Top 5 Best Hard Hat Reviews (2021)

We have your list of the best hard hat reviews right here. From manufacturing to engineering and job sites to factories, the hard hat is an essential piece of personal protective equipment.

There are many applications where a hard hat comes in handy and can mean the difference between a nasty head injury and a minor accident.

With so many brands offering hard hats, how do you know which one offers you the best protection?

We looked at the top models to find the best hard hat to protect you this year.

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The Top 5 Best Hard Hats Reviewed

We’re going to take a look at the 5 best hard hats on the market below.

The aim of these reviews is to give you the knowledge you need to make a wise choice when it comes time to purchase a new hard hat.

 

#1: Pyramex Ridgeline Cap Style Hard Hat

This is our pick for the best hard hat in the market. The Pyramex Ridgeline features design and construction with ABS plastic. The low profile of the hat also provides better balance during use.

Make your adjustments to the fit with the 4-point suspension system 

The user-friendly knob allows easy adjustment of the hard hat from 6 ½ to 8 inches. The hat provides a comfortable fit, thanks to its rear suspension and replaceable padded sweatband.

You also get the choice of customizable options, such as color, venting, color, and the style of suspension. The Pyramex Ridgeline hard hat is a great all-rounder, and there are options available in Class E, C, or G.

Pros

• Affordable

• All-day comfort for extended wear

• Universal slots for accessories

• Available in Class G, C, or E models

Cons

• Feels like a cheap hard hat

#2: Honeywell Fiber-Metal P2 Hard Hat

This hard hat features design and construction with injection-molded fiberglass. As a result, you get a hard hat with improved heat resistance and excellent impact protection. 

The patented SuperEight ratchet suspension system and absorbent terry cloth sweatband, make this hard hat ideal for extended use in even the warmest working environments. 

You get a matte finish to the hard hat that durable, long-lasting, and scratch-resistant. Honeywell offers this model in nine colors to suit any job site.

One of the best features of this hard hat is that it’s compatible with leading accessories from brands like Speedy Loop and Quick-Lok.

There are various editions of this model available to suit a variety of working conditions. It’s an ideal hard hat for everyday use, even if the price tag id a bit steep. There are also class C models of this hard hat available, as well.

Pros

• Comfort for extended wear

• Universal compatibility with accessories

• Durable coating and protective finish

• Available in different configurations

Cons

•  No option for a Class E hard hat

#3: ACERPAL Full Brim Hard Hat

If you’re looking for the best protection a hard hat can provide, then look no further than the ACERPAL full-brim hard hat. This model features a full brim design, providing the wearer with additional protection from job site hazards.

This hard hat features a lightweight design and manufacture, with ABS and carbon fiber blended materials for superior strength. The 4-point suspension system features removable brow-pads for enhanced comfort during extended wear. 

This hard hat meets almost all safety regulations and standards, making it the ideal choice for job sites that demand the most stringent safety requirements from workers. 

This model also comes in Class E, C, and G certification, meeting all ANSI, CAN/CSA safety regulations.

Pros

• Meets all safety guidelines

• 3-year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons

• Other models are more comfortable

#3: MSA V-Gard Hard Hat

Featuring generous padding and the MSA Fas-Track four-point suspension system, this hard hat is all about user comfort and protection. With design and manufacture from polyethylene, the lightweight feel of this hard hat provides superior user comfort. 

This model meets Class C and E, safety requirements, making it a great all-rounder for a variety of job sites. With ANSI Z89.1-2014 and CSA Z94.1-2015 certification, you can rest assured the design of this hard hat meets your safety needs.

The MSA is available in a variety of different colors, which is impressive considering the low sticker price of this hard hat. 

Pros

• Meets Class E and C safety requirements

• Available in customizable options

• Comfortable for extended use

Cons

•  Only accepts V-Gard accessories

#5: RK Safety RK-HP44 Full Brim Hard Hat

RK is a well-known manufacturer of top-quality personal protective and safety equipment. If you’re looking for a full-brim hard hat, then this is the premium model you need for your job site. 

