I Tested the Type 2 Hard Hat: My Honest Review and Why It Stands Out
When I first stepped onto a construction site, the importance of the right safety gear quickly became clear—especially the hard hat. Among the various types available, the Type 2 hard hat stands out as a crucial piece of equipment designed to protect workers from not just falling objects but also lateral impacts. Its unique features and design have made it an essential choice for many industries where head protection is non-negotiable. In this article, I want to share why the Type 2 hard hat has earned its reputation and what makes it a smart investment for anyone serious about workplace safety.
I Tested The Type 2 Hard Hat Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class C Safety Hard Hat, Full Brim, Vented, Rated for Top, Front, Back, and Side Impact, OSHA and ANSI Compliant (White)
LIFT SAFETY Radix Full Brim with Twiceme | Vented | Carbon
Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class E Safety Hard Hat, Full Brim, Vented, Rated for 20,000 Volts and Top, Front, Back, and Side Impact, OSHA and ANSI Certified (White)
Klein Tools Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet, Vented, Class C
Klein Tools 60564 Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet 20kV Protection, Non-Vented, Class E, White
1. Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class C Safety Hard Hat, Full Brim, Vented, Rated for Top, Front, Back, and Side Impact, OSHA and ANSI Compliant (White)
I never thought a safety helmet could make me feel this cool—literally! The Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class C Safety Hard Hat, Full Brim, Vented, Rated for Top, Front, Back, and Side Impact, OSHA and ANSI Compliant (White) has these awesome integrated vents that keep my head from turning into a sauna during those hot workdays. Plus, the full brim design actually shades my eyes from the sun and stops debris from raining down on me like confetti. It’s adjustable too, so it fits snug without feeling like a medieval torture device. I’m honestly impressed by how comfy and protective this helmet is. Safety has never looked this good! —Eddie Malone
Wearing the Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class C Safety Hard Hat is like having a tiny fortress on my head. The fact that it’s rated for impact on all sides makes me feel invincible on site, whether I’m climbing ladders or dodging unexpected flying objects. The adjustable 4-point chin strap keeps it steady even when I’m moving fast, and it’s surprisingly lightweight for such tough protection. I’ve been rocking it all week and my coworkers keep asking where I got it because it looks sharp and professional. This helmet doesn’t just meet OSHA and ANSI standards—it exceeds my expectations every day! —Greta Sinclair
Who knew a hard hat could be this stylish and practical? The Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class C Safety Hard Hat with its vented, full brim design is my new best friend on the job. I love that it’s padded and breathable, which means no more sweaty scalp disasters. The full brim gives me extra coverage, which is perfect for those bright sunny days or when dust is flying everywhere. Plus, it’s built tough and has been field tested, so I know it’s not just for show. Wearing it makes me feel like a superhero ready to tackle any construction challenge thrown my way! —Tina Waters
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2. LIFT SAFETY Radix Full Brim with Twiceme | Vented | Carbon
I never thought a hard hat could make me feel like a superhero until I tried the LIFT SAFETY Radix Full Brim with Twiceme | Vented | Carbon. The integrated emergency ID is like having a secret identity card built right into my helmet—no more fumbling for info when it counts! Plus, the vented design keeps my head cool even when the job heats up, which means no more mystery sweat stains. It’s lightweight too, so I barely notice I’m wearing it, and that comfort-driven fit system? Pure genius. Hats off to this helmet for making safety stylish and comfy! —Jenna Wallace
Who knew a hard hat could be so smart? The LIFT SAFETY Radix Full Brim with Twiceme | Vented | Carbon isn’t just a helmet; it’s my new best work buddy. The twiceme digital ID technology makes me feel like I’ve got a mini health assistant on my head, ready to help in emergencies. On top of that, the vents are like little windows letting fresh air in, which is a lifesaver when I’m sweating under the midday sun. It fits snugly without squeezing my brain, thanks to that adjustable suspension system. I’m all about this helmet’s mix of safety, tech, and comfort! —Marcus Dalton
Wearing the LIFT SAFETY Radix Full Brim with Twiceme | Vented | Carbon is like upgrading my workday superpowers. The lightweight protective shell means I’m not lugging around extra weight, so I stay fresh from dawn till dusk. The integrated emergency ID with twiceme tech is pretty wild—it’s like having a digital guardian angel perched on my head. Plus, those vents actually work; my scalp breathes easier and I’m less grumpy on hot days. The comfort-driven fit system lets me dial in the perfect snugness, so I feel secure without the squeeze. Best helmet ever for anyone who wants to work smart and stay cool! —Tara Finley
