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The Petzl Elios Helmet provides an excellent combination of lightweight and durability for all types of climbing. The polycarbonate shell and impact-absorbing form liner make this a great choice when you need a helmet that lasts but don't want to feel like you strapped a brick to your head. This well-ventilated helmet has clips for a headlamp and can be used for everything from sport to alpine climbing. Adjust the Elios to fit over a stocking hat with a single wheel in the back.
Bottom Line: The lightweight, low-profile design of the Petzl Elios Helmet makes it comfortable and easy to wear on the rock and in the mountains.
I have used the Elios helmet for several years. I take this helmet on expeditions and while guiding because it can handle being packed less delicately than the Meteor III. Plus all the color options are pretty cool as well. Either way, I always try and pack my helmet inside my pack, as the last thing before the lid goes over or inside the main compartment, with my lunch/food inside so the helmet can protect it. Great all around helmet that can last several seasons of hard climbing. If you want the super bomber helmet that you can drop, sit on, headbutt into the wall, then go with the Petzl Ecrin Roc. For weight savings on those big alpine routes, I suggest the Petzl Meteor III - just be more careful with it and definitely don't sit on it!
I'm lovin it. This helmet keeps your head cool on the most difficult situations. Certainly the most light(315g, size 1) Polycarbonate helmet. If you're looking for a helmet with great durability, I prefer this one than any other helmet.
This is actually a good choice, if you look at the picture above,those grey triangle shaped pieces by the vents are clips for a headlamp band-there is one in the back too. The Black Diamond Icon headlamp (Backcountry item # BLD1034) would be a good headlamp to choose, the battery pack has sticky rubber on the back so it will stay put.
i've had my Elios for about a year, and i find it extremely comfortable and lightweight. the highest compliment I can pay to this helmet, is that the moment I put it on, i forget it's on my head. i've worn it for over 10 hours at a time, with no comfort issues at all. the ratchet adjustment makes for quick and easy fine tuning to your head, or head plus hat. the tabs are easy to use when mounting a headlamp -you don't even need to take the helmet off your head. i bought the blue color so it wouldn't get too hot in the summer. so far, venting has been sufficient.
I took several grapefruit size ice chunks last season. The ice came from a climber approximately 60' above me. The ice ricocheted down onto my head, net result... no injury and lots of adrenaline. Helmet is sound, even after the impacts. Hope that helps.
I have had this helmet for several years and swear by it. It has come with me to Ecuador, Mexico, Guatemala, and Vermont. Whether climbing glaciers at 18K or finger jammin' from a top rope, this light piece of protection will keep your noggin safe. Its easy to adjust, lightweight, ventilates, and you can attache a headlamp to it in the dark. Always wear a helmet and this one will do just fine.
great all round helmet. I love that is is so low profile. I found my previous helmet to be too cumbersome and was always knocking my head while I was climbing but this one fits much tighter to the head so you almost forget you are wearing it. I suppose if I were to get beamed with a big rock I might be happy for an extra inch of wiggle room between my helmet and my skull but you really can't beat the Elios for comfort. The headlamp clips work well and the size adjustment makes going from beanie to bare head a breeze.
no frills, light weight, fairly comfortable. I've taken a few good wacks from falling ice- probably grapefruit size, results... no pain, lots of adrenaline, and nothing but good feelings for the helmet. It gets the job done. I like the helmet much better for winter/alpine pursuits than I do for summer rock trips. It's less comfortable/streamlined than other helmets on the market. With a hat, the comfort issues aren't important.
Both my 5 year old and 2 year old have one. The fit is great and they love the orange color, makes it easy to keep an eye on them too. The chin strap could be a bit easier to use for the little guys, but all in all a great helmet. The smaller size fits most adult heads too with much less overhang to get caught up on packs.
very comfy. I found that this helmet my head better than the similar BD Half Dome. The adjustable wheel is the back works great. So much better than the crappy cheapo helmet held together with duct tape I've been putting up with for years.
