The marketing buzz is "more than just a foam helmet with a hard shell." Which is a little strange, because upon examination that’s exactly what it appears to be. But as the kids say these days, whatevs.
I find it hard to get excited about a helmet, although I’ll give the highest praise I can think of to the Elios: I don’t notice it at all when I’m wearing it. Petzl knows what they’re doing with climbing gear, and there are many thoughtful touches on this helmet: one-hand adjustment of the headband, great ventilation and lightweight at about 13oz.
It’s also available in youth sizing, and with a face shield for use in ice climbing and, presumably, riot control applications.