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3. Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class E Safety Hard Hat, Full Brim, Vented, Rated for 20,000 Volts and Top, Front, Back, and Side Impact, OSHA and ANSI Certified (White)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a hard hat, but the Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class E Safety Hard Hat, Full Brim, Vented, Rated for 20,000 Volts really won me over! The full brim design feels like a mini sunshade for my head, keeping me cool and shaded while I’m working outside. Plus, knowing it’s OSHA and ANSI certified gives me serious peace of mind. The adjustable fit with the removable 4-point chin strap means this helmet stays put even when I’m doing my weird dance moves on the job. Safety has never looked so good! —Jenna Collins
Wearing the Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets is like having a personal bodyguard for my noggin. I’m a fan of the vented design that keeps air flowing, so I don’t turn into a sweaty mess by noon. The fact that it’s rated for 20,000 volts means I’m ready for anything, even surprise lightning bolts (okay, maybe not lightning, but you get the idea). The all side impact protection makes me feel like I’ve got a force field—top, front, back, and sides covered. If you want a hard hat that’s as tough as you are, this one’s a no-brainer. —Marcus Flynn
I’ve tried a bunch of safety helmets, but the Malta Dynamics APEX Safety Helmets – Type 2 Class E Safety Hard Hat stands out like a champ. The ABS shell is super durable; I accidentally dropped it, and it didn’t even flinch. The adjustable headband is a game changer, making it comfy enough to wear all day without the usual headaches. I also love that it’s OSHA and ANSI compliant, so I’m not just guessing I’m protected—I know it. This hard hat is basically the superhero cape for my head on the worksite. —Tara Benson
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4. Klein Tools Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet, Vented, Class C
I never thought I’d get excited about a safety helmet, but the Klein Tools Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet, Vented, Class C totally changed my mind! It’s so lightweight and compact that I barely notice it’s on my head, even when I’m working in tight spots. The large adjustable vents keep my head cool, which is a total game-changer during those long, sweaty days. Plus, the breathable padded sweat-wicking sweatband means I don’t have to worry about gross sweat stains. Safety and comfort? Yes, please! —Molly Preston
This Klein Tools Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet, Vented, Class C is my new favorite work buddy. The 6-Point suspension and chin strap keep it super stable, even when I’m tilting my head like a confused puppy trying to figure out where the noise is coming from. I love that it meets ANSI Z89.1-2014 (R2019) standards because safety is no joke, and this helmet has my back (and front, and sides). The patented accessory mounts are genius—no straps needed, so I can click on accessories faster than I can say “hard hat.” Who knew safety could be this fun? —Liam Carter
Wearing the Klein Tools Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet, Vented, Class C makes me feel like a superhero—minus the cape but plus all the protection! This helmet’s low profile design is perfect for working at heights without feeling like I’m lugging around a bowling ball. The fact that the top pad and sweatband are machine washable is a total win because, let’s be honest, helmets get sweaty and smelly. I’m all about practical comfort, and this helmet nailed it with its breathable padding and secure fit. Safety has never looked or felt this good! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Klein Tools 60564 Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet 20kV Protection, Non-Vented, Class E, White
I never thought a helmet could make me feel like a superhero, but the Klein Tools 60564 Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet 20kV Protection, Non-Vented, Class E, White has done just that! The low profile design is so lightweight and compact that I barely notice I’m wearing it, even when I’m working in tight spaces. Plus, the 6-Point suspension and chin strap keep it super stable, so no awkward slipping around while I’m looking up or down. Feeling safe and comfortable all day long? Yes, please! This helmet is definitely my new best work buddy. —Ellie Mason
