We all know that the best tool for prevention against possible head injuries in a construction site is a hard hat.
Type I hard hats protect only the upper part of the head and are most commonly used in work sites. Type II hats, on the other hand, provide maximum protection as they cover the sides of the head as well. You’ll see hats of both the types listed down below.
A hard hat is a must-have personal protective equipment for those of you who work in a construction site. Why? Because there are lots of ways you can get injured – flying objects, debris, collision impact, and other hazards.
Keeping all that in mind, you should go through this list of 15 best hard hats.
Best Hard Hats
So, whether you’re a construction worker or a DIY enthusiast, here’s the list of the 13 best hard hats to keep you safe on the job.
1. Evolution Deluxe 6161 Hard Hat – Best for Comfort and Ventilation
It is essential to check proper ventilation when buying a hard hat and that’s exactly what the Evolution Deluxe Full-Brim hat brings to the table.
Apart from featuring excellent ventilation, the hat is also very reliable in that it is made of High-Density Polyethylene, a material built to withstand extreme force.
- Vented to reduce inside helmet temperatures
- Meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009, Type I, Class C...
Experience
We have to state the most important feature of this hard hat, and that is the ventilation.
We’ve had many experiences with other hats that fail to provide good ventilation, resulting in the need to take them off constantly when sweating, either for a breather or a scratching. But when it comes to this one, we can actually put it on for several hours of work without having the need to take it off as it provides the most comfortable ventilation.
Also, the hat has been with us for months and has not suffered severe damage. All that’s visible are some minor scratches. This right here proves to be the reason why the hat is very reliable when working on risky construction sites.
Some users, however, have complained that the straps are prone to breaking after long use because of their poor quality. But apart from that, we can say that this hat delivers great performance in protection and ventilation for a very low cost.
- Great ventilation
- Provides top-notch comfort during prolonged use
- Highly durable design
- Polyethylene structure
- Straps prone to break after prolonged use
2. Amston Safety Hard Hat – Best Affordable and Versatile Option
When it comes to affordable hard hats that offer several additional features, the Amston Safety Hard Hat is the best.
It provides decent ventilation to help your head stay cool along with a visor to help protect your eyes from debris and sunlight. Not only that but the hat also has a customer satisfaction guarantee.
Experience
A highly affordable hard hat that comes with extra features is difficult to find which is why today, we are happy to include the Amston Safety Hard Hat on this list.
First of all, the hat provides good, if not the best, ventilation which is enough to keep us going smoothly the whole day. And if that wasn’t enough, it also features a visor to ensure our eyes remain protected from small particles or debris, as well as from the harsh sun rays.
Along with these excellent features, the manufacturers made sure it has a customer satisfaction guarantee. So, you can return it and have the full amount returned if you’re not satisfied with it.
And finally, the hat comes at a very cheap price, making it affordable for one and all.
While everything seems perfect with this hat, there is only one flaw. And that is the inferior quality of its chin straps, which are made from plastic and can break after prolonged use.
- Affordable price
- Thoughtful inclusion of a visor
- Offers excellent ventilation
- Customer satisfaction guarantee with full refund
- Inferior quality of chin straps
3. Honeywell Fibre-metal Hard Hat – Best for Maximum Safety
The Honeywell Fibre-Metal Hard Hat includes an eight-point suspension structure to ensure total safety while working in dangerous work sites that are prone to accidents.
The material used for making the hat is high-quality resin or polyethylene which adds to the level of safety it provides.
- Proprietary injection-molded fiberglass compound...
- Solid-color resin provides a permanent, no-chip,...
Experience
The eight-point suspension structure is a remarkable feature when it comes to ensuring safety. Pairing that with a reliable resin material results in feeling secure and protected from any sort of accident.
The hat is also quite lightweight which means it does not add pressure on the head even when working for a long period of time. Combine this with its good ventilation, and you get a hard hat that is exceptionally comfortable and facilitates proper air circulation.
We also found this hat to be super robust as it does not get damaged easily. In fact, it didn’t even develop scratches for that matter – all thanks to its polyethylene built once again.
The hat, however, comes only in one size, which might be a downside for people who want specific size options.
- Eight-point suspension system
- Polyethylene material ensures optimal safety
- Lightweight design
- Comes only in one size
4. Supereight Thermoplastic Hard Hat – Best Impact Energy Control
The Supereight Thermoplastic Hard Hat offers an exclusive feature which is the Impact Energy Control System. This means that during an impact, the hat is able to scatter the force to all of its sides so as to reduce pressure.
