Top 10 Best Carbon Fiber Hard Hats in 2021 Reviews & Guides

Last updated: 05 March 2020

Carbon fiber hard hats are used to protect the head from unsafe debris during road or building construction projects, electrical projects, mining or chemical plants. They look like hard hats but are more durable, lightweight and expensive due to the extra materials, such as hydro dip, that they are manufactured with. That way, they won’t be as easily broken in case something dangerous falls. They are also designed to withstand up to 2200 volts if an electrical repair job goes wrong.

Best Carbon Fiber Hard Hats (2021):

Lift Safety DAX Carbon Fiber Full Brim Hardhat

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Pyramex Ridgeline Full Brim Hard Hat

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MSA 475407 Natural Tan Skullgard Hard Hat

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10. HDPE- Hydro Dipped Full Brim Carbon Fiber Hard Hat

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• This HDPE is actually a subtle blood red color because it’s hydro dripped in red and made of plastic. It also comes with a silver brim.
• Designed to encourage cool air flow and keep the rain off of the back of the neck. It’s also equipped with a fas-track ratchet style.
• It’s a Type 1 Class C and meets all of the type 1 requirements. The webbing is standard MSA and NSI.
• Weighs 1.17 pounds.

It’s received a mix of reviews. These carbon fiber hard hats have been many compliments about its color and its easy adjustment. Those seem to be its main features. However, there have been some complaints that it feels heavy and that it lacks suspension replacements.

9. CJ Safety Full Brim Fiber Glass Hard Hat with Fas-Trac Suspension

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• As its name suggests, it’s primarily made of fiberglass. It weighs only one pound and two ounces. This seems to be its main feature.
• It comes in four colors: black, grey, gold and white.
• It comes with four-point adjustability and a ratchet-style suspension, a soft and replaceable brow pad, and replaceable headbands. However, the vents are not adjustable. The chin strap, on the other hand, is replaceable.
• Meets ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Z89.1, Type 1 and Class C standards.
• The full brim is designed to fully shield against falling debris.

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It has received mostly positive but still a good mix of compliments. A good majority have mentioned that it’s comfortable and that they can feel the lightweight. Many say that it fits well and that it’s easy to adjust. However, it does not seem to be designed for oil fields as there has been at least one complaint that it doesn’t provide the proper ventilation or headband material for it.

8. Carbon-Aramid Fiber Hard Hat ANSI-ISEA Certified

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• Made of the same stuff that’s used in the military and aerospace projects. It contains a combination of carbon fiber and aramid.
• Comes with an eight-point adjustable up to 63 centimeters headband suspension with a knob-like close.
• Designed to fit lower on your head to make working in tight spaces easier.
• Weigh 10.8-11 ounces, however, this not listed officially. it is designed to prevent head and neck strain. It’s ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 certified, Type 1, Class C. The weight seems to be its best feature.

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It has received a total of 11 reviews so far and only six are U.S.-based. They are all 5 out of 5 stars. It has received the most compliments for being lightweight and having a snug fit. The only criticism so far is that it’s been known to chip slightly if it’s dropped.

7. RIDGEROCK Full Brim Hard Hat Safety Helmet

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• It comes with an HDPE full brim. It is designed to be easy to remove when you still have your gloves on.
• The sweatband is washable and the chin strap is easily adjustable.
• Weighs one pound, six ounces. It has a six multi-point suspension and an EZ lock adjustable ratchet design. The soft clothe x straps make for a comfortable fit.
• Designed to shield from the rain and sun. It is designed to withstand electrical, industrial and utility projects. You can also easily put your company’s logo sticker on it. As a result, the brim seems to be its main feature.
• Meets both OSHA and ANSI Z89.1 standards as well as Class C and Type 1.

Over 80 percent of the reviews that this has received up to this point has received five out of five stars. It has received compliments on everything from affordability to serving drydocks. However, there have been some complaints about the adjustability and a lack of offers for replacement bands.

6. ACERPAL Full Brim Pyramex Carbon Fiber Hard Hat

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• It comes in several different colors from pink to white.
• Weighs slightly less than one pound at 13.8 ounces and has up to a four millimeter thickness.
• Is ANSI-Z89.1, Type 1, Classes E, G, and C
• Ratchet suspension is designed to be easy to adjust.
• Has low center gravity for the rear padded suspension. It comes with six-position harness points for neck comfort and you can easily move it up, down, forward and backward. This seems to be its best feature.
• The sweatband is replaceable. The polyurethane and padded fabric provide nice breathing room for full-time work.

