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 The Vector is technically retired but it's still sold online. You've found a page of history! The Vector is no longer produced by Black Diamond. We're showing it as "available" on WeighMyRack because you can still find it at trustworthy online retailers.

 The Vector is technically retired but it's still sold online. You've found a page of history! The Vector is no longer produced by Black Diamond. We're showing it as "available" on WeighMyRack because you can still find it at trustworthy online retailers.

Black Diamond Vector Helmet
  • Black Diamond Vector Helmet
  • Black Diamond Vector Helmet
  • Black Diamond Vector Helmet
  • Black Diamond Vector Helmet
  • Black Diamond Vector Helmet Back
  • Black Diamond Vector Helmet
  • Black Diamond Vector Helmet
  • Black Diamond Vector Helmet

Vector

Rating

My vote: None ( 4.8 avg )

Description

A revolutionary helmet that's ideal for long routes, alpine climbs and other weight-sensitive missions, the Black Diamond Vector Helmet combines lightweight protection, excellent ventilation and "barely there" comfort like never before. The geometric, co-molded EPS foam and polycarbonate shell provides full-coverage protection while remaining incredibly lightweight and comfortable, and the generous ventilation ports keep air flowing on warm days. The ratcheting suspension tucks away for easy storage in your pack, and when the sun gets down before you do, the Vector's in-mold headlamp clips provide an ultra-secure attachment.

Co-molded EPS foam with polycarbonate shell
Large ventilation ports provide max airflow
Ratchet adjuster with molded push buttons
In-mold headlamp clips for ultra-secure attachment
Tuck-away suspension makes for compact storage
Available in 2 sizes; Weight : [S/M] 231 g, 8.1 oz; [M/L] 240 g, 8.5 oz

Retail price

US$ 89.95

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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.

231 g

S/M: 231 g / 8.1 oz
M/L: 240 g / 8.5 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 - 25.00 in

S/M: 53-59 cm / 21-23 in
M/L: 58-63 cm / 23-25 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
5.52
( 5.5 avg )
Rating
5.04
( 5 avg )

Lightweight helmet

Pros
Lightweight
Comfortable
Easily adjustable
Cons
Fits head weird
Not as durable as other helmets
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch
Disclaimer
I have a very small head.

All the time I think "oh shoot I should put on my helmet" when wearing this helmet. It's so light I forget about it. Great for ice and rock, I love the design. It doesn't fit my head great, but I also have a small head. Overall it's an amazing helmet.

I gave it one less star because of its decreased durability. Not a wonderful helmet for dragging behind you in chimneys.

Rating
6
( 6 avg )

Better than the BD Half Dome

Pros
light
ventilation
low profile
comfy
looks cool
Cons
expensive
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton

While just about any climbing helmet will protect you just fine, the Vector has a number of desirable traits not always found in other options. For example, I previously used the Black Diamond Half Dome, and found it to be clunky and overly bulky.

The Vector cuts down on weight, improves ventilation, and sits closer to your head for a nicer experience all around.

Rating
6
( 6 avg )

Comfy noggin

Pros
Light weight
Cons
Kinda tall
Familiarity
I’ve used it a ton

I love using this thing. I thought using a helmet while climbing outdoors was gonna be extremely combersome and hot. To my surprise I don't even notice it being on, it's ventilation is great keeping your head nice and cool!

I love using this thing. I thought using a helmet while climbing outdoors was gonna be extremely combersome and hot. To my surprise I don't even notice it being on, it's ventilation is great keeping your head nice and cool!

Rating
5.04
( 5 avg )

great helmet for the price !

Pros
litghtweight
affordable
great fit
Cons
shell is a little fragile
Familiarity
I’ve used it a few of times
Disclaimer
make sure you can try it before you buy it. I was going to buy a M/L but after trying it the smaller was better.

This is my second climbing helmet. first one was an old petzl with hard shell plastic. this is much liter and more comfortable and you dont even notice you have it on ! So for i've been using it for one season of ice climbing.

This helmet has protected me from multiple little ice blocks and has hold up pretty good with no apparent dents on the shell. It is very easy to ajust on the go to accomodate different size hats or hoods even when wearing gloves. I also like the fact than all the straps and adjustments store inside the helmet when not in use. 

I would say that it feels alot more fragile than my old sturdy helmet and i do take extra care when storing it in my backpack. But they weight saving and the comfort defenitely beats the old one!

WeighMyRack Gear Review no rating given just a review

The Most Wanted helmets tend to be lighter, like the Sirocco and Vapor and/or are some of the better looking helmets. The Most Owned helmets tend to be those that are readily available at all the climbing shops, like the Black Diamond collection which dominates this list.

