What does Type 2 actually mean on a hard hat label?

Type 2 (also written Type II) is an ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 classification for lateral impact protection: it tests a helmet's ability to reduce force from hits to the side, front, or back of the shell, not just straight down on top. A Type 1 hard hat is tested and certified for top impacts only. A helmet labeled Type 2 has passed the additional off-center penetration and lateral force reduction tests that Type 1 helmets are never required to meet.

Is a full brim hard hat automatically Type 2, or can it be Type 1?

Brim shape and impact rating are two separate certifications, so full brim hard hats exist in both. Right now, CustomHardHats.com's full brim shells, the MSA Skullgard® and MSA V-Gard® models, are Type 1 , rated for top impact only. Our certified Type II option is a Honeywell Fibre-Metal climbing-style helmet , which uses a compact, non-full-brim shell built for lineworkers and confined-space crews who need lateral protection plus mounts for face shields and welding screens.

What are these hard hats made from, and how durable are they?

It depends on the model. The MSA Skullgard® full brim shell is molded phenolic resin reinforced with resin-impregnated textile layers, a construction that holds up especially well in high-heat trades like welding and foundry work. The MSA V-Gard® full brim shell is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), lighter and common in general construction . Our Type II Fibre-Metal helmet combines an HDPE outer shell with liquid crystal polymer (LCP) suspension fibers and a two-layer EPS and shear-thickening foam liner for its added lateral impact absorption.

How do I know what size hard hat to order for my crew?

Most of these helmets use an adjustable ratchet suspension , MSA's Fas-Trac® system on our full brim models, an 8-point dual-locking ratchet on the Fibre-Metal Type II , that fits head sizes roughly 6.5 to 8, or about 20 to 25 inches in circumference, so one shell size typically covers your whole crew. If anyone runs at the extreme high or low end of that range, check the specific suspension listed on the product page before ordering in bulk.

Can I put my company logo on a Type 2 or full brim hard hat without affecting its certification?

Yes. A Type II or full brim hard hat can still be customized with your company logo without affecting its ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 certification when it's decorated using manufacturer-approved methods. While many hard hats are customized using pad printing, our Type II full brim hard hats are decorated with a high-quality Direct-to-Film (DTF) decal that is applied to the shell without altering its protective structure. As with any safety helmet, you should avoid drilling holes, painting the shell, or making other modifications that could compromise the helmet's performance or certification.

What file format do I need to submit for my logo or crew branding?

Vector files (AI, EPS, or a high-resolution PDF) print cleanest for pad printing, since every color needs its own etched plate. If you only have a raster file like a JPG or PNG, send us the highest-resolution version you have and our art team will review it for print quality before production starts, at no extra charge.

How much does a custom Type 2 or full brim hard hat cost, and are there bulk discounts?

Base helmet price depends on the model: $38.50 for the MSA V-Gard® full brim , $197.99 for the phenolic MSA Skullgard® full brim , and $122.05 for the true Type II Fibre-Metal climbing helmet . Pad-printed logos add a flat $4.50 for one color up to $15 for five-plus colors, that price doesn't drop with volume, plus $20 to personalize with names. Orders under 36 units carry a $50 short-run setup fee to cover ink and plate costs, while select models offer up to 25% off at 500-plus units.

How long does production and shipping take?

Standard production runs 12 business days once your artwork is approved. The Fibre-Metal Type II climbing helmet is a special-order item and runs 20 business days. Both timelines are before FedEx or UPS transit, so budget at least two to three weeks ahead of any date-driven rollout like a safety stand-down or new-hire onboarding batch.

