Collecting every piece of gear takes a little time.
We think it's worth the wait.

Nice choice!
Give us a moment to collect those options for you.

Black Diamond Half Dome
  • Black Diamond Half Dome
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Side View
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Side View
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Side View
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Side View
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Rear View
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Inside
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Side View
  • Black Diamond Half Dome Side View

Half Dome 2018

Rating

My vote: None ( 4.2 avg )

Description

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the Black Diamond Half Dome is the evolution of our most popular climbing helmet. With an improved fit and weight savings of more than 40 grams over the original, the Half Dome is an all-purpose workhorse ideal for everything from trad cragging to alpine expeditions. We also added a custom-designed wheel adjuster for quick, secure and precise adjustments.

-Hybrid design with molded EPS foam, generous ventilation and highly adjustable suspension system
-Suspension's custom wheel adjuster allows for improved fine-tuning of fit
-Headlamp clips are the most secure headlamp attachments on the market

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.

310 g

S/M: 310 g / 11 oz
M/L: 340 g / 12 oz

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.

Unisex
Size Range

Size Range

The sizing options of the helmet according to the manufacturer.

19.00 in - 24.00 in

S/M: 48-57 cm / 19-22.5 in
M/L: 55-61.5 cm / 22-24 in

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.

Multiple Sizes
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 ­
AVG RATING
4.488
( 4.5 avg )
Rating
4.02
( 4 avg )

Bomber Pro for your Noggin

Pros
Durable
Cons
Heavy
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

This is a great beginner helmet. It's held up to all the dragging, dropping and scraping I've dished out. The rear adjustment wheel works great with with gloves.

On the downside its pretty hot and after a long day it gets pretty uncomfortable.

This is a great beginner helmet. It's held up to all the dragging, dropping and scraping I've dished out. The rear adjustment wheel works great with with gloves.

On the downside its pretty hot and after a long day it gets pretty uncomfortable.

Rating
5.04
( 5 avg )

A literal bunker

Pros
good protection
cheap
Cons
heavy
clunky
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch

If you're looking for something cheap that is more than capable of protecting your head, the Half Dome is what you want. While I do prefer my Vector for the lightness and less clunky feel, the Half Dome works just fine and is significantly cheaper than many of the other options out there.

I once dropped my Half Dome off a sport route and recovered it with nothing more than a few scratches - a testament to its durability and something I doubt my Vector would handle nearly as well.

Rating
5.04
( 5 avg )

No frills helmet

Pros
Strong
Comfortable
Cons
Heavy
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch
Disclaimer
Size up

Not sure why they stopped making this helmet.... It's a classic no frills design that works great.

Not sure why they stopped making this helmet.... It's a classic no frills design that works great.

Rating
4.02
( 4 avg )

Solid as a rock

Pros
Durable
Lightish
Bright colours
Large adjustment range
Removable padding is easy to clean
Cons
Can't adjust where the v for the chin strap is.
Size adjuster eats hair
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton

Great durable every day helmet. Have abused it to death with both groups and personal use and it is still holding strong. Lighter and better fit then edelrid ultralight. Super durable and colours make it easy to distinguish instructors from students.

Also easy to clean and air with removable padding making it more hygienic in group use settings.

 

Rating
4.32
( 4.3 avg )

Save yourself a noggin knockin

Very nice helmet. I bought it as a second helmet and it works well. It is comfortable and it wasn't expensive. My only complaint is that sometimes when I tighten the hat it catches my hair and pulls, which is not fun. Other than that, really good hat.

Very nice helmet. I bought it as a second helmet and it works well. It is comfortable and it wasn't expensive. My only complaint is that sometimes when I tighten the hat it catches my hair and pulls, which is not fun. Other than that, really good hat.

Next Adventure Gear Review rating 10/10

I have had the helmet for five years now and it is showing no signs of impending failure. None of the skinny plastic pieces seem compromised and the shell is still in great shape. Plus, the comfort factor is still high.

