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Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia
  • Petzl Elia

Elia

Rating

My vote: None ( 3.3 avg )

Description

Rugged, comfortable and versatile helmet for women.

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. This feature also includes a new headband and webbing adjustment mechanism. It allows the helmet to be precisely adjusted for different head shapes.

Description

Comfortable on the head:
- new OMEGA headband system has more pronounced notch that is specifically designed for easy donning and removal of helmet
- great stability on the head thanks to new foam liners
- absorbent comfort foam
- adjustment buckles placed to the sides, away from the chin
Adjusts to head shape: simple, quick headband adjustment while helmet is worn, thanks to two easily accessible adjustment buttons on the outer shell
Designed to offer maximum durability and versatility:
- lightweight, durable shell of injection molded ABS
- expanded polystyrene liner
- helmet suitable for climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, caving, via ferrata...
Adapts easily to the activity:
- headlamp can be attached using the four integrated clips
- Compatible with the VIZION eye shield

Specifications:
Material(s): ABS shell and expanded polystyrene liner

Retail price

US$ 64.95
Award Image
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: 50-58 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.

Ponytail Cutout
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
Yes
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
3.03
( 3 avg )
Rating
2.04
( 2 avg )

It might fit if your head is a perfect sphere?

Pros
Chin straps are very comfortable
Sturdy headlamp clips
Low profile
Cons
Poor fitting shape
Adjuster strap across back of head do not stay in position
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton
Disclaimer
Caving

I didn't realize how absolutely atrocious this helmet fit until I tried on [literally any other brand of helmet]. The shape is simply awful-- it's not the shape of a human skull!

The whole thing sloshes around horrendously and would simply fall off if I were to look up without the chinstrap buckled. It's awful!

The adjustors at the back don't hold their vertical position at all.

Rating
4.02
( 4 avg )

For hairy girls(or boys)

Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton

It really makes the difference this design for the pony tail or having a lot of hair in general under the helmet. Much much much more comfortable and it's breathable, head is not sweating that much because of the hair. Also it is very stylish too.

It really makes the difference this design for the pony tail or having a lot of hair in general under the helmet. Much much much more comfortable and it's breathable, head is not sweating that much because of the hair. Also it is very stylish too.

Outdoor Gear Lab Gear Review rating 4/5

The Petzl Elia is a great choice for anyone looking for an ABS hardshell-style helmet that also has a lot of hair. In the future, we'd love to see the ponytail design option available on even lighter and more breathable EPS style models.

Chicks With Picks Gear Review no rating given just a review

Perhaps one of the most important gear buying decisions you can make is the climbing helmet. When it comes to choosing a helmet, there are a many options available, but really there are only two types of helmets: light weight foam (like your bike helmet) and hardshell options. Since I’m pretty tough on my gear, I prefer a hardshell helmet like the Petzl Elia. Not only is it the most comfortable hardshell helmet I’ve worn, it’s durably constructed and dare I say stylish. It’s a great all around helmet, perfect for rock and ice climbing.

UK Climbing Gear Review no rating given just a review

Whether you're cragging, multi-pitching on mountain routes, winter climbing, mountaineering, via ferrata-ing or even just scrambling, the ELIA is a very good all-round helment. If, like me, you've struggled in the past to find head protection that works with long hair, then this helmet may be your answer. With a couple of snazzy colour choices as well as the standard white, and at a price that's not going to break the bank, it is well worth a look. However all that said, it is only any use if it fits you, and without an adjustable chin strap you really do need to try it on before purchasing.

If you know of a good product video that should be here, let us know, and we'll put it up.

If you're looking for gear videos in general, check out our Vimeo and YouTube channels to see the newest gear.

The UIAA equipment standard provides a baseline for equipment performance in a test lab under controlled conditions on new equipment. Although these test conditions are relevant to the conditions encountered climbing, conditions encountered at the crags and the condition of the equipment are equally important. This recommendation from the UIAA member federation The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) provides vital equipment information that is NOT explicitly addressed in the standard, particularly failure modes of the equipment and recommendations for the use, inspection, maintenance, and retirement of equipment.