Featuring design and construction with durable, high-density polyethylene, it’s one of the only full-brim models that offer vents, while still meeting Class C, E, and G safety requirements. The 4-point suspension system provides excellent comfort for extended wear, and the removable and replaceable headband, suspension, and brow pads add to the comfort of this hard hat.

You can replace the 4-point suspension system with a 6-point option for added impact resistance and protection. 

The standard option of the hard hat comes in a variety of colors, with customizable options if you’re willing to spend a few bucks more for your hard hat.

Pros

• Vented and meets Class E requirements 

• Replaceable and removable suspension

Cons

•  Flimsy 4-point suspension requires upgrading to a 6-point system

 

Hard Hat Buyers Guide

When purchasing your new hard hat, pay attention to the following factors when making your decision on the best hard hat for you.

What Are the Types of Hard Hats?

The International Safety Equipment Association classifies hard hats into two categories; Type I and Type II.

The type I hard hat protects the user from impact to the top of the head, which is the number-one hazard affecting employees and managers in the workplace.

The type II hard hat provides the user with protection to the top and sides of the head. Type II hard hats have more safety features than type I hard hats, but many of them only suit specific applications.

The working conditions will determine the type of hard hat required by employees or contractors in the workplace environment.

What Are the Classes of Hard Hats?

There are also three classes of hard hats available. When choosing the best hard hat for your purposes, take this information to mind before you make your purchase.

Class E – These hard hats provide the user with protection from high-voltage conductors, as well as providing the user with impact protection. Class E hard hats offer the user dielectric protection of up to 20,000-volts.

Class G – These are your standard hard hats, providing the user with impact protection, as well as dielectric protection up to 2,200 volts.

Class C – These are the most common hard hats found on job sites throughout the world. They offer user impact protection, but no dielectric protection.

Suspension in Hard Hats – Why it Matters

One of the most critical components of selecting the best hard hat is the suspension. The suspension plays a significant role in absorbing an impact to the head, and it also helps the hard hat sits comfortably on the head of the wearer.

You have two different suspension systems to choose from when purchasing your hard hat.

Ratchet suspension – These models require the use of a ratchet at the back of the hat to adjust the headband of the hard hat.

Pin-lock suspension – These models feature pins and holes in the headband, allowing the user to adjust the headband to a comfortable fit.

Most hard hats come with pin-lock systems, and they are usually the comfier choice.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Your Hard Hat

After covering the type and class of hard hats available, it’s time to look at the other important factors you need to know when selecting the best hard hat.

Brim Styling

You’ll find hard hats with a variety of bris styles available. From hard hats with a peak, to a full brim that looks like a safari helmet. Full-brim versions provide the best protection, but they don’t have the same level of user comfort as other peak styles.

Venting

Many models come with venting to improve airflow around the head and hair. If you’re working outdoors in the summer, then venting is a critical feature.

Keep in mind that some vented hard hats won’t meet specific safety regulations set for a Class E certification. Therefore, you’ll have to evaluate your options to ensure they meet the safety criteria of your working environment.

Materials

The material used in the design and construction of the hard hat also makes a significant difference in its strength and impact resistance.

Popular hard hat materials include high-density polyethylene, polycarbonate, and fiberglass. Due to its impact resistance and heat resistance, fiberglass is becoming a popular option with contractors.

However, fiberglass is also the most expensive material for manufacturing hard hats, so you can expect to see that fact reflect in the price tag.

Accessory Slot

Most hard hats come with accessory slots. While many of them offer universal compatibility with accessories, some manufacturers only allow you to use their accessories with your hard hat.

Buying The Best Hard Hat – Conclusion

Winner of the Review for the Best Hard Hat – Pyramex Ridgeline Cap Style Hard Hat.

The Pyramex Ridgeline wins our review of the best hard hat for your next job site. This model blends impressive safety features with a lightweight design and a comfortable fit. The price point is affordable, making it the best hard hat for large or small job sites.

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