Black Diamond  Vapor Climbing Helmet

First things first. I wish for more variety of colors in women’s helmets I don’t always want bright colors or pastels...sometimes I love them but really I want options. This helmet is very lightweight, which I love but after a few hard climbs I noticed some grooves in the surface. Overall lightweight, comfortable padding and does a great job holding a head lamp. I haven’t worn it enough to determine durability but I have some concerns.

The fit and breathability of this helmet are great. The durability is not great for a climbing. My first outing which involved a chimney with minimal scrapping of my head lead to multiple dents in the helmet. I feel like helmets I’ve had in the past would have only had small scratches at most. This helmet may be good for easy alpine climbs with very little chance that anything will touch or come near your helmet. I would also be careful keeping it on the exterior of your bag and careful with your bag if it’s on the inside.

Fits great, light and looks good, but not very durable. I have taken it out about 3 times sports climbing and it’s already dented and dinged. Very disappointed for the price. It seems to have a thinner plastic shell then my light weight mountain bike helmet that I throw around fairly casually and has no dings.

I see lots of reviews complaining about the durability of this helmet. Yea its true if you're rough on it or even if you're careful, it will collect dings and marks on the outer shell. However, if you're buying a helmet for durability this is not the one to purchase. If you're looking for one of the lightest options on the market that you can put on and basically forget you are wearing, this is one of the best. I've had mine for about a year and use it regularly. It's definitely collected some dings and signs of use, but structurally it is still 100%. The Vapor is easily the best looking helmet on the market as well, even with all the dings and dents. Will definitely purchase again if it ever needs replacing.

It worked fine though I never hit my head. I dropped a medium sized tote full of clothes while packing and it landed on the helmet. Smashed into a million pieces. I realize it’s a different sort of impact is different than a fall but it was totally destroyed. A bike helmet wouldn’t do that. Any of my old climbing helmets wouldn’t do that. I am not convinced this thing is a helmet at all. I’d call it a protective hat.

I got the green vapor climbing helmet for alpine ascents. I originally started with the Capitan but it was heavier and fit my head poorly. This helmet fit like a glove and is lighter. It also looks way cooler with the color options. Super breathable too and I run hot so this helmet works great for me. I am 6'2, ~190, my head circumference is ~58cm and I opted for the S/M size. It fit better than Petzl Meteor too.

I love the low profile and ventilation, but the light weight really helps this lid excel in 2 particular situations. 1) multi-pitch, where I practically forget it's on my head all day. 2) mountaineering where there are long approach hikes and it's in your pack all night, only pulling it out for the final push where there's risk of rock/ice fall.

I bought this as a multi use helmet for rock, ice and alpine climbs. The helmet M/L runs too small to use with a beanie or balaclava. I also found the suspension straps too short for adequate adjustment. The sizing adjust is awkward to use. This helmet Isfine for warmer temp rock or gym climbing, but due to sizing, it’s not versatile enough for me.

First, the good. This helmet is lightweight and feel great while wearing. You forget you are wearing it. Also, it looks cool. Now the bad. If ANYTHING touches it, it's dent city. This helmet is so fragile that I won't replace it with another one. Not to mention it does not meet the safety requirements I want. I didn't realize this when I purchased it. The other thing I don't like about it is the adjustment mechanism. Every time I tried pulling up a hood during a recent climb in the snow, I would inadvertently bump one of the adjusters and it would instantly adjust to a larger setting. This happened several times while on a climb through the snow on Cotopaxi and it was a major hassle. I had to stop and try my best to readjust it with huge gloves on. It was beyond annoying. The only reason I haven't replaced it is because it was $130 and I can't justify spending another $100 after a year of use. I also pulled a rook move a few trips ago and packed it inside my kit which was checked on the plane. Well Delta smashed it. So now not only am I climbing with a helmet that doesn't meet safety requirements to get a UIAA safety endorsement, it's also crushed on one side. Needless to say, I am not happy with this. My buddy's Petzl Sirroco has held up way better. We both came to the conclusion that Black Diamond helmets are junk. He's an AMGA guide and has owned several. At this point I may try a Mammut helmet or even a Sirocco.

bought this one compared to the other black diamond climbing helmets due to the lightweight and comfort of it. I need it for 14er climbs where I don’t was to carry the extra weight on the long approaches. Works great