k44 Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I am looking into getting a new helmet and wonder what people consider the best helmet. Best fitting? Easiest to attach a light? Toughest? etc... I have been looking at the Petzl Ecrin Roc and the Black Diamond Half Dome. The Petzl is ~$78 while the BD is only ~$58. Is the Petzl really worth the 20 extra bucks? Any thoughts? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snoboy Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 If it fits... yes! I, for example, really like my Putzl helmet, but the BD 1/2D doesn't fit me at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad_A Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I'd had the Ecrin Roc for years. Clipped to the back of my pack on the way up the Boson Basin path; snagged on a branch, and it ruined the harness system. I called Petzl, and they're willing to replace it, even though it's not under warranty. I'd bought another Elios, but it's just not the same. Can't wait to get the Ecrin back. Petzl has great customer service, if nothing else. I'd recommmend them. My two cents worth, anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iain Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 For sheer versatility and adjustability, I don't think you can beat the Petzl Ecrin Roc. I have their new helmet (Elios) now because my Ecrin finally fell apart, but I liked the Ecrin better than my new one. I am 100% certain it saved my life in a big rockfall accident a few years back! Probably should have retired it after that one, but it was still going strong. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I bought a new Ecrin Roc, but my old helmet was the Edelrid Ultralight, kinda old school, salad bowl thing but damn it was strong and lasted 12 years of regular beatings with no cracks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texplorer Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 or just grow a really big afro Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DPS Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I like my Petzl Elios. It is very light, fits well, and adjusts easily. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roppelcaver Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 I have used the Ecrin for years caving -- 24-30 hour trips with a helmet on (and headlamp). You can't beat the comfort, safety, and versatility. It is cooler than the helmets of yore. I have the elios for light-duty, but cannot comment on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Crash Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 My BD half-dome is ligher than the Ecrin. Its downside is that its adjustment system is not nearly as good as the Ecrin Roc (or the Elios for that matter). The BD uses a velcro which 1/ will wear out, and 2/ has to be a pain in the butt to adjust when you switch from wearing a warm hat to not, especially with gloves. With Petzl's system, you justfind the dials, turn them until the helmet fits snug, and voila. This said the BD has been great for rock,it ventilates well, and it's lightweight, which was what I cared about (the Elios doesn't fit me or I'd have a Petzl). drC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k44 Posted November 9, 2004 Author Share Posted November 9, 2004 Thanks for all the info. The Ecrin Roc is looking better and better. I really want something that go over a warm hat or be used in 100 degree heat at Smith (although I hear it's not cool to wear a helmet at Smith). Thanks again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomtom Posted November 9, 2004 Share Posted November 9, 2004 The best helmet is the one on your head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 ...the best helmet is the purple one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iain Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 well duh, it has the most fun so QED Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavidHiers Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 Roc rocks. Its easy to adjust from bare head through the largest of my dorkwad collection of skull warmers. I don't like the bikeish foamers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tyler Posted November 10, 2004 Share Posted November 10, 2004 really want something that go over a warm hat or be used in 100 degree heat at Smith (although I hear it's not cool to wear a helmet at Smith). Forget about what's cool - just keep your ass safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Crash Posted November 14, 2004 Share Posted November 14, 2004 really want something that go over a warm hat or be used in 100 degree heat at Smith (although I hear it's not cool to wear a helmet at Smith). Forget about what's cool - just keep your ass safe. He's asking about helmets for his *head* not his ass. Please don't hijack the discussion. drC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm Posted November 15, 2004 Share Posted November 15, 2004 Petzl makes great brain buckets.. Ive heard that BD is good just not as breathable... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jens Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 Want to look like you've just soloed your 3 alpine ice route of the day? then wear: Petzl Meteor Grivel "the cap" with face shield Simond with face shield Want to look like you are going to the Seattle Mountaineer's ballroom for a gala? then wear: Neon green Edelrid or a Joe Brown. Or what is that one that looks like a British army helmet with the rim around it? - the "El Cap" that's the worst one. ___ I rember flailing and bailing on an ice pitch just to watch a Frenchmen come over, mumble a few words, flip down his visor on his Grivel and style the pitch.-Made us look like wankers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 The Edelrid ultralight is the only one that fits my head right. It fended off a shower of small rocks nicely this season. It is lighter and less warm than the Petzl ecrin roc, but whatever fits best and will hold up to repeated blows is best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaper_Jeffy Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 My Ex's: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thelawgoddess Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 ecrin roc for comfort and range of use. nice to be able to use it with or without a hat and still have it fit correctly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 i hear the old orange MSR brain bucket is the item to have if you want to really be in style Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dru Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
selkirk Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 Can you hook with that or is it for offwidths? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gslater Posted November 16, 2004 Share Posted November 16, 2004 Or what is that one that looks like a British army helmet with the rim around it? - the "El Cap" that's the worst one. It's not the worst; just excessively old-school for most. I've got one for winter use. I can't get my Ecrin Roc to adjust open enough to accommodate my big head with a warm hat. The El Cap has plenty of room for this, and it has a general lack of vent holes, which keeps my head dry in wet Oregon wintertime fun (to say nothing of the brim to keep water from running down my face). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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