How to use Petzl Sirocco, warning, inspection and precautions for use with instructional pictures.
Sirocco 2016
Description
With a maximum weight of 165 g, the Sirocco helmet becomes the new standard in terms of lightness. The monobloc construction minimizes helmet weight while retaining excellent impact resistance, due to the mechanical properties of expanded polypropylene (EPP). The textile adjustment system also contributes to its lightness. This helmet comes with a new magnetic buckle which allows the chinstrap to be attached with one hand. The Sirocco helmet also has excellent ventilation distributed around the helmet.
Retail price
US$ 129.95
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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. | 150 g Size 1: 150 g / 5.3 oz |
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. | 19.00 in - 24.02 in Size 1: 48-56 cm / 19-22 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. |
Multiple Sizes Face shield compat. |
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. |
No |
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 | CE, EN, UIAA |
No reviews yet.
The Sirocco is an ultra-light helmet which should be reserved for the hardest sends where every gram counts. It is not durable enough for everyday use. We think that most climbers would be better served by the less expensive, more durable, and slightly more adjustable Meteor III +, which wins Editors' Choice Award. However, climbers who would otherwise skip the helmet due to the weight should consider the Sirocco.
It’s comfortable, protects my head, seems to hold up well to various knocks, is extremely light, ventilates as well as I need it to and there’s really not much else I want out of a helmet.
The Sirocco is a nice concept and after they have worked out how to put some sort of design on the foam it will be even better, but I don't really see where it fits into my personal climbing. It is very light so it would be good as a competition helmet but if there was a large danger of falling rocks I think I'd rather something a bit more durable. This gets a Harry rating of 1 thumb up and 1 thumb down.
The plastic quick release chinstrap buckle has magnets added to allow for “one-handed” closure. To be honest, this feels like a bit of a gimmick – but generally works well though there is a very slight possibility of the magnet ‘holding’ the strap shut without the buckle actually engaging. The buckle makes a reassuringly loud click when it closes properly. The only other minor thing to beware is that the silky smooth (no stubble catch) webbing is a bit slick to start with so the chinstrap adjustment can loosen a bit until the webbing roughens up.
So, onto the one major issue... the colour! In a similar fashion to the French writer Guy de Maupassant who allegedly ate under the Eiffel tower as it was the only place he couldn’t see Eiffel's metal monster, only the wearer won’t notice the tangerine beacon on their head. For everyone else, in the words of a climbing partner, it’s like seeing a fishing buoy adrift on the crag. Visibility is no bad thing in plenty of circumstances, but needless to say if you like keeping a low profile it’s worth waiting for Petzl to bring out a less obtrusive shade.
As a climbing helmet, the Sirocco is pretty much everything needed. It is however at the expensive end of the price range (RRP £85) with loads of perfectly capable cheaper competition. Perhaps then the Sirocco’s real niche is where every gram counts – it’s been rapidly adopted by ski mountaineering racers, and equally works well for ski touring, adventure races, long mountaineering days or any other time that carrying a helmet seems a chore but probably also a good idea.
The Sirocco’s durability comes largely from its flexibility. The helmet will bend and then return to it’s original shape. As an example of this flexi/durability Rock and Ice said you could sit on the Sirocco. We don’t encourage sitting on helmets, but we couldn’t help ourselves, we tested it out. Our helmet seems fine after the experience, but sitting on the helmet was not more comfortable than sitting on the ground. Why risk it, don’t sit on your helmet.
One of the complaints about the Sirocco is that it is not covered by a hard shell. If you run your fingernail along it it will leave a shallow fingernail dent. However, these shallow surface dents from everyday use are inconsequential to us. Back up more than 6 inches and our helmet looks like new despite us hitting our head against rocks and shoving our helmet into the bottom of our pack under a pile of trad gear. We’ve abused this orange beauty and it has taken the abuse time and time again.
The big difference between the Sirocco and all other climbing helmets on the market is what it’s made from: expanded polypropylene. The advantage expanded polypropylene has over expanded polystyrene is that it is far more flexible and it won’t crack when bent, crushed or bashed. In fact, the expanded polypropylene is so tough you can basically smash the helmet against the rock – which I have done as a demo at the crag – without worrying about it cracking. Whereas an expanded-polystyrene helmet will generally crack when absorbing an impact, expanded polypropylene will absorb impacts with very little permanent deformation (see the video above if you doubt it), so it can take multiple impacts. It also means that it doesn’t require the plastic shell expanded-polystyrene helmets do to protect them against the rigours of a life in the vertical.
Petzl Sirocco is a foam helmet, so incredibly lightweight that you forget it’s there. It also comes with a magnetic clip, making it easier for you to get it on and off with one hand, instead of fumbling under your chin. Despite its light weight, there’s no compromise on comfort or the little add-ons, like clips to attach a headlamp; or attachment points for a visor for ice-climbing – they’re all there. The small light harness webbing is quite comfortable, despite the thinness of the straps.
In short, the Sirocco is a ground-breaking helmet with new technology that I’ll wager (and hope) will trickle down to less pricey models. I’ve been a tough sell on helmets, finding just about every other lid lacking, usually because of weight. With the Sirocco, I’m out of excuses.
I gave the Sirocco four of five stars, deducting one star only because the helmet is bulky.
Not only is it the lightest lid on the market at 5.82 ounces (that’s 1.8 ounces more than an iPhone 5), it is also unique in design—and look. The Sirocco utilizes expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam instead of the standard expanded polystyrene. EPP is the same foam used in car bumpers, and it is more spongy and flexible—instead of cracking like EPS, it is intended to absorb the impact without damage. This means it doesn’t need a plastic shell to house the foam. Testers raved about “not really feeling it” on their heads, and the narrow but numerous vents allowed for maximum airflow without the worry of a pebble getting through. Trad and ice climbers in Eldorado Canyon and Vermont both agreed that the magnetic chin buckle was perfect for one-handed use. Ding: One tester accidentally unhooked the buckle by looking down and catching it on his fully zipped jacket.
All the Features of the Sirocco Helmet
This video shows how the Sirocco helmet holds up to abuse, and explains all the design features.
Petzl Sirocco
No voice but the video highlights the key features of Sirocco helmet.
Petzl Sirocco Review
Watch a tour of Petzl's facilities as they explain all the testing involved
Warning: This video is dubbed in English. If you're getting antsy, skip to section 7:40-8:15 for one of the most interesting parts, where they show a hardware specific camera inspection.