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.

Grivel Air Tech
  • Grivel Air Tech
  • Grivel Air Tech

Air Tech

Rating

no ratings

Description

Hyper-light and hyper-ventilated The poly-carbonate shell is co-moulded to a layer of expandable injected foam that absorbs the force of impact.
The upper ventilation area is reinforced with metal mesh as protection against the penetration of sharp objects.
Fresh air flows through the helmet from the ventilation aperture on the front, speeding up along the aeration channel while absorbing humidity and heat, before exiting at the back aperture: the best ventilation system ever!

Retail price

US$ 119.95
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.

264 g

One Size: 264 g / 9.4 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.

21.00 in - 24.00 in

One Size: 54 - 62 cm / 21-24 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.

No
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

No reviews yet.

UK Climbing Gear Review no rating given just a review

So, is it possible to draw conclusions on these helmets in the light of the earlier discussion? All are fine, but understanding now more about how the design of helmets has to follow the testing standards, I'm less convinced that hybrids are the all-rounder's answer. The El Cap is decent lid and its little peak just makes it look different and cool. I will be wearing it this winter for ice climbing. But now understanding the lack of protection around brim inherent in (almost all) hybrid designs, the idea of taking a swinging leader fall - on bolts or trad gear - is less appealing in such helmets. I spend three quarters of my year rock climbing, and I'm going to carry on wearing a foam lid when I do. The Rock Lite sent to me to review now has a bunch of scratches on its over my right temple from last weekend. I'm not sure if they got there whilst I was chicken wing-grovelling up a local offwidth, or when I missed the crux foothold that should have allowed me to escape its evil clutches and instead pin-balled 10 foot back down the bomb-bay chimney at the back of which this cruel crack lurks. Bruised and exhausted, this drove home the point that having a centimetre of foam between the side of my skull and the rock is preferable to just a couple of millimetres of hard plastic. Of the foam lids, I liked the Edelrid best, in part because of the Germanic engineering of its back cradle, but mainly just because it fitted me well. The Grivel is great to wear, super low profile, wonderfully light and very well ventilated, but its design is showing its age: I think the strapping and size adjustment could be refined, as could it's torch clips. The Rock Lite doesn't fit my head perfectly, but if it fits you there's not much to dislike about it. It has already done its job for me in leader fall and you can't ask more of a helmet than that.

Climbing Gear Review

Testers loved the fit of Grivel’s Air Tech V39. A dial at the back of the helmet allows easy adjustments for comfort and keeps this lid firmly in place, no matter the size of your head or if you’re layered up with a hat. One tester at the Teton Ice Park said she loved how the helmet moved with her instead of having a “mind” of its own. Depending on their build, some climbers may find the location of the chin buckle irritating (on a few testers, it landed right where the neck and chin meet), and the buckle is a bit tricky to adjust, especially when gloved up. The Air Tech’s three headlamp clips (one in back and two in front) were more finicky than on other models, but once the headlamp’s band was in place, it stayed put. Sixteen vents cut throughout the helmet, including six metal mesh-covered vents placed on top. Although no breakage occurred, a few testers questioned the strength of these six vents, which flexed when pressed on. According to Grivel, even if they broke, the helmet’s structural integrity should not be affected.
The Air Tech weighs just 10.5 ounces, and its sleek, streamlined design means you won’t have to wrestle a hood up over your head. Plus, you’ll look good—this helmet avoids the bubblehead look plaguing many models on the market.

Air Tech Helmet Views

No voice but this video shows all around views Grivel Air Tech Helmet.