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Part of a lineman’s work day includes wearing a hardhat. It’s a necessity that protects the head from injuries, but also the weather. A hardhat can block the sun from your eyes and face, keep your head and shoulders dry when it rains, and of course serious blows to the head.
There’s been some great advances in hardhat technology, style, and comfort in recent years. Lineman can now own hardhats that fit great, look one of a kind, and above all else- maximum protection to the skull. Below are a list of some of the most highly regarded hardhats and some that are great, but don’t get enough credit.
Best Overall: Lift Safety Carbon Fiber
Easily one of the most comfortable and stylish hard hats available for lineman today. My co-worker uses this exact hard hat and has let me try it out a few times- it’s amazing. The best part to me is the leather liner. It fits and feels great on the forehead.
Also if you have experienced working in the summer heat you might be familiar with sweat accumulating in some hard hat liners and then pouring down your face, this hard hat doesn’t seem to have that problem as the synthetic leather does a great job of containing the sweat. This is a bit pricey, but the comfort and style make it a top notch choice.
Best Budget: MSA V-Gard Full Brim Fas-Trac
This is the hard hat I have used for most of my time as a lineman. It’s simple, fits great, has an easy to adjust knob, and the cost is very affordable. I have used this for the better part of 5 years and the only thing that has happened to me is the liner failed and I replaced it no problem. So you know it’s durable.
The only caveat I have with this hard hat is the sweat accumulation build up on the forehead pad. This only really happens in the summer when it is really hot, but it sure can be annoying not having air vents, sweat running down your face, and your sunglasses lens constantly covered in sweat. Summer annoyance aside, it’s a great option.
Best Runner-Up: Klein Vented with Rechargable Headlamp
This is a great option for lineman looking to upgrade their hard hat. This Klein hard hat has a lot of features such as the slots in the front and back for a headlamp, adjustable vents for airflow, sweat wicking top pad, and it even comes with a headlamp and charger. The vented air vents are much appreciated on those hot summer days.
The sweat wicking pad is machine washable and does a great job of containing the sweat from your head throughout the day. It even allows you to stay cool by getting the forehead pad wet with cool water, give it a good shake and then that cool pad to the forehead can really help you on those hot summer days. One feature I really didn’t expect, but appreciate, is the top pad that rests on the very top of your head, it too helps with sweat and comfort.
On top of all that, it looks great, especially the KARBN pattern, but comes in white and yellow also.
Best Under $100: DAX Cap Style
It’s hard to find a DAX hard hat that is affordable AND looks and feels great. However, this DAX cap style hard hat checks all the boxes. It too has a great leather liner dome that feels great on the head.
The cap feature is the first of it’s kind on this list. The cap style isn’t as wide as the full brimmed models above and this one actually allows you to wear it backwards, much like a baseball cap. However, to do this you need to remove and rotate the liner/suspension. If you don’t like the full brim models (I don’t) this is a great option for you, however it doesn’t provide as much safety and won’t keep you as dry on the rainy days.
Best Hard Hat Accessories:
Klein LED Hard Hat Headlamp
Every now and again lineman need to work during the dark and a headlamp is a necessity. Klein makes this great headlamp that fits most models of hard hats, just check your hard hat prior to purchasing.
Hard Hat Sun Shade
This MSA V-Gard sun shade keeps the sun of the neck, ears, shoulders and such. If the sunburns and such during the summer months really get to you, you can purchase this sun shade and help protect yourself from those sun rays. This model only works on full brim hard hats.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a new lineman hard hat these are some of the best options on the market today. Depending on the weather you work in, the style you prefer, or the cost you should be able to find one of the above options that fits your wants and needs.
If you want more about lineman gear check out the Ultimate Guide to Lineman Climbing Gear.