What's special about the Black Diamond Vapor? It's ultra-light, comfortable, well ventilated and looks good to boot. Whether you're via ferrata climbing, rock climbing or bouldering, this helmet not only keeps you safe, it also gives you a lot of style.
What can the Black Diamond Vapor do? Andrea knows. He tested it for the Italian sports magazine Mountainreview.it. Now ISPO.com readers can also benefit from this, because we are publishing the Mountainreview tests, which were previously only available in Italian, in German, English, French, and Spanish.
Mountainreview.it - these are real practical tests by ambitious (hobby) athletes who spend every free minute in the mountains. The tests are hands-on and relentlessly honest, by mountain lovers for mountain lovers. The "Consumer Experts" run, hike, ski or climb and test current equipment for its suitability for the outdoor lifestyle.
All tests are completely independent and reflect the personal opinion of the testers. We take tests of products that have performed well or very well and are also of particular interest to our readers from the point of view of the ISPO.com editorial team.
The Black Diamond Vapor 2023 is the further development of the predecessor of the same name. The helmet promises to be lighter, more breathable and more comfortable than the previous model. This is the ambitious goal that Black Diamond has set for itself.
Weight
170 g (size S/M)
Other features
18 air inlets
High-strength XPS shell made from expanded polystyrene
Central protection made of polycarbonate and Aluula foil
Adjustment system around the head, based on a lightweight and soft webbing strap
Available in three colors
Compared to the previous version, the weight in size S/M drops from 200 g to 170 g. A decent improvement, even though Black Diamond states 155 g on their website.
The construction of the new Vapor resembles the construction of other helmets available on the market. The polycarbonate side cover has been removed, leaving the sides of the XPS bare. This decision slightly reduces the abrasion resistance of the side part of the helmet, but this is done in favor of weight.
In Europe, the EN 12492 standard applies, which states the following in terms of helmet safety:
Once these aspects are understood, it seems clear that the removal of the side cover does not formally cause any safety-related issues. What is critical is to prevent penetration into the center.
Black Diamond reinforced the polycarbonate film with a thin sheet of Aluula, replacing the previous carbon and Kevlar reinforcement. Aluula is a composite material based on a network of UHMPE threads (Dynema type) welded together and molded between two plastic films that protect them from delamination and UV rays. In this way, a central film is obtained with the mechanical strength of steel and the lightness of fabric.
Compared to the previous version, the helmet's adjustment system no longer has the two plastic side tension straps. Instead, it uses a soft, more comfortable webbing that is tightened with a buckle.
The closure is similar to that of backpacks or climbing harnesses, making it a familiar gesture for those who need to adjust their helmet on their head.
A little curiosity: in the three different editions of the Black Diamond Vapor, the logo has been reduced in size. The look is a bit more elegant now, in my opinion.
I tested the Black Diamond Vapor helmet while ice climbing, as well as on rock routes and in climbing gardens.
If, like me, you replace your old Black Diamond Vapor with the new one, you won't get any surprises: as soon as you put it on, you feel right at home. The rear adjustment system with the pull strap is very comfortable and stable.
As for ventilation, the new Vapor has 18 air intakes, compared to 21 before. However, the individual louvers have become larger for this purpose.
On ice, I have to say that this helmet is so well ventilated that it's almost a bit cold, so much so that covering it with a hood almost becomes mandatory. The good thing is that it fits well under any hood thanks to its compact shape.
On multi-pitch routes, I really appreciated the lightness and ventilation: you forget you have it on your head: It's never hot or uncomfortable. For the same reason, I would recommend it for via ferrata.
The strap closure does not create any annoying edges. You forget that you have it on after climbing, when you walk back home.
When climbing, however, the Black Diamond Vapor really surprised me: it didn't feel like it was on my head, and it never interfered with my vision.
Hard to measure, but I had the impression that Black Diamond engineers managed to reduce the volume of the helmet even more. This not only improves the look, but also the performance: when climbing on the slab, you have to lean heavily on the wall. In tricky balance passages, it is crucial that the helmet does not interfere at head level. The same applies when climbing in off-width cracks or chimneys.