It also provides a swing strap, which you can use to adjust the fitting for comfortable wear.
- Multiple position adjustable headband
- Technically advanced eight point impact energy...
Experience
This hard hat is proof that you need not put in a lot of money to get the best protection. There is a high probability of accidents in construction sites but thanks to the Impact Energy Control System, we can be sure that there is a reduced probability of serious injuries.
As we mentioned, the hat also has a swing strap. This strap can be adjusted until we find the perfect fitting position for the head. However, it does not provide proper adjustments for the height.
It is undoubtedly one of the safest hard hats you will find on this list.
- Impact Energy Control System prevents serious damages or injuries
- Comes with a swing-strap to adjust and get the right size
- Cannot be adjusted for height
5. 3M Hard Hat – Best Budget-Friendly with Ventilation
Here is a hard hat that not only offers a good bargain but plenty of color choices as well.
The hat is a product from a trusted brand which means you can count on it if you’re looking for high-quality options. On top of that, it provides good ventilation and a four-point ratchet-style suspension which assures amazing adjustment and strapping.
- REDUCES PRESSURE POINTS: 3M’s unique,...
- ADJUSTABLE COMFORT: Featuring a four-point ratchet...
Experience
Sweating is inevitable, hence, we do need a hat like this one because it has excellent ventilation that assures good circulation of air. But the feature that surpasses all others is its cost-effectiveness as we can buy this hat without worrying about the price.
With an attractive price and great ventilation, we also find that the hat’s brim is short and that helps with proper visibility. The soft brow pad provides both comfort and support even on a hectic workday.
The instructions for assembling the parts are not clear to a lot of users so we can say this is one downside of this hat.
We can trust this hat not only because it’s from a renowned company, but also due to the fact that it passed many tests before getting approved for commercial release.
- Excellent ventilation
- Passed several quality tests
- Affordable price
- Comfortable brow pad
- Assembling instructions are not completely clear
6. Lift Safety Hdf-15ng Dax Hard Hat
The composition of materials used to make this hat is quite different from the rest on this list. It is made from a resin shell mixed with fiber, hence, producing a very strong hat.
It features a six-point suspension structure and a ratchet knob which are worth mentioning. The hat also comes with a foam that absorbs moisture.
- Fiber reinforced resin shell for superior impact...
- Brim grip, exclusive design provides a secure feel
Experience
The ratchet-style knob comes in very handy when customizing the right size to fit the head. It helps to assist and make the process easier and effortless.
We also found the six-point suspension structure to be quite reassuring for our safety while providing top-notch comfort at the same time.
It comes in different colors to make sure we get the one that suits our preferences but what’s more useful is the foam that helps absorb sweat, especially during tedious work.
Compared to other hard hats on this list, we found that this is a little heavier than most of them. This may not be ideal for people who are working for very long hours.
- Six-point suspension system
- Moisture-absorbing sponge
- Affordable price
- Highly durable and adjustable design
- Available in several colors
- A tad bit heavy
7. Bullard 62dgr Standard Series Hard Hat
Now, the next recommendation is a hard hat with some style. Besides the looks, the Bullard 62DGR Standard Series Hard Hat is also quite versatile in that it has a supporting pillow that can be removed when needed.
The hat also features a four-point Flex Guard suspension system and offers great ventilation.
- 4-point suspension
- Pillowed cotton, poly, or vinyl brow pads
Experience
We love the looks of this hat – it’s simple, yet stylish. It comes in many colors so that we can choose the one that best suits our tastes and preferences.
The hat has an average ventilation shell which ensures excellent ventilation. On days when we have to work in the hot sun, this feature proves to be a blessing in disguise! Sweat, too, is reduced as there is proper air circulation in the upper head area.
We also have to mention how lightweight this hat is. Among many others on the list, this falls within the lightest. Besides, it also has a soft pad that provides both support and comfort while working.
Some users, however, have mentioned that the instructions for assembling are not clear or helpful for that matter, apart from this, the hat is totally reliable since it is constructed with high-density polyethylene.
- 4-point Flex Guard
- Looks much better than most hard hats
- Provides excellent ventilation
- Lightweight design
- Thoughtful inclusion of a soft pad
- Ambiguous assembly instructions
8. Pyramex Full Brim Ratchet Suspension Hard Hat
Similar to the product above, this hard hat is also constructed from high-density polyethylene which assures durability and reliability.
