- Black Diamond's staple helmet for climbing sport and trad
- Co-molded foam with low-profile, lightweight polycarbonate shell
- One-handed adjustment dial with adjustable chin strap
- Clips for headlamp
Co-molded foam is a manufacturing technique that combines two different materials into one product. In helmets, this means that the cushioning foam is fused with the outer polycarbonate shell. This design not only improves comfort but also enhances safety by effectively absorbing impacts while keeping the helmet lightweight. This is crucial for climbers who need both protection and comfort during their activities.
Recent Reviews
Review
Great Product, protects my head well while giving good ventilation on climbs and on belay. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Fantastic for the price.
Provides excellent protection, especially at its price point, however it doesn't breathe at all and can be uncomfortable against the forehead. The clips hold a headlamp in place very well and I haven't had a problem with anything shifting. It fits well and stays secure in everything I've put it through. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Works as Expected
Perfect helmet for the price! Great Helmet that fits well and reasonably priced. Exactly what I needed to protect my head! Thanks! Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Took some rocks
I took a pretty good amount of rockfall to the head with one of these on. the plastic has some holes in it and the foam inside shattered. I think that is what it is supposed to do. I was a bit concussed after but I'm happy to still be breathing after that. Good helmet, now I need another one! Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great all around helmet
Really comfortable, light weight, but it gets the job done. Solid helmet Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Awesome and simple
Perfect for ski touring. I throw on a hat and this over it. $$$$ Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Solid helmet
Have not taken a rock to the head yet, but this is a reliable helmet. Comfortable and light. One thing to keep in mind is hot days. There are other options that will ventilate better if that is what you are looking for. Other than that, it is a solid helmet at a good price. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
light and very adjustable fit.
light and very adjustable fit. Wore it while it was raining one day and was afraid my head would get wet through the holes but twas all gucci Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
The classic essential
The half dome, when I think of climbing outside it’s paired with those crazy senders with no helmet and the even crazier senders with helmets. When you have a helmet you push harder and feel safer. The half dome is the perfect example of a balanced helmet. Light and sturdy. Comfortable and good looking. Paired with an affordable price, this classic helmet will be ready for whatever adventure you go to next. Highly recommend. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Light-weight comfort fit
One thing ill say to start to is make sure you measure your head properly. and if you're on the cusp, id recommend going a size up. I have quite thick hair which added volume. great easy to use and carry helmet! Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Classic design
Easy to use and adjust, caves well, climbs well, takes a beating like a champ Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
All it's supposed to be
Protect's the head, fits snug. Not ultra light, but great for a day at the crag. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great lightweight helmet
Helmet is lightweight with adjustable cam. Fit is comfortable and has adequate ventilation. Always wear a helmet while climbing or belaying. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great Helmet
It's a great helmet, super light and comfortable, you can adjust it with special wheel backwards and with straps on the both sides. Tried it already at the rocks, fits good, breathable. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Caving
These helmets are the perfect fit for caving. They offer outstanding protection while staying firmly in place. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
Very comfortable and does what it’s supposed to do :) Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
Fits great, very light. Mostly use this canyoneering and seems like a great helmet! Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Durability at It's Finest
I have been using the Black Diamond Half Dome helmet for years now. It’s joined me on everything from overhung sport climbs on loose rock to long alpine trad routes, from first ascent route cleaning to mountaineering up tight snow gullies. This helmet is tremendously durable and perfectly functional. I’ve scraped it against all manner of things on approaches and have been hit on the head several times by falling rocks. I’m fine, and the helmet is fine too. I’ve been using it very heavily for 8 years, and I suspect that it still has another decade of life in it. At its price point, this helmet is extraordinarily hard to beat. Although quite durable and dependably functional, the Half Dome has two flaws as I see it - looks and weight. There’s no way to dance around it - this is the helmet of choice for rental outfitters and guides. That’s true because it’s durable and has excellent price to value, of course, but if you’re looking for a helmet with a unique look or it’s important to you that you don’t get mistaken for a guide’s client, this may not be the helmet for you. And at 12.3 ounces, there are numerous other helmets out there at half the weight. If you’re aiming to shave ounces, the Half Dome isn’t the way. All told, I’m using the Black Diamond Half Dome for a couple reasons. There isn’t an environment that I’ve come across where it doesn’t do its job well, and in spite of years of abuse and hard impacts, it’s still just as reliable as the day I bought it. For those reasons, I’d recommend the Half Dome for the new climber and the seasoned veteran alike.
Great lightweight helmet.