Type 2 Full Brim Hard Hat: OSHA & ANSI Guide

Common Questions About Type 2 Full Brim Hard Hats

What does Type 2 actually mean on a hard hat label?: Type 2 (also written Type II) is an ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 classification for lateral impact protection: it tests a helmet's ability to reduce force from hits to the side, front, or back of the shell, not just straight down on top. A Type 1 hard hat is tested and certified for top impacts only. A helmet labeled Type 2 has passed the additional off-center penetration and lateral force reduction tests that Type 1 helmets are never required to meet.
Is a full brim hard hat automatically Type 2, or can it be Type 1?: Brim shape and impact rating are two separate certifications, so full brim hard hats exist in both. Right now, CustomHardHats.com's full brim shells, the MSA Skullgard® and MSA V-Gard® models, are Type 1, rated for top impact only. Our certified Type II option is a Honeywell Fibre-Metal climbing-style helmet, which uses a compact, non-full-brim shell built for lineworkers and confined-space crews who need lateral protection plus mounts for face shields and welding screens.
What are these hard hats made from, and how durable are they?: It depends on the model. The MSA Skullgard® full brim shell is molded phenolic resin reinforced with resin-impregnated textile layers, a construction that holds up especially well in high-heat trades like welding and foundry work. The MSA V-Gard® full brim shell is high-density polyethylene (HDPE), lighter and common in general construction. Our Type II Fibre-Metal helmet combines an HDPE outer shell with liquid crystal polymer (LCP) suspension fibers and a two-layer EPS and shear-thickening foam liner for its added lateral impact absorption.
How do I know what size hard hat to order for my crew?: Most of these helmets use an adjustable ratchet suspension, MSA's Fas-Trac® system on our full brim models, an 8-point dual-locking ratchet on the Fibre-Metal Type II, that fits head sizes roughly 6.5 to 8, or about 20 to 25 inches in circumference, so one shell size typically covers your whole crew. If anyone runs at the extreme high or low end of that range, check the specific suspension listed on the product page before ordering in bulk.
Can I put my company logo on a Type 2 or full brim hard hat without affecting its certification?: Yes. A Type II or full brim hard hat can still be customized with your company logo without affecting its ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 certification when it's decorated using manufacturer-approved methods. While many hard hats are customized using pad printing, our Type II full brim hard hats are decorated with a high-quality Direct-to-Film (DTF) decal that is applied to the shell without altering its protective structure. As with any safety helmet, you should avoid drilling holes, painting the shell, or making other modifications that could compromise the helmet's performance or certification.
What file format do I need to submit for my logo or crew branding?: Vector files (AI, EPS, or a high-resolution PDF) print cleanest for pad printing, since every color needs its own etched plate. If you only have a raster file like a JPG or PNG, send us the highest-resolution version you have and our art team will review it for print quality before production starts, at no extra charge.
How much does a custom Type 2 or full brim hard hat cost, and are there bulk discounts?: Base helmet price depends on the model: $38.50 for the MSA V-Gard® full brim, $197.99 for the phenolic MSA Skullgard® full brim, and $122.05 for the true Type II Fibre-Metal climbing helmet. Pad-printed logos add a flat $4.50 for one color up to $15 for five-plus colors, that price doesn't drop with volume, plus $20 to personalize with names. Orders under 36 units carry a $50 short-run setup fee to cover ink and plate costs, while select models offer up to 25% off at 500-plus units.
How long does production and shipping take?: Standard production runs 12 business days once your artwork is approved. The Fibre-Metal Type II climbing helmet is a special-order item and runs 20 business days. Both timelines are before FedEx or UPS transit, so budget at least two to three weeks ahead of any date-driven rollout like a safety stand-down or new-hire onboarding batch.

Type 2 vs Type 1: What the Classification Actually Tests

ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 splits hard hats into two impact categories. Type 1 hats are tested and certified for impact absorption from a blow to the top of the head only, the most common jobsite hazard: falling tools, debris, or materials from directly above. Type 2 hard hats go further, adding lateral impact testing for strikes to the front, back, and sides of the shell, plus off-center penetration resistance.

This distinction matters because not every head injury comes from something falling straight down. Workers who swing into fixed objects, get struck by a moving load from the side, or work in tight quarters where a bump to the temple or back of the head is more likely than a vertical drop benefit from the added lateral coverage. Electrical linework, scaffolding, confined-space entry, and oil and gas operations are the environments where Type 2 most often gets specified over Type 1. For the full breakdown of Type 1 vs Type 2 alongside Class E, G, and C electrical ratings, see our guide on the different types of hard hats.

Why Full Brim Coverage Matters Alongside Lateral Impact Protection

A full brim wraps 360 degrees around the shell instead of stopping at a short bill in front like cap-style hats. That means shade and rain coverage across the neck and ears, plus a wider debris-deflection zone for anyone working below overhead pipe racks, scaffolding decks, or crane operations. That's a different hazard than lateral impact: a full brim protects against debris and weather hitting from an angle, while Type 2 certification protects against a direct strike to the side of the head from swinging equipment, low clearances, or confined-space work.

