Helmet on Epinephrine?

I'm flying out to Vegas on soon and getting on Epinephrine. I don't really want to pack my helmet because it takes up too much space. However, I have yet to see a photo/video of someone not wearing a helmet on this climb. What's your take on this?

A fall while leading in the chimneys could result in one ricocheting around a bit.  Wear a helmet.  :)

Adam Hammershoi wrote:

I'm flying out to Vegas on soon and getting on Epinephrine. I don't really want to pack my helmet because it takes up too much space. However, I have yet to see a photo/video of someone not wearing a helmet on this climb. What's your take on this?

Helmets seem to be the topic du jour. I climbed Epi sans helmet and I didn't die, therefore you do not need a helmet and it is in fact wasted space in your luggage.

Am I the only one that thinks it’s odd to ask the general public to help them answer a quite easy personal question?

Wear one if you want, don’t wear one if you want. Does it really take public consensus to come to one of the above answers?

Tradiban wrote:

Helmets seem to be the topic du jour. I climbed Epi sans helmet and I didn't die, therefore you do not need a helmet and it is in fact wasted space in your luggage.

yes, following this reasoning you can leave your ropes at home too

DavisMeschke Guillotine wrote:

Am I the only one that thinks it’s odd to ask the general public to help them answer a quite easy personal question?

Wear one if you want, don’t wear one if you want. Does it really take public consensus to come to one of the above answers?

I was only asking for a reason why I there are no photos without helmets. Rock fall, people dropping things, etc. falling in a chimney was a good reason. 

I’m really glad you asked this question. After personally experiencing rockfall on this very route, I recommend you definitely don’t wear a helmet on route. In fact, a helmet is utterly useless in climbing, and as you brought up regarding incredibly valuable packing space, save some more space and leave the #3s and #4 at home too. 

Trying to save space...while putting your brain at risk. Ever hear of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)? If you feel like gambling...go to The Strip. Put a lid on.

Almost guarantee there's gonna be people climbing right above you. Even a biner to the noggin wouldnt feel great. 

Also I saw so much shit at the bottom of the chimney, including a gear loop...I'm assuming other stuff came down with that. 

Carl Schaefer wrote:

yes, following this reasoning you can leave your ropes at home too

Hereafter known as the Honnold corrollary to the traditional rules of clean aid and routes going free.

Hierarchy:

Once a route goes on clean aid, no one should ever hammer on it

Once a route goes free, no one should ever aid it

Once it has been free solo'ed, no one should climb it with a rope

OP, wear a helmet - especially if you have to ask. It isn't just about you. If you get hurt you are putting your partner at risk as well as potentially asking SAR or other parties to put themselves at risk as well to bail you out. There are times when your personal judgement and assessment of risk are all about you and your decision only affects you. I'm an advocate for helmets, in part, because climbing is rarely one of them.

Just clip it to the outside of your carry on. I think it's more likely you'd regret not wearing one than wearing one...

Ben Williams wrote:

Just clip it to the outside of your carry on. I think it's more likely you'd regret not wearing one than wearing one...

hell just wear it on the plane, surely the plane ride will be safer that way.

Brain bucket takes up to much space?!? I mean you can pack stuff inside said brain bucket to help it not be so space consuming. Who just sets theirs in their bag leaving the head protecting area empty space. 

the party ahead of me dropped a #3 on me, I was glad to have the helmet. Those chimneys funnel any the falling debris right at you.

1/10

Adam Hammershoi wrote:

I was only asking for a reason why I there are no photos without helmets. Rock fall, people dropping things, etc. falling in a chimney was a good reason. 

YA! If your in the chimeny with a party above you in the chimney and they drop something you better fucking pray you have a helmet on. 

When visiting to Vegas it is always best to bring a prophylactic for both the big and little head. 

Robert Michael wrote:

1/10

that's what I'm thinking

btw...honnold just solo'ed this route in 0:39 min!

Hey guys, gonna be climbing at Vegas and wondered if you tip the strippers or not and which casino has the best buffet and loose slots (not counting Tradiban)?

Thx.

ps. Inb4 the same regular 10 poasters give the OP the same tips rephrased in 30 or so posts.

1. Its a personal decision.

2. Provide some complicated formula calculating risk v benefit coupled with the probability of an asteroid hitting Epi v. the rate of UV degradation of the poly-carbonate shell at 4000'.

3. Ask if the helmet will fit in the overhead and could it be carried by an African Swallow? O wait that's a coconut.

4. Do Flight Attendants really hate all their passengers?

5. Profess that back in the day Epi was done by a Burro in hobnailed boots. Hrumpf™.

6. Recommend painting bullseye on top of Helmet.

7. Comment on how the salty nut snacks just aren't filling anymore. 

8. Tell everyone about that time you almost had an epic on the route and had surprise butt smexy with the convenient horn on pitch 6.

9. Spray about linking all the pitches with a 1000m rope getting ready for Cathedral Peak IAD record.

10. Ask wut is helmut?

King Tut wrote:

Hey guys, gonna be climbing at Vegas and wondered if you tip the strippers or not and which casino has the best buffet and loose slots (not counting Tradiban).

Thx.

Yo, Vegas is actually a little strange. The strippers are just moving around in front of you because they want you to grab the money out of their thong you see its a game of keep away. So when youre there make sure you grab that cash!

DavisMeschke Guillotine wrote:

Am I the only one that thinks it’s odd to ask the general public to help them answer a quite easy personal question?

That was my reaction too. I feel like I'm getting old and crotchety everytime I have that reaction to a thread. So thanks for speaking up. 

Although at least this OP spelled it correctly.