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Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia Back View
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia Under View
  • Petzl Elia Back View

Elia 2015

Rating

My vote: None ( 5.4 avg )

Description

The ELIA helmet was designed and developed to respond specifically to the needs of women. The innovative OMEGA headband system (Petzl patent) allows the helmet to be put on and removed easily and offers maximum comfort. In addition to this exclusive feature, the helmet has a new headband and webbing adjustment mechanism. It allows the helmet to be precisely adjusted for different head shapes.

Comfortable on the head:
- OMEGA headband system specially designed for easy donning and removal of helmet
- absorbent comfort foam
- adjustment buckles are placed to the sides, away from the chin
Totally adjustable according to head size:
- quick and easy headband adjustment, even while the helmet is being worn
- chinstrap can be positioned forward or back
Designed to offer maximum durability and versatility:
- lightweight, durable shell of injected ABS
- expanded polystyrene foam liner
- helmet suitable for climbing, mountaineering, caving, via ferrata...
Adapts easily to the activity:
- headlamp can be attached using the four integrated clips

Retail price

US$ 59.95
Weight (g)

Weight (g)

In grams, the weight, as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

If there are differences in weight (due to multiple size or optional accessories) we note those here.

285 g

One Size: 285 g / 10 oz
(we converted grams to ounces)

Gender

Gender

This is the gender as stated by the manufacturer/brand.

We use the term "Men" and "Unisex" interchangeably, as there is no difference between these types of helmets.

Women
Size Range

Size Range

The sizing options of the helmet according to the manufacturer.

20.00 in - 23.00 in

One Size: 52-58 cm / 20-23 in
(we converted centimeters to inches)

Features

Features

Bike Cert (EN 1078)

The EN certification for helmets used for bicycling and skating. The major difference in testing 1078 involves needs for more head coverage and for the helmet to pass a deflection or 'roll-off' test of the impact force.


Brim

Having a brim on a helmet may be inconsequential to some climbers but they make a great additional bit of protection against sun, rain and falling debris like small rocks or verglass.


Multiple Sizes

This is helpful for those with particularly small or large heads because helmets that come in 2 or 3 sizes cover a broader range of head size. Usually these are denoted as size 1 or 2, though some brands have S/M and M/L.


Face Shield Compatible

Face shields are a part of PPE that could be handy when drilling, developing and cleaning particularly dirty remote routes. Usually only used by work at height professionals.


MIPS technology

MIPS or Multidirectional Impact Protection System is a technology designed to reduce the amount of impact force that makes it to the brain. This is accomplished by adding a low friction cap between the liner and the helmet, allowing the shell to deflect around the head rather than transfer the forces from impact directly to the wearer.  Many bicycle helmets include this feature and it is starting to be applied to sports like skiing, motorcycling and climbing. Many MIPS helmets are also EN1078 compliant.


Ponytail Cutout

So far these are only found in "women's" helmets. It's a cutout / notch area that accommodates a low hanging ponytail hairstyle.


RECCO® reflector

These are used in locating someone missing or buried in an avalanche and are becoming more common in climbing gear due to the increased popularity of ski mountaineering. Though they are more often sold as something to add onto the helmet than being built into one, some manufacturers have begun to build them in.


Ski Cert (EN 1077)

The EN certification for helmets used for climbing and skiing. This test is simpler than the EN/UIAA one performed for helmets in general, but increases the amount of force that a helmet must endure. Likely this to simulate the faster speeds involved with downhill skiing impacts versus rockfall or climber accidents. This cert becoming more common in helmets as SkiMo popularity increases and more climbers are adding backcountry skiing to their mountaineering repertoire.

­
Quick Adjust

Quick Adjust

Quick Adjust refers to the straps of the helmet. Do you want the ability to ability to "quickly" adjust the fit. This could be a dial, or other plastic pieces.

Really, most climbers don't need to change the fit of the helmet often, unless you're climbing with and without hats, or you have big hair that flattens and then requires tightening after climbing for awhile.

Yes
Vents

Vents

Refers to openings in the helmet body to allow air flow. Commonly found in most helmets these days, but often more so in foam and hybrid foam helmets than traditional hardshell polycarbonate shells.


Learn More

Click here to read more on helmet construction
Adjustable
Headlamp Compatable

Headlamp Compatible

Many helmets include hooks or clips for holding a standard headlamp in place, which is quite useful for the caver or alpinist. Ask any climber who has been benighted and they’ll tell you just how useful this feature can be.

Yes
Face Shield Compatable

Face Shield Compatible

Face shields are a part of PPE that could be handy when drilling, developing and cleaning particularly dirty remote routes. This feature isn't very common in climbing helmets and usually only used by work at height professionals.

No
Certification CE, EN, UIAA
AVG RATING
5.16
( 5.2 avg )
Rating
5.16
( 5.2 avg )

Mine is purple too!

Pros
fit
look
Cons
side size adjusters

I just changed over from an Elios and find the fit of this helmet to be MUCH better, although I do prefer the adjuster knob on the back of the Elios. No comments yet on durability or feel in different conditions -- will have to update the review over the seasons.

Also, I feel more feminine in this helmet. Not too much, I'm climbing after all, but the right amount. :)

Rating
5.16
( 5.2 avg )

Because it came in PURPLE.

