For me, lightweight is key. After much research, I chose the Meteor for all my alpine endeavors for functionality, fit, and most of all, an 8oz overall weight. To date, this helmet is the lightest climbing bucket on the market- at least the one that fits my melon. (fit is key- I have a medium/slightly narrow sized noggin) I can manage 1-2 layers of insulation underneath and still have a relatively comfortable fit. The adjustment feature on the Meteor is a bit crude, but still works pretty well, which is important if you plan to use it in varying conditions. Other cc-foam type helmets tend to be made a little larger and rounder, making them impossible to wear under a shell hood when the nasty hits. Plus, the slimline Meteor won't make you look like Mr. Kazoo-head.

I used this helmet ice and alpine climbing in Poland, Slovenia, Slovakia, and the Beartooths in MT and I love it. It's taken a few hits and has some small dents in the top, but it's all cosmetic. The core of the helmet is lined with a soft outer foam that nicks and dents easily, but it doesn't compromise the structural integrity of the helmet.

Tired of a huge helmet sticking up from your head? Look no further...

This is the best helmet out there. While it may not me as durable as others, it has the best side protection of almost all helmets. I did a bunch of research and found that most helmets are not designed for forward, side or rear impacts, but are made only for objects falling on your head. Well, this helmet apparently does offer some protection in those areas.

This is a one and done, save your noggin from a gnarly fall or severe impact helmet. This is not a helmet that should be worn when you expect numerous small impacts from falling debris.

This isn't a great helmet to wear if you need one for belaying, as one small chunk of rock can do it in. But that's the trade-off for foam instead of a shell. It's basically a sport climbing helmet for when there's a possibility of bad fall.

The Meteor III offers better side and back coverage than the Black Diamond Tracer helmet, and really feels like it could take a severe impact.

I wear a large in the Black Diamond Tracer helmet. This helmet fits comfortably and is very light, but a beanie underneath makes the fit a little tight.

The headlamp clips work well.

This helmet is pricey (I bought mine during a 20% off sale), but brain buckets are a good place to splurge.

This helmet is incredibly comfortable for all day alpine trad or ice/mountaineering and it is insanely light. The ease of use is great as well, even with gloves on. The helmet is so adjustable, it is second to none.

I really like this helmet. Not only is it very light, and well ventilated. It features an great adjustment system so it always fits whether your wearing a beanie or not.