Ice and rock climbing helmet? BD Vector? Others?

Foam will be better for protecting your head during falls.  The tests themselves are the same for all climbing helmets, but since you're more likely to hit the front, sides, or back during a fall rather than the crown, full-foam models appear to offer significantly better protection compared to the others (hardshell or hybrid).

I use the petzl meteor with the vision shield. I like to use that with a buff in balaclava mode. As a beginner the best thing you can do (gear wise) is to get the shield and a helmet that is compatible with it. Pair that with safety glasses if you’re really worried about your eyes. A lot of people will wear ski goggles but it’s a big hindrance to learning since it makes it hard to see your feet. 

Helen you are over-thinking this way too much.

If you're whacking your head rock will do just as much [if not more] damage to the helmet.

I have a Petzl Meteor 3 which is even more vented than the vector and have never complained of a cold head. I wear an R1 hood underneath for 90% of situations. If it's cold then I just add a beanie liner under/over the hood. When it get really windy I pull up the shell hood over the helmet. I wear mine all year for rock and ice.

You'll be fine in the Vector, year 'round. There is absolutely no need to buy another one.

rocknice2 wrote:

Helen you are over-thinking this way too much.

If you're whacking your head rock will do just as much [if not more] damage to the helmet.

I have a Petzl Meteor 3 which is even more vented than the vector and have never complained of a cold head. I wear an R1 hood underneath for 90% of situations. If it's cold then I just add a beanie liner under/over the hood. When it get really windy I pull up the shell hood over the helmet. I wear mine all year for rock and ice.

You'll be fine in the Vector, year 'round. There is absolutely no need to buy another one.

But, but...it doesn't match my harness. Uh, which is mud colored. I thought ice climbers had to look pretty to crush??? 

Thanks, much appreciated!

Actually, part of my concern with this helmet is if it dents too easily, it may get trashed kinda fast. Not on the upcoming ice trip, but once the rock season starts up. Just our local stuff is scrambling on some approaches, and, being in Idaho, some of our destinations are a bit of a bushwhack.

Last. These are my first pieces of gear, my own, not borrowed or gifts. Shopping is part of the fun of it, and, I only now have any money to even consider buying what I'd like, rather than make do. That's for absolutely everything, not just climbing.

The flip side of that, is that I will still want to buy just right stuff, not repeats trying to "get it right". I'm not very oriented toward quantity.

Best, Helen

Kyle Tarry wrote:

Idaho isn't the only state that has scrambling and bushes.  Pretty much all foam climbing helmets dent easily.  Lots of people ice climb in Vectors (or Siroccos, or Wall Riders, or other foam helmets).

Thanks, Kyle! Sorry if that sounded like I meant just here. It's good to know I'm set for awhile, at least.

Best, Helen

Old lady H wrote:

But, but...it doesn't match my harness. Uh, which is mud colored. I thought ice climbers had to look pretty to crush??? 

Thanks, much appreciated!

Actually, part of my concern with this helmet is if it dents too easily, it may get trashed kinda fast. Not on the upcoming ice trip, but once the rock season starts up. Just our local stuff is scrambling on some approaches, and, being in Idaho, some of our destinations are a bit of a bushwhack.

Last. These are my first pieces of gear, my own, not borrowed or gifts. Shopping is part of the fun of it, and, I only now have any money to even consider buying what I'd like, rather than make do. That's for absolutely everything, not just climbing.

The flip side of that, is that I will still want to buy just right stuff, not repeats trying to "get it right". I'm not very oriented toward quantity.

Best, Helen

They do not dent too easy ! They do dent easier than a hard shell bucket but they are not delicate flowers as some here suggest. 

Plus it's the fact that the helmet does dent, that makes it better as absorbing impacts.

Andrew made a great point. If the thing doesn't fit you comfortably, that's the only reason to exchange it. Otherwise it's a great helmet that will serve you well.

Im a huge fan of my Mammut Skywalker, vents really well and for me its extremely comfortable.

Put your helmet in the top of your pack, not dangling off the outside being thrown against every rock. I've got two seasons on a vapor without many dings from transport in some serious schwacking.