Colorado Mountain School Gear Review no rating given just a review

If you want a “set it and forget it” helmet, I highly suggest the new Black Diamond Half Dome. Plus, it comes in lots of cool colors. Buy one and for crying out loud, wear it – every time you get after the rock or ice.

Mountains For Everybody Gear Review no rating given just a review

I conclude my review about Black Diamond Half Dome climbing helmet by stressing again that this is a reliable and extremely durable climbing tool. The differences when you compare it with its competitors are really unsubstantial. I can warmly recommend this helmet for anybody.

Outdoor Gear Lab Gear Review rating 4/5

The Half Dome is comfortable, durable, and an excellent value at $60. It scored very similarly to the Petzl Elios, in our tests but costs $5 less. We think that either one of these helmets are excellent options in the hardshell category. The main drawback to either of these helmets is the extra weight compared to lightweight foam helmets, but they are both cheaper and more durable.

Climbing Gear Reviews UK no rating given just a review

So, two years later and I’m still recommending it. For the price it’s a great helmet and it will last you many seasons. Of course, it’s not the lightest helmet in the Black Diamond range but is probably the most versatile. A five star helmet!

Splitter Choss Gear Review no rating given just a review

Since I first wore the Half Dome that week at Red Rocks, it’s come on all my climbing adventures this summer, from big walls in Yosemite to single pitches at my local crag in Boise. It’s changed the way I think about helmets, and I can happily say my skateboarding one has been sitting at home, gathering dust.

Climbing Gear Reviews UK Style 4/5 Performance 4/5 Value 5/5

All in all the Black Diamond Half Dome is a great, all round helmet. It’s not as stylish as some, it’s heavier than the polystyrene ones but it is more compact and a great improvement on what was already a good helmet. I feel Black Diamond have done a great job in re-vamping the Half Dome and if you looking for a well priced helmet for all seasons then you won’t go far wrong.

Climberism Gear Review

If you’re tired of the helmet run-around, look no further than the Black Diamond Half Dome. Available in five colors and two comprehensive sizes, (S/M, M/L) the Half Dome has seen a reinvention with the addition of EPS foam and a healthy dose of ventilation ports. Add a “highly adjustable suspension system” plus a fine-tuning adjuster wheel and you get “the most durable helmet Black Diamond makes.”

Climbing Gear Review rating B

Summary: A pioneering hybrid design, the Black Diamond Half Dome offers great overall protection, with a large cap of polystyrene in the interior. The cinching, hook-and-latch adjustment system is a bit dated, however, and doesn’t measure up to the fit delivered by other hybrid models. Ventilation is also an issue: heat — and sweat vapor — like to rise, not go out the sides, which is where the Half Dome’s vents are located. Headlamp compatibility is excellent, with the four simple latches built into the vents, providing solid retention.
Pros: Durable; full coverage; accommodates headlamps well.
Cons: Dated adjustment system; limited ventilation.

Climbing Gear Review

Black Diamond has made major upgrades to its popular Half Dome helmet, all of which are bound to be well received when the helmet hits store shelves in July. This suspension helmet’s Velcro adjustment strap has been replaced by a large dial. The chinstrap adjustment, which took a lot of futzing to get just right on previous models, has been replaced by a buckle that adjusts with a single pull. Vents are larger throughout the helmet, and the new headlamp clips are much easier to use. Black Diamond also shaved almost three ounces off this helmet, making it 10 oz. for the S/M size—exceptionally light for a durable suspension helmet.

Half Dome Helmet
Black Diamond Helmets
All Around Views of Half Dome Helmet

No voice, but the video shows all the features of the Half Dome Helmet.

Half Dome Helmet
Half Dome Helmet Review by Outdoor Gear Lab
Black Diamond Half Dome Vs Petzl Elios
Half Dome Helmet
Half Dome Helmet Review
Half Dome Helmet
Half Dome Helmet Review