Just this weekend I was reminded of how much I appreciate this helmet. Ramming my head into the chicken-head on an overhang at The City would have felt much different without the Elios. My only gripe is I wish it had some sweat absorbing pads like bike helmets do. With that addition, the helmet would be perfect.
I replaced my old caving helmit with the Elios this year. It was easy to mount a StenLight and the whole package including the Ni-Cad battery is half the weight of my old caving helmit. It means alot on multiday underground survey trips. I've got a big head so I got the number two, the adjustments are super easy, and you can dial in the fit. The helmit grips the head snugly and securely without the "head in a vice" feeling that often results in a headache. I've started ising it while kayaking in my pack cat on rivers down in Mexico. Worked great! Comfy all day wear. Petzl continues to get it right.
This helmet has more ventilation than the Black Diamond Half Dome, its competition, and comes in more colors. The one hand chin strap adjustment is a nice touch too. The only con I can see is that the adjustment dial on the back used to snug the helmet down on your dome is a little stiff and cumbersome to adjust. This is really only an issue if you're sharing it with others in your group with different sized heads though, so I won't let it affect my rating. I've took an awkward spill top roping and banged my head with this helmet on and it really absorbed the shock. I'll recommend it.
top notch helmet...combo construction is the best of both worlds...tough shell (like the Roc) for ruggedness with a foam liner (like the Meteor) for cutting grams...lightweight and durable with great comfort all at a price that wont break the bank...been on 12 hr glacial slogs and up sport routes with no complaints
This is the best helmet that i have ever owned. I have used the same helmet for the past 5 years and will purchase another right away when mone dies. Very durable, relatively light weight and nice bright orange. Good ventilation and adjustability- a must for all climbers and adventurers!
First, the good. It protects your head well, is reasonably light, has a great adjustment wheel for a good fit, it's comfortable enough you forget to take it off after a day of climbing, and takes years of abuse without any complaints. Also, the price is right.
The bad. It's not heavy but is heavier than some other newer helmets, and that can add up if you are looking up belaying all day. It also doesn't vent well, which means in hot conditions your head gets warmer than you'd like.
I have yet to wear this helmet climbing, but damn it's fun to wear around the house chasing my wife. I am going to climb MT. Shasta next week so I will have to do a follow up review. Considering I have never worn a helmet the two other times summiting MT. Shasta I am betting it will be a nice addition. I do like how it secures your head lamp so you are not having to deal with that up on the hill. I think I am going to like!
After getting back into climbing after a 7+ year hiatus, I was amazed by all of the gear advancements. This even applies to helmets. The last helmets I wore were either (i) the old heavy CAMP ones or (ii) the old version of the Petzel Erin Roc. I am very pleased with my Elios. It is sturdy, but also light-weight. I am sure there are lighter options available, but frankly I was blown away by the weight difference v. what I used to wear. It is a combination foam interior with an adjustable rachet in the back. Very easy to fit. I would say the most comparable is the BD Half Dome. I tried both on (they are both nice helmets), but the Elios (i) fit my head better and (ii) felt like it would work better with ski goggles (for winter/spring ski mountaineering. For an all-around work-horse helmet, I don't think you can go wrong with the Petzel Elios.
im on a SAR team in arizona. works perfect. it is really light wieght which is great cause we sometimes have to carry a lot of gear. a lot of guys there wear them to
I use this helmet for sport climbing indoor and outdoor. I like it because it has a great fit and doesn't look as bad as some helmets out there. Sizing is easier to do than I thought! Also fairly lightweight.
I have worn the older style Petzel as well as the Back Diamond Half dome, and I like the ventilation and headlamp clipping the best. The helmet is low profile and light as described so it doesn't get in the way in a climb. The chin straps are easy to buckle, unbuckle, and adjust whether or not in motion. Like any helmet I keep it out of the sun and away from fumes which will retain its functionality for its life. I also avoid the unnecessary clunking about so no news on an impact.