If you want to see the sport of tomorrow, you don't need a crystal ball - you need innovative products. With futuristic approaches, these seven ISPO Award winners are completely rethinking movement and customer experience. Training and competition, outdoor trips and online shopping feel like a journey through time.
The Polymat Pro by Reichmann introduces a modern, precise melting process for automated ski and snowboard repair, improving efficiency and eco-footprint.
With the new Reichmann Polymat Pro, automatic base repair for skis and snowboards is more efficient and environmentally friendly than ever. It only repairs what really needs to be repaired. With this machine, Reichmann introduces a modern, precise melting process that targets damage on skis or snowboards exactly where it occurs, creating less smoke, harmful fumes, and odors in its wake. "It was important for us to develop a machine that solves the current problems in the service workshop when dealing with base repairs", explains Frederik Klingenstein, Sales Manager International at Reichmann. "There were quite a few of these, such as high energy and material consumption, strong odours, poor durability of the material and a large amount of time required. With our new technology, we have succeeded in solving all these problems at once. We are thus making an important contribution to even greater efficiency, sustainability and service quality in the ski workshop."
Testing has shown that this pinpoint repair method also significantly improves the durability of the repair material. You don’t impair the riding characteristics or the wax absorption of the base. As the entire base surface isn’t covered with base material during melting, no time-consuming regrinding of the ski or snowboard is necessary. This saves you a lot of time and material during the subsequent belt or stone grinding and makes the tuning process quicker overall.
Still, the new method ensures exceptionally high-quality and even results. With the help of state-of-the-art camera technology, scratches or damage in the base can be precisely detected and locally filled. The implemented camera works with a laser, that exactly recognizes the depth, width, and height of holes and scratches in the ski or board base. This way, the machine can directly fill them with repair material and there is no need to cover the whole base. This means lower material and energy consumption, time savings, and hardly any harmful fumes in the service workshop.
The upright machine design reduces the footprint of the machine. This way, it fits also into small service workshops with reduced floor space. An intuitive user interface allows you to control the repair process effortlessly. In case you need support, the software also offers remote maintenance access. Overall, the ISPO Award jury really saw the benefit in this new technology.
But not only the ISPO Award jury made up from industry experts and consumers could be convinced. "We presented the new machine to trade visitors for the first time at in-house events in October. We are delighted that so many visitors from different regions and countries traveled to Weißenhorn for our premiere«, says Stefan Reichmann, Managing Director of Reichmann & Sohn GmbH. He goes on to describe the added value of the new product: »In our eyes, this confirms that there is a high demand on the market for innovative solutions for professional ski servicing.«
But not only from a quality perspective but also from an employer one in retail or rental shops, the new machine can be very interesting. Stefan Reichmann explains the benefits of the Polymat Pro: »An important issue for our customers is employee retention. The harmful fumes, time-consuming work and often poor durability of the repair material currently make base repair a very unpopular task in the service workshop. With the POLYMAT PRO, base repair becomes an automated process that takes the strain off staff and generates hardly any fumes,«
What can the Ternua Rotor Pt do? Amos knows. Because he has tested it for the Italian sports magazine Mountainreview.it for the Italian sports magazine Mountainreview.it. ISPO.com readers can now benefit from this as well: We are publishing Mountainreview's tests, which were previously only available in Italian, in German, English, French, and Spanish.
Mountainreview.it - these are real practical tests by ambitious (hobby) athletes who spend every free minute in the mountains. The tests are hands-on and relentlessly honest, by mountain enthusiasts for mountain enthusiasts. The "Consumer Experts" run, hike, ski or climb and test current equipment for its suitability for the outdoor lifestyle.
All tests are completely independent and reflect the personal opinion of the testers. We include tests of products that have performed well or very well and are also of particular interest to our readers from the perspective of the ISPO.com editorial team.
The pants are part of the trekking series Rotor of the Spanish company Ternua and are designed as extremely lightweight hiking pants suitable for all outdoor activities. Made from recycled materials from fishing nets, it fits perfectly to the body, maintaining its original shape and guaranteeing extreme freedom of movement.
The Ternua Rotor Pt is a versatile technical pant made from recycled materials that is suitable for all outdoor activities. The high level of lightness and ergonomics combined with the water-repellent treatment and high abrasion resistance make them particularly suitable for trekking tours and hikes that involve even some scrambling.
