Ecrin Roc Helmet

I bought the Ecrin Roc a few years ago. The patented suspension system seems like it would work well (I've never actually tested it ;-]), and the adjustable sizing is nice for when you want to put on or take off a hat. My only complaint (and it's a pretty big one) is that it's fairly bulky and cumbersome to wear. It limits upward visibility and is uncomfortable. At the end of a long day, it feels really good to take this beast off. My next helmet will be one of the more streamlined, light-weight new models.

This is the standard tried-and-true product which I have the pleasure of owning. Basically this is a solid product with good venting and suspension. Because it uses a webbing suspension system instead of foam (like the newer lighter helmets) this will generally be cooler, though, heavier than the foam competitors. The adjustable sizing system is nice. Usually it's nice to crank it down and then loosen it two notches so it doesn't become too tight on a climb. I've heard complaints that if the system breaks (teeth break off, etc.) it can't be repaired in the field, but I've never heard of this actually breaking on anyone. One general complaint is that if fitted properly (front lid is supposed to be two fingers above your eyebrows), the strap often rides too far up and rubs against one's ear lobes. I've used this with a BD Moonlight headlamp and this helmet held it very securely. When pushing in the sides, it compresses about twice as much as the stiffer HB Dyneema Carbon Helmet.

This is an excellent helmet for ice climbing when you are sure to be hit many times by ice shards dropped by those climbing above you.

Overall, a solid product that is designed for dependability more than light-weight and sportiness. It is, however, starting to show it's age vis-a-vis newer designs.

After I got clobbered in the head with a baseball-sized ball of ice on an ice climb, I promptly went out and got a helmet. Not the lightest helmet on the face of the earth, but comfortable nonetheless. I like the adjustability of it, depending on what I'm wearing on the 'ol noggin. Got the headlamp clips for it, but haven't used 'em yet, so I'll have to see how that works out. As Josh mentioned about the foam helmets, I'd be interested in trying one for warmer weather use (where I'm not wearing hats and such)....but for cold weather/ice climbing, I'll stick with this one....

My Ecrin Roc has seen more abuse than any piece of equipment that I own. I use the Ecrin for all types of climbing as it is comfortable and easy to adjust. It works well whether you are bald or wearing serious winter head gear. The helmet is very cool even on hot days. I have worn the red helmet and found it to be quite warm on sunny days. I have since used the white one. The suspension system in the helmet is very secure and prevents the helmet from moving even when impacted by falling rocks or ice. Great for all around climbing.

I recently purchased this helmet and have beaten the crap out of it on almost every trip since. yet it has provided amazing protection from everything from falling rocks to climbers swinging quickdraws at me to getting my head squeezed and almost stuck in a slot canyon in southern Utah. and...best of all, it's really comfortable!, with easy adjustments and easy releases. adequate ventilation and weight. an all-around solid and vital piece of equipment.

This helmet will take abuse and still end up on your head the next time you climb. I like the easily adjustable straps. Just spin the little adjustment wheel and you are done. This is great for mountaineering when you want to change your headwear. The clips on the helmet are a great feature to hold your headlight in place. The design allows for good airflow for those hot summer rock climbing days.

great helmet , very functional and strong.



Solid buy.

I love this helmet. It has great adjustment system that adjusts quickly for when I throw on a beenie. Great venting system. Not too heavy and very strong (a plus over the styrofoam jobs) which is important in the mountains. Holds the headlamp like a dream.

Light, unobtrusive, comfortable, adjustable. What more do you want? Works well on a hot summer day or over a hat in cold weather. Example of simpler is better, less is more.

The best helmet of all times.

Fully adjustable, strong and comfortable! Altough it is 430 gr. you feel safe when you put it on. Ventilation is good and it is easy to convert it into a warm room.



But honestly, I am looking for a superlight helmet for minimalist ascents.

I give this helmet my highest rating. It is not as bulkey as other modles. It doesn't look like an egg shell on your head and with some cool stickers it will be a stylin helmet. It is very light and a sinch to adjust. Thoes who rate this aginst foam helmets are comparing apples to oranges. I prefer the webing instead of foam. I need a helmet that can stand more than one hit. I plan on being in the Mountains more than one day so having an adjustable helmet like the Ecrin Roc is a plus. If you need to get a helmet purchase this one.

This may be a bit odd for a review because I don't own a Petzl helmet, but here is some food for thought.

A couple of years ago the Gazelle and I were walking along the base of El Cap near Zodiac and found a busted Petzl chin strap - the little piece of plastic that holds the webbing harness together opposite the clip had broken, rendering the chin strap (and thus the helmet) useless.

Thinking of the potential of not having a functional helmet because of a small, broken plastic tab did not inspire confidence and we decided to stay away from helmets that use this type of fastening system.

Kind of expensive but worth every penny. Very adjustable, light enough, comfortable, and well built. This helmet it the real deal.

I use this helmet for years, one of the best helmets I think.
Theres no reason for me to uns another one, it really fits on every head a good adjustable system.

The last thing anyone wants to do is take thier helmet off and put it back on with the soft head braces being soaked in cold sweat. This helmet dries out fast, and is light enough that it can be carried on backpacking trips just in case something comes up.

out there period. I am a real big fan of this since it offers some real protection. Who cares if it is a little heavier than the new age 'bicycle' style helmets. I would trust this thing over the newer helmets in a heart beat.

Dan

I own an Ecrin Roc for almost 4 years. I think it's a very good product and that means: perfect ventilation, long life, perfect size regulation for winter climbing, perfect headlamp attachment and full protection. About weight, I don't think is such a big issue for a piece of gear like helmet. I have seen some broken 'bicycle type' climbing helmets. Finally about the bulk: I think that you can put some thinks(harness, clothes, etc) inside the helmet when you carry it. Fully recommented.

I've had mine for 12+ years. It fits well with or without a hat AND you can stash your hat above the webbing if you get too warm! How many foam helmets can do that? I feel like I've got some serious protection with it on and the front rim can be tucked down quite a ways to help fend off ice when ice climbing. I like the strap adjustment system and I don't feel like the buckles or attachments are too flimsy to break, either. When it gets dirty you can throw it into the dishwasher for an easy clean.

Mountaineering standard for years, i've never had a problem with mine (now i'm jealous it's offered in yellow?). This is the standard helmet for high altitude mountaineering.

I've been using this helmet since 1993. I was 14 years old on my first Outward Bound Rock Climbing Trip in the Gunks and we made fun of each other wearing these. Now 15 years laters I grown to understand that this is one of the best gear I carry in my alpine pack. Even doing a free solo naked and barefoot, I will still wear one of these.
Classic Alpine quality that can't be beat!