When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn More.
Not all hard hats are created equal. They aren’t even all designed for the same purpose. And that’s something to consider when choosing the headgear that will protect your skull from jobsite hazards.
In this report, we show eight hard hats that caught our eyes.
But first, here are some things to consider when choosing a hard hat:
- Safety rating: Any hard hat should meet the applicable ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard and OSHA requirements, and wearers should consider if they need Type 1 (top impact) or Type 2 (top and lateral impact) protection.
- Electrical protection: Some wearers may need insulated electrical protection (Class G or Class E), which will mean no ventilation.
- Suspension system: A variety of suspension systems exist for varying degrees of adjustment, sweat management and padding.
- Chin strap: For those working at height or bending over a lot, it may be worth looking at a hard hat with a chin strap or other retention system.
- Accessory use: Several hard hats below offer both proprietary and universal accessory attachment points, for add-ons like sun shields, fans and headlamps.
- Ventilation: Some hard hats offer no ventilation in favor of improved protection, but for the contractor in warmer climates or consistently hotter jobsites, extra vents may be the way to go.
- Material: Hard hats come in a variety of materials, including high-density polyethylene, carbon fiber, ABS and fiberglass.
- Color and Style: While it is definitely the least important factor on this list, it can’t hurt to choose a hard hat that, after all the necessary factors are checked, looks cool. Who wouldn’t want to hear, “Hey, sick hardhat!” when they show up to work in the morning? There’s nothing wrong with being a little fashionable once in a while.
Whether your current hard hat is wearing out, or you’re just looking to change things up, here are some options to consider when picking out a new one:
Klein
Klein Tools 60347 Hard Hat, Vented Full Brim, Class C, Premium KARBN Pattern
This Class C, Type 1 hard hat comes in the classic full brim style and with a hydro-dipped polymer film KARBN pattern. Operators get accessory slots in the front and back for headlamps and adjustable vents to control air circulation.
Inside, the suspension system offers a sweatband and comfort pad for the top of the head, as well as evaporative technology lining that allows the wearer several hours of cooler use.
Price: $99.98
Lift
Lift Safety Orange DAX Fifty 50 Carbon Fiber Full Brim
This carbon fiber reinforced resin shell hard hat from Lift comes in a bright orange that will stand out more on the jobsite for visibility. A lightweight design, moisture-wicking liner and six-point suspension system are among its features.
Powered byLift advertised the DAX Fifty as withstanding radiant heat loads up to 350 degrees and offering strong protection from falling objects and debris, thanks in part to a molded EVA form insert for shock absorption.
Cost: $169.47
Jackson Safety
Jackson Safety White Charger Ratchet Cap 4 PT
Designed for industrial and construction environments, this HDPE shell hard hat from Jackson Safety brings to the table a four-point suspension system and padded foam insert.
A contoured dome and short bill boost upward visibility and reduce glare. This hard hat also comes with universal accessory slots for face shields, welding gear and hearing protection.
Cost: $128.24
JB Tools
General Electric Full Brim Hard Hat Non-Vented
This carbon fiber hard hat offers a lightweight experience and high impact protection. General Electric markets this model as a non-vented unit for jobsites where ventilation is not needed but focused protection is.
The hard hat meets ANSI ISEAZ89.1-2014 standards.
Price: $23.36 - $41.39
Milwaukee
Milwaukee White Full Brim Vented Type 1 Class C Hard Hat w/ 4pt Ratcheting Suspension 48-73-1201
This Type 1, Class C hard hat offers vents and a quick-adjust ratcheting suspension. Operators can attach up to four Bolt accessories, plus two others in the universal accessory slots.
Other features include a large sun blocking brim and a moisture-wicking sweatband. This hard hat is ANSI/CSA approved and can be customized by contractors with a logo.
Price: $19.97
Examples of Bolt accessories for Milwaukee hard hats include:
- Redlithium USB cooling fan – Price $134.99
- A sunshade – Price: $27.97
- A cooling skull cap – Price: $13.97
Kask
Kask America Zenith X2 Full Brim Safety Helmet Anthracite
This hard hat from Kask features a polypropylene HD shell and adaptive brim technology to deliver a flexible full-brim design for better balance, stability and sun protection while remaining compatible with hearing protection systems, the company says.
"D-Core" technology and HD crown protection help protect from impact, according to Kask. Wearers will also have an adaptive fit system, Dry+ moisture-wicking padding, front accessory slots and replacement lamp clips.
Price: $149.95
Studson
The SHK-1 from Studson offers both Type 1 and Type 2 compliance options and Koroyd impact absorption through welded tubes that crumple on impact to absorb force, the company says. Improved safety can be found with the Twiceme NFC in-hat emergency data storage and Fidlock magnetic chin trip capabilities.
The chin strap can be fastened and opened by one hand, even while using gloves, and distributes load evenly on the head thanks to its four anchor points, according to Studson.
Price: $140.00
Kevy
To finish the roundup, the most expensive option on our list. The Hard Hat from Kevy is made from Kevlar and carbon fiber to save weight. The hard hat’s Comfort System brings antimicrobial moisture-wicking pads, and a quick-attach magnetic fidlock suspension system can be worn on or under the chin and open and closed one-handed with gloves.
This hard hat also features a mil-spec shroud compatible with a variety of accessories and Magpul helmet accessory rails.
Price: $329.00
