Aldi climbing helmet

[johnw]

I am no expert, does anyone have an opinion of these? I have read the other topics about the current Aldi sale of camping and related gear. Yesterday I had a look at the $39-95 climbing helmet and tried one on. Only one size as far as I could see (57cm to 60cm I think), which fit me although a little cosy. The quality looks OK to me and it is very light. I would likely only be using it for some occasional abseiling. My main concern is that it does not state compliance with an Australian or other recognised standard. The only claims are Aldi's own as to quality and usage.

[ninjapuppet]

All bike and motorcycle helmets sold in Australia are required to meet certain standards so I'd be quite suprised if climbing helmets don't need this compliance.

If forced to choose, I would take a new cheap helmet than a 2nd hand top of the range 10 year old helmet.

[FatCanyoner]

If forced to choose, I would take a new cheap helmet than a 2nd hand top of the range 10 year old helmet.

I would never buy specialist safety equipment second hand. Things like helmets should be retired after a big fall / impact. It is impossible to know if this has occurred with a second hand one. They also have a finite life span (like construction hard hats) so should be retired after about 5 years as the plastic does degrade slightly.

My main concern is that it does not state compliance with an Australian or other recognised standard. The only claims are Aldi's own as to quality and usage.

There are lots of helmets that would comply for use as bike helmets etc, but not be suitable for climbing / rope work related uses. For the small saving compared to what you can get if you wait for sales or look online, I don't think I would risk it. I picked up two climbing helmets for my kids for $40 at Anaconda the other week. They are specialist climbing helmets. For myself I'm a little more fussy. If you plan to be canyoning, rather than just abseiling, you want one that drains well so it doesn't pull up on your head when doing water jumps. My preference is to pay $60 to $80 for a helmet that is safe and designed for exactly what I'm doing.

[johnw]

Thanks guys, yes I think I'll wait. I have seen better known branded ones on sale from about $60-00 or $70-00 up; Edelrid, Black Diamond etc. I guess my head is worth at least that . In any case I should probably think about getting a harness as well. I can borrow gear from my son for now but I don't find it particularly comfortable, so eventually would like to get my own. FatCanyoner, interesting point about the drain holes for canyoning (not that I have that application in mind). It wouldn't have occurred to me but becomes obvious when you think about it.