MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Type 2 Safety Helmet

MSA's V-Gard has been one of the most common hard hats in North America for decades. The V-Gard H2 keeps the full brim shape crews already know, and adds what a traditional hard hat is missing: protection from the side.

The H2 is certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type II. Inside the ABS shell is an EPS foam liner that absorbs energy from top and lateral impacts. MSA designed the liner so it doesn't sit flat against your head, which leaves room for air to move. The vented version we link to adds airflow through the shell. It's rated Class C, so it offers no electrical protection. The non-vented H2 is rated Class E.

An integrated 4-point chin strap keeps the helmet on during slips, trips and falls. A Type 2 helmet only works if it stays on, so we're glad MSA built the strap in rather than selling it as an add-on.

The ratchet suspension adjusts in small steps with a gloved hand, without taking the helmet off. It fits heads from about 53 to 63 cm. MSA lists the non-vented white model at about 0.5 kg, a little heavier than a cap-style hard hat but in line with other Type 2 helmets. The sweatband, crown pad and ratchet pad have an antimicrobial treatment.

The H2 works with nearly all existing V-Gard full brim accessories. If your company already stocks V-Gard earmuffs, face shields or sun shades, you can switch to Type 2 without replacing all of them. That makes it the easiest upgrade path for a fleet.

It's a newer model, so there are fewer owner reviews than for MSA's classic hard hats. A full brim also catches more wind and can get in the way in tight spaces. For most outdoor crews moving to Type 2, though, it's the best value full brim option we found. A version with the Mips brain protection system is also available.