Comfort
The Speed 2.0 is the latest update of C.A.M.P.’s popular Speed helmet. When the original Speed helmet came out it was the lightest helmet on the market but the new 2.0 version has changes that affect its comfort and other features. The Speed 2.0 wasn’t as popular with testers for comfort compared to other helmets tested even with really nice padding all around the brim and on the top. While a far cry from the heavy brain buckets of old, the Speed 2.0 felt bulky and awkward and sat high on the heads of testers. Testers really liked the wide straps and padded chin strap.
Ventilation
With a whopping 22 ventilation holes spread on the sides and rear of the helmet, it’s no surprise the Speed 2.0 is popular with ski mountaineers and ski-mo racers for uphilling. 22 vent holes sound like a lot but many of them are small and compared to other helmets tested the Speed 2.0 had pretty average ventilation, which is to stay it’s not a sauna but it also leaves something to be desired.
Ease of Adjustment
The Speed 2.0 has a large, ratcheting dial in the back of the helmet that is super easy to use, even with bulky ice climbing or ski gloves on. The chin strap is difficult to adjust for two reasons: The padding on the chin strap, while comfortable, has to be removed to properly adjust the chin strap and this becomes a hassle, particularly if you are ice climbing and changing layers on your head. The second reason is that there are two wide pieces of webbing that have to be adjusted in the chin strap.
Features
Four small, light clips are used to secure a headlamp. The clips are low profile and effective once a lamp is in place although they are not as easy to use as those found on helmets like the Beal Atlantis or Singing Rock Penta. The Speed 2.0 comes with inserts in the front of the helmet that will take a visor, a feature popular with some ice climbers and ski-mo racers.
Versatility
The Speed 2.0 was one of the most versatile helmets tested as proved popular amongst climbers, ski mountaineers and ski-mo racers. For the skiing crowd, the Speed 2.0 isn’t certified for downhill ski use but is sanctioned by the International Ski Mountaineering Federation for ski-mo races. The ability to attach a visor is not only attractive to skiers but also to some ice climbers to deflect flying ice. The easy-to-use rear adjustment dial is a huge boon for ice climbers laden with bulky gloves. Rock climbers, and trad climbers in particular, should appreciate the improved durability of the Speed 2.0, one of the most positive changes from the initial version. The new version has a plastic shell that more thoroughly covers the foam and in our tests it proved to hold up well to the wear and tear of climbing.
Weight
At 9.5 ounces, the Speed 2.0 is, surprisingly, on the heavier end of helmets tested. When the original version of the Speed came out it was the lightest helmet on the market. While it no longer can lay stake to that claim, it is still remarkably light and is about 7 ounces lighter than a traditional plastic helmet like the Petzl Ecrin Roc. There are tradeoffs from most things and in this case, the added weight is because of the extra shell material added, increasing its durability.
THE VERDICT
The C.A.M.P. Speed 2.0 is a versatile molded foam helmet that works well for ice and trad climbing as well as ski mountaineering. A large dial provides for easy adjustment, even with bulky gloves on. Climbers who are rough on their gear will appreciate the improved durability though it comes at the cost of being a bit heavier.
