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General Climbing Discussion

Topic Date User

Climbing Helmets 10-Jul-2003 At 8:36:43 AM Estey

Message

One disadvantage of the Petzl Meteor (and similar helmets) is they are not as hardy as more traditional models. I know of two instances where a Meteor has broken in half inside a climbers pack. I think this would have happened because the foam is designed to compact and break when absorbing impact forces. So if you own a Meteor or equivalent always put your pack down carefully.

The advantage of a Meteor is that it is better designed to deal with a high impact fall (like a cycling helmet). It is clearly superior in a single impact fall. But how superior would it be in a tumbling fall where one's noggin might take a few blows?

I've been thinking of replacing my Eldirid Ultra-light for a while now. Its been very good for when small rocks, draws and bolt plates land on top of your head. However its probably not the best design to protect you from a high impact or side impact blow that could be generated in a lead fall.

Perhaps certain helmets are better in some situations than others.