Petzl Elios, $55, 12 ounces
Summary: One of the new-generation hybrid models, the Petzl Elios has one of the trimmest silhouettes of any helmet we tested, an asset in tight spaces. It’s also very light; one tester forgot he was wearing it and cooked up dinner at camp before he realized he still had it on. The fit system is one of the best in the test — all that’s needed is a quick twist of the ergonomic dial. On the downside, the helmet could do with a bit more padding in the rear of the suspension (it’s bare plastic) and on the polystyrene cap, where several testers noted pressure points. Padding on the chin strap would also be a plus. The Elios features good, shrouded ventilation, and, like its brother the Ecrin, mates well with headlamps. An optional face shield is available.
Pros: Light; easy to adjust; well ventilated; accommodates headlamps well.
Cons: Needs more padding.
Overall grade: A-
Petzl: (801) 902-5426, www.petzl.com

Test Results:

Black Diamond Half Dome
C.A.M.P. Silver Star
Cassin Astral
Edelrid Ultralight
HB Dyneema
Kong Scarab
Lucky Alpha
Petzl Ecrin Roc
Petzl Elios
Simond Bumper

About UIAA and CE helmet certification

Petzl Elios, $55, 12 ounces
Summary: One of the new-generation hybrid models, the Petzl Elios has one of the trimmest silhouettes of any helmet we tested, an asset in tight spaces. It’s also very light; one tester forgot he was wearing it and cooked up dinner at camp before he realized he still had it on. The fit system is one of the best in the test — all that’s needed is a quick twist of the ergonomic dial. On the downside, the helmet could do with a bit more padding in the rear of the suspension (it’s bare plastic) and on the polystyrene cap, where several testers noted pressure points. Padding on the chin strap would also be a plus. The Elios features good, shrouded ventilation, and, like its brother the Ecrin, mates well with headlamps. An optional face shield is available.
Pros: Light; easy to adjust; well ventilated; accommodates headlamps well.
Cons: Needs more padding.
Overall grade: A-
Petzl: (801) 902-5426, www.petzl.com

Test Results:

Black Diamond Half Dome
C.A.M.P. Silver Star
Cassin Astral
Edelrid Ultralight
HB Dyneema
Kong Scarab
Lucky Alpha
Petzl Ecrin Roc
Petzl Elios
Simond Bumper

About UIAA and CE helmet certification