MSA V-Gard H2 Safety Helmet vs Pyramex Ridgeline T2 Full Brim (HPT256110)

The V-Gard H2 is published as Type II with a Class E non-vented build, an integrated chin strap and an optional Mips layer, which covers the hazards OSHA singles out for construction. The Ridgeline T2 reaches the same Type II rating in a familiar full brim shape and publishes more of its numbers than most rivals do.

MSA V-Gard H2 Safety Helmet

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One of the few mainstream helmets whose own product page states Type II, Class E in plain language, with a chin strap fitted and a Mips option on the shelf.

• MSA publishes the non-vented build as ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 (R2019), Type II, Class E, with HT and HV markings where applicable.
• Type II means it was tested for impact energy from the front, back and sides as well as the top, which is what OSHA tells construction employers to consider.
• The chin strap is integrated rather than an accessory, and MSA offers the Mips brain protection system as a factory option for rotational forces.

• The vented version drops to Class C and carries no electrical rating at all, so venting and electrical work are mutually exclusive here.
• MSA counts storage against the clock: its data sheet sets a two year storage life from date of manufacture and says any time beyond that is deducted from the five year service life.
• It sits at the top of the market, and the Mips option costs more again.

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Pyramex Ridgeline T2 Full Brim (HPT256110)

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A Type II rating in the ordinary full brim shape a site is used to seeing, with a spec sheet that actually prints the numbers.

• Pyramex's product sheet states ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2014 Type II with the non-vented model Class E rated for 20,000 volts and the vented model Class C.
• It publishes what most brands hide: 556 g complete, a 1.7 to 3.2 mm ABS shell, EPS halo foam, and a six point swinging ratchet that converts to four point.
• It also carries the optional LT marking to -22 F and HT to 140 F, plus HV on the hi vis colours, and it is certified to CAN/CSA Z94.1-2015 Type II.

• The chin strap is optional on the standard version, so a crew that needs retention has to make wearing it a rule rather than assume it.
• At 556 g it is heavier than the low profile helmets here, which is the price of a full brim over a Type II liner.
• The Mips variant is a separate SKU and Pyramex says it must be worn with the chin strap, so you cannot mix and match.

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Side by side

The bottom line

Our overall pick is the MSA V-Gard H2 Safety Helmet - One of the few mainstream helmets whose own product page states Type II, Class E in plain language, with a chin strap fitted and a Mips option on the shelf. Choose the Pyramex Ridgeline T2 Full Brim (HPT256110) instead if the buyer who wants Type II protection without changing the silhouette their crew or their client is used to, at the bottom of the price range.

Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Hard Hats: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).