Black Diamond Vapor Helmet
In the battle for lightweight head protection, Black Diamond has moved a-head with the Vapor helmet. With a head-turning weight of 199 grams (7.0 ounces) [M/L], the Vapor can already be seen atop the heads of many skimo racers. It’s packed in the back with head-cooling vents, while remaining head-lamp compatible. The fore-head is a smooth wind-blocking sheet, preventing head-sweat from percolating up and fogging your goggles. Get a head start with the lightest polycarbonate helmet and avoid head-aches from falling rock. Head on over to checkout with the Vapor head-bucket in your cart.
- A Kevlar sheet and carbon rods provide lightweight strength in this marvel of engineering.
- Ratcheting adjustment system is easy to use with gloves and can be tucked into the helmet.
- Headlamp clips can be removed to reduce snagging and avoid lugging of a couple grams.
- Co-molded EPS foam has a polycarbonate shell to reduce neck-breaking impact friction.
- Amazing ventilation and a low profile make the helmet great for highly aerobic activities.
Updates 2019/20: BD updated their color options available for this season, but this helmet otherwise remains the same.
| Specifications | |
|
Weight |
220g [S/M] 228g [M/L] |
| Certifications | EN 12492 (climbing) |
| Specs Verified | Yes |
| Design | |
| Materials | Co-molded EPS foam with polycarbonate shell |
| Skimo Co Says | |
| Usage | Ski mountaineering, climbing, ice climbing |
| Notes | Geometric, open-air design provides high ventilation |
| Bottom Line | Light, secure, and comfortable helmet |
| Compare to other Helmets | |
Questions & Reviews
I'll start this by saying this helmet is mediocre. It is outrageously overpriced for the cheap black foam its made of, and it didn't reach the same level of certification as other helmets so it really is not as safe. Additionally, coworkers have cracked the strips of foam between vents through basic use and abuse. On the other hand, it looks pretty sexy and is quite light. For skimo races attach your goggles with zip ties and you have a great skimo helmet as long as you don't hit your head!
Comment on this review:
1/20/2019
Michael
(used product a few times)
This is a great light weight helmet but you can not use goggles with it. There is no place to secure your goggle strap at the back to keep the strap from falling down to your neck. When I called Black Diamond to suggest a fastener system to make the use of goggles possible I was basically scolded by a rep there saying the this helmet is not rated for skiing so therefor they had no plans to create a system to make the helmet goggle compatible. So they are very clear that it is not a ski helmet. I attempted to create my own loop on the back to secure my goggles strap but got frustrated. It just will not hold a goggle strap in the back so I sold my helmet.
Comment on this review:
Overall: Five Stars for an absurdly light helmet that doesn’t make you look absurd. Only notable reservation is eyewear fit.
Background on product familiarity: I bought my Vapor helmet in Spring 2013, and have worn it since for lots of training, racing, and “real” touring.
First, the first impressions out of the box: Even compared to almost all the very light bike-style climbing helmet competition, the aptly named Vapor is noticeably lighter. Plus the material is relatively thin on top, and the helmet extends down relatively far on the sides, so the Vapor has no alien-style “crystal dome” effect (especially compared to the downright embarrassing Petzl Sirocco).
The ratcheting adjustment in the back is simple and effective, and ditto for the chin strap. Fit matches up well with the sizing chart.
Second impressions, in use: Since the Vapor comes down a little more than other climbing helmets, some sunglasses with relatively high corners don’t fit well. For ski goggles, I’ve never tried using the headlamp clips, although alternatively, with all the vents to serve as attachment points, jerry rigging would be easy with some combination of zip ties, resort lift ticket holders, and/or velcro straps. And those headlamps clips are removable, so if you ever do remove them (or don’t attach them in the first place), remember to snap them on before any outing where you might need them!
Third impressions, for long-term durability: All bike-style climbing helmets are designed to sacrifice their lives for you. But many reviews of the Vapor question its durability from just being carried about, although I’ve never read of any failures. I did shred the interior padding relatively quickly, but Black Diamond sent me an easily swapped-in replacement.
