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Which helmet for me?
There are three loose categories for helmets at the moment. Each category suits different climbing purposes and deciding which helmet is best for you depends on what type of climbing you do.
The Types
- Heavy duty, hard polycarbonate or thermo plastic helmets
- Polystyrene, very light weight helmets.
- Hybrid helmets with a relatively durable polycarbonate outer combined with some polystyrene protection
The Outside Helmet Range
Heavy duty hard polycarbonate or thermo plastic helmets are the heaviest that are on offer. In this day of weight obsession it is worth remembering however that these helmets will last comparatively longer, resist higher impact forces and fit a greater range of head sizes than the other two types of helmet. If helmet lifespan or protection is more important than weight then these are the helmets for you. Ideal for winter/alpine climbing where though weight is important so is your helmets ability to withstand repeated impacts (ice, rocks, general abuse). Also ideal for group use where repeated size changes and maximum protection are needed.
Polystyrene light weight helmets are ideal for any climbing where weight is the key factor. These helmets are very comfortable to wear. As they are light you don’t notice them and if you don’t notice them you are more likely to wear them. Very popular for rock climbers where the problem of repeated impacts found in the mountains is not an issue. For Gritstone they are increasingly the preferred choice. After an impact it is likely you will have to throw the helmet away and get another (though the pain of this should be offset by the happiness that you are all in one piece). The only slight down side to these helmets is that they tend not to resist general wear and tear. Repeated packing and re packing into and out of rucksacks will eventually start to damage them, though more recent models are becoming increasingly good at resisting this. Ideal for any form of cragging/sports climbing or any climbing endeavour where weight is a serious issue for performance and comfort.
The Hybrids are a compromise between the two previously discussed types of helmet. They have polystyrene protecting the crown of the head on the inside of the helmet. They also have a medium thickness polycarbonate outer. This means that they are lighter than the heavy duty helmets but can still take smaller impacts without needing to be thrown away afterwards like the polystyrene ones. They often come in different sizes and are also not as bulky as the polystyrene or heavy duty helmets. Though a compromise these helmets are fast becoming the preferred type of helmet in the mountains and on the crags due to their versatility. Ideal for the mountains, multi pitch cragging and single pitch cragging.
Images © Henry Tyce