Pros
durable
easy to adjust
Ponytail slot
Attractive
Cons
Padding at headband is pretty thick and makes for a warm wear
sits high

I gotta admit, for an impulse buy, this is one divine helmet. Having seen that this lovely helmet came in a great, bright purple color, I decided to buy it (because everyone can use a 'spare' for when their friends visit, right???) and have been absolutely thrilled.

I can now keep my ponytail up (instead of having to take it down and deal with the flyaway hair) since it has a ponytail slot. There is enough adjustability in the sizing that I can wear a hat underneath for cold days, and the straps stay in place once you've adjusted them.

Aside from how it sits a little high, my only complaint is that the padding in the headband is pretty thick. On a hot day, this is uncomfortable, but quickly goes to the back of your mind when working a climb. Definitely not enough to make me think I need a different helmet. Elia FTW.

Outdoor Gear Lab Gear Review rating 5/5

This is the best deal for a women's helmet. If you already own a unisex helmet and find squeezing it over your hair is uncomfortable, then you may want to consider an upgrade to the Elia.

Climbing Report Gear Review no rating given just a review

We did a lot of climbing and a lot of testing and can happily say that the Petzl Elia helmet and Luna Harness are solid versatile choices for all of your climbing adventures. Both are reasonably priced and often on sale at a number of brick-and-mortar and online retailers.

Crux Crush Gear Review no rating given just a review

I like to think of myself as a safety conscience, responsible climber. I carefully maintain my equipment, regularly retire old gear, and always do a pre-climb harness and knot check with my belayer. Despite my focus on safety, I’m embarrassed to say that it took me 5 years of climbing to finally purchase a helmet! Maybe it’s the fact that I started climbing in the relatively safe environment of a gym, or that I never saw my friends or the pros climb in a helmet, or the fear that it would be hot and uncomfortable, but I never gave much thought about not wearing a helmet while sport climbing outside. That all changed when I started climbing at Safe Harbor and Birdsboro, PA. Both areas feature excellent bolted routes on man-made crags (a road cut and old quarry) that have quite a bit of loose rock. I bought the Petzl Elia women’s climbing helmet and now that I own the helmet I’ll never go back to climbing without it.

Splitter Choss Gear Review no rating given just a review

Now, it’s not all roses, but the only real gripe I have with the Elia is the size of the helmet (52-58 centimeters). This range is a little big for my head, and it’s a bit puzzling to me that they didn’t offer it in two sizes like their popular Elios and Altios models. Both of those have a small size with a range of 48-56cm, which is ideal for someone like myself. So if you know you need a smaller helmet, you should keep that in mind while checking out the Elia, as it might not offer a proper fit, despite all its other benefits.
Overall, though, the Petzl Elia is an excellent helmet with thoughtful features that most women climbers will find is a worthwhile step up from what they are currently wearing.

Zion Adventures Logo

Women generally care about fit and comfort more than men (and rightly so), so this helmet was specifically designed to hug the entire head evenly, rather than the rear-center weighting most helmets feature.

Climberism Gear Review

The helmet is designed for adjustment around the hair, so no more hair getting caught and yanked out in the sizing twist knob on the back of the helmet. The Elia takes the climbing helmet in a new direction with the sizing adjustment happening on the side of the helmet, breath easy, no more teeth gripping hair pulling ladies, climbing with curls could never be easier! The more obvious features on the Elia are the of course headlamp clips, the typical head padding for the comfortable fit, and some vibrant colors to top off any climbing outfit (blue/pink, gray/yellow, and white/blue).

Climbing Gear Review

OH, MEGA!
Petzl’s patented OMEGA headband system is contoured in the back to rise up and over a ponytail. It’s also exceedingly comfortable and makes helmet on/off easy.
EASY SLIDER
On the ELIA’s sides are quick clicking adjustment buttons, allowing for on-head, on-the-fly size tweaking, ensuring optimal fit.
CLEAN COMFORT
Inside the lightweight, injection-molded ABS shell and the expanded polystyrene liner are a set of removable, leaf-shaped, soft foam pads for comfort. Peel ‘em out and wash ‘em after a dozen trips to the crag, rejuvenating that new-helmet smell.

Alpinist Gear Review rating 5/5

Several sleek-looking vents keep you from getting too sweaty, and give the helmet a feminine vibe without resorting to any of those shiny swirls that seem to be ubiquitous among women's outdoor gear. In fact, the vents are so sleek-looking, I used them as inspiration to transform my helmet into a work of art. At least I'll know it's mine once all my friends start showing up with this helmet on, which is bound to happen thanks to its adjustability, durability, comfort and, of course, the ponytail hole.
Pros: Very adjustable; well-ventilated; accommodates ponytails; lightweight; slim webbing straps.
Cons: Not face shield-compatible; tight headlamp clips; only available in one-size-fits-most.

Elia Women Helmet

This video is long but it shows all the features of Elia helmet in details.

Petzl Elia Helmet Review by Glacier Travel Guide
Petzl Elia Review
Petzl Elia Review by Outdoor Gear Lab
Petzl Elia Review
Best Women's Helmet
Petzl Elia Helmet Review

Audio is not very good but worth watching.

Watch a tour of Petzl's facilities as they explain all the testing involved

Warning: This video is dubbed in English. If you're getting antsy, skip to section 7:40-8:15 for one of the most interesting parts, where they show a hardware specific camera inspection.