Black Diamond Vision Helmet

Anyone try this helmet? Havent really seen much in terms of reviews. I have a BD half dome that I've realized is too big for me and I'd also like to get something lighter. Thinking about getting the Vision or the Petzl Meteor, but leaning towards the Vision for the EPP foam.

I have a Meteor and a BD Vapor. I like the strap system on the Petzl helmets a bit better. On the BD helmet, the spot where the chin strap connects to the side straps is sewn. On the Petzl helmets that connection is adjustable. I think the ability to slide that point forwards or backwards  makes for a more comfortable fit.  If the BD helmet just manages to fit you though, you probably won’t notice.

The Meteor is a lot more durable than the Vapor but still lighter than the Half Dome. The next time I want something lighter than the Meteor I’ll probably go with a Sirocco because of the adjustability.  Also the Petzl magnetic buckle seems to be either a love it or hate it item, but I like it.

TM2 wrote:

I have a Meteor and a BD Vapor. I like the strap system on the Petzl helmets a bit better. On the BD helmet, the spot where the chin strap connects to the side straps is sewn. On the Petzl helmets that connection is adjustable. I think the ability to slide that point forwards or backwards  makes for a more comfortable fit.  If the BD helmet just manages to fit you though, you probably won’t notice.

The Meteor is a lot more durable than the Vapor but still lighter than the Half Dome. The next time I want something lighter than the Meteor I’ll probably go with a Sirocco because of the adjustability.  Also the Petzl magnetic buckle seems to be either a love it or hate it item, but I like it.

OP asked about the vision, not the vapor.

• I know that. But aside from weight, the top part of the helmet is almost immaterial. They’re all tested to the same standards. The Vapor and Vision have the same suspension system though, and the OP sounded more concerned about fit.  If someone with both a Vapor and Vision wants to chime in and say the fit is totally different, I’ll stand corrected.

TM2 wrote:

• I know that. But aside from weight, the top part of the helmet is almost immaterial. They’re all tested to the same standards. The Vapor and Vision have the same suspension system though, and the OP sounded more concerned about fit.  If someone with both a Vapor and Vision wants to chime in and say the fit is totally different, I’ll stand corrected.

Ive owned many vapors and ive tried on the vision and although the fit is similar the suspension system on the vision is slightly different, in my case it fits better than the vapor.

Kevin Mcbride wrote:

Ive owned many vapors and ive tried on the vision and although the fit is similar the suspension system on the vision is slightly different, in my case it fits better than the vapor.

Very cool then - what did they change? I still stand by my Meteor statement. The chin strap is adjustable forward and back while the lighter BD helmets still appear to have it sewn in place. That may make a difference in fit for some folks.

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/118875241/bd-vision-helmetanyone-have-experience

TM2 wrote:

I have a Meteor and a BD Vapor. I like the strap system on the Petzl helmets a bit better. On the BD helmet, the spot where the chin strap connects to the side straps is sewn. On the Petzl helmets that connection is adjustable. I think the ability to slide that point forwards or backwards  makes for a more comfortable fit.  If the BD helmet just manages to fit you though, you probably won’t notice.

The Meteor is a lot more durable than the Vapor but still lighter than the Half Dome. The next time I want something lighter than the Meteor I’ll probably go with a Sirocco because of the adjustability.  Also the Petzl magnetic buckle seems to be either a love it or hate it item, but I like it.

Thanks, I’ve tried the vapor but durability is why I haven’t considered it. Good to know about the strap system, I’m not a fan of the straps on the Half Dome

Old Prospector wrote:

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/118875241/bd-vision-helmetanyone-have-experience

Thanks, I did a search but spelled out BD so did not see it. Did you end up getting one yourself?

Peter - No I did not, I got a Petzl Meteor instead. At my time of purchase there were far more positive reviews/information available on the Petzl than the BD, and I was also able to get it on sale. Vision did look intriguing, but with REI closed during Covid I wasn't able to handle one in person and I was more comfortable with pulling the trigger on a Meteor. 

Check youtube, there were a fair amount of videos and real people trying the helmet on so you can see the fit etc. 

For future prospective buyers: I ended up buying the BD vision after handling a few different helmets. It’s nice and light, good looking, super comfortable, and well ventilated. The suspension system works well, although it’s a bit less user friendly than the twist dial on the half dome. I completely forget I’m wearing it while climbing, which is the best thing I could say about a helmet

Don’t know much yet about durability, but it doesn’t seem particularly fragile.

I've been rocking a BD Vision for 2 season (I was testing an early sales sample) and have used it a ton both on rock, snow, and ski touring and it's been holding up incredibly well durability wise. I have owned all of the current BD helmets and unless you're counting grams and want the Vapor, the Vision is the way to go. 

From personal experience: I think sizing the Vision fits more similar to the Vapor than it does the Vector. I can wear a Vector in S/M with and without a beanie. In the Vision/ Vapor the S/M fits well for warm temps but it too tight for a hat underneath. So I size up for cold weather use. Just an incidental fyi.