Ergodyne Skullerz 8977 Type 2 Vented Safety Helmet β Class C, Adjustable Venting (8977-WH)
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.6/5 WC Safety Review β the Ergodyne Skullerz 8977 Type 2 Vented Safety Helmet Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on Ergodyne published specifications and the ANSI/ISE...
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Editorial assessment by Steven Eaton, WC Safety editor, based on Ergodyne published specifications and the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 helmet classes. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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Ergodyne Skullerz 8977 Type 2 Vented Safety Helmet Overview
The Ergodyne Skullerz 8977 Type 2 Vented Safety Helmet is a vented helmet rated ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) Type II for top and lateral impact and Class C for airflow, with adjustable venting and an EPS foam halo inside for all-around impact. Class C is vented and offers no electrical protection.
As the Ergodyne Skullerz 8977, this Type 2 Class C safety helmet is a vented safety helmet and an adjustable venting safety helmet β a safety helmet with headlamp slots front and rear.
It uses a 6-point suspension with a 27-point ratchet, a chin strap, a front brim, and removable, machine-washable sweat-wicking pads, and it fits hat sizes 6.5 to 8. Because it is vented, it is Class C; for electrical work choose the non-vented Class E Skullerz 8976. Learn the ratings in hard hat classes explained and Class E vs Class G.
Who It Is For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Hot, humid, non-electrical work | Purpose-built | Adjustable venting for airflow. |
| Falls & lateral impact | Purpose-built | Type II plus EPS foam halo. |
| Low-light work needing a light | Strong | Headlamp slots; light sold separately. |
| Electrical work | Choose Class E | Use the non-vented 8976. |
| Full-brim shade & runoff | Choose full brim | This is a front-brim model. |
Match this helmet to the hazard. It is Class C, which means it is vented and gives no electrical protection at all, so it must not be used for work on or near energized conductors; where an electrical hazard exists, use a Class E helmet like the non-vented 8976 and follow de-energizing and NFPA 70E practices. Just as important, a safety helmet protects your head but does not keep you from falling. Whenever you work at height above the trigger in OSHA 1926.501, head protection has to be paired with a personal fall arrest system β an anchor, a full-body harness, and a connecting device β not used in its place, even though the chin strap helps the helmet stay on during a slip. Keep the shell intact, use only the designed headlamp slots and approved accessories, and set the ratchet and chin strap for a level, stable fit. See Type I vs Type II and helmets vs bump caps to match the helmet to your hazard.
Pros & Cons
- Type II: top and lateral impact
- Adjustable venting (open or close)
- EPS foam halo and 27-point ratchet
- Washable, odor-resistant pads
- Front and rear headlamp slots
- Class C: no electrical protection
- LED light not included (8977LED has it)
- Front brim, not full brim
- Vents less ideal in heavy rain than non-vented
How It Compares
The 8977 is the vented member of the Skullerz Type 2 line. Weigh it against nearby options:
| Option | Type / Class | Vented | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skullerz 8977 (this page) | Type II / Class C | Yes | Hot, non-electrical work |
| Skullerz 8976 | Type II / Class E | No | Electrical work (20kV) |
| Skullerz 8973 vented full brim | Class C | Yes | Full-brim vented |
Choose the Ergodyne Skullerz 8977 Type 2 Vented Safety Helmet for airflow, the non-vented 8976 for electrical Class E, or the 8973 vented full brim for 360-degree coverage. Compare more in best safety helmet.
Specifications
| Brand / Model | Ergodyne Skullerz 8977 (white) |
| Rating | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019) Type II, Class C; vented (no electrical) |
| Shell / Liner | Vented shell, adjustable venting; internal EPS foam halo; front brim |
| Suspension | 6-point suspension, 27-point ratchet; chin strap; hat sizes 6.5β8 |
| Comfort | Removable, machine-washable moisture-wicking sweatband and top pad |
| Accessories | Front/rear headlamp slots (Skullerz LED sold separately; 8977LED includes it) |
Related Guides
Hard hat classes explained, Type I vs Type II, Class E vs Class G, best safety helmet, helmets vs bump caps.
Related Resources
Safety helmets head protection Skullerz 8976 non-vented (Class E) Skullerz 8973 vented full brim Skullerz 8972 vented cap
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type and Class is the Skullerz 8977?
It is ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type II, Class C. Type II means it is tested for top and lateral impact, and Class C means it is vented and provides no electrical protection. It is the vented sibling of the non-vented Class E 8976.
Does the 8977 protect against electrical hazards?
No. Class C is conductive and offers no electrical protection, because the vents rule out an electrical rating. If you work on or near energized conductors, choose a Class E helmet like the non-vented Ergodyne 8976 instead.
Can I adjust or close the vents?
Yes. The 8977 has adjustable venting: open the vents to release heat and circulate air in hot, humid conditions, and close them for drier protection in the rain. That flexibility is the main reason to pick the vented model over a fixed shell.
Can I use the 8977 for electrical work?
No. Because it is vented and Class C, it gives no electrical protection. For electrical or utility work, use the non-vented Class E 8976, and always de-energize and follow NFPA 70E; a helmet is one layer, not clearance to work energized.
What is the 27-point ratcheting suspension?
The 6-point suspension is adjusted by a premium ratchet with 27 points of adjustment, turned by a one-handed knob so you can fine-tune the fit without removing the helmet. More adjustment points mean a more precise, secure fit for different head shapes.
What is the EPS foam halo for?
The EPS foam halo inside the shell is energy-absorbing foam, like in climbing and cycling helmets, added for all-around impact protection. It is part of why a Type II helmet manages side impacts better than a bare-shell traditional hard hat.
What head sizes does the 8977 fit?
It fits hat sizes 6.5 to 8, roughly 21 to 25 inches or 53 to 63.5 cm, adjusted with the ratchet knob. Set it snug and level, then use the chin strap so the helmet stays in place during movement and at height.
Does the 8977 come with an LED light?
No. It has front and rear headlamp slots that accept the Skullerz Hard Hat LED Light, but the light is sold separately. If you want a helmet with the light included, choose the 8977LED version instead.
Does it have a chin strap?
Yes, it includes a chin strap, which keeps a Type II helmet secure during a slip, trip, or lateral impact. Many jobsites require a chin strap for climbing and elevated work; adjust it so the helmet stays level and secure.
Is the 8977 a full-brim helmet?
No. The 8977 has a front brim rather than a full 360-degree brim. If you want a full-brim helmet for all-around shade and runoff, look at Ergodyne's full-brim Skullerz models; the impact rating is separate from brim style.
Can I wash the sweatband and pads?
Yes. The moisture-wicking, odor-resistant sweatband and top pad are removable and machine washable. Clean or replace them as they wear, and inspect the shell, vents, and suspension while they are out of the helmet.
Do the vents let rain in?
The venting is adjustable, so you can close it for drier protection when it rains and open it when you need airflow. In heavy or sustained rain, or where electrical protection is required, a non-vented helmet like the 8976 is the better choice.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from Ergodyne published data and the ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 helmet classes. Compare the range in safety helmets.
WC Safety is an independent PPE review site; no paid placement. Class C offers no electrical protection; confirm the Type, Class, and standard markings on the shell against your site requirements before use, and retire any helmet that has taken an impact.
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