This has received almost 80 percent of five out of five stars. It has especially been complimented for comfort, the goodness of fit, ease of adjustment, doing well with electrical projects and oil fields. There have been a few complaints that some have arrived with a four- instead of a six-part suspension.

5. ACERPAL Adjustable Full Brim Hard Hat Safety Helmet

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• It comes in several colors from red to white.
• Weighs 13.3 ounces and comes with a soft replaceable brow pad.
• Meets ANSI Z89.1, Type 1 and Classes E, C and G. It also comes with a three-year money-back guarantee in your full purchase amount.
• Fits head sizes six and a half to eight inches and its headband can adjust up to 26 and a half inches. This seems to be its best feature.

So far, this has received a 78 percent five out of five stars. It has received compliments on holding very well in emergency response situations, for successfully shielding against the rain, the ratchet adjustment, and vents. However, there have been some complaints that it doesn’t hold headlamp clips very well and that it sits too low on some heads. One disadvantage is that it comes with only a four-point suspension.

4. MSA 475407 Natural Tan Skullgard Carbon Hard Hat

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• This is made for electrical environments. It is a Class G and made to withstand temperatures of up to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit and up to 2,200 volts. It also fits ANSI Z89.1. So this is its most useful feature.
• They are designed to fit heads that are between six and a half to eight inches. It weighs 24.1 ounces.
• One neat thing about it-it darkens over time. It’s primarily made of polyresin and fiberglass.

It has received a mix of reviews. It has received a lot of compliments for not sitting too high on the head, comfort, withstanding up to nine pounds of falling concrete, and to also be good in plumbing jobs. However, it has received a lot of criticism for missing features, especially the suspension and the brim cracking.

3. DAX Carbon Fiber hard Hat – Full Brim Matte Black

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• It comes in several colors from light brown to white. Also, it weighs between 17 ounces to exactly one pound. It meets ANSI Z89.1, Type 1 and Class C.
• A couple of its other main ingredients are fiberglass, clarion synthetic leather, and EVA foam to prevent shock to the head. It also comes with a moisture wicking foam back to prevent perspiration build-up. The crown also has a triple reinforcement. These seem to be its main features.
• Its six-point suspension is at the top of the feature list.
• Unfortunately, it does not come with headlamp attachments so something like sticky backs or s-shaped wires is needed for that.

It has received 74 percent five out of five stars. It is said to fit comfortably in large heads, it doesn’t scratch easily and the synthetic leather and carbon are very resistant to debris. There have been a few complaints about it sitting too low on the brow, about the suspension system and the latches not staying.

2. Pyramex Ridgeline Full Brim Carbon Fiber Hard Hat, Matte Black Pattern

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• It meets ANSI Z89.1, Classes E, C and G, Type 1. Depending on the material, it weighs between 7.6 and 13.9 ounces.
• It’s most highlighted feature is that its four-point suspension can be converted to a six-point. It is extremely easy to adjust.
• Replaceable soft brow and headbands are also available.
• It comes in seven totally different colors from yellow to graphite black.

At this point, it has received 82 percent five out of five stars. It has received a lot of compliments on comfort, for shielding against any falls, durability, easy adjustment, and stylishness. Full-time workers and even those who work double shifts have said that The comfort holds up well during the long hours.

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One disadvantage, though, is that if you have long hair, it tends to pinch on it. As a result, it’s advisable to pull your hair back or put it up while you’re wearing it. The paint also tends to melt in high heat. However, it is overall very good with construction projects and hobbies such as woodwork.

1. Lift Safety DAX Fifty 50 Carbon Fiber Full Brim Hardhat (Yellow)

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• It weighs 1.7 pounds, 550 grams with suspension and 425 without. It also provides a six-point suspension for maximum comfort. This seems to be its best feature.
• Comes in a yellow, orange and white front with a black back.
• Comes with a brim grip, reinforced crown, a synthetic leather dome, and an EVA foam insert. It also comes with a moisture wicking foam to prevent perspiration build-up.
• Meets ANSI Z89.1, Type 1 and Class C.

This has received a 76 percent five out of five stars up to this point. It has been complimented for its comfort but unfortunately, most of them haven’t been very specific. However, it has been criticized for not feeling super lightweight, being too expensive, odd strap fittings, the paint chipping and fading to a different color over time.

