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Are you looking for a climbing helmet? Are you finding it difficult to choose a climbing helmet? There are soo many different helmets on the market. We help you with this process by delving into this topic to explain all of the factors you need to consider when choosing a climbing helmet.

 

 

 

1.  Tontron Climbing Helmet

The Tontron Climbing Helmet features a high-impact ABS shell and high-density EPS liner. It is designed to absorb the impact of a blow by partial destruction or damage to the shell and the harness.

This climbing helmet features sideways vent holes used for breathing and preventing tiny gravel. It also has an adjustable back of head closure system. Additionally, it has headlamp buckles which are suitable for universal headlamp assembly.

The Tontron climbing helmet meets the CE EN12492 climbing helmet certification. It is a unisex helmet, has six vents, and weighs 370 g.

 

 

 

      What We Like:

  • EPS Inner Shell
  • Sideways Vent Holes
  • Headlamp Friendly
  • High Impact ABS Shell
  • Adjustable Back of Head Closure System

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.  PETZL Sirocco Climbing Helmet

The PETZL Sirocco Climbing Helmet’s head covering, with its shape that is lower in the rear, is designed for maximum protection against lateral and rear impact.

This climbing helmet provides excellent comfort with the optimized volume on the head and great ventilation. It features hybrid construction with a shell in EPP (expanded polypropylene) foam and a rigid crown injected with EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam.

The PETZL Sirocco Climbing Helmet is adjustable with its adjustable headband and chin strap. It has a magnetic buckle that fastens the chin strap. This climbing helmet has wide holes for ventilation and two hooks and a rear elastic to attach the headlamp. It weighs 170 g.

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

  • Lightweight Design
  • Hybrid Construction

 

 

 

 

3.  Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet

The Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet features a new suspension system with a one-handed dial with streamlined clips for added comfort and simplicity. Additionally, you get more security and efficiency with an updated chin strap while climbing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.  Fusion Meka Climbing Helmet

The Fusion Meka Climbing Helmet features 10 ventilation areas and two slots for mounting hearing protectors. It is durable and very lightweight at 0.7 lbs.

 

 

 

 

5.  PETZL – Vertex Vent Climbing Helmet

The PETZL – Vertex Vent Climbing Helmet is comfortable because of its six-point textile suspension and centerfit and flip and fit systems. This system ensures the helmet fits securely on your head. You can use this helmet to work on the ground and at height thanks to its adjustable-strength chinstrap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

  • Six-Point Textile Suspension
  • Centerfit & Flip & Fit Systems
  • Modular Helmet
  • Comfortable

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.  PETZL Unisex Climbing Helmet

The PETZL Unisex Climbing Helmet is compact and head-covering with its hybrid construction. It is also comfortable with its optimized volume on the head and wide ventilation holes. Protection is ensured from the front, lateral and rear impact with its design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.  EDELRID Zodiac Climbing Helmet

The EDELRID Zodiac Climbing Helmet is a lightweight and stable hybrid helmet. It features an ABS shell and EPS foam liner. Its Wing-Fit system features an adjustment dial that allows for easy adjustment and an individual fit.

This climbing helmet features an innovative closure system that allows the chin, under the ear, and neck area to be free from buckles.  Its cradle folds into the helmet thereby reducing its packing size.

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

  • Hybrid Helmet
  • Wing-Fit System
  • Innovative Closure System

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.  PETZL Sirocco Ultra-Light Weight Climbing Helmet

The PETZL Sirocco Ultra-Light Weight Climbing Helmet is lightweight with a hybrid construction. It features a shell in EPP foam and a rigid crown injected with EPS foam.

It is designed to provide protection from lateral and rear impact.  This climbing helmet provides reinforced protection with its head-covering shape that is lower in the rear. it also has wide holes that provide ventilation and two hooks and a rear elastic for attaching a headlamp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      What We Like:

  • Hybrid Construction
  • Lightweight
  • Shell In EPP Foam

 

 

 

 

 

 

What To Look For In A Climbing Helmet?

1.  Safety

Safety is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a climbing helmet. There should be no compromise on the safety capabilities of the helmet. Always read the safety ratings of the helmet you want to buy and make sure it meets your criteria.

 

 

 

 

2.  Comfort

Comfort should be an important factor to consider. You want the helmet to be as comfortable as it can be. Manufacturers today design helmets for maximum comfort by employing different designs and materials as well as ventilation slots. Be sure to check on how comfortable the helmet is.

 

 

 

 

3.  Adjustability

How adjustable a climbing is also related to how comfortable it is. There are different ways helmets are designed for adjustment; some are more effective than others.

Helmets can be adjusted by straps and buckles, a plastic slide bar, and a click-wheel. With straps and buckles, the adjustments are made with pull tabs and buckles.

Plastic bars come with grooves and notches where another piece of plastic latches tighten the helmet. Click-wheel features a wheel on the back of the head which can be turned to tighten the helmet. It is the easiest way to adjust a helmet but you can easily over-tighten the helmet. Additionally, click-wheels the end to make the helmets heavier and bulky.

 

 

 

 

4.  Weight

The weight of the helmet is an important factor as it adds to your total weight as you climb. Today many helmets are designed to be as lightweight as possible. Additionally, the more lightweight a climbing is, the more comfortable it is.