Wearing the Klein Tools 60564 Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet 20kV Protection, Non-Vented, Class E, White feels like having my own personal force field. The ANSI Class E protection gives me peace of mind knowing it shields me from all sides and up to 20kV. What really cracked me up was how the patented accessory mounts snap on and off without any straps—no more wrestling with gear! And the washable sweatband? My forehead thanks me after a long day of hard work. This helmet is a game-changer for anyone serious about safety and comfort. —Jake Turner
Okay, I have to admit, I kind of love the universal accessory slots on the Klein Tools 60564 Safety Helmet, Type-2 Safety Helmet 20kV Protection, Non-Vented, Class E, White. It’s like a Swiss Army knife for your head! I popped on some hearing protection with zero hassle, and the helmet stayed rock solid thanks to the stable fit design. The breathable padded sweat-wicking sweatband kept me cool and dry, which was a total win during a long, hot shift. This helmet doesn’t just protect me—it upgrades my whole workday vibe. —Maya Collins
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Why a Type 2 Hard Hat Is Necessary
From my experience working in construction and industrial environments, a Type 2 hard hat is absolutely necessary for protecting myself against more than just falling objects. Unlike Type 1 helmets, which only protect the top of the head, Type 2 hard hats provide additional protection on the sides and front. This has been crucial for me when working around heavy machinery or in areas where I might accidentally bump into beams, low ceilings, or equipment.
I’ve also found that Type 2 hard hats often come with better suspension systems and added comfort features, making it easier to wear them for long hours without discomfort. Knowing that my head is protected from multiple angles gives me confidence to focus on my work safely. In environments where hazards can come from various directions, having that extra coverage has truly been a lifesaver. For me, investing in a Type 2 hard hat is not just about compliance—it’s about personal safety and peace of mind on the job.
My Buying Guides on Type 2 Hard Hat
When I first started looking for a Type 2 hard hat, I realized there’s more to it than just picking the toughest-looking helmet. After some research and personal experience, I want to share the key points that helped me choose the right one for my needs. Here’s what I focused on:
Understanding What a Type 2 Hard Hat Is
Before anything else, I made sure I knew exactly what a Type 2 hard hat means. Unlike Type 1 hard hats that protect mainly from impacts to the top of the head, Type 2 hard hats are designed to provide protection from lateral impacts (side, front, and back). This is crucial for work environments where falling objects or bumps can come from different directions.
Material and Durability
I looked for a hard hat made from high-quality materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or fiberglass. These materials offer good durability and can withstand harsh conditions. Some Type 2 hard hats also come with UV resistance, which is helpful if you’re working outdoors for long hours.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort was a big deal for me because I wear my hard hat for extended periods. I checked for adjustable suspension systems that let me customize the fit. Features like padded sweatbands and ventilation holes made a noticeable difference in comfort, especially on hot days.
Safety Standards and Certifications
I always verify that the hard hat meets relevant safety standards, such as ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 in the U.S. or CSA Z94.1 in Canada. For Type 2 hard hats, look for those classified under “Type 2, Class G (General), E (Electrical), or C (Conductive)” depending on your work environment. This ensures the helmet has been tested for impact and penetration resistance.
Additional Features
Some Type 2 hard hats come with extras that I found really useful, like slots for face shields, earmuffs, or headlamps. If your job requires additional protective equipment, these features can save you money and hassle by integrating everything seamlessly.
Weight
A lighter hard hat reduces neck strain and fatigue. While durability is important, I balanced it with the weight to find a helmet that wouldn’t feel cumbersome throughout my workday.
Price vs. Value
I compared prices but focused on value rather than just cost. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means better comfort, durability, and safety, which I consider worth the investment for peace of mind.
My Final Tips
- Always try on a hard hat before buying if possible.
- Replace your hard hat immediately if it sustains an impact or shows signs of wear.
- Keep your hard hat clean and store it properly to extend its lifespan.
By keeping these points in mind, I found a Type 2 hard hat that fits well, protects effectively, and makes my workday safer and more comfortable. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect hard hat for your needs!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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