MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet — Type II, Class E Full-Brim Head Protection
$72.57
Final price set by Amazon · may vary
Color: White
Style: Vented
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team, based on published MSA specifications and category fit. We did not laboratory-test this product.
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MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet — Type II, Class E Full-Brim Head Protection Overview
The MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet is a Type II, Class E safety helmet built for crews that want lateral-impact protection in a full-brim profile. Under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014, a Type II classification means the helmet is tested to reduce both top and lateral (side, front, rear) impact energy — a meaningful step up from a Type I hard hat, which is rated for top impact only. If your job exposes workers to swinging loads, falls from height, or struck-by hazards from the side, Type II is the rating to specify.
The Class E (Electrical) rating means the non-conductive shell is proof-tested to 20,000 volts, qualifying it for utility, electrical, and general industrial environments where contact with energized conductors is a risk. The 360° full brim wraps the full circumference of the shell to shed rain and block sun off the neck and face — a practical advantage for outdoor and roadway work over a short-billed cap style. Compare profiles across our full-brim hard hats and the broader safety helmets range.
This is a purchase-intent listing for buyers who already know they want the V-Gard H2 platform. If you are still choosing between ratings and shell styles, start with our hard hat selection guide and the breakdown of hard hat classes explained before you commit. For fit and break-in, see how to adjust a hard hat suspension. Under OSHA 1910.135, any helmet must be removed from service after a struck event and replaced at the manufacturer's date-code interval — inspect the shell and suspension before every shift.
What It Is Built For
| Use case | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| General industrial work near electrical hazards | Excellent | Class E shell is proof-tested to 20kV; pair with the Type II lateral-impact rating for utility, plant, and electrical environments. |
| Side/struck-by impact exposure (swinging loads, falls) | Excellent | Type II classification adds lateral (side/front/rear) impact protection beyond a Type I top-only hard hat. |
| Outdoor, roadway, and sun-exposed jobsites | Excellent | 360° full brim sheds rain and shades the neck and face all the way around — preferred over a short-bill cap style outdoors. |
| Confined, low-clearance, or overhead-tight spaces | Limited | The full brim can catch on ductwork and tight overhead; consider a cap-style hard hat where clearance is the constraint. |
| Conductive/vented work near electrical sources | Not suitable | This helmet is Class E (non-conductive). For deliberately vented airflow, a Class C helmet is required — but Class C must never be worn near electrical hazards. |
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
- Type II rating — tested to reduce top AND lateral (side/front/rear) impact, not just top impact
- Class E electrical rating proof-tested to 20,000 volts for utility and electrical work
- 360° full brim sheds rain and shades the neck, face, and ears all the way around
- MSA V-Gard platform is a long-established, widely specified industrial head-protection line
- Non-vented Class E shell keeps the helmet compliant for energized-environment work
Cons
- Full-brim profile is bulkier than a cap style in low-clearance or overhead-tight spaces
- Class E (non-conductive, non-vented) means no built-in ventilation — runs warmer than a vented Class C helmet
- Must be removed from service and replaced after any impact and at the date-code interval per OSHA 1910.135
How It Compares
Within the MSA V-Gard H2 safety-helmet family, the trade-off is chinstrap integration, suspension, and protection add-ons — all share the climbing-style helmet platform:
| Model | Type / Class | Profile | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet (this page) | Type II / Class E | Full brim, with chinstrap | Full-circumference rain/sun protection plus lateral-impact and 20kV electrical rating |
| MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim with Integrated Chinstrap | Type II / Class E | Full brim, integrated chinstrap | Buyers who want the integrated-chinstrap configuration in the same full-brim profile |
| MSA V-Gard H2 Pro with Fas-Trac III and MIPS | Type II / Class E | Cap-profile, MIPS-equipped | Crews wanting the Fas-Trac III suspension and MIPS rotational-impact technology |
Cross-shopping other brands? See the Milwaukee BOLT full-brim vented (Type 2, Class C) for a vented alternative — note Class C is not for electrical work — or the Klein Tools KARBN non-vented full-brim (Class E) for another non-conductive full-brim option. Browse all safety helmets to compare.
Specifications
| ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Type | Type II (top + lateral impact) |
| Electrical Class | Class E (proof-tested to 20,000 volts) |
| Brim Style | Full brim (360°) |
| Product Category | Safety helmet |
| Vented | No (Class E non-conductive shell) |
| Brand | MSA (V-Gard H2 platform) |
| Standard | ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 |
| Replacement | After any impact and at manufacturer date-code interval (OSHA 1910.135) |
Related Resources
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MSA V-Gard H2 a Type I or Type II safety helmet?
It is a Type II helmet. Under ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014, Type II means it is tested to reduce both top (vertical) and lateral (side, front, and rear) impact — more protection than a Type I hard hat, which is rated for top impact only.
