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I’ve used each of the three editions of the SIROCCO® . Starting with the revolutionary orange EPP ‘Mr Whippy’ look, that not even Ueli Steck could make look cool, up to this current iteration.
To be brutally honest apart from the aesthetics of the original it is hard to fault the SIROCCO® range. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so it’s no wonder the SIROCCO glows a little orange from all the praise heaped upon it! Most of the major players now have a helmet that uses a combination of EPP with a rigid polycarbonate shell with perhaps an additional EPS layer beneath the crown. Whether you’re a sport climber, alpine mountaineer, trad aficionado or Scottish winter addict the SIROCCO® is going to be pretty much your perfect helmet. If you’re a ski mountaineer then things are a little different as the SCIROCCO® doesn’t meet the CE standard for ski touring, though Petzl have you covered with their longstanding EPS METEOR if that’s the case.
The previous version introduced in 2017 https://climbinggearreviews.com/2017/06/28/petzl-new-sirocco-review/ was a step change up again from the original combining EPP and polycarbonate in a light functional and (all importantly) stylish package. Much like modern bike helmets the SIROCCO® removes pretty much any rational excuse for avoiding wearing a helmet. I’ve had a few occasions winter climbing on the Ben where I’ve arrived back at the van with the SIROCCO® still on my head having forgotten to remove it, so full marks for dufferdom but also for the SIROCCO® as you don’t notice it’s there. The new SIROCCO® has kept all that was good with the 2017 version but just added some tweaks to improve things without gaining any (statistically significant) weight. My 2017 model weighed in at 174g and the new version at 178g which could easily be down to manufacturing tolerances (length of webbing etc.) and the sticky labels peeling off my old helmet!
The most obvious change is that the new SIROCCO® has an airy construction with more open side vents and additional air channels internally. Despite the loss of the open vent at the front this maintains or even improves on the ventilation for the wearer. With some scorching days in the French Alps the new SIROCCO® was more comfortable than any helmet I’ve used. The minimalist webbing harness is comfortable and unobtrusive whilst at the same time easily tucking into the helmet for storage. The chinstrap buckle has lost its magnetic assist, which I don’t really miss, but is still super easy to operate even with gloves – without gloves you can do it with one hand. The profile of the helmet has been revised very subtly to improve the vertical field of view to stop the helmet brim interfering. Now I must confess that I’d not noticed this as an issue and as someone who will often wear a peaked cap under my helmet in summer when alpine climbing, I’m probably not the audience to appreciate this improvement. Those who often climb super steep stuff may appreciate this more. Headlamp attachment is still handled by the excellent bungee at the back and clips at the front. I’ve always liked this system as you can secure your headlamp with the bungee before fiddling with the clips so it can’t be dropped or pinged off – in fact with a little practice it can be done without removing the helmet. Petzl have actually improved things here too by getting rid of the old recessed clips and having surface mounted versions that are easier to use. The actual profile of the helmet has changed slightly but it is still easy to fit under a hood. Petzl stress the design’s increased safety with both top and side impact absorption prioritised. This reflects modern helmet use where climbers are using helmets not just for falling stone/ice debris protection (the traditional use) but also swinging leader fall protection where the side/back of your head may be slammed into a rock face. The polycarbonate crown together with the EPS protects from stone fall and adds to the helmets durability compared to pure EPP and the main body of EPP keeps things light and a bit more durable than an EPS helmet as there is a little more flex though this is still not a helmet to sit on when it’s in your pack!
Overall I can’t really fault the new SIROCCO®. OK it’s not as durable as a modern ABS helmet like Petzl’s own BOREO but it is supremely comfortable and is half the weight. The SIROCCO® is still more durable in my experience than EPS helmets like the METEOR.
Pros
- Light
- Comfortable
- Great ventilation
- Good headlamp clips
Cons
- Maybe you don’t like orange?
SRP £120
Disclaimer – CGR reviewers are never paid to provide a review and the website does not take advertising. We are a bunch of keen climbers and outdoor enthusiasts that accept sample products and offer an honest and independent review of the item. The reviewer will often keep the sample after reviewing it for both hygiene reasons and more often they’re in no fit state to return!
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