Blister Gear Review no rating given just a review

The Black Diamond Vector is a very good, lightweight helmet that offers increased protection compared to some other lightweight EPS helmets like the Black Diamond Vapor and Mammut Rock Rider while still coming in significantly lighter than more traditional plastic options like the Half Dome and El Cap. This puts the Vector in a nice middle ground, and makes it a great choice for people who want a lightweight helmet but don’t want to skimp on coverage.

WeighMyRack Gear Review first-hand review

On paper the Vector is not a stand-out helmet; it’s not the lightest, it’s not the cheapest, and it’s not the most durable. Despite not being remarkable in any single area, the combination of a nice, storable harness system, relatively light weight, and high comfort make the Vector an impressive option. I’ve been extremely happy wearing it at the crags and in the alpine as we climbed our way across North America from Leavenworth, WA to the White Mountains of NH, to El Potrero Chico, MX. Bottom line, if you wish you could get the BD Vapor helmet but can’t justify the fairly crazy $140 price, the Vector is an excellent option in my opinion.

Everyday Adventures Gear Review no rating given just a review

I’ve had the Vector for a few months now and this post seems to be getting a bit of traffic from people looking for a review. Since the original post was made, I’ve now had the opportunity to take the Vector outside for a bit of sport climbing. I’m happy with it. No complaints. It’s very light and comfortable (as far as helmets go – don’t really seem to notice it) and fits my head well. I chose the Vector over the Vapor (which has more venting than the Vector) so I could also use the helmet for some planned alpine climbing trips to New Zealand. Despite having less venting than the Vapor I haven’t found getting too hot to be an issue when sport climbing in the Vector even in the hot and humid Hong Kong summer so that has worked out well (I’ve been doing single pitch sport climbs so admittedly don’t have to wear the helmet for all that long).

Mountains For Everybody Gear Review no rating given just a review

To conclude this review about Black Diamond Vector climbing helmet, regarding its performance, it is very similar to Petzl Meteor. So if you are in situation to choose, this all will come just to the personal preference and the price difference. Regarding the price, Vector is definitely behind Meteor.

Michael Thomson Gear Review no rating given just a review

Ventilation is excellent, and the holes are well placed so you don’t get rubble and stoor in them. Like any polycarbonate shell, it’s unlikely to take the hits repeatedly so if you want a beast for fending off the artillery on the Eigerwand, this probably isn’t it. If you want a lightweight helmet for long mountain days then this will do just fine.

Rock N Ice Gear Review no rating given just a review

The Vector is one of the most protective foam helmets around. The helmet sits very low on your head so it doesn’t only protects the top of your head like most helmets, but it also covers the forehead, the back of the head and the sides. Thereby it also protects you well when you hit the rock face during a fall. The helmet also has a protective advantage above some hybrid helmets (foam inside, hard outer layer) those helmets are heavier and some tend to shift backwards when you look up, leaving your forehead exposed to impacts. On the vector, this problem is solved by its lightness and the stable suspension.

Outdoor Gear Lab Gear Review rating 4.2/5

The Vector is a solid, light foam climbing helmet that has all of the necessary features. This helmet would be great for any climbing application from big walling to cragging. The Vector scored just behind our Editors' Choice, the Petzl Meteor in every test. While the Meteor has some subtle qualities that we think make it slightly superior, the Vector may be more visually appealing to you. We think either helmet will get the job done.

Colorado Mountain School Gear Review no rating given just a review

There are lots of technical components to the Vector: in-mold headlamp clips, ratcheting helmet adjustment, tuck away suspension (for packing), lots of ventilation, and cold-molded EPS foam with polycarbonate shell. On top of all these technical points, the Vector passes the all-day comfort test with ease.

Climbing Report Gear Review no rating given just a review

Nice added touches to the Vector helmet are integrated headlamp clips and a number of different color combinations. We tested the Blizzard colorway (White shell/lime green straps and accents), but the Vector is also available in three other color combinations. The ratchet adjuster and straps push up out of the way into the helmet making it easier to stuff in a pack. The Vector comes in two sizes and weighs in at 8.1 oz (S/M) and 8.5 oz (M/L).
All in all the Black Diamond Vector is a great helmet; comfortable, cool and cool to look at. Now there is no reason to not wear a helmet. So you can keep yourself safe and keep climbing.

Black Diamond Helmets
All the Features of Vector Helmet
All Around Views of Vector Helmet

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

Vector Helmet Review by Outdoor Gear Lab
Vector Helmet

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.