However, the heavier the helmet, most often the more durable it is. Therefore as you consider the weight of the helmet you want to choose, comfortability and durability should be assessed with regard to how lightweight you want it to be.

 

 

 

 

5.  Ventilation

Ventilation is another important factor as you will be climbing to higher elevations. Not on is the temperature is hotter the higher you go, but it is also a serious exercise that will result in sweating. This makes ventilation important.

Ventilation is usually provided by holes or slots and the more slots on the helmet, the better the ventilation. The size of the slots or holes is also important. the bigger the slots, the better the ventilation. It is a good thing to observe how the inside of the helmet is designed as there needs to be space built inside the helmet for the air to circulate thereby creating a cooling effect.

 

 

 

 

6.  Headlamp Attachment

It may not seem very important but having the capability to attach a headlamp to your helmet is very important. You want to verify that the helmet you are considering has the ability to attach a headlamp.

There are two ways this is accomplished. The first method involves four plastic clips evenly spaced around the helmet with slots the band of your headlamp fits into thereby holding it securely in place.

The second method uses two clips in the front and a single elastic strap featuring a pull tab that goes around a hook in the back. This is quickly becoming the more common method with EPP helmets. Additionally, it is more versatile and thicker than headlamp bands.

 

 

 

 

7.  Durability

Climbing is a dangerous activity. You want to protect yourself as much as you can. The helmet you choose has to be as durable as possible. It must be well constructed with durable materials to absorb the impact of a fall or drop it on the ground for some height. Climbing helmets that are made of ABS hardshell prove to be more durable than lightweight foam helmets.

 

 

 

 

8.  Helmet Styles

Climbing helmets come in three styles: hard shell, foam, and hybrid. Hardshell helmets use a hard shell with a webbing suspension system to get rid of the force of the impact on your head. They are very durable but are heavy and the ventilation is not the best.

Foam helmets are made of foam, usually, EPS (expanded polystyrene) to absorb the impact and they have a thin layer of polycarbonate to protect against bumps and bruises. They are the lightest helmets but not as durable as hard shell helmets.

Hybrid helmets are a hybrid of hard shells and foam helmets. They feature a thicker ABS shell with some EPS foam. This results in a helmet that is lightweight and durable.

 

 

 

 

9.  Helmet Fit

How well a helmet fits is related to comfort. You don’t want a helmet that will result in headaches or bruises somewhere on your head or neck. It has to be a good fit and fit properly.

You can test how fitting a helmet is by simply shaking your head like saying no or moving it up and down like saying yes. If it stays in place without fastening the chin strap, then it is a good fit. It is also important it doesn’t dig into your neck when you look up.

 

 

 

 

Types of Climbing Helmets

1.  Hardshell Helmets

Hardshell Helmets are durable helmets, sometimes called hybrid or suspension helmets, that are affordable and long-lasting. They feature an extra-hard outer shell, usually ABS plastic, which is combined with a strap suspension system and a thin foam liner.

 

 

 

 

2.  Shelled Foam Helmets

Shelled Foam Helmets are very lightweight and have excellent ventilation. This type of helmet has a thick layer of impact-absorbing polystyrene or polypropylene foam which is protected by a thin polycarbonate shell.

 

 

 

 

Climbing Helmet Accessories

1.  Eye Shield

The eyeshield protects your eyes. There are many brands and they are reasonably priced.

 

 

 

 

2.  Helmet Liner

The helmet liner is used under a helmet to keep you warm and comfortable. It wicks moisture away and dries quickly.

 

 

 

 

3.  Face Shield

Face shield protects the eyes.

 

 

 

 

4.  Ear Muffs

For extremely noisy conditions, ear muffs come in handy.

 

 

 

 

5.  Chin Strap

Chin straps keep your hard hat on.

 

 

 

 

6.  Helmet Replacement Padding

These replace the helmet padding when they are worn out.

 

 

 

 

7.  Balaclava

On cold and windy days, the Balaclava protects the head, face, and neck.

 

 

 

 

 

What is the best rock climbing helmet?
The best climbing helmet for you will be the helmet that meets most or all of the requirements you need in a helmet to meet your climbing goals.
How should a rock climbing helmet fit?
Place the helmet squarely on your head. It should fit the circumference of your head. The front rim should be straight across your head. After adjusting the fit, test it by shaking your head sideways like saying a “No”. Then tilt your head like you are saying “Yes”. In both situations, the helmet should remain snug and not shift by much.
How do I clean my Petzl helmet?
Clean your helmets by washing them in lukewarm soapy water and then rinse with fresh water. Do not use any powerful cleaning products like solvents, stain removers, degreasers, etc. Only use household face and body soap.</p> <p>Additionally, clean the shell of ABS helmets with a cloth damped with rubbing alcohol. Never dip the helmet in alcohol, never. Also do not use a high-pressure water sprayer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

Climbing helmets are a necessity for climbers. You want to get the best climbing helmet for your safety and comfort. In this review, we have discussed the factors to consider in choosing the best climbing helmet for you. Additionally, we have reviewed some of the best helmets available today and we are of the opinion that any of them will be a good choice for your climbing activities. Our recommendation for a climbing helmet is the Black Diamond Half Dome Climbing Helmet.

 

 

 

 

 

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