Many crews need real protection from both hazard types on the same shift, which is why CustomHardHats.com carries both: a Type 1 full brim shell (our MSA Skullgard® and V-Gard® models) for overhead and weather exposure, and a true Type II climbing-style helmet for lateral strike risk. If your crew works primarily in open construction with overhead-only exposure, full brim vs. cap style comes down to sun and rain coverage, and a Type 1 full brim is usually enough. If there's any lateral strike risk, swinging pipe, low beams, or tight equipment bays, step up to the Type II.

Typical Buyer Scenarios: Who Needs Which Rating

Electrical and utility crews working near energized lines or in bucket trucks are the most common buyers of our Type II Fibre-Metal climbing helmet, since its dual-locking ratchet suspension stays secure during overhead reaching and awkward positioning, and its accessory mounts accept face shields and welding screens. Oil and gas field crews and roofers tend toward our full brim shells in high-visibility colors, prioritizing sun coverage and debris deflection over lateral impact during long outdoor shifts. Mining and industrial plant operators frequently want Type 2 protection specifically for confined-space and below-grade work, where strikes against fixed structures are a real risk. Scaffold erectors split between both: a full brim for the weather exposure and a Type II shell when swinging tools or low clearance framing raise the odds of a side impact.

Not sure which brand or shell fits your crew? Our MSA vs. Fibre-Metal vs. ERB comparison breaks down the material and suspension differences across all three manufacturers we carry.

Type 1 Full Brim vs. Type II Climbing Helmet: Side-by-Side

Here's how CustomHardHats.com's Type 1 full brim shells compare to our true Type II climbing-style Full Brim helmet, so you can match the right spec to your crew's actual hazard exposure.

Feature	Type 1 Full Brim (MSA Skullgard® / V-Gard®)	Type II Climbing Full Brim Helmet (Fibre-Metal®)
Impact protection tested	Top of head only	Top, front, back, and sides (lateral impact)
Brim style	Full 360-degree brim	Full 360-degree brim
Best suited for	Overhead falling-object hazards, sun and rain exposure	Side-strike hazards: confined space, linework, low clearances
Shell material	Phenolic composite (Skullgard) or HDPE (V-Gard)	HDPE with LCP suspension fibers
Suspension	Fas-Trac® ratchet suspension	8-point dual-locking ratchet suspension
Base price	$38.50 (V-Gard) to $197.99 (Skullgard)	$142.99
Standard production	12 business days	20 business days (special order)
Custom pad-printed/DTF (direct to film) branding	Yes, front, back, and side placements	Yes, front, back, and side placements

Shop CustomHardHats.com's Type 1 Full Brim and Type II Helmets

Every helmet below ships pad-printed with your logo, crew names, or safety messaging, a permanent, plate-based printing process (see our full guide to pad printing) that cures into the shell rather than sitting on top of it like a sticker or film transfer. Orders under 36 units carry a $50 short-run setup fee; select models offer up to 25% off at 500-plus units.

Full Brim Hard Hats — Type 1

MSA Skullgard® Full Brim Natural Tan Hard Hat

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Full Brim Hard Hats — Type 1

MSA Skullgard® Full Brim White Hard Hat

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Honeywell Fibre-Metal climbing style Type II black helmet

Type II Helmets

Honeywell Fibre-Metal® Climbing Style Type II Full Brim Helmet, Non-Vented — Black

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Outfit Your Crew with the Right Rating: Type 1 Full Brim or Type II

Whether you're specifying lateral impact protection for a utility crew, sourcing a climbing-style Type II helmet for confined-space work, or just need pad-printed full brim hats for a general contracting team, CustomHardHats.com prints and ships every order directly from our shop. Upload your logo, choose your print zones, and get a free digital proof before production starts. Browse our full catalog for every model, brand, and color we carry.

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What Is a Type 2 Full Brim Hard Hat and When Do You Need One?

Common Questions About Type 2 Full Brim Hard Hats

Type 2 vs Type 1: What the Classification Actually Tests

Why Full Brim Coverage Matters Alongside Lateral Impact Protection

Typical Buyer Scenarios: Who Needs Which Rating

Type 1 Full Brim vs. Type II Climbing Helmet: Side-by-Side

Shop CustomHardHats.com's Type 1 Full Brim and Type II Helmets

MSA Skullgard® Full Brim Natural Tan Hard Hat

MSA Skullgard® Full Brim White Hard Hat

Honeywell Fibre-Metal® Climbing Style Type II Full Brim Helmet, Non-Vented — Black

Outfit Your Crew with the Right Rating: Type 1 Full Brim or Type II

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