Large head small strap
by ebespiritu on 01/3/2017Pros
Looks cool, probably will protect my head
Cons
Short chin straps
Familiarity
I’ve used it a bunch
El Cap 2018
Description
The climbing helmet with style - the El Cap's stylish design leaves no excuse for not wearing a helmet when climbing. With its visor and narrow design, the El Cap creates a completely new look. In technical terms, the hybrid helmet consists of a robust outer shell combined with an innovative 2K-EPS core (two styrofoam layers of different thicknesses are combined in the Conehead method) to ensure maximum absorption and the highest possible safety. The many ventilation openings and perfect fit make it extremely comfortable to wear.
The climbing helmet with style - the El Cap's stylish design leaves no excuse for not wearing a helmet when climbing. With its visor and narrow design, the El Cap creates a completely new look. In technical terms, the hybrid helmet consists of a robust outer shell combined with an innovative 2K-EPS core (two styrofoam layers of different thicknesses are combined in the Conehead method) to ensure maximum absorption and the highest possible safety. The many ventilation openings and perfect fit...
read moreRetail price
US$ 69.95
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Weight (g) | 315 g Size 1: 315 g / 11.1 oz |
| Gender |
Unisex |
| Size Range | 20.00 in - 24.00 in Size 1: 52-57 cm / 20-22 in |
| Features |
Brim Multiple Sizes |
| Quick Adjust |
Yes |
| Vents |
Yes |
| Headlamp Compatable |
Yes |
| Face Shield Compatable |
No |
| Certification | EN, UIAA |
The El Cap is comfortable, reasonably weighted and robust. I went on a mountain bike demo afternoon and used it as my head protection. Initially I had to confess to a group of mountain bikers I didn’t own a cycle helmet then explain I had brought a climbing one. When I put it on I didn’t get any stick, it actually received good comments on its styling.
The El Cap has done what it’s supposed to, it protected my head from falling debris and when I clattered it on a small overhang. It also helped when I came off the bike and I bounced off the ground.
All in all it performs very well in and out of its environment. And I would recommend it to winter, sport and trad climbers.
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.
Love it or hate it, climbing is getting steezier. From neon clothing to reflective sunglasses, flash is back. So when climbing helmets needed a makeover, Mammut introduced the El Cap, which breaks away from the standard bucket helmet with a narrower design and a low-profile visor. At first glance, this helmet looks more apt for kayaking or snowboarding, but the El Cap more than holds its own on rock. With 12 ventilation openings, adjustable headband, and relatively light weight (12 oz.), this is a well-built helmet that looks good. (It comes in two sizes for pinheads and brainiacs.) “The hat stayed on tight even during big whips,” reports our tester, “and the visor kept the sun out of my eyes. It’s not as light as some helmets on the market, but I’m psyched on it. I can’t wait for one with built-in headphones.” We’re not sure the UIAA would approve, but it’s probably coming.
Views of El Cap Helmet
No voice but the video shows all around views of Mammut El Cap Helmet.
El Cap Helmet Review
El Cap and Rock Rider Helmet
This video talks about four helmets, at 3:00 it talks about El Cap and at 4:48 it talks about Rock Rider.
El Cap Helmet Review
Warning, cleaning, storage and transport with instructional pictures.