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Safety helmets are an absolute must when climbing because of the possibility of small stones falling.
No matter how experienced or novice you are, you should always wear a helmet while climbing in the great outdoors. When it comes down to it, wearing a helmet can mean the difference between life and death.
However, numerous manufacturers and types of helmets are available, how can you know which one is right for you?
Buying a helmet can be tricky, so we've put together this guide to help make the process easier.
There are three primary types of helmets on the market: the hard shell helmet, the foam helmet, and the hybrid helmet.
High-strength ABS plastic or fibrous high-strength polymers are used to construct the helmet. The most important feature of this type of helmet is its strength and durability and its high impact resistance, and ease of use and maintenance. The downside is that this style of helmet tends to be hefty, which might make it difficult to move around with it.
The helmet is made of EPS foam, similar to the foam used in mountain bike helmets. EPS foam is good at absorbing energy when outside forces hit it, so it protects the head well, is light, and is easy to carry. The bad thing about it is that it doesn't last as long as a hard shell helmet; however, it does an excellent job of absorbing energy. Unfortunately, once it's broken, you can't use it anymore.
They are usually made with a layer of hard plastic (ABS is a common one) and foam plastic inside. The helmet combines the best parts of the first two types of helmets. It is durable, easy to move around, and comfortable.
All types of climbing gear should take weight into account. Helmets are required for several forms of climbing.
Lightweight equipment is needed for multi-stage, huge rock wall, and Arab climbing. If you're going to be doing a lot of single-day ice climbing or line opening, you'll want a sturdy, long-lasting helmet.
For the most part, hard-shelled helmets are more durable and have a longer lifespan. Since it is lightweight and made mainly of EPP foam, this helmet has an average lifespan and should be changed as soon as it has been seriously damaged or shattered. Club and community activities frequently necessitate the usage of hardshell helmets.
Although all helmets provide the same level of protection, there are minor variances between them according to foam distribution.
Because most hardshell helmets lack side foam, they won't provide much cushioning while protecting the sides of the head from direct impact. Foam on the sides of hybrid helmets can give more comfortable cushioning.
The helmet works best when it's worn correctly. Put on your helmet, tighten the chin strap, and then shake your head. If it's not going sideways, it's still horizontal, covering your forehead; if it's not looser or tighter, it's fit for you. A helmet that fits you well, even if you wear it on your head, you often can't feel its existence.
If you're still hesitant after reading this. The best way is to take the helmet of your partner and try it on your head. If you like the style if the size is appropriate, and if it meets your requirements, you can decide after thinking about it.
No matter how experienced or novice you are, you should always wear a helmet while climbing in the great outdoors. When it comes down to it, wearing a helmet can mean the difference between life and death.
However, numerous manufacturers and types of helmets are available, how can you know which one is right for you?
Buying a helmet can be tricky, so we've put together this guide to help make the process easier.
Helmet type
There are three primary types of helmets on the market: the hard shell helmet, the foam helmet, and the hybrid helmet.
1. Hard helmet
High-strength ABS plastic or fibrous high-strength polymers are used to construct the helmet. The most important feature of this type of helmet is its strength and durability and its high impact resistance, and ease of use and maintenance. The downside is that this style of helmet tends to be hefty, which might make it difficult to move around with it.
2. Foam helmet
The helmet is made of EPS foam, similar to the foam used in mountain bike helmets. EPS foam is good at absorbing energy when outside forces hit it, so it protects the head well, is light, and is easy to carry. The bad thing about it is that it doesn't last as long as a hard shell helmet; however, it does an excellent job of absorbing energy. Unfortunately, once it's broken, you can't use it anymore.
3. Hybrid helmet
They are usually made with a layer of hard plastic (ABS is a common one) and foam plastic inside. The helmet combines the best parts of the first two types of helmets. It is durable, easy to move around, and comfortable.
Helmet weight
All types of climbing gear should take weight into account. Helmets are required for several forms of climbing.
Lightweight equipment is needed for multi-stage, huge rock wall, and Arab climbing. If you're going to be doing a lot of single-day ice climbing or line opening, you'll want a sturdy, long-lasting helmet.
Helmet durability
For the most part, hard-shelled helmets are more durable and have a longer lifespan. Since it is lightweight and made mainly of EPP foam, this helmet has an average lifespan and should be changed as soon as it has been seriously damaged or shattered. Club and community activities frequently necessitate the usage of hardshell helmets.
Protection type
Although all helmets provide the same level of protection, there are minor variances between them according to foam distribution.
Because most hardshell helmets lack side foam, they won't provide much cushioning while protecting the sides of the head from direct impact. Foam on the sides of hybrid helmets can give more comfortable cushioning.
Helmet fit
The helmet works best when it's worn correctly. Put on your helmet, tighten the chin strap, and then shake your head. If it's not going sideways, it's still horizontal, covering your forehead; if it's not looser or tighter, it's fit for you. A helmet that fits you well, even if you wear it on your head, you often can't feel its existence.
If you're still hesitant after reading this. The best way is to take the helmet of your partner and try it on your head. If you like the style if the size is appropriate, and if it meets your requirements, you can decide after thinking about it.
