a mesh on vents) for rockfall, but otherwise it's very similar.

  Would say your original plan for a go-between helmet might be a better bet.  Nice to have the best of both worlds unless you really need something extra light (while attempting something hard) or really sturdy/basic when general cragging.

My girlfriend got her Mammut from this website www.montaz.com, several of the discounted gear shops had them discounted but none in stock, standard Uk price was in the £45-50 mark.

 I know what you mean about the Grivel logos plastered all over the Salamander, at the time it was the best fitting without the look of a bowl.

How about the Grivel with Mont Blanc graphic, very subtle

 http://www.snowandrock.com/shop/activity/climbing/equipment/helmets/products/GRI0059.htm

Anyone used the Kong?

It felt comfortable and looks quite good - same price as the Mammut...

John

What every you choose make sure that you try it on and its comfortable and fits, it doesn’t matter how good/safe a helmet is if you don't find it comfortable you won't wear it.

I own a Grivel salamander which I have found excellent but also do like the Petzl Ecrin as well. It doesn’t matter too much on brand you buy as long as it has a CE stamp it will be safe for 1 good hit but generally the ABS shell type is stronger.

Another point is if you intend to wear your helmet in winter then make sure you can fit a thin hat underneath.  

Pete,

thanks - all good advice. Both the Mammut and the Kong felt comfortable at first test in the shop... but I also need to check whether they interact OK with my winter pack, head torch and shell hood. The Kong felt a little more sturdy, but they both had the same certification (CE and UIAA).

I am one of those people who'd wear a helmet even if it wasn't comfortable (and have done!) but I take your point. Comfort is crucial.

John

John, the Kong Scarab is a fantastic bit of kit and it's certified for climbing. mtbing, kayaking, and horse riding. And it's dead light.

We've got them and many pro adventure race teams use them as they cover all the disciplines and don't get trashed easily.

Now that is interesting, ptc*. I had imagined the Scarab to be in the category of the Petzl Meteor and other ultra-light lids... probably not sturdy enough for my taste. I like the idea as I occasionally swap my sculling boat for a kayak, cycle often and even get on a horse a couple of times a year.

To explain why I am a bit wary of the very light helmets, I have a MET bike helmet that I have to treat with kid gloves as it picks up little dents all the time. It was a replacement for an identical one that most probably saved me from severe head injury, so I am a helmet evangelist, but the expanded polystyrene just isn't robust to knocks and grazes. Fine for road biking when it generally doesn't touch anything unless it's saving your bonce... but less ideal for a mountain environment IMO.

If you really think that the Scarab don't get trashed easily, then I'll take a closer look. They sell them in my local outdoor shop for 79 Euros (one of the most expensive on offer...). How does that price compare to what you got them for?

hi John

I use a black diamond half dome and find it to be a excellent helmet, it can be easily adjusted for a good comfortable fit.  The clips for a head torch also look to work quite well, although must admit never had cause to use them.  my only qualm with it is that sometimes the adjustment circle thingy (technical talk here!) at the back of the helmet causes some discomfort, although i think this only happens when ive knocked the helmet into a more uncomfortable position, all in all nice helmet!

dinky

Thanks Dinky,

I just spotted that option in the link I posted above! It's 44.50 Euros here... any idea what it goes for in the UK?

John

The retail over here is somewher between £80 and £90. The seem to survive the constant cycle of wearing and throwing into kitboxes by stressed racers very well. But if you were using it all the time as you're #1 choice it's hard to say whet lifespan it would have. A gamble I suppose.

I paid the same for my bike specific helmet, a Giro Xen, which is ace. And as one has saved a life in our group, they are now compulsory wearing for us on the mountain bike.

Surprise surprise, it looks like the European brands are cheaper in France than the UK whereas the US brands are about the same. For around the £55 mark, I'll take a good look at the Scarab. In fairness, the benefits of having multiple sports certification isn't that essential to me as I haven't (as yet) done any adventure racing. When I bike, I use a bike helmet. When I ride a horse, I borrow a helmet from the club. Likewise for rock climbing to date, though I am starting to find their helmets a bit cumbersome (and stinky!).

Anyway, appreciate the positive comments on these alternatives...

Despite my attempts to avoid the Petzl tractor-beam... I am being drawn to the Elios (value for money, nicely aerated, new model fits better and has a better adjustment system... comes in ORANGE). But still fishing for comments while the money is in the wallet...