The hat features a round and full brim for protection purposes, a common ratchet-style suspension system, and a removable soft brow pad.
- Lightweight shell constructed from High Density...
- Ratchet suspension is easy to adjust and allows...
Experience
Like all the other recommendations on this list, the Pyramex Full Brim Ratchet Suspension Hard Hat has gone through all necessary tests before getting approved. Pairing that with the fact that it’s made of polyethylene, you can rest assured that this hat will provide full protection.
Speaking of which, the hat also features a full brim all around which we find very helpful as it provides protection from rain, sun, and even small debris.
Finally, we like that a solid hat such as this one comes at a very attractive price so that anyone can afford it. However, coming at a very cheap price has its own disadvantages because this hat has poor internal webbing, as some users have observed.
- Full, all-round brim for total protection
- Affordable price
- Passed all the standard quality tests
- Made from polyethylene
- Internal webbing is of inferior quality
9. Safety Works 10006318 Full Brim Hard Hat
Here is a hard hat that comes with complete security and comfort. As the name suggests, the Safety Works hard hat features a full brim that is very short, making it ideal to wear in large and high constructions.
Also, the hat is quite lightweight and has a balanced design which means the wearer will not face any sort of discomfort.
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Experience
The size of the brim may not appear to be highly significant but in reality, it is. In the case of this hat, that problem is eliminated. Its brim is quite short which means it won’t be an obstacle for visibility.
We have found hats whose brims are too long, which leads to the problem of having to remove them or tilt them upwards every now and then. This is not an ideal situation on the work site as we might be carrying plenty of things, so removing a hat quite often is not convenient.
One setback that some users have found with this hat is that the headband can be too high for them.
- Full, all-round brim for total protection
- Short brim eliminates visibility problems
- Lightweight design
- Headband may be too high for some people
10. Pyramex Safety Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat
The Pyramex Safety Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat guarantees durability and protection to a great extent. The reason behind its toughness lies in the composition of the material used to build the hat, that is the ABS thermoplastic resin.
Also, its weight is incomparably lightweight. These are two of the most important features we look for in a hard hat.
- Constructed from ABS material — Strong, yet...
- Ratchet suspension is easy to adjust and allows...
Experience
This hat is one of the toughest yet lightest on this list. We have not experienced any scratches after months of using it, thanks to its solid build. Wearing this hat also feels as if there’s not the slightest pressure on the head. Ventilation is fantastic and keeps the head cool for several hours.
But one thing that stands out from the rest is that this hard hat provides electrical protection. Since work sites are always prone to danger, having a hat that gives this kind of protection is an added bonus.
If we were to find flaws with this hat, it would be the inner lining which is quite poor for an otherwise reliable and strong hat.
- Lightweight design
- Highly durable build
- Excellent ventilation
- Provides electrical protection
- Poor inner lining and webbing
11. HDPE Hydro-dipped Full Brim Hard Hat
The HPDE Hydro-Dipped Full Brim Hard Hat is another option that features a brim all around for extra protection.
The hat has a suspension system which makes strapping very easy. Also, the quality is similar to that which you find from expensive brands.
- RELIABLE PROTECTION - Keep your head safe and...
- QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST - Our durable and affordable...
Experience
With a full round brim, this hat is able to keep us from getting sunburns. The neck can get sunburned easily after spending days in the sun, which is why this is a good pick if you’re looking for a hard hat with total protection.
We are amazed by the quality of this hat’s material as it can withstand immense force and not show a single sign of damage or crack. The design is also very catchy and unique.
However, the kind of finish used on the hat seems to be very poor. Some users have claimed that it comes off pretty easily along with the peel-away stickers. But we didn’t face that issue with our hat.
- Unique and lightweight design
- Full, all-round brim offers total protection
- Made from highly durable materials
- Poor finishing
12. MSA 458702 Skullgard Protective Hard Hat
The MSA 458702 SkullGard Protective Hard Hat is an excellent choice because it passed all tests before approval.
It has many basic features such as durability and total protection. But above all the necessary features, the hat offers exceptional comfort, thanks to the Staz-On Suspension System which makes it easier to lift and adjust the hat to find the right fit for your head.
- HIGH QUALITY PROTECTION: Intended for general...
- MULTI-PURPOSE CAP STRENGTH: Crafted with a...
