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Serbia
1 Level
676 Review
45 Karma

Review on Stay Protected With MSA H1 V-Gard Helmet: Fas-Trac III Ratchet Suspension, Top-Notch Impact Protection, And Comfortable Self-Adjusting Crown Straps - Standard Size In Black by Jamie Masloski

Revainrating 3 out of 5

Good, but Disappointing

Bought this to replace an expired V-gard full brim. Loved that thing. Thought that since the previous one fit perfectly, one of these would as well. It definitely fits. The fit is actually better because the hat is slightly wider than the full brim. I love the head lamp clips as well.Got mine on sale for $40. Amazing price because the shelf life was expired. Luckily they last 5 years of use after two years of storage.My problem with this hat is the harness. It is simply unacceptable for a helmet that normally costs $120. It refuses to stay on my head. The two pivots make this thing useless. I work entirely overhead in ceilings. I have to look up all day. Yet, the moment I look up, the helmet slides in any direction it chooses. Doesn't matter how tight to put it because the two pivots mean that the tension you apply will slide in different directions and work against you. But I have solutions.First, and most easily, swap the suspension for a fast-trac III from a normal hard hat. No problems after that.Second, you have to apply velcro to the inside of the suspension behind the sweat band. Part of the problem is the sweat band sliding. the other part is the pivots moving. The nape pivot is welcome, but the height pivot can be fixed by placing a plastic rivet in a small 1/8" hole that is present on the suspension above the pivot arm. This prevents it from sliding up and off of your head. After these, with light tension on the suspension, The helmet will remain on my head upside down, shaking vigorously, without the chinstrap. If MSA did this from the beginning, it would be a fantastic five-star product. For now, it remains three because I had to modify a $120 helmet to make it stay on my head.

img 1 attached to Stay Protected With MSA H1 V-Gard Helmet: Fas-Trac III Ratchet Suspension, Top-Notch Impact Protection, And Comfortable Self-Adjusting Crown Straps - Standard Size In Black review by Jamie Masloski



Pros
  • Great upgrade to "lowest bidder" hardhats provided by the company. Light and comfortable.
Cons
  • Limited Ventilation: The helmet's design may not provide adequate ventilation, causing discomfort and sweat buildup, particularly in hot, humid environments