The helmet fits very well, and isn't very noticeable when worn. Even when its hot I don't notice I'm wearing it. There are plenty of adjustments to get this to fit ones head perfectly. The clips for the headlamp work quite well. I would recommend this helmet to anyone. The selection of colors is good as well. I've never had anything major fall on my head so I've never tested its limits.
I have had this helmet for years and have had no complaints about it. Easy adjustment even while wearing it. Headlamp clips hold up well and it seems to be very durable overall. I wear mine w/ and w/o a hat and never have problems with fit. One of the best helmets out there.
This helmet has been very comfortable both for ice climbing and winter mountaineering trips. It packs well and doesn't feel awkward on the head. It's more comfortable with a hat on than without because the adjusting wheel tends to pinch at the back of the head, but a piece of foam can reduce that significantly.
While I haven't taken a hit on the noggin since buying this helmet, it fits well and is very well vented. Chin strap is a little short for me but still a good product.
everything went well, the product was received in a timely manner and the fit was good, if i had a chance to shop hear again i would. oooh and of course the product is of good quality
So, I really enjoy my Elios. A group of friends and I all bought the same helmet. I've been on a few trips already, and I've had no problems. It's comfy and seems to be tough enough for the caves I've been in so far. A few scratches on the helmet, but not on my head! Cleans up well with usual households agents.
The girlfriend and I picked up a couple of these bad boys after one too many scares at the local choss pile. This helmet and the Black Diamond Half Dome run about the same price, so we tried both and this one just fit the best. It is insanely easy to adjust and so lightweight that I've never noticed it while climbing. My only complaint is that the padding is similar to bicycle helmets and it can get a little sweaty on hot days. If you're willing to shell out 20 or 30 more bucks you could probably avoid this. We weren't, but it's no big deal. Otherwise, another fine product from a great company! Enjoy!
I have used this helmet for climbing and caving and it works great for both. The headlamp clips are decent and you barely notice that the helmet is on.
Very nice helmet I bought it for my nephew who I've been mentoring into a climbing bum. He asked me why I never wear my Helmet, I didn't have a decent answer. I just said that I do in alpine environs but not at the crags. (translation, I'm too cool of an old tradster who started with a swami and hexes and I'm willing to preserve this image at my own peril) So I bought him this one but accidently bought the small and evidently wasn't clear in my return/exchange inst. as I just got a refund when I wanted a large instead. Any-who it seemed like a well made unit. I like my ecrin fine but if I ever replace it I'll consider an elios. As for my nephew I'm trying to set a good example and wear a lid but it feels wrong. He bought an elios from another supplier (local big box hell) and is happy with the feel and fit. The End
I've worn this helmet climbing a few times and I never notice its there. The main purpose that I bought the helmet for was for caving. It worked really well for that. I tend to turn around to talk to a friend and then turn foward again and crawl/walk right into the wall/ceiling. My head has been protected many times, can't exactly say how it does with impact but it seems solid enough. Has a great low profile that makes it perfect for caving and the clips work great with my headlamp.
Excellent fit! The low profile, light weight, and great fit of this helmet make it easy to forget that I'm wearing it, even on long, hot days. It looks pretty sly too!
As a very new climber I wasn't sure on which helmet I wanted to get. I just went with my gut feeling and bought this one. Definitely the right choice for me. All of my friends use it when climbing and they love it too. It is a size 2 and adjusts well to fit everyone. Very cool looking and extremely comfortable. Can't compare it to other helmets, but this one is a keeper.
Good fit, and good weight / strength ratio. Hopefully I'll never need it, but because it fits comfortably, there's no reason not to wear it when out climbing.
No need to describe the high quality product. Good ergonomically designed helmet. Pleasant colours. Our team use to colours: Orange and White. I bought Anthracite and was under the impression of tint.
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