Helmet recomendations

[Huge]

I'm in the market for a new helmet and looking for recommendations. Nothing wrong with my current helmet, other than it's now more than 10 years old and so outside of the manufactures recommend life span. As it's an Ecrin Roc, I'm sure it still has years of life left in it but the rescue team I'm a member of says all ppe must be within age limits.

I've recently tried on a Petzl Boreo, a Petzl Vertex Vent and an Edelrid Ultralight III. They were all comfortable (for a minute in the shop and without the weight of a lamp, at least.) The Boreo has lots of foam and looked difficult to bolt a lamp to. The Vertex was very expensive but otherwise seemed OK, if a bit chunky. The Ultralight again was comfortable and looked as if bolting a lamp to it would be pretty straightforward but it has to be one if the ugliest helmets I've ever seen. I know that shouldn't be a criterion really!

Anything else I should have a look at?

 

[mudman]

What's wrong with a builder's helmet with the peak cut off and a bootlace for a chinstrap?

 

[LadyMud]

From the Starless River website:
It is important to note that due to its construction, the Boreo *can* fit bolt-on lights such as the Scurion; however it is a job that is easier with practice: so if you’re planning on doing this it’s worth contacting us directly.

 

[wormster]

Vertex gets my vote

 

[Babyhagrid]

I'm a big fan of a half dome.

 

[Huge]

What are they like to bolt a lamp to, Babyhagrid?

 

[Babyhagrid]

What are they like to bolt a lamp to, Babyhagrid?

Can't say I've tried . It's foam similar to a boreo. I think Starless river has said that it definitely would be possible.

 

[phizz4]

The ultra lite may be ugly (I don’t think so personally) but it’s the most comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn. I just can’t get on with Petzl helmets. My climbing helmet is a Black Diamond Half Dome, very comfy and light.

 

[Pete K]

Certainly possible to bolt a Scurion to a Boreo, I did it for about 6 months. Problem I had was that with the weight of the lamp on it, the otherwise stable and comfortable Boreo became a bit wobbly on my head.
If you like the Vertex, look at the Petzl Stratos. It's sort of half way between a Vertex and Boreo and I'm really liking mine. Scurion also sell helmet brackets to fit the Petzl lamp slots, so no drilling needed.

 

[Huge]

Thanks both. That's two people who have mentioned the Half Dome so I'll definitely check that out and the Stratos.

I don't own a Scurion and never likely to given the price and weight! I use a Duo with a CustomDuo insert. I'm happy with that but there is a possibility I'll upgrade to something brighter but also heavier at some point.

 

[Ed]

The ultra lite may be ugly (I don’t think so personally) but it’s the most comfortable helmet I’ve ever worn. I just can’t get on with Petzl helmets. My climbing helmet is a Black Diamond Half Dome, very comfy and light.

Second most comfortable after the good old Phoenix Alpine

 

[Tritim230]

I'm happy with my CT Stark. Had used Petzl but my old helmet was well out of date (~20 years)

 

[Rhys]

I recently bought two of the Edelrid Ultralight III for the kids. They seem okay to me; I don't think they're ugly! I haven't bolted anything on, but I can't see it being a problem. I'll probably get another one to replace my old style Edelrid when it expires.

 

[MendipScoutCaver]

I’ve got a Vertex, seems robust but does sit quite high on your head.

You may be able to buy a helmet with zero VAT as you mentioned you’re in a rescue team, so may count as PPE for work use Gov.uk - Protective boots and helmets that qualify for zero-rating

A few sites give options to buy helmets with zero rated VAT in line with the above rules - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=petzl+helmet+vat+free

 

[Huge]

I recently bought two of the Edelrid Ultralight III for the kids. They seem okay to me; I don't think they're ugly! I haven't bolted anything on, but I can't see it being a problem. I'll probably get another one to replace my old style Edelrid when it expires.

Thanks Rhys. One of my first helmets was an original(?) Ultralight from Caving Supplies. If I remember right, they removed the standard cradle and replaced it with their own design that sat lower on the head. Still got that helmet and lend it out to people who want to try caving.

 

[Rhys]

They used to be sold as "Protex" by Caving Supplies with the lamp bracket and bit of string on the back for a cable. I'm wearing one in my profile pic!

 

[langcliffe]

We used to swear by these:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175372122403

£90 for a fifty year-old helmet does seem a little steep, but it has been polished.

 

[chunky]

If mounting a scurrion to it we found the ultralight was a right pain in crawls. Also in dry caves the faux leather headband means sweat dripping in eyes was a problem. I'm back with a kask now.

 

[Loki]

I’m using one of these with a skilhunt h03 on the front. Works a treat so far. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/climbing-and-mountaineering-helmet-rock/_/R-p-137025?mc=8360070&c=blue

For the record I find the ecrin roc and the vertex two of the most uncomfortable helmets ever made. My nut is quite wide at the temples though. The vertex is Very high on yer noggin and I found I banged my head on things I didn’t even realise were there before!

 

[Huge]

Thanks both, useful information. Yeah, I thought the headband on the Ultralight looked like an old-fashioned design. I remember my original Ultralight/Protex having something similar. It wore out and became very uncomfortable. Carefully wrapping it in gaffer tape seemed to work.