BD helmets: Tracer vs. Vector

Has anybody tried the new BD Vector helmet? I had the tracer for 4-5 years, and it worked great for me, but I recently put some hairline fractures in the foam, so I need a new helmet. Is the vector really better at anything? The weight difference is only a few grams, and the Vector's style is a little wanky... I love my lightning bolt/fire/whatever that is.

Edit: They seem like pretty much the same helmet. The Tracer is described on their website: Designed for the superior lightweight protection and comfort needs of alpinists and climbers moving fast.

The Vector: A revolutionary helmet that's ideal for long routes, alpine climbs, and other weight-sensitive missions...

Both are described as comfortable, well-ventilated, and lightweight. The Vector is 231 g, while the Tracer is 245 g (i.e. no noticeable difference). I have no idea what is "revolutionary" about the Vector.

C'mon Tom, it's obvious that the Vector was inspired by Tron. Revolutionary!

I can't help you with your actual question but I will offer that I bought a Petzl Meteor III last spring and it is the most comfotable helmet of any kind I have ever used. I literally don't notice it while I am climbing and it is well-ventilated too. 235 grams so in the same range as the BD's. It is so lightweight I don't expect it to last forever though.

I can't answer your actual question either, but I LOVE my tracer. I tried the meteor and anything else i could find and found the tracer fit me best. It is also super light (i often forget to take it off when packing up for the hike out!) and way more comfortable to wear all day than my old Petzl Ecrin heavy-as-a-Rock.

Anyway, fit is everything with helmets so try before you buy or stick with what you know works for you. If I can find one to try on I'll report back and let you know if it is the same fit.

It's funny, if you read the descriptions of different helmets/harnesses/jackets/packs, etc) you could easily get the impression that they are all designed for EVERYTHING and do everything well and almost everything SUPER AMAZINGLY WELL!

It's a sport harness that excels at trad and is great for big walls too! designed specifically for light and fast alpine ascents and perfect for Himalayan expeditions and big wall camping! It's exactly like every other harness we make, in that they all excel at everything!

(Not poking fun at BD specifically, they all do this...)

Allen C wrote: fit is everything with helmets so try before you buy or stick with what you know works for you.

Bump?

Have the Vector's even arrived in shops yet?

pretty sure the vectors are not available yet.

Alternate @ 250g backcountry.com/mammut-trip…

On sale today giantnerd.com/mammut-tripod…

if price matters

you cant looklike speed racer in the mammut though...

I almost forgot about Petzl helms. Your welcome to try out my Meteor III if you are curious about stuff outside BD. The orange variant looks so cool!

petzl.com/us/outdoor/vertic…