Background on product familiarity: I bought my Vapor helmet in Spring 2013, and have worn it since for lots of training, racing, and “real” touring.
First, the first impressions out of the box: Even compared to almost all the very light bike-style climbing helmet competition, the aptly named Vapor is noticeably lighter. Plus the material is relatively thin on top, and the helmet extends down relatively far on the sides, so the Vapor has no alien-style “crystal dome” effect (especially compared to the downright embarrassing Petzl Sirocco).
The ratcheting adjustment in the back is simple and effective, and ditto for the chin strap. Fit matches up well with the sizing chart.
Second impressions, in use: Since the Vapor comes down a little more than other climbing helmets, some sunglasses with relatively high corners don’t fit well. For ski goggles, I’ve never tried using the headlamp clips, although alternatively, with all the vents to serve as attachment points, jerry rigging would be easy with some combination of zip ties, resort lift ticket holders, and/or velcro straps. And those headlamps clips are removable, so if you ever do remove them (or don’t attach them in the first place), remember to snap them on before any outing where you might need them!
Third impressions, for long-term durability: All bike-style climbing helmets are designed to sacrifice their lives for you. But many reviews of the Vapor question its durability from just being carried about, although I’ve never read of any failures. I did shred the interior padding relatively quickly, but Black Diamond sent me an easily swapped-in replacement.
6/20/2017
Leaving the ski>skin transition zone at the Bromley VT 2017 skimo race.
Comment on this review:
Light, comfortable, and secure-fastening. What's not to like? Well, to be fair, I'm not 100% sold on the durability and protectiveness it offers. If it wasn't so unwearably fugly, the Petzl d***helmet bests both durability and weight of the Vapor, for which I'm deducting a star. IMO it should extend further down the occipital area for better protection.
12/1/2014
Hah, yeah the Sirocco is ugly. There is also a question of whether the lack of a polycarbonate shell can increase impact friction to neck-breaking levels. The helmets with slippery shells and interior foam, like bike helmets, are not meant to be durable in the sense that after one accident they need to be replaced, since they are designed to break instead of your head.
12/1/2014
Touche! I hadn't considered the slip as it hits a snowy surface - that's definitely a design benefit of a shell.
As for durability, I'm less concerned about what I'm going to be doing AFTER my head hits something -- besides stopping whatever it is I'm doing, and possibly seeking medical attention -- and more concerned about whether I will break the damn thing carting the helmet around. Starting an adventure with a non-intact helmet, or canceling an adventure because of a broken one seems like a major disadvantage to me; one EPP helmets don't share.
As for durability, I'm less concerned about what I'm going to be doing AFTER my head hits something -- besides stopping whatever it is I'm doing, and possibly seeking medical attention -- and more concerned about whether I will break the damn thing carting the helmet around. Starting an adventure with a non-intact helmet, or canceling an adventure because of a broken one seems like a major disadvantage to me; one EPP helmets don't share.
Comment on this review:
11/29/2014
Question from
Stano 
It would worthwhile investigating whether this helmet would actually be allowed at World Cup level competitions, or any other ones that strictly follow ISMF rules. I have this feeling because few years back ISMF was forbidding helmets with lots of vents like on this one with the reason being that should you end up in an avalanche then snow would fill those big vents and effectively serve as an anchor. This was actually supported/proposed by UIAA standards I believe. Also, I haven't see this helmet on World Cup photos so that's why I am not sure (but I might have missed it).
Anyway, if planning to compete outside of NA with this or any helmet, check with ISMF rules/office if it's approved.
Anyway, if planning to compete outside of NA with this or any helmet, check with ISMF rules/office if it's approved.
11/29/2014
Interesting Stano. According to the current ISMF rules doc (14/15), any helmet conforming to UIAA 106 or EN 12492 (climbing) is OK. However it does state that for the 2016/17 season, EN 1077 (skiing) will also be required.
11/29/2014
ISMF goes back and forth on lots of gear rules, I guess this is an example. It's all in good efforts but some times makes it confusing for us. :)
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