Review on PETZL A020BA00 Strato Hi Viz White by Richard Nonya

I bought the Vertex Vent before I bought the Strato Vent. The Vertex uses a traditional helmet construction where the plastic shell basically hangs from the straps with an air gap in between, while the Strato has a foam liner between the head and the outer shell. The Strato is only slightly lighter and has slightly smaller external dimensions. It feels more comfortable than the Vertex when fully loaded (Vizir, Vizir Shield, Nao+ headlamp), partly because the center of gravity is closer to the head so the eyeshield doesn't shift as much as you move. The Strato Vent's foam layer can be hotter in warm weather than the Vertex Vent, although I've only used the Strato in cold weather I can't personally attest to this. I figured out how to adapt the Nao headlight to the Strato. when using eye protection (same method should work on Vertex). The shield covers the headlight lugs, but the headlight stays in place when the headlight wires are attached to the taillight lugs and the lower elastic wire is routed under the EasyClip round eyeguard mount. Ultimately, the Petzl Vizir profile is a feature that made me prefer the Vertex/Strato to the Kask Zenith or Plasma. I often work nights and prefer to put my glasses on when I don't need them. The Vizir protective cover keeps the headlamp in place when the eye shield is up and prevents sawdust, snow or rain from getting on the lens when it is up. A few things to keep in mind. Installing the protective case on the Vizir, and even the Vizir itself, can be a little nerve wracking as it looks like you're about to break something if you remove the EasyClip mounting covers and snap the protective case onto the hinge. Also, it was initially difficult to fold the Vizier back once it was flipped up unless I used both hands, one on each side flap. After a few days of use, I can now raise and lower the shield with one hand. Maybe it just needs a little time to break in, or maybe I didn't squeeze it right the first time.