How to use Rock Lite Helmet, cleaning, maintenance and storage with instructional pictures.
Rock Lite
Description
A superlight, strong, EPS helmet designed for rock climbing, the Rock Lite comes in two stylish colours. Easy to fit and well vented, it has a simple ‘Quik-Dial’ adjustment system and sits perfectly on the head on Coolmax covered EVA pads. ‘Future proofed’, the Rock Lite can be fitted with ‘The Shield’ for winter use too.
Retail price
US$ 89.00
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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. | 260 g |
GenderGenderThis 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 RangeSize RangeThe sizing options of the helmet according to the manufacturer. | 21.00 in - 24.00 in |
FeaturesFeaturesBike 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. BrimHaving 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 SizesThis 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 CompatibleFace 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 technologyMIPS 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 CutoutSo far these are only found in "women's" helmets. It's a cutout / notch area that accommodates a low hanging ponytail hairstyle. RECCO® reflectorThese 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. |
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Quick AdjustQuick AdjustQuick 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 |
VentsVentsRefers 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 CompatableHeadlamp CompatibleMany 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 CompatableFace Shield CompatibleFace 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. |
Yes |
| Certification | UIAA, CE |
No reviews yet.
The Wild County Rock Lite is nearly identical to the Wild Country Alpine Shield if you take off the shield. The differences are they have a different interior lining and the Rock Lite has a dial sizer rather than the pinch sizer on the Alpine Shield. The Rock Lite is $80 compared to $100 for the Alpine Shield. I don't ice climb much so I don't use the shield. So for me, the Rock Lite would definitely be the call. Its main competitor is the Petzl Meteor III+. The Meteor 3 is 0.9 ounces lighter and $20-30 more expensive. It's hard to notice the weight difference in your hand: both are really light. So far I like the Meteor more for climbing. It's lighter, ventilates better, and the chin strap is easier to adjust. But the Rock Lite is a better value and still an awesome helmet.
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.
The Rock Lite is Wild Country’s response to run out, sketchy, British gritstone climbing. I like the design of this helmet a lot. Style is excellent, it feels very comfortable, and the helmet is very reasonably priced ($67.96 at Amazon currently!). The Rock Lite stands out from other helmets by having extra padding. The added comfort comes at a cost of increased size/weight, but for many, it is worth it. The adjustment system is quite good, and overall the Rock Lite is rock solid. One complaint I have heard is that the helmet may shift to the side or back of one’s head, but this may be related to head shape and adjustment. As with any piece of equipment it is important to try it on before you buy it.
Climbing, ice climbing in particular, without a helmet is just dumb. All of the old excuses about helmets being heavy, ill-fitting and bulky don’t hold water anymore. Don’t leave home without one.
I gave this helmet five stars because it is light, fits well, adjusts easily and is priced about the same as other polystyrene-type helmets.
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