In reply to Rob Greenwood - UKClimbing:
Yep, and shows the value of having a good shop near where you live or at least near where you climb regularly! When I was looking for a new light helmet last summer, I wanted to try the light Edelrid one as well - I've still got an Edelrid Shield from a UKC review about a 11 or 12 years ago, and that fits my head. But unfortunately couldn't find anywhere in the Peak or Sheffield area that was stocking them.
I'm sure there are some heads that fit both BD and Petzl helmets OK, likewise I've got both some Scarpa shoes and some Sportiva ones that fit my feet well, but I've also tried different models of both that didn't. I haven't even tried Boreal shoes in recent years though, as for decades previously whenever I tried a pair the fit was hopeless on me!
Again, not trying to plug Outside specifically (other great climbing shops are available - in places other than Hathersage!) but rock shoes and helmets are both pretty hard to buy without being able to try them on first.