Buying Guides

Buying Guides for the Best Carbon Fiber Hard Hats:

How do I know Which are the Best Carbon fiber hard hats for my company?

Well, for starters, you need to consider what kind of company your company is. For example, if your company involves working with electrical voltage, you do not want a simple Class C hard hat because they’re made of aluminum and designed to shield only from debris impact. Instead, you want to make sure that they’re also of classes E and G. If you’re company is simply a construction and remodeling company that doesn’t involve electrical work at all, then you can get a Class C.

Class E stands for Electrical and Class G stands for General. The main difference between the two is that G is designed for low voltage areas and can successfully shield against up to 2,200 volts. Class E, on the contrary, is designed to stand up to 20,000 volts.

Hard hats are built to serve as protection against falling debris and high electrical voltage. They are like motorcycle helmets for hazardous worksites. Just like motorcycle helmets protect the rider from head impact during a fall or a crash, hard hats and carbon fiber hard hats protect the workers from voltage, flying and falling debris.

So, What’s the Difference Between Carbon Fiber Hard Hats and Simple Hard Hats?

Carbon fiber hard hats are much more lightweight. However, they are simultaneously designed to maintain durability and strength. They are basically an improved evolution from the hard hats of the past because they’re designed to be more comfortable to wear. They are also much more budget-friendly with a mission to put safety above everything else.

Mores, they are built to last much longer than the hard hats of the past. The minimum amount of time that most go without needing to be replaced is two years. They are also not supposed to crack or peel easily. That’s usually only if you work in a super hazardous environment with constant voltage or constant sliding or falling debris.

Other Benefits of Owning/Wearing Carbon Fiber Hard Hats:

Aside from the obvious protection from debris, the best carbon fiber hard hats also have a full brim to shield against the sun and rain.

They also come with easily adjustable ratchet suspensions for your own custom fit. There are also soft brow pads that are washable and replaceable.

They also often come with chin straps and little ear muffs. The hats of the past didn’t have any of the above luxuries.

Workers had to wear earplugs when operating something like a jackhammer or a drill.

The fact that they now come in different colors is actually quite handy. For example, orange and neon stand out well at night.

Advantages of Carbon Fiber Hard Hats:

The most unique benefits of carbon fiber hard are their durability and lightweight. To make the construction job safer carbon fiber hats are made to be tougher.

These hats are safe to use during work on construction sites. Here are some benefits that carbon fiber hard hats give you when you wear them.

• Carbon fiber hats have lightweight as compared to plastic hats.
• Material is stronger than fiberglass and plastic.
• Five times lighter in weight than steel and ten times stronger in quality.
• There are high fatigue properties in carbon glass material
• The material of carbon glass is more sustainable
• The best benefit is that these hats are shockproof
• Carbon fiber hats are corrosion resistant
• These hats have better resistant against temperatures because their material conducts more heat.
• With electricity, they are safe to work due to their flexible electrical properties.
• You will get an optimal level of comfort from the structure of these hard hats.
• External stress is absorbed in carbon fiber hats.
• These hats keep the head safe from hard jerks.
• Carbon fiber hard hats last long because they are designed in a way to prevent wear and dents.

Types of Carbon Fiber Hard Hats:

To reduce the effect of falling objects carbon hats have two user types.

Type I:

When a heavy object falls directly on top of your head these hard hats can lessen the impact. For example, the impact will be greatly reduced if from a shelf a hammer falls above you.

Type II:

Carbon fiber hard hats type II has more benefits than the first type. To further lessen the impact of the falling object they are typically equipped with foam material.

From all sides, these carbon fiber hats will protect your head. Moreover, it also protects your neck and ear. The only drawback of type II hats is that they are not comfortable if you wear them for long hours. Because of the poor fitting of the hat.

Classes of Carbon Fiber Hard Hats:

There are three classes based on their levels of protection.

1- Class G:

This is the general class of carbon fiber hats. This class has the lowest criteria and standards. It has a small impact and can protect up to low voltages of 2200 V. Additional PP must be worn to protect the areas below the head.

2- Class E:

If carbon fiber hard hats are electric resistant then it means it belongs to class E. Because class G is a general class that’s why class E carbon fiber hard hats belong to the G class. Class E hats also have all the features of class G but in an enhanced form.

It can protect up to the voltage of 20,000 V so that on electrical worksites you can easily wear it. Moreover, make sure to worn additional PPE to save the other parts of your body.