What does the Class E rating on this helmet mean?
Class E is the Electrical rating. The non-conductive shell is proof-tested to withstand up to 20,000 volts, making the V-Gard H2 suitable for utility, electrical, and general industrial work near energized conductors.
Can I wear the V-Gard H2 near electrical hazards?
Yes. Because it is Class E (proof-tested to 20kV), it is rated for use near electrical hazards. Never substitute a Class C (conductive/vented) helmet in those environments — Class C offers no electrical protection.
Is this a full-brim or cap-style helmet?
It is a full-brim safety helmet. The 360-degree brim wraps the full circumference of the shell to shed rain and shade the neck, ears, and face — unlike a cap style, which has only a short front bill. Compare options in our full-brim hard hats collection.
Is the MSA V-Gard H2 vented?
No. As a Class E helmet it uses a non-conductive, non-vented shell so it stays compliant for electrical work. If you specifically need airflow vents, you would need a Class C helmet, but Class C must never be used near electrical hazards.
How is a safety helmet different from a traditional hard hat?
Safety helmets like the V-Gard H2 typically use a climbing-style shell with a chinstrap to stay on during a fall and often carry a Type II lateral-impact rating, whereas a traditional hard hat is frequently Type I (top impact only). Both are certified to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1.
When do I need to replace this helmet?
Replace it immediately after any impact, even if no damage is visible, and at the manufacturer's date-code interval. OSHA 1910.135 requires head protection to be in serviceable condition — inspect the shell and suspension before every shift.
Where do I find the date code to track replacement?
MSA molds a date code into the underside of the shell brim showing the month and year of manufacture. Use it to track service life and schedule replacement per your site's policy and OSHA 1910.135.
Does this helmet come with a chinstrap?
The V-Gard H2 platform is a climbing-style safety helmet designed to be worn with a chinstrap. Check the specific listing configuration, and see the integrated-chinstrap version if you want that built in.
How do I adjust the fit on the V-Gard H2?
Set the headband to your hat size and dial in the rear adjustment so the helmet sits level and snug without pressure points. Our guide on how to adjust a hard hat suspension walks through the steps for a secure, all-day fit.
Is the V-Gard H2 a good choice for outdoor and roadway work?
Yes. The 360-degree full brim sheds rain and shades the neck and face all the way around, which is a practical advantage over a short-bill cap style for sun- and weather-exposed jobsites.
How does this compare to the V-Gard H2 Pro with MIPS?
This full-brim model gives you 360-degree rain and sun coverage with the Type II / Class E rating. The V-Gard H2 Pro adds Fas-Trac III suspension and MIPS rotational-impact technology in a cap profile. Choose based on whether full-brim coverage or MIPS and suspension upgrades matter more for your work.
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
10250581
Product Type
Safety Helmets
Price
$72.57 (Amazon)
Rating
4.5 / 5 — 4 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆3.9 / 5· 8 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
Solid Type 2 full brim
Been running this hard hat on an active job site and it’s been great so far. The Type 2 protection is the big win—gives you side impact coverage, not just top, which is huge if you’re around equipment or tight spaces. Fit is comfortable and easy to adjust, and it stays put without constantly messing with it.Full brim actually helps with sun and debris, especially working outside all day. Doesn’t feel overly heavy, and it balances well even after hours of wear. Build quality feels solid—doesn’t feel cheap like some of the basic hard hats.If you’re running equipment or doing demo/ground work, this is worth it over a standard Type 1. Would buy again.
Verified Purchaser · May 3, 202 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
good but a few issues
had to remove suspension system to correct the straps and the adjuster broke after one time tightening otherwise comfortable and light
Verified Purchaser · April 11, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Satisfaction
I am extremely satisfied!
Verified Purchaser · May 21, 20 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
It’s an MSA… top quality…
This MSA V-Gard H2 Full Brim Safety Helmet is exactly what you expect from a trusted construction industry brand. Sturdiness is exceptional—it feels solid and capable of handling tough job site conditions. Functionality is excellent with Type II certification offering enhanced lateral protection for slips, trips, and falls, and the ratchet suspension allows quick, precise adjustments even with gloves on. Value for money is strong considering the long-lasting performance and safety it provides, especially compared to lower-quality helmets. It fit me perfectly. I use it almost daily on construction sites and it remains comfortable all day thanks to the non-contact foam liner and enhanced airflow that keeps my head cool. I get really sweaty too so having this helps a bunch with that. Build quality is top notch as expected from MSA, and the helmet integrates easily with a wide range of V-Gard accessories. Weight is very manageable and doesn’t cause fatigue even during long shifts. Overall this helmet is reliable, durable, and comfortable, and I expect it to remain a staple on job sites for years.
Verified Purchaser · December 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 4 of 8 Amazon reviews.
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