Caving Helmets

[L Roebuck]

Due to a neck injury I am considering the purchase of an ultra-light-weight caving helmet. Do any forum members currently own a light weight helmet? Any known safety issues? Any recommendations, concerns, etc, etc?

[madratdan]

Hi Lynn,
Check out this site and scroll down to the grivel salamander helmet. (Yellow)

www.needlesports.com/acatalog/Mail_Order_Helmets_17.html

I was just looking at one of these today. It's the most comfortable and light weight helmet I've come across that also covers the back of you r head. They were $75 at REI sports.

I have a Petzl Eleos that is light weight that I loan out more than I use. I don't feel real protected while wearing it. I also have an El Cap kevlar that is really tough and lighter than a Petzl Roc, but the head band is finicky and likes to loosen up. I love the El cap, but it's showing it's age, so I too have been looking around.

[Sharon Faulkner]

I use an Petzl Ecrin Roc helmet. I know that there are other helmets of lighter weight than ER's, but don't own any. Sorry.

[L Roebuck]

Thanks Dan! Strange ... we are both looking at light weight helmets at the same time.

I've been checking out the weight of various helmets in comparison to the Petzl Ecrin Roc, weight 475 grams. The Grivel Salamander Helmet you posted is 385 grams. The Edelrid Ultralight Helmet weight is 383 grams, Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet 310 grams, METEOR III Weight Size 1: 48-56cm, 300grams & Size 2: 53-61cm, 330 grams.

The METEOR III and Black Diamond Half Dome Helmet seem to be the lightest weight helmets. I just wonder how well they would hold up caving?

[madratdan]

I wouldn't suggest a Black Dianond Half Dome. As the name applies, it's the size of half a helmet. There is not much protection in the back part of the helmet, if you fall and hit the back of your head. That's also why I don't like the Petzl Eleos. The Grivel does offer more protection in that area. Being about 100 grams lighter is quite noticable when comparing the Grivel to the Petzl Roc, in the store.

I wish you could see a picture of the back of the Grivel, to see what I mean. The rear molded in headlight holder is really cool looking. Maybe a google search would bring something up

[L Roebuck]

Thanks for the info on the Black Diamond Half Dome. Yes it is wise to have the head well protected.
I googled and found one photo of the back of the Grivel on www.grivelnorthamerica.com/products.php?gid=11&id=89