85% bioelastic polyamide, 15% elastane, Bluesign certified fabric
Technology:Quick-drying shellstretch
Adjustable waist with double velcro strap
4 zippered pockets
PFC-free water repellent treatment (DWR)
The product was tested in April. I wore it on various hikes, including multi-day hikes: from forest walks to treks on mid-mountain trails to long running descents. Elevations ranged from 300 to 1,200 meters and up to maximum elevations of 2,400 meters.
I was also able to use them often in an urban setting. They were tested in spring-like temperatures and changeable weather, where I experienced snowy sections and even light rain.
The first thing you notice about the trousers is their pleasant lightness. At first glance, the 305 grams of the product suggest that the trousers are not very durable and too thin, but after wearing them, I changed my mind.
I immediately appreciated the quality of the material and its sustainable origin, which is well explained on the label. I was impressed by the adjustable leg cuffs and the double waist adjustment.
The color and the clear design together with the good workmanship convinced me from the beginning, even as urban wear.
The Ternua Rotor Pt pants do not have an elastic waist adjustment system, but are equipped with a double Velcro closure on the side. While this system offers a limited adjustment range, it also allows for faster and more direct handling.
If you still want to tighten the waist, there are also six classic fabric loops for inserting a belt.
A high level of comfort is noticeable from the first time you wear it. The soft fabric and its elasticity provide plenty of freedom of movement, even when running. The ergonomic slim-fit design of the Ternua Rotor Pt, together with the shellstretch fabric, ensures that the pants adapt to the body and always retain their shape.
The Ternua Rotor Pt has a total of four pockets, all with a precise and well-designed zipper.
The front pockets and the pockets above the knee are placed frontally, and although I usually prefer them more to the side, I found them functional and with the right capacity. In the same cut, the back pocket is positioned on the right buttock.
Despite the extremely mild temperatures and intense activity, the Ternua Rotor Pt always gave me a cool feeling without making me sweat.
On a colder hike with moderate wind on the ridge, I could see how the pants sufficiently protected against the (slight) cold when in motion. When standing, however, the lower temperatures made themselves felt. For this reason, I recommend them as clothing for mild / warm climates.
I was also able to test the Ternua Rotor Pt in light rain and on slopes still covered in snow. In both cases, the water drops slid off the water-repellent treated fabric and I stayed dry.
A notable feature is the ability to adjust the leg cuffs with an elastic band. When pulled over the waistband of the boots, the pants act as a gaiter, perfect for small snow fields, also because of the quick-drying effect.
As I said, although the Ternua Rotor Pt seems too thin at first glance, in practice it is very abrasion resistant. On my trips I often encountered more technical sections with rocky bumps and tricky passages, rocks and dense pine trees. The trousers have always held up well without showing any signs of wear.
The only downside is the lack of reinforcement on the knees and especially the buttocks. During lunch breaks, when I was sitting on dry, grassy slopes, I had to pull another piece of clothing under me to avoid feeling the prickly grass.
Ternua's commitment to the sustainability of this and other products deserves mention. As already mentioned, the Spanish company supports a recycling project in which discarded fishing nets are collected and turned into sustainable garments. In addition, the fabric is Bluesign-certified, which stands for sustainable production and compliance with fair working conditions. The water-repellent treatment is also sustainable and free of fluorine substances.
I am 1.83 cm tall and 75 kg and have tested the pants as usual in size L. Since I have a fairly narrow waist, I used the Velcro closures to optimize the fit. By pulling them as tight as possible, I did not need to add a belt.
I recommend the Ternua Rotor Pt to anyone looking for a comfortable and versatile pant for all outdoor activities. I recommend them especially for trekking, hiking and walking as well as for everyday activities.
Their light weight, water repellent properties and ergonomics make them ideal for long hikes in mild to warm weather.
Finally, I recommend the pants to those who care about the environment and the sustainable ethics of outdoor materials.
Yes, we love products that are specialized for male or female anatomy. But how great are products that are optimal for absolutely all sports freaks. Pay attention: Here come things for truly EVERYONE. Because these 9 ISPO Award winners are completely gender neutral.