Great lightweight helmet. Comfortable with good adjustability. Padding is a little thin but it's a great for everyday use. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
Protects the melon comfortably and for relatively cheap! All I need from a helmet. Don’t notice it while I’m climbing except when I bump my head or feel pebbles bounce off, which is when I need it. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
Super comfortable helmet! I love that it’s adjustable so that I can fit a beanie under it for cold weather climbing. The tabs on the outside can hold a visor for when it’s sunny out or hold a headlamp for night climbing. This came in super handy when I started climbing Whitney at 2am! Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
This helmet is just right, heavy duty enough, yet light enough for a full shell helmet. Fits hoods both inside and outside well and doesnt interfere with my sunglasses. Its a winner! Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great Fit
We have a few of these helmets in different sizes, We usually have a few youth groups each year that we want to make sure equipment fits properly, The Black Diamond Half domes seem to have the best size accommodation for different size heads ( and hair for girls) they offer great support and strength for beginners, you cant go wrong with these. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great helmet
Great breathable and lightweight helmet that wont break the bank. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Comfortable and light enough
The helmet fits well and doesn't get in the way. I have used this outdoor rock climbing and tree ascension. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Nice brain bucket
Fits well and is comfortable even on my bald head. So far my favorite helmet Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Fantastic budget helmet
This is a very high-value item. Feature-rich helmets can be very expensive, but this affordable helmet does the most important thing -- protecting your head -- without much fuss or expense. If I ever decide I need a more fully-featured helmet, I will keep this one around to lend to other climbing partners. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
Great inexpensive climbing helmet. I promise its worth upgrading from your bike helmet or worse, no helmet Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Sweet Helmet
Good helmet. Not much more to it than that. It does everything a helmet should and nothing a helmet shouldn’t Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
Protects my dome piece quite well. Fits fine; adjustable. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Light and Durable Helmet
I've used this helmet a few times now. Took a pretty nasty fall while climbing up in Yosemite ended up hitting my head straight onto a boulder. Thanks to this helmet honestly got away pretty unscathed. It took the fall and didn't even scratch up too bad. So I'd recommend it as a strong helmet. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great helmet
This has a great fit and is light and easy to keep on and in place. I love the head lamp attachment points. I have not had to use it- i.e. take a rock to head- but it feela like it will kwwp me safe on the rock and ice Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
I love my Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet for it's comfortable and lightweight fit. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Durable helmet for travel
Durable enough to throw in/on a carry on bag without having to worry. I don’t mind or notice the weight compared to a super lightweight helmet, and am an intermediate level climber.
Good relation quality/price
Gods option if you don’t want to spend too much and still get reliable protection
Great helmet for the cost
Used this helmet to hike Black Tusk in British Columbia. The fit was good. Chin strap was a little annoying, but that is any helmet.
solid helmet at a fantastic price point
My first climbing helmet was this model. It's great for saving money and protecting the noggin! Not the lightlest, but good for cold days and covering your whole head compared to lighter weight models. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great Helmet for New Climbers
This helmet is great for the price. I have mainly used this item for safety in class five terrain to protect from rockfall. I love that this helmet has clips for a headlamp that also work great for mounting a GoPro. The helmet can be adjusted to fit your head very well. There are definitely more comfortable alternatives, but for a someone new to climbing or mountaineering this is a great option. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
A Great Helmet
I have taken this thing everywhere, I love the light weight feel that makes me feel protected nonetheless. Definitely doesn't have all the features that the higher end helmets have but the boa in the back tightens to my head just fine, it has enough ventilation for me to hike with it on when doing scrambles and I take it climbing all the time. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Pretty Goof
Get's the job done, not as comfortable as the petzl helmet I have, as in I have to tighten the dial a little more than I'd like for the helmet to feel secure. The chin strap is easy to adjust, and I like the dial in the back. Also, the pale blue color is really nice. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Great Value
So I should point out I dont actually use this for conventional climbing. I'm a chair lift mechanic and spend a lot of time on top of towers working around a lot of things I can hit my head on. So far this helmet has done an excellent job of comfortably staying put and protecting me from the inevitable bump. Hopefully I'll never have to test it in a fall, but I'm confident it would keep me protected. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of five is the fit is pretty shallow and it looks a little goofy, but its function has been great. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great helmet
Not much to it. Great helmet and moderately comfortable. Could use some tweaks in the clip that secures it under your chin, but overall nice helmet. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Review
Good, cheap, lightweight option. There are defiant more protective helmets out there. Makes you look like an egg. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Great for the price and fits great
The helmet is pretty comfortable and I don’t get to hit wearing it one thing is it sits a little high on your head so it looks a little funny but I don’t really mind that but functionality it works great and mostly looks great Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Reliable
I guess you can always go lighter and more comfortable, but I often forget its up on my head. It just does the trick. The twist-adjuster is a huge time saver. Though I think that's probably a standard on everything now, IDK. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Bomber Helmet
Great helmet! I’ve used this model for many seasons and just bought a new one to replace my old one. It’s not the absolute lightest out there, but what it lacks in weight savings it more than makes up for in durability and protection. That’s why it’s my go-to helmet for just about everything that requires one — climbing, skiing, or guiding. Solid, dependable gear. Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
Great overall helmet
Not the most light weight and has a few snag points but it just depends on what type of climbing you’re doing Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com
Solid, basic brain bucket
Fits well, is adjustable and good price/quality for an “entry level” helmet. There are definitely better, lighter, more breathable helmets out there but can’t really beat the price of the BD half dome.
Good basic climbing helmet, with limitations
This is a good basic climbing helmet. I use it primarily as a low-cost search and rescue helmet. I do notice, however, that the cradle easily becomes dislodged from the shell. The helmet also tends to slip some on contact. These are safety concerns, and should be kept in mind while making a purchase decision. Originally reviewed on ExpertVoice.com