Black Diamond Vapor Helmet Review
Black Diamond’s Vapor helmet is the first call for climbers looking for exceptionally light gear without compromising on safety.
Design and Build Quality
The Black Diamond Vapor helmet is extremely light at 155 grams making it one of the lightest climbing helmets on the market. The helmet features a combination of EPP foam with a polycarbonate shell, which provides a good balance of durability and weight savings. The helmet also features Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforcement to add strength without significant addition of weight.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is one of the Vapor’s strong points. The design provides a close-to-the-head fit with an adjustable suspension system to provide a nice snug fit. The padding on the interior of the helmet has been strategically placed to provide comfort while not adding bulk. It’s such a light and comfortable helmet that you’ll forget you have it on.
Ventilation
Excellent ventilation is another huge plus point of the Vapor helmet. It has huge vents allowing a considerable flow of air, keeping your head nice and cool on every ascent. This comes into it’s own in extremely hot conditions on powerful and pumpy routes.
Performance
The Black Diamond Vapor helmet works well in all climbing genres. Being so light, it’s perfect for long multi-pitch climbs where every gram is a difference. It also boasts very solid protection from falling rocks and other debris.
Durability
While the Vapor helmet is lightweight, it’s also durable. The EPP foam and polycarbonate shell provide a strong base for this helmet, while the added Kevlar reinforcement ensures it can withstand the rigors of a hard day climbing. It is, however, easier to damage than heavier helmets due to its lightweight construction.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Great ventilation
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Durable construction reinforced with Kevlar
Cons:
- Much more expensive than other helmets
- Fragile and requires a lot of care
- Few colors available
Conclusion
The Black Diamond Vapor helmet is perfect for any kind of climber looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and ventilated helmet. It showcases an outstanding construction with intelligent design to easily compete with the best within the climbing helmet market. Yes, it may have a higher price tag, but for those people obsessed with climbing like us, its performance and comfort make it worth investing in.
