How to Choose Climbing Helmets

Along with integrated headlamp clips for alpine starts and evening sends, the Black Diamond Vision climbing helmet features extended side/back coverage for added protection.
Imported.
| Best Use | Climbing |
|---|---|
| Helmet Style | Climb |
| Helmet Construction | In-mold |
| Shell Material | Polycarbonate |
| Head Circumference | S/M: 21-23 inches M/L: 23-25 inches |
| Visor/Brim | No |
| Weight | S/M: 7.6 ounces M/L: 7.9 ounces |
| Gender | Unisex |
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EPP is superior to EPS in several ways, but it has been a very slow evolution to making an optimal EPP helmet. The BD Vision is an upgrade as it uses a plastic strap in back to adjust the circumference of the helmet. This is much easier than previous EPP helmets, most of which have thin webbing straps that tangle/flip easily. But the Vision chin strap is sewn to the side straps (rather than having an adjustable Y-shaped plastic piece) and is not adjustable front to back. When I adjust the circumference, the chin strap is too far forward on my jaw and not secure. (Similar problem with the Boreo, where the chin strap is sewn too far back and cuts into my neck.) Size S/M is very small circumference, not an option.
Tore the hard outer foam on the approach when the helmet was caught on heavy brush. That shouldn’t happen to a helmet of this caliber that easily. Wasted my money and will not by anything with hard foam design again.
As some with a very large head (25.5 inch / 64.5 cm circumference), this is the best fitting climbing-specific helmet I've found so far. Even though all of BD's M/L helmets are marked as going up to 63cm, there seem to be slight differences between models. The Vision is slightly larger and wider temple-to-temple (but ~50g heavier) than the BD Vapor helmet I have, which means the Vision fits my head better. The BD Half Dome also fits reasonably well, but looks ridiculous on big heads because of the shape and is a lot heavier. I would also avoid the MIPS version of the Vision as the MIPS insert takes up space and reduces the effective maximum head size. Make sure to release the retaining plastic clips in the back to the loosest setting and move it down the straps towards your neck so that it's not getting stuck inside the helmet and taking up valuable space. You can also remove the little bits of foam padding inside to create more space as it seems comfortable enough without the padding.
I'm very pleased with the fit and feel of this helmet. I bought it to be used mainly on more technical scramble sections while peak bagging. It fits well over my light balaclava on colder days and the headlamp clips are nice for those alpine starts.
I love this helmet, fits my noggin p It so comfy and light, I hardly notice I’m wearing it.
Very comfortable, light weight, intuitive adjustments! Love my new dome.
Lightweight & Well Ventilated!
My BD vision helmet has proved to be versatile, comfortable and protective. I have used my Vision Helmet on professional trips I lead as well as for my personal use. Climbing of all types the helmet is so comfortable I forget I am wearing it. The fit adjustment system is simple ad stays in place for as long as you are out. I recently used the helmet on a backcountry snowboard trip. The helmet is super light weight and did not compromise my riding or climbing. This is one of the best helmets I have owned (30 years of helmet purchases).
Loving the lightweight nature of the helmet. Durability remains to be seen as it certainly will get tested over time, but so far so good. My one only issue, and it' something I'm mostly used to now, is that the design of the straps makes it impossible to change the alignment and position of the clips around your jawline. I have a normal head (my friends might disagree) so it fits fine, I just wish I could make small tweaks to the location. Still, I would buy this again no question.
This helmet is incredible for its weight and style, but that’s about all. I cracked my first one by putting it in my bag, hopefully this one lasts longer than 6 months. As for comfort, bd could have put a bit of extra padding, the plastic inside is sharp, and in direct contact with your skin/hair. If you’re looking for an ultra light helmet, go ahead. However, you would need to wear something underneath to make it bearable for more than 2 hours. Great for ice climbing.


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