Taking into account the job of a hard hat, its material is its most important asset. You can literally find a plethora of options and amongst those, Safety Gurus recommend wearing a carbon fiber hard hat.
Yes, it sure looks cool, but that’s not the primary benefit of a carbon fiber hard hat. Its primary benefit is its unparalleled strength.
Carbon fiber polymer is stronger than industrial-grade steel and denser than most other materials. Whether you’re a construction worker, a glazier, a Brick Mason, an ironworker, or a construction engineer, a carbon fiber hard hat will, hands down, protect you from getting injured!
Keep reading to find out what makes carbon fiber the best material for hard hats, the benefits of a carbon fiber hard hat, the best carbon fiber hard hats you should buy, and much more!
5 Benefits of Wearing a Carbon Fiber Hard Hat
Other than the obvious that a carbon fiber hard hat can, and will someday, protect your life, there are many other benefits of wearing one. Let’s have a look at those benefits one by one.
1.) Carbon Fiber Hard Hats are Dense but Lightweight
A carbon fiber hard hat is triple-reinforced at the crown for impact resistance – that’s the first striking benefit of wearing one.
Since we’re talking about nothing less than Herculean strength, it’s obvious that you would expect something so strong to be equally heavy.
But, strangely, a carbon fiber hard hat is super lightweight and that’s the beauty of it. You can comfortably wear it all day long and for what it’s worth, you won’t feel a thing.
2.) Carbon Fiber Hard Hats Are Stylish
If you’ve always repelled the idea of wearing a helmet because it messes up with the entire look, then a carbon fiber hard hat will leave you pleasantly surprised. It comes in many alluring styles and designs and it looks pretty cool too.
3.) Carbon Fiber Hard Hats Offer Protection From Heat
One naturally expects anything that’s made of carbon to get overheated and the notion remains the same for carbon fiber hard hats too. But, that’s wrong!
Unlike what people assume, a carbon fiber hard hat that meets the ANSI Z89.1-2014 standards offers protection from heat even when the temperature at the construction site soars up to 350° F, but not more than that.
Dying from having a heat stroke is as probable at construction sites as dying from cracking open your skull. Wearing a carbon fiber hard hat will protect you from both by keeping you cool.
Bear in mind, a carbon fiber hard hat of the highest quality has a very low thermal expansion rate because it can withstand bulk loads of heat.
4.) Carbon Fiber Hard Hats are Abrasion-Resistant
Carbon fiber polymer resists chemicals to a very strong extent. Hence, the carbon fiber hard hats are abrasion-resistant.
5.) Carbon Fiber Hard Hats are Very Durable
A carbon fiber hard hat, as already said, is abrasion-resistant. On top of that, the surface of carbon fiber hard hats resists scratches too.
So, once you buy one, it will last for as long as 5 years. However, whether or not it gets dull in the sun will depend upon how well you maintain it.
What Makes Carbon Fiber the New Favorite Material for Hard Hats?
Carbon fiber polymer has all the qualities that can protect the lives of thousands and thousands of construction workers by preventing injuries that can be sustained to the head.
Carbon fibers are very thin and when they’re woven together, the resulting hard hat can be up to 5 times tougher and stronger than industrial-grade stainless steel.
Carbon fibers aren’t just strong, they’re lightweight too. That’s the second factor that makes it a popular option for making construction helmets.
Interestingly, carbon fiber might have made its entry into the construction business recently, but it has been used in aerospace and the military for decades.
There’s absolutely no substitute for the strength and durability of carbon fiber polymer. Hence, it’s the leading favorite and the best option to manufacture hard hats for construction and industrial sites.
4 Best Carbon Fiber Hard Hats
1.) Lift Safety Dax Fifty Full-Brim Carbon Fiber Hardhat
- Carbon Fiber Hardhat Weighs in at 420g without suspension system. 550g with suspension
- Fiber reinforced resin shell for superior impact protection - 6 Point Suspension for Maximum Comfort
- Brim grip, exclusive design provides a secure feel - Triple Reinforced Crown For Superior Impact Protection
- Perforated Clarino synthetic leather comfort dome with molded EVA foam insert for additional shock absorbing protection to the top of head
- Meets ANSI Z89.1-2014 requirements for Type 1, Class C.
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This type-C carbon fiber hard hat is entirely ANSI Z89.1-2014 compliant. It has a 6-point suspension that makes it immensely impact-resistant.
1.) The crown is triple-reinforced.
2.) The synthetic leather lining on the inside is blended with EVA foam. It offers added shock absorption.
3.) The microfiber liner reduces the buildup of sweat and wicks the moisture away, making it easier to work under the Sun.
4.) It weighs just 420g without the suspension and 550g with suspension.
2.) DAX Carbon Fiber Cap Style Hard Hat
- A Carbon Fiber reinforced resin shell provides superior structural rigidity.
- Brim grip, exclusive design provides a secure feel
- Perforated synthetic leather comfort dome with molded EVA foam insert for additional shock absorbing protection to the top of head
- Oversized ratcheting fitment dial to adjust size, easy to grip and use with gloves on
- Moisture-wicking foam backed microfiber liner reduces sweat build
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This is a full brim 6-point-suspension carbon fiber hard hat that meets the ANSI Z89.1-2014 standard. It’s an ideal option for construction workers and iron manufacturers.
