petzl sirocco helmet or the black diamond vapor helmet? They are both scary light which is perfect- help me make a decision :)

petzl sirocco helmet or the black diamond vapor helmet? They are both scary light which is perfect- help me make a decision :)
 
for use in the dolomites- some climbing and lots of via ferratas

thanks!

Absolutely love my vapor. Looks pretty rad too.

I have sworn off petzl helmets until they retire the dirt-collecting magnet closure- truly a solution in search of a problem.

Right on Rob!  Had it come unbucked and fall off several times due to buckle being jammed with magnetic debris.  What were they thinking?

I like the vapor, but it is quite fragile. I have had two that cracked quite quickly. The buckle is an issue on the Petzl, but the overall quality of the helmet still gets my vote.

I have both a Sirocco and a cracked Vapor. I cracked the Vapor while packing it into a duffel. I've since learned my lesson and am now more careful with these types of helmets.

My vote would be for the Vapor. The dirt/magnet issue on the petzl closure system can be annoying. I've had the clip come undone before. Now, I always wipe the magnet surface to remove any dirt before I close the strap.

Whatever you get...be gentle with it!

The sirocco will last much, much longer. Wiping down the magnet is an easier fix than a crack through the entire helmet.

+1 for the Vapor. Those Petzl buckles are silly. I’ve had a few times where they just popped open due to some tiny specs in the magnetic buckle that I didn’t notice while gearing up at 2am. Petzl helmets also sit high on my head for whatever reason.

I also have a Vector, which is a lot more robust than the Vapor. I tend to use the Vector more. 

Petzl sold me their last helmet a year ago. The one that came unbuckled and fell off of my head mid-route. Never again.

My Scirocco came with an un-advertised 'crux-finder' feature which would magically release the buckle right when things got interesting.

I’ve used a vapor for three year. One saved my life falling onto slab and smacking my head (broke helmet foam, mild concussion only).

They last if you don’t abuse them. Put it at the top of your pack, don’t clip it to outside of that pack and throw it down.

Are you set on those models? I really like the Grivel Stealth,  its lightweight, holds up to normal abuse, Looks better than most,  has the headlamp tabs,  lots of vents to keep your head cool, roomy enough to wear a beanie under, reasonably priced and it has a good buckle.

Get whichever one fits better, even if it's a different one that weighs more. An ill-fitting helmet will be a bigger distraction than a few hundred extra grams.

The Petzl one looks like a botched circumcision.  That goes in the "con" category.

I have had both. Both are plenty comfortable. The bottom line is the vapor is not as durable, and I'm pretty sure the magnet on the petzl can be removed per the instructions. That said I have never had an issue with the buckle but I do more wintertime stuff. The petzl has some give so it won't crack and dent like the vapor. I believe the vapor also lacks a UIAA certification. I liked them both but kept the petzl for durability.

Rob Dillon wrote: I have sworn off petzl helmets until they retire the dirt-collecting magnet closure- truly a solution in search of a problem.

You know those are easily removable, they know some people climb in areas with magnetic particles.

I’m on my third sirocco, and the second generation is even better than the first.  Keep the buckle buckled when you are not using the helmet (especially at the crag), and the magnets won’t collect iron.  This is generally what causes the buckle to fail to engage properly or to break.

https://www.theuiaa.org/safety-standards/certified-equipment/

The Vapor does not have a UIAA cert (it does pass the less strict CE criteria).  The Sirocco passes both.  That may impact your choice.  

Other considerations are ventilation, durability, and fit (a particular model may fit your head better).  Trying them on is going to give you the best idea about which one to choose.  

Can the buckle on the scirroco be swapped out?

I really like the Camp Storm Helmet. It is slightly heavier (less than 2 oz heavier than the vapor) but it is still very light, seems durable and I love the fit. I have owned the Vapor too, and liked it.

The Mammut Wall Rider is more durable than the Vapor, doesn't look as dumb as the Sirocco, has a normal buckle, and is still super light.