Vertx and similar helmets are intended for climbing and rescue work where a bill or visor would hang up on stuff. Could be a good choice if that is what you do.
Full brim helmets are used in the PNW due to the constant rain.
Front bill helmets (like STIHL, Husqvarna, Peltor, etc.) fit in between.
Not sure why yours are breaking, but they do have a life. $25 ($50 helmet/2 years) a year might not be a bad fee to pay if you use yours full time and have not been hurt. They all can break over time. Some people in the safety industry suggest replacing normal hardhats after about 5 years of regular use, even if no visible signs of damage are observed.
Are they breaking in storage (getting beat around in the back of a truck or trailer) or in use?
On most of the name brand helmet systems you can get replacement parts if only one piece breaks (visor, suspension, ear muff, etc.) and you don't want to replace the whole thing. If you have a couple of helmets that are the same brand, you can share/cannibalize parts.
MSA also sells a component system that is available from Grainger (
http://www.msanorthamerica.com/catalog/product503459.html). This is more of an 'industrial grade', but might be slightly heavier.
If you are looking at a Petzl system you are not afraid of spending the money on a good product. Make sure that you get something comfortable and that you like wearing.
Philbert