3- Class C:

The carbon fiber hard hats of class C has a conductivity against heat and sweat. It is constructed with a material that after absorbing the sweat diffuses it into the air. This feature made these hats quite breathable.

In high-temperature areas class C, carbon fiber hard caps are best to use. But it is not safe to wear these hats in electrical sites because it does not protect the person from electrical shock.

Designs of Carbon Fiber Hard Hats:

Two designs are available in the market. These designs are known as Cap and full brim. Let’s have a close look at both design types.

1- Full Brim Carbon Fiber Hard Hats:

This type of carbon fiber hard hat is filled with great features. You will get 360 degrees of protection, it means at the same time it will protect your neck, face, ears, shoulders. The full brim design protects you from harsh weather elements like sun exposure.

Moreover, it is best to use in case of multiple hazards like falling objects from above, electrical shock, and non-toxic splashes. Moreover, it is also a perfect choice for different occupations such as electricians, farmers, construction workers, and utility workers.

2- Cap Carbon Fiber Hard Hat:

Like full brim, cap carbon fiber hats also have some cool benefits. The physical structure is like a baseball because of its smaller brim. Moreover, cap carbon fiber hat has two more designs that are available in the market.

These designs are slotted and non-slotted. Above the ears slotted cap, a hard hat is equipped with slots for attaching multiple accessories. These accessories include hearing protections, flashlights, etc.

The non-slotted caps do not contain accessory slots like slotted caps but you can use its rainy season. To prevent the rainwater from dripping down the neck non-slotted caps have a rain trough. Cap carbon can protect against overhead falling objects, electrical shock, non-toxic splashes, and weather elements.

In short, both the designs are similar to each other and do not have many differences. Because both designs are capable to protect you from falling objects. Style and preference is the only difference between the full brim and cap carbon fiber hard hats.

Features of The Best Carbon Fiber Hard Hats:

There are many hard hats available in the market but here are some features of carbon fiber hard hats that made them best among other hard hats. These amazing features are

1- Lightweight and durable:

As compared to glass fiber and plastic material carbon fiber material has very lightweight. But it is almost 25% stronger than the plastic and glass fiber material. Carbon fiber hats are heat and electricity resistant because this material has good flexibility in electrical and thermal aspects.

Due to all these reasons, carbon fiber becomes the superior material that is used to make hard hats. Be careful when you buy a carbon fiber hard hat because some manufacturers use low-quality materials to make the product.

2- Suspension:

The suspension is like the backbone of carbon fiber because it is important to look for this feature when you want to buy a carbon fiber hat. Also, from the spine and head, it redirects the force away.

It comes in two styles pink lock and ratchet. A rachet is located at the rear side of the hard hat while pins and holes are located at the same spot uses by a pin lock style.

3- Ventilation:

Carbon fiber hard hats that are non-vented and vented are available in the market. They promote airflow. While there is no slot on the non-vented fiber hard hats. A vented carbon fiber hard hat is the best choice for the people who work outdoors and exposed to the elements because it is best in preventing overheating.

4- Replaceable Inner Foam and Pads:

The most useful material for the inner foam is EPS. From daily usage, many foams liners may experience some tear and wear. It is best to look for a replaceable inner pad feature that you can use with carbon fiber hard hats. Without spending a large amount of money you can replace the old pad with a new one to give a new look and increase efficiency.

5- Additional features:

These are some extra essential features of carbon fiber hard hats. With hi-vis striping and logos, a carbon-fiber hat can be equipped. To protect you from debris and chemical splashes it can have a safety feature of the face shield.

Moreover, to deal with higher temperatures it has a fiberglass material. For hearing protection, earmuffs, or a chin strap a universal accessory slot is used.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When should I wear a carbon fiber hard hat?

It is preferred to wear carbon fiber hard hats all the time when you are at the workplace even if it is not convenient.

Because it protects you from sudden hazards and one day might save your life. It is preferable when it protects you from electric shocks, falling objects, and flying debris, etc.

Conclusion!

Carbon fiber hard hat is best to use because of its stylish designs and lightweight. Due to its quality material, it is durable.

It is best to use at construction sites where there is a high chance of things falling. These hard hats are strong enough to protect your body from damage.

Make sure that you get a good quality carbon fiber hard hat at the market because some manufactures sell low-quality hard hats.

Try to avoid such places because if you buy these low-quality hats then there is a high chance that you might get hurt at the working site.