Experience
Most of us know that this company is renowned for putting its products through extreme tests before they are approved, and that is the case with this hat as well. You can rest assured that it offers the best protection that you look for in a hard hat.
The hat also lasts and serves its wearer for a long period of time, without fail. Besides that, we love the comfort that comes with the hat’s interior. It only lacks a headgear among other necessary requirements.
The Staz-On Suspension System allows us to have full control over the knobs and strapping. We find it easier with a hat like this because it helps to ensure we can carry on with work pretty smoothly.
- Staz-On Suspension System ensures easy strapping
- Highly durable
- Unparalleled protection
- Comfortable interior
- Does not come with a headgear
13. MSA 10079479 V-gard Hard Hat
Last, on this list, we have the MSA 10079479 V-Guard Hard Hat. This hat is from a globally trusted brand, which is best known for gears and tools.
Like most of the hats featured here today, this one too is made of polyethylene, a very reliable and strong resin.
- Polyethylene shell
- Fas-trac ratchet suspension
Experience
The first and most notable feature of this hat is its unique design. The hat has an American Eagle design, so Patriots will find it to be an excellent pick. For others who have a more conventional and simple taste, it may not be that appealing. Whatever the case may be, it cannot be denied that it is a stylish hat.
MSA is a well-known company for a reason – all their products are made using high-quality materials. So when it comes to hard hats such as this one, we can be sure there is no need to worry about the quality.
Speaking of quality, this hat can withstand extreme force or impact without damaging easily, hence, making it an extremely reliable option.
The suspension system is in the style of a Fas-Trac III ratchet, meaning it becomes easy to take it on and off when needed.
While the suspension gear is easy to operate, it has poor-quality straps.
- Unique and trendy design
- Highly durable
- Fas-Trac III ratchet-style suspension system
- Can withstand extreme force and impact
- Suspension straps are of poor quality
Best Hard Hats Comparison Table
Product | Material | ANSI Rating | Impact Resistance | Electrical Protection | Ventilation | Sweatband | Customizable Shell | Chinstrap Compatible |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Evolution Deluxe 6161 Hard Hat | High-density polyethylene | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Amston Safety Hard Hat | Polyethylene | ANSI Z89.1-2014 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | No | Yes | No | No |
Honeywell Fibre-metal Hard Hat | Fiberglass | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class G | Yes | Class G | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Supereight Thermoplastic Hard Hat | Thermoplastic | ANSI Z89.1-2014 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | No | Yes | No | No |
3M Hard Hat | High-density polyethylene | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lift Safety Hdf-15ng Dax Hard Hat | High-density polyethylene | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bullard 62dgr Standard Series Hard Hat | High-density polyethylene | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | No | Yes | No | No |
Pyramex Full Brim Ratchet Suspension Hard Hat | Polyethylene | ANSI Z89.1-2014 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | No | Yes | No | No |
Safety Works 10006318 Full Brim Hard Hat | High-density polyethylene | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Pyramex Safety Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat | High-density polyethylene | ANSI Z89.1-2014 Type I, Class E | Yes | Class E | No | Yes | No | No |
HDPE Hydro-dipped Full Brim Hard Hat | High-density polyethylene | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class C | Yes | Class C | No | Yes | No | No |
MSA 458702 Skullgard Protective Hard Hat | Fibre-Metal | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class G | Yes | Class G | No | Yes | No | No |
MSA 10079479 V-gard Hard Hat | High-density polyethylene | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type I, Class E | Yes | Class E | No | Yes | No | Yes |
Buying Guide For The Best Hard Hats
A reliable hard hat is an essential piece of personal protection equipment (PPE) for individuals working in industries where head injuries are found, such as construction sites, oil rigs, and manufacturing facilities.
To help you make an informed choice, we have compiled a comprehensive buying guide to assist you in finding the best hard hat suitable to your needs.
1. Safety Standards
When purchasing a hard hat, make sure it meets the safety standards set by relevant organizations, including ANSI (American National Standards Institute), CSA (Canadian Standards Association), and/or OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Look for compliance information on labels or product descriptions, such as “ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014.”
2. Material
The choice of hard hat material can impact its durability and effectiveness as a protective device. Common materials include:
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene): Lightweight, durable, impact-resistant, and often used in construction industries.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Strong and lightweight, resistant to chemical and impact damage, used in a variety of industries.
- Fiberglass: Heavy-duty, impact and flame-resistant, suitable for environments with high temperatures.
