review by Tony Lourens
BD has done it again! You just have to go onto the Google reviews of the Capitan helmet to see how popular this helmet is becoming.
As with the Vision helmet from last year, the Capitan ticks a lot of boxes. It is compact, light and comfortable. So much so, that you can easily forget that you have a helmet on at all. But, the amazing thing is how durable this helmet is for its weight. It features a 2-piece ABS shell construction, a fusion of EPP foam and an EPS foam puck, making it pretty bomber! And all this while it maintains good ventilation and a very sleek and sexy design. The Capitan meets the proposed UIAA increased side and back protection requirements, while a low-profile suspension system creates a snug fit, but still stays well clear of your ears, so as not to interfere with communication.
The adjustable harness is quite mobile, with an easy ratchet adjustment at the back, which makes it super easy to adjust while on, and the integrated strap system, with adjustable ear spaces, cinches the helmet down to give a really precise fit.
The inside has padded lined strips on the top for added comfort and the integrated headlamp clips with an elastic keeper on the back secure all brands of headlamps.
The Capitan also comes with an optional MIPS liner, which is not very common in climbing helmets. The MIPS system is designed to add protection against the rotational motion (or kinematics) transmitted to the brain from angled impacts to the head. This added protection system has been proven to reduce the rotational motion when implemented in a helmet by absorbing and redirecting energies and forces otherwise transmitted to the brain. This system has proven highly effective in cycling helmets, and has now been adopted by the climbing helmet market.
Specifications
• 2-piece ABS shell combo creates ultra-durability
• Increased side and back protection
• Low-profile suspension system
• Integrated headlamp clips
• Removable/reverse Velcro pads
Weight: 360 g
Sizing: S/M and M/L
RRP: R1499 – R1699 (with MIPS)
