MSA V-Gard H2 Pro Safety Helmet with Fas-Trac III and MIPS — Non-Vented, Type II, Class E
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.7/5 WC Safety Review — the MSA V-Gard H2 Pro Safety Helmet with Fas-Trac III and MIPS Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published MSA specifications and the ANSI/...
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Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on published MSA specifications and the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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MSA V-Gard H2 Pro Safety Helmet with Fas-Trac III and MIPS Overview
The MSA V-Gard H2 Pro Safety Helmet with Fas-Trac III and MIPS (model 10242822) is a non-vented climbing-style safety helmet that meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type II and Class E, with an integrated MIPS rotational-impact liner. The non-vented ABS shell is what allows the Class E electrical rating.
As the MSA V-Gard H2 Pro (MSA 10242822), it is a Type II Class E MIPS safety helmet. This non-vented MIPS safety helmet is a Fas-Trac III MIPS helmet built for top, lateral, and rotational impact at height.
MIPS is a low-friction layer that can redirect rotational energy in certain angled impacts — a supplementary feature, covered below. This is the Type II model; the MSA V-Gard H1 is Type I, and the V-Gard H2 Full Brim MIPS is the full-brim shape. Compare it with the KASK Zenith X2, understand the ratings in hard hat classes explained, and browse the range in safety helmets.
Who This Helmet Is For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Lateral (side) impact hazards | Strong | ANSI Type II top and side. |
| Slip, trip, and fall risk at height | Strong | MIPS liner; 4-point chinstrap. |
| Electrical hazard environments | Strong | Non-vented Class E, 20,000 V. |
| Hot conditions, max airflow | Choose vented | Non-vented; a vented model is Class C. |
| Top-impact only, lowest cost | Consider H1 | The V-Gard H1 is Type I. |
Understand what each system does. MIPS is a low-friction layer that can redirect some rotational energy during certain angled impacts, which may reduce rotational forces on the head — but it is a supplementary feature, not an ANSI rating and not a guarantee against a head or brain injury. The helmet is Type II, rated for top and lateral impact, and because it is non-vented it is Class E, proof-tested to 20,000 volts as supplementary protection; Class E is not authorization to work on live parts, so still de-energize, use rated electrical PPE, and follow your electrical-safety program. Retire the helmet after any impact or electrical contact. And a helmet protects your head, not your body: working at height still requires a personal fall arrest system with a harness, connector, and rated anchor, no matter how secure the chinstrap. Confirm the Type and Class marked inside the shell against your hazard. Learn more in Type I vs Type II and best hard hat for electrical work.
Pros & Cons
- ANSI Type II top and lateral impact
- Integrated MIPS rotational-impact liner
- Class E (20,000 V), non-vented
- Fas-Trac III ratchet; 4-point chinstrap
- Push-button accessory rail; ABS shell
- Non-vented, so warmer than a vented model
- MIPS is supplementary, not a guarantee
- Class E is supplementary, not live-work rated
- Premium price vs a Type I hard hat
How It Compares
The H2 Pro is a Type II, Class E, MIPS helmet. Weigh it against nearby options:
| Option | Type | Extras | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSA V-Gard H2 Pro (this page) | Type II, Class E | MIPS, cap-style | Lateral + rotational at height |
| MSA V-Gard H1 | Type I, Class E | No MIPS, lighter | Top-impact electrical work |
| MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim | Type II | MIPS, full brim | All-around brim shielding |
Choose the H2 Pro for Type II plus MIPS in a cap-style shell, the V-Gard H1 for a lighter Type I, or the V-Gard H2 Full Brim for the brimmed shape. See best safety helmets, Type I vs Type II, and hard hats vs safety helmets.
Specifications
| Brand / Model | MSA V-Gard H2 Pro (10242822) |
| Style | Non-vented climbing-style safety helmet; white; ABS shell |
| Ratings | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type II, Class E; CSA Z94.1 |
| Impact systems | Type II top + lateral; integrated MIPS rotational liner |
| Suspension | Fas-Trac III ratchet; flush rear lugs; 3-level nape; 4-point chinstrap |
| Accessories | Push-button rail + universal lighting clips; V-Gard-compatible |
Related Guides
hard hat classes explained, Type I vs Type II, Class E vs Class G, best safety helmets, best hard hat for electrical work, hard hats vs safety helmets.
Related Resources
safety helmets head protection MSA V-Gard H1 MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim KASK Zenith X2
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MSA V-Gard H2 Pro with Fas-Trac III and MIPS?
It is a non-vented climbing-style safety helmet that meets ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type II and Class E, with an integrated MIPS rotational-impact liner and the Fas-Trac III ratchet suspension. It is built for top and lateral impact with a 4-point chinstrap for work at height.
Is this exact model vented or non-vented, and what class?
This model, 10242822, is non-vented, which is what gives it the Class E electrical rating. MSA also offers vented V-Gard H2 helmets, but a vented shell is Class C with no electrical rating, so confirm the model code for the configuration you need.
Can I work on live electrical parts because it is Class E?
No. Class E is proof-tested to 20,000 volts as supplementary head protection; it does not authorize live work. You still de-energize where required, use rated electrical PPE, keep safe approach distances, and follow your electrical-safety program.
Does MIPS mean I cannot get a head injury?
No. MIPS is a low-friction layer that can redirect some rotational energy during certain angled impacts, which may reduce rotational forces on the head. It is a supplementary feature, not an ANSI rating and not a guarantee against injury, so use it within safe work practices.
What is the Fas-Trac III suspension?
Fas-Trac III is MSA's ratchet suspension with flush rear lug attachments that reduce pressure points and three levels of nape-strap adjustment. Turn the ratchet for a one-handed fit, and set the nape and height so the helmet sits level and secure.
What is the shell made of?
The V-Gard shell is ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), chosen for impact strength and toughness to meet ANSI Z89.1 and CSA Z94.1. Inspect it for cracks or dents and replace it after any significant impact.
What color is this model, and is there a black version?
This model, 10242822, is white. MSA offers the H2 Pro in other colors, such as a black version under a different model number, so confirm the model code for the color your site requires.
Does the chin strap make it fall protection?
No. The 4-point chinstrap keeps the helmet on during a slip or at height, but a helmet is head protection, not fall protection. Working at height still requires separate fall-arrest equipment with a harness, connector, and rated anchor.
Is this the MIPS version or the non-MIPS version?
Model 10242822 is the MIPS version. MSA also sells an H2 Pro without MIPS under a different model number, so if you specifically want or do not want MIPS, confirm the model code before ordering.
Does the non-vented shell make it hot?
A non-vented shell runs warmer than a vented one because it has no vent holes, which is the trade-off for the Class E electrical rating. Choose a vented Class C model if cooling matters more than electrical protection.
Should I replace it after an electrical contact or impact?
Yes. Retire and replace the helmet after any significant impact or any electrical contact, even if it looks intact, and follow MSA's service-life guidance. Inspect the shell, MIPS liner, and suspension before every use.
How is a safety helmet like this different from a traditional hard hat?
This safety helmet adds a 4-point chinstrap for retention, ANSI Type II lateral-impact protection, and a MIPS rotational liner, versus a cap-style hard hat that is usually Type I top-impact only with no chin strap. Choose it where lateral and rotational hazards matter.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from MSA published data and the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 standard. Compare the range in safety helmets.
WC Safety is an independent PPE review site and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. MIPS and Class E are supplementary protections; they do not replace de-energizing, rated PPE, fall protection, or safe work practices.
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