Lucky Alpha, $104, 10 ounces
Summary: The hybrid-style Lucky Alpha tips the scales at a featherweight 10 ounces. The suspension is comfortable, with generous padding on the inner polystyrene, and the fit system adjusts easily with a quick-ratchet buckle. Headlamp compatibility is not an issue, though it was occasionally a struggle to slide the straps into the slots. The helmet’s major drawback was that it was too shallow. Many testers had a hard time getting a proper fit, as the suspension sits too high on the head.
Pros: Light; well ventilated.
Cons: Shallow suspension.
Overall grade: B
Lucky/Vaude U.S.A.: (201) 964-9292, www.vaude.de

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

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