Black Diamond Climbing Helmets

Is there any difference in the three models they offer: Half Dome, Vector, Vapor? Is it simply a slight difference in weight that you are paying for in the more expensive models? Thanks,
-Eric

BD's side by side compare feature sounds like it would be highly helpful in answering this.

blackdiamondequipment.com/o…

The comparison on their website just restates the product info. I'm looking for users input on the matter- other than the little statements that the company says. I understand the weights are different as well-

Weight is the big difference but so is profile. The more expensive ones have a lower profile which is nice. The downfall is coverage and more so durability. Though I don't have any real world proof I doubt the vapor or vector can take the same amounts of rock hits that the half dome has. And have heard that they were designed to fracture more on impact to lessen the force transmitted to the wearer. Which obviously breaks the helmet

thank you for the reply. This is a helpful opinion.
-Eric

If you have a large or excessively round head, the fit may be different. E.g. my gf finds the sides of the vector/vapor too tight, but is able wear the half dome. (Rather than having the entire helmet made of polystyrene foam, the half dome is primarily ABS plastic with the foam only on the top part.)

To add to what Jeremy has said, the vapor is basically the polystyrene foam for the entire helmet, with a thin layer (plastic?) coating the outside. It feels fragile. If you sat on it, you'd smash it. Also, if you stood up into a sharp rock (bumped your head with some force) you'd damage the outer coating.--just to give you an idea of the durability.

It is very form fitting to the head and is very comfortable. Also, since the entire helmet is foam, it should provide some protection if you took a swing and had a side impact.

Half dome is the hard plastic style with foam inserted into the plastic shell. You can be rough on the plastic and it's burly, tough.

I believe the tests for certification are for how they handle an impact from directly above. The half dome clearly is better for that type of impact. I don't think it would do well in a side impact, for what it's worth.

I believe the vector is the same style of construction as the vapor, but doesn't have the weight reducing skeleton pattern as the vapor.

I have both. I wear the vapor for sport or situations where most people might not wear a helmet. Its so comfortable, I might as well wear it.
I'd wear the half dome or petzl elios for multipitch (rockfall) or mountaineering-adjust for hat underneath better.

Someone may have more technical info, but that's my two cents.

The UIAA certification tests how much impact is transmitted to the human neck (which believe it or not would be the first issue you would have when hit with a large force from above, not fracture or concussion) when a force hits it from above. Not whether the helmet withstands the blow or not which seems to be a common misconception.

It also tests front, rear, and side strikes, as well as penetration. They even go as far as a displacement test which must be passed, to see if the helmet will stay on the head.

The Vapor meets the CE standard, which is a little less strict than the UIAA standard which it fails. But the purpose of a helmet is to protect so I'm making sure mine passes both. And like I said earlier, there are lighter helmets that meet the standard.

However, if you aren't already wearing a helmet than the Vapor is better than nothing lest natural selection work its course.

I've had a Vapor for about a year, maybe a little longer. My impressions of it are pretty consistent with what's been said up thread. There are some good and some not so good points. It's very light and that's the biggest reason I bought it. Also, it fits great and it's lower profile than a lot of other helmets. The lower profile fit may offer a little bit more side impact protection. Albeit, probably not much. Conversely, it doesn't have a traditional climbing helmet suspension. Instead, it sits right on your head. So I don't feel like it offers the same protection from rock fall that other helmets may provide. Nor is it very durable. Mine has dents and dings all over it. Mostly from bouncing around in my pack and tiny rock/dirt fall. Haven't been hit by anything significant. In my opinion the Vapor is only a good option if you want light weight and you're willing to spend the bucks on it. Otherwise there are cheaper options out there that probably offer better protection.

One thing not yet mentioned about the Vapor is ventilation: it has the best of any helmet. So if the combination of very light weight, low profile, and the best ventilation of any helmet are important to you, then the Vapor could be the way to go in spite of its fragility, expense, and possibly less protection in the UIAA vs. CE tests.

I absolutely hate wearing a helmet during the hot Eastern summer, and the Vapor provides the best solution to my inclination to go without.

If you want light weight and are willing to have slightly less ventilation, I think the Petzl Meteor is still the best bet.

I have a two year old halfdome and bought my wife a vapor helmet last Christmas. My helmet had typical scratches and wear, her's has dents.

John Tex wrote:The UIAA certification tests how much impact is transmitted to the human neck (which believe it or not would be the first issue you would have when hit with a large force from above, not fracture or concussion) when a force hits it from above. Not whether the helmet withstands the blow or not which seems to be a common misconception. It also tests front, rear, and side strikes, as well as penetration. They even go as far as a displacement test which must be passed, to see if the helmet will stay on the head. The Vapor meets the CE standard, which is a little less strict than the UIAA standard which it fails. But the purpose of a helmet is to protect so I'm making sure mine passes both. And like I said earlier, there are lighter helmets that meet the standard. However, if you aren't already wearing a helmet than the Vapor is better than nothing lest natural selection work its course.