1.) It weighs a meager 315g grams without a suspension system and 460 grams with suspension.
2.) It is incorporated with synthetic leather lining for added comfort. Besides, it looks way too cool!
3.) Texas America Safety Company Carbon Fiber Hard Hat with Hard Hat Tote
- Carbon Fiber for added durability
- 6 Point Ratchet Suspension
- Padded harness head cushion
- Triple Enforced Crown for added protection
- Meets ANSI Z89.1 Class C Type 1 Regulati
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This is a full brim tote-style carbon fiber hard hat that meets the ANSI Class C standards for safety. It offers a 6 point suspension and is reinforced with added padding at the crown for extra impact resistance. The foam padding has a high moisture absorbing capacity.
4.) DAX Actual Carbon Fiber Cap Style Hard Hat
- Constructed from carbon fiber for added durability
- Features a 6 point ratchet suspension with a soft padded harness for additonal cushioning
- Crown is triple reinforced for added protection
- Comes with a rim grip on each site to help keep the surface clean and provides extra grip
- Meets ANSI Z89.1 Class C Type 1 Regulati
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As the name suggests, this helmet has the shape of a cap. It’s a class C 6-point ratchet suspension carbon fiber hard hat that is in full compliance with the safety standards as laid by the ANSI Z89.1 regulations.
1.) Either side of this carbon fiber hard hat has a rim for added comfort and grip.
2.) The crown of the helmet is triple reinforced to make it extremely impact-resistant.
3.) It easily fits a size 7 to size 8 head.
Most of all, it’s cheaper and more affordable than many other carbon fiber hard hats in the market.
Things to Consider When Buying a Carbon Fiber Hard Hat
There are certain things that you should know before you make the final purchase. As long as you keep all the below-listed features in your mind, you’ll be able to make the right purchase.
1.) Make sure that the carbon fiber hard hat you’re buying complies with the ANSI regulations for hard hats.
2.) Ensure that the crown is tripe reinforced, possibly padded, for optimal impact resistance at the right spot on your head.
3.) The carbon fiber hard hat must fit your head perfectly. If the hat won’t sit right, the chances that it might slide from your head will be maximum.
4.) It is very important that the carbon fiber hard hat that you buy is padded with high-quality foam to offer shock absorbance.
5.) The carbon fiber hard hat that you’re buying should have a high moisture-wicking capacity. It’s crucial because sweating profusely can blind your sight while working. That’s a potentially serious risk. So, buy those hard hats that can absorb all the sweat.
Quality Benchmarking for a Carbon Fiber Hard Hats
ISEA (International Safety Equipment Association) is the leading body that drafts safety guidelines for the manufacture of industrial equipment, machines, and components to ensure the safety of workers.
The ANSI (American National Standard Institute) follows the safety guidelines written and drafted by ISEA. For hard hat helmets, the ISEA made safety guidelines in 2009 that was known as ANSI Z89.1-2009. Later, in 2014, the guidelines were reviewed and modified. The modified guidelines are drafted as ANSI Z89.1-2014.
The guidelines are for manufacturers and producers of hard hats and helmets. The most important ones classified under ANSI Z89.1-2014 are as follows:
1.) Every manufacturer has to provide proof that any accessory and replacement component won’t cause the hard hats to fail.
2.) The manufacturers have to provide a clarification that the useful service life of the helmet doesn’t have to be interpreted by a set defined number of years.
3.) The manufacturers have to incorporate additional protection for users who work in hotter climatic conditions.
These are the reasons that you should buy only the ANSI Z89.1-2014 compliant carbon fiber hard hats because they come with the quality guarantee that the product will offer the protection it promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.) How long is a Carbon fiber hard hat good for?
Safety experts suggest changing a carbon fiber hard hat every five years. So, we’d say that an ANSI-compliant carbon fiber hard hat can last for 5 long years.
However, if you work in mines or other industries where the temperature soars every single day, it is recommended that you should change your helmet every two years.
So, for cases where work requires constant exposure to excessive heat, a carbon fiber hard hat will typically last for 2 years.
See also: How Long are Hard Hats Good For?
2.) Do carbon fiber hard hats get hot?
Carbon fiber hard hats of the highest quality offer heat protection up to 350° F. Anything above this temperature will make you hot with or without a cap.
3.) Do carbon fiber hard hats offer protection from electrical conductivity?
4.) How much does a carbon fiber hard hat cost?
A high-quality carbon fiber hard hat will cost you anywhere between 130$ to 180$.
5.) Does carbon fiber fade in the sun?
Yes, as a matter of fact, it does. This is why you should buy a hard hat according to the type of industry you work in.
There are also color options and texture options to choose from to ensure minimum dulling. Lastly, it all comes down to how well you clean and maintain your carbon fiber hard hat.
6.) Why do construction workers wear hard hats backward?
This trend is basically the result of the fact that it’s usually easier for the workers to see better and function better when they wear their hats backward. This trend is, however, put to rest with carbon fiber hard hats.
They’re already made comfortable and moisture-resistant. Hence, when wearing a carbon fiber hard hat, there’s no requirement to wear it backward.
