Select a Helmet
Naturally the most important consideration when selecting a helmet is just how fantastic it is going to look. Whether you opt for a high-gloss finish in California Sunset Orange or have the WWII Kitty Hawk grinning shark on it complete with realistic bullet holes....STOP! We're joking. However, some climbers attitudes still outlaw the helmet as being the most unsightly thing you can put on your head and yes, some of these climbers who criticise the benefits of a helmet would rather be seen wearing a bandana, or as my Grandmother said, "A headscarf."
A climbing helmet is there to protect your skull and more importantly what's in your skull rather than trying to be the darling of Milan Fashion Week. Often you hear the same comments from seasoned climbers and new climbers alike that a helmet isn't going to do an awful lot from a 100ft drop. True. A 100ft fall onto rocks isn't going to do any part of your body a great deal of favours but wearing a helmet protects the skull from impacts and falls from low heights, where the thought of wearing a helmet hadn't even crossed most climbers minds. A climber wearing a helmet increases the chances of their outcome of a low to medium fall from being a fatality to an injury. A particular hazard which can result in fatal head injuries is falling debris onto climbers from above. These can be rocks dislodged from a lead climber through to rock slides at higher junctures of a big wall climb. Most manufacturers' designs have come away from the 70's potholing comedy and into the realms of the trendier mountain bike styles which use lightweight materials with incredible rigidity and strength. A helmet shouldn't be overlooked on your kit list. It could save your life.
The only two real factors to consider when choosing a helmet are:
Fit & Material
Fitting a helmet:
In the same way a harness has to feel comfortable for you to enjoy your climb the same applies to a helmet. The helmet should be snug fitting and sit squarely on your head. The helmet shouldn’t be over-tight as this will become unbearable if worn for long periods of time. The front of the helmet should sit low and snug to the forehead. The Y straps should be against the sides of the face and each arm of the ‘Y’ either side of the ear. The chin strap should be secured against the throat and not hanging loose as this serves as no protection but gives movement of the helmet which can be dangerous in a fall or impact as the helmet can be dislodged from the head. The helmet shouldn’t be worn towards the back of the head. You’re not a cowboy, you’re a climber and NO it doesn’t look cool. If you are going to wear a helmet, wear it properly. Follow the manufactures care instructions for your helmet and make sure you adhere to them. Maltreatment of your helmet when you are storing it or not wearing it at a climb, can cost you dearly if your helmet fails you when you need it. As many manufacturers try to out do each other in the development of quick release chin straps and unique strap locking mechanisms that hold the helmet to your head, make sure you understand these fully before your first use. Most helmets now are very lightweight and ventilated so good airflow goes around the top of your head.
Material:
The majority of helmets now use two principle components:
Outer shell & Inner lining
Outer shell:
There are three main basic materials used for the outer shell of most climbing helmets: fibreglass; carbon fibre and plastic.
Plastic helmets are very strong and durable and tend to be cheaper than both fibreglass and more so than carbon fibre. When a plastic helmet takes impact from a falling rock for instance the shock of the impact is dissipated through the harness the plastic shell is moulded onto. Fibreglass and Carbon Fibre helmets are more commonly used by ice climbers. These helmets absorb the energy of a falling rock by breaking. The breaking absorbs the shock of impact. This is the reason that helmets of fibreglass and carbon usually have a closer fit
Inner lining:
The inner lining normally tends to be closed-cell expanded foam, almost resembling polystyrene but denser and more hardwearing. This foam contains air molecules which keep it light and also help to absorb shock.
After you have selected the right helmet make sure it goes with you to the crags. A helmet offers you no protection if it is left in the car or at home.
