MSA Skullgard Full-Brim Hard Hat — Type II, Class E High-Heat Phenolic
$124.75
Final price set by Amazon · may vary
Color: Natural Tan
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA Skullgard Full-Brim Hard Hat Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test ...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA Skullgard Full-Brim Hard Hat
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
MSA Skullgard Full-Brim Hard Hat — Type II, Class E High-Heat Phenolic Overview
The MSA Skullgard Full-Brim Hard Hat is a Type II, Class E helmet engineered for the hottest, harshest jobs in industry. Unlike everyday HDPE hats, the Skullgard uses a high-heat phenolic shell that holds its shape under radiant heat — the reason it has been the standard issue in steel mills, foundries, smelters, and welding bays for decades.
As a Type II hat, it is rated for both top and lateral (off-center) impact, going beyond the top-only protection of Type I designs. The Class E rating certifies dielectric protection up to 20,000 volts, so it is appropriate around electrical hazards — unlike vented Class C hats, which must never be worn near live electrical work. The full 360-degree brim channels rain away from the neck and shades the face, ears, and back of the neck from sun and sparks.
Browse the full range of full-brim hard hats and hard hats, or compare against ventilated and cap-style designs in our hard hat selection guide. Not sure which class you need? Our hard hat classes explained breakdown walks through Type I vs Type II and Class E vs G vs C. Per OSHA 1910.135, retire any hard hat at its shell date code or immediately after a struck-by event.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Steel mill, foundry, or smelting work near radiant heat | Ideal | The high-heat phenolic shell is the Skullgard's reason for being — it holds shape where standard HDPE softens. |
| Electrical / utility work near energized conductors | Ideal | Class E dielectric rating certifies protection to 20kV; verify the shell has no holes, cracks, or accessory penetrations. |
| Heavy industrial sites with side-strike or falling-object risk | Ideal | Type II adds lateral impact protection that Type I cap hats do not provide. |
| Outdoor work needing sun, rain, and spark shielding | Strong | The full 360-degree brim shades the neck and face and sheds rain better than a cap-style brim. |
| Hot, humid jobs where airflow is the priority | Limited | The Skullgard is non-vented by design (vents would void Class E). For cooling, see vented Class C options instead. |
| General construction with no electrical or heat hazard | Consider alternatives | A standard HDPE full-brim or cap-style hat covers this at lower cost; the Skullgard's heat shell is overkill. |
A hard hat protects only if it fits and is in date. Match the impact type (Type I top-only vs Type II top + lateral) and electrical class (Class E 20kV / G 2.2kV / C conductive — never wear Class C near electrical) to the hazard. Adjust the suspension for a snug, level fit, inspect the shell and suspension before each use, and replace at the manufacturer date code (shells about 5 years, suspensions about 12 months from first use, and immediately after any impact). OSHA 29 CFR 1910.135 / 1926.100 requires head protection where objects may fall. See how to adjust a hard hat suspension and hard hat classes explained.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High-heat phenolic shell holds shape under radiant heat where standard HDPE hats deform
- Type II rating protects against both top and lateral (off-center) impacts
- Class E dielectric protection certified to 20,000 volts for electrical-adjacent work
- Full 360-degree brim sheds rain and shades the face, ears, and neck
- Long-proven standard in steel, foundry, smelting, and welding trades
- Accepts MSA-compatible accessories and replaceable suspension components
Cons
- Non-vented by design, so it runs warmer than ventilated Class C helmets in hot, still air
- Heavier phenolic shell than lightweight HDPE or modern climbing-style helmets
- Heat and electrical performance is overkill (and a premium spend) for low-hazard general construction
How It Compares
| Model | Type | Class | Brim | Shell / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSA Skullgard Full-Brim (this hat) | Type II | Class E | Full brim | High-heat phenolic — built for radiant heat |
| MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet | Type II | Class E | Full brim | Modern helmet shell with integrated chinstrap |
| MSA V-Gard H2 Pro (Fas-Trac III + MIPS) | Type II | Class E | Cap/helmet | Adds MIPS rotational-impact liner |
| Ergodyne 8971 Skullerz Full Brim | Type I | Class E | Full brim | Standard-shell premium full-brim alternative |
| Klein KARBN Non-Vented Full Brim | Type II | Class E | Full brim | Non-vented full brim, KARBN pattern |
Browse all safety helmets or compare vented hard hats if heat-shedding airflow outranks heat resistance for your crew.
Specifications
| ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type | Type II (top + lateral impact) |
| Electrical Class | Class E (dielectric to 20,000 V) |
| Brim Style | Full brim (360-degree) |
| Suspension | Ratchet suspension (MSA Fas-Trac / Staz-On compatible) |
| Shell Material | High-heat phenolic |
| Vented | No (venting would void Class E) |
| Accessory Slots | MSA-compatible accessory mounting |
| Brand | MSA |
| Replacement | At shell date code or after any impact (OSHA 1910.135) |
Related Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSA Skullgard a Type I or Type II hard hat?