- Aluminum: Lightweight, durable, and often used in the construction industry but not suitable for electrical work.
3. Suspension System
The suspension system is responsible for securing the hard hat on your head while providing comfort and impact protection. There are two primary types:
- Pin-lock suspension: Similar to a belt system, where a set of pins lock the hat to the desired head size.
- Ratchet suspension: A knob at the back of the hat, allowing for easy adjustment of tightness.
4. Types of Protective Hats
There are two main types of hard hats, categorized based on their level of electrical protection:
- Type I: General protection hat that shields the top of the head from impacts.
- Type II: Brim all around the hat, providing more protection against impacts and electrical shock from all directions.
5. Ventilation
Consider if the hard hat model offers proper ventilation to maintain comfort and avoid sweating during extended wear.
6. Additional Features
Choose a hard hat based on your needs and preferences. Additional features can include:
- Accessory slots for ear muffs, face shields or other equipment.
- Chin straps, ensure that the hat stays in place during windy conditions or rapid head movements.
- Reflective striping for increased visibility in low-light environments.
- Sweatbands and padding for extra comfort.
7. Price
Hard hats are available across a range of prices, typically from $10 to $100. Consider your budget and invest in a hard hat that balances cost, quality, and the features you require.
8. Colors
Although colors are often a matter of personal preference, certain industries may require specific colors for identification and hierarchy purposes. Moreover, bright or fluorescent colors can provide increased visibility and safety.
Important Tip
Remember to inspect your hard hat regularly for cracks, dents, or other signs of damage, and replace it as necessary. Be aware that hard hats have a general lifespan of 2 to 5 years, depending on the manufacturer and material. Additionally, storage conditions, proper handling, and exposure to sunlight can further impact the lifespan of your hard hat.
Considering the factors mentioned above will help you find the best hard hat that meets your needs and ensures your safety in hazardous work environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my hard hat fits properly?
Answer: To ensure a proper fit, adjust the suspension system inside the hard hat to fit snugly on your head. The hard hat should sit level on your head and cover most of the top and sides.
How often should I replace my hard hat?
Answer: Hard hats should be replaced when they become damaged, cracked, or show signs of wear and tear. Some manufacturers recommend replacing hard hats every five years regardless of condition.
Can I paint my hard hat?
Answer: It is generally not recommended to paint a hard hat, as this can weaken the material and compromise its ability to protect your head. If you need to identify your hard hat, use stickers or labels instead.
Are there different types of hard hats?
Answer: Yes, there are different types of hard hats designed for specific industries and job functions. Some common types include full-brim hard hats, bump caps, and hard hats with built-in hearing protection.
What is the ANSI rating for hard hats?
Answer: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has established standards for hard hat safety, including minimum impact resistance and electrical insulation. Look for hard hats with ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 or ANSI Z89.1 ratings.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our comprehensive article on the best hard hats available in the market. We hope you found it informative and thorough, as we’ve carefully assessed each product to bring you the most accurate information.
Our aim is to make your buying experience smoother and more enjoyable, by presenting reliable and trustworthy recommendations. Out of these 13 best hard hats, here are the top three expert recommendations:
- For those who prioritize ventilation and prolonged comfort, the Evolution Deluxe 6161 Hard Hat is an ideal option. It is made of high-density polyethylene, offering the highest level of comfort due to its excellent ventilation. This hard hat has proven to be durable and reliable for those working in risky construction sites.
- If affordability and versatility are your top concerns, the Amston Safety Hard Hat is a good option. This wallet-friendly hard hat provides decent ventilation, eye protection with its visor, and a customer satisfaction guarantee. Although the chin straps may be of inferior quality, their overall performance is commendable.
- Safety-conscious readers should look no further than the Honeywell Fibre-metal Hard Hat. This hard hat features an eight-point suspension structure, ensuring the highest level of safety in dangerous work environments. Combining safety with comfort, this hard hat also offers good ventilation and a lightweight design for ease of use, making it the right choice for those who prioritize maximum protection.
As you make your choice, be confident in knowing that these selected hard hats have been thoroughly tested and reviewed. By considering the factors outlined in our expert recommendations, you’ll be well-equipped to invest in a product that best suits your needs.
Safety should always come first, so make sure to select a hard hat that fits both your requirements and budget. Stay safe, and enjoy the confidence that comes with a well-informed purchase decision!
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