It is a Type II hat, meaning it is rated for both top impact and lateral (off-center) impact. Type I hats protect against top impact only.
What electrical class is the MSA Skullgard full-brim?
Class E, which certifies dielectric protection up to 20,000 volts. That makes it appropriate around electrical hazards, unlike Class C (conductive/vented) hats.
Why is the Skullgard known as a high-heat hard hat?
Its shell is molded from high-heat phenolic rather than standard HDPE. Phenolic holds its shape under radiant heat, which is why the Skullgard is a long-standing choice in steel mills, foundries, smelting, and welding work.
Is the MSA Skullgard vented?
No. Adding vents would void the Class E electrical rating, so the Skullgard is non-vented by design. If you need airflow over electrical protection, look at vented Class C helmets instead.
Does the full brim make a real difference?
Yes. The 360-degree brim sheds rain away from the neck and shades the face, ears, and back of the neck from sun and sparks — coverage a cap-style brim does not provide at the sides and rear.
What suspension does the Skullgard use?
It uses an MSA ratchet suspension (compatible with MSA's Fas-Trac and Staz-On lines). The suspension is replaceable, so you can refresh it without replacing the shell, as long as the shell itself is still in service.
How do I adjust the suspension for a secure fit?
Turn the rear ratchet knob to snug the headband and set the crown straps so the shell sits level with about an inch of clearance above your head. See our how to adjust a hard hat suspension guide for step-by-step instructions.
When do I have to replace this hard hat?
Per OSHA 1910.135, retire it at the manufacturer's shell date code or immediately after any impact, crack, or penetration — even if damage is not visible. Phenolic shells last, but the replacement rule still applies.
Can I wear the Skullgard near live electrical work?
Its Class E rating supports work around electrical hazards up to 20,000 volts, but only if the shell is intact — no holes, cracks, or unapproved accessory penetrations. Always follow your site's electrical-safety procedures.
How is the Skullgard different from the MSA V-Gard H2?
Both are Type II, Class E. The Skullgard's edge is its high-heat phenolic shell for radiant-heat trades; the V-Gard H2 is a modern safety-helmet design with an integrated chinstrap. Choose the Skullgard when heat resistance is the priority.
Is this hat good for general construction?
It will work, but its heat and electrical performance is overkill for low-hazard general construction. A standard HDPE full-brim or cap-style hat covers that use at lower cost. Browse our full-brim hard hats to compare.
Does it come in different colors or with accessories?
The Skullgard is offered in standard hard-hat colors and accepts MSA-compatible accessories. Listing options vary by availability — check the live product options before ordering, and confirm any accessory does not penetrate the shell if you rely on the Class E rating.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial. Specifications sourced from MSA published data. Compare the range in hard hats.
WC Safety is an independent PPE retailer and Amazon Associate; no paid placement. Match the product to your specific hazard and follow your site PPE program.
Brand / Vendor
MSA
Model / SKU
475407
Product Type
Hard Hats
Price
$124.75 (Amazon)
Rating
4.62 / 5 — 8 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★★4.7 / 5· 6,921 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Best Hard Hat, Period.
This hardhat is one of the lightest and most comfortable hard hats out there. There are few things worse than wearing an uncomfortable hard hat for 8+ hours and this hat does not posses any of these problems. The full brim provides decent sun protection (if you live in the SW you may want to get an add-on). It fits firmly without falling off or being too tight. I've had this type for 25 years and cannot say enough good about it.
Verified Purchaser · June 24, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Excellent hard hat
Great quality and very durable. It fits perfectly and feels very safe. Highly recommended for construction work
Verified Purchaser · April 30, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Good quality
Highly recommend my husband loves his!!
Verified Purchaser · May 13, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Muy buen producto
Verified Purchaser · June 16, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Quality
Great quality, lightweight, very very comfortable to wear, and I’m just overall satisfied with the product of this hard hat, and I’ve been through so many MSA hard hats. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Update on wearing it. Still great quality, lightweight, and extremely comfortable, but the black paint is definitely not great. Barely sat it down, and the paint chipped, and now after having it a week it’s going from black to the original orange color. Still would recommend, but the paint is not the greatest
Verified Purchaser · March 2, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Perfect hardhat other than coming chipped
It’s exactly like my old hardhat except white. Fits and feels great, looks great except mine came chipped. I would give it 5 stars if it wasn’t chipped. I don’t know if they will give me a damaged discount or not, but it’s not worth the hassle of returning since I’m sure it’ll get chipped more the longer I use it.
Verified Purchaser · May 18, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
almost g
conmfty but the. rubber inside broke fast
Verified Purchaser · April 12, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Great product. Small inconvenience due to missing parts.
Product is great and came within a timely manner.My only complaint is that the fast trac suspension didn’t come with the metal clips that snap it to the hard hat itself. I’ve ordered a new suspension system and it should be here tomorrow. Other than that, the product is great.
Verified Purchaser · February 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 8 of 6,921 Amazon reviews.
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