As a construction manager for over 20 years, I have worn many hard hats in my career. I can say without hesitation that the Ergodyne's Skullerz cap-style vented hard hat is my favorite. For most of my career, I have worked outdoors in all kinds of conditions, so I've experienced the scientific phenomenon created when you wear a hard hat in bright sunshine: a mini “hot box” sitting on top of your head. Anyone who has worn a hard hat is familiar with the uncomfortable result of exerting yourself when the sun is beating down. But I found that the sweat and elevated temperatures during the summer months are almost completely eliminated by the vented design of this hard hat, which prevents the temperature from rising in the small space above your head and under the lid.

The hats are available in both orange and white versions, which help with visibility--being seen on the jobsite is obviously important for safety reasons.
Jeff Kirby The hats are available in both orange and white versions, which help with visibility--being seen on the jobsite is obviously important for safety reasons.

The four-point suspension rig that comes with the hat is well thought out. You can adjust it anywhere from a 6-½ hat size to an 8, one-handed, while you wear it. The rig's moisture-wicking sweatband works great and keeps annoying sweat trickles out of your eyes. The hat also comes with a circular pad that sits on top of your head and prevents the annoying and sometimes painful pressure that can be caused by strapping on top of your head.

The hats feature an adjustable suspension system for ventilation, and can be worn backwards, which is not only stylish but also helpful when you are looking at things above you.
Jeff Kirby The hats feature an adjustable suspension system for ventilation, and can be worn backwards, which is not only stylish but also helpful when you are looking at things above you.

A great amenity the hat comes with is a built-in slot for a LED headlamp. Because of the slot's location, the hat remains balanced on your head and doesn’t become front-top heavy, as can happen with third-party clip-on after-market lights. It also includes slots for other accessories, like hearing protection and a chin strap. It is ANSI Type I Class C rated (construction and related trades).

On the Ergodyne website, you can get replacement suspension rigs, pads, sweatbands, and an LED headlamp that fits in the slot on the front of the helmet.
Jeff Kirby On the Ergodyne website, you can get replacement suspension rigs, pads, sweatbands, and an LED headlamp that fits in the slot on the front of the helmet.

I could find little to nothing with these helmets that I could be critical of. They are light and comfortable, don’t get hot, and are easily adjustable. Most importantly, they protect your noggin. This reminds me of a quote I heard a long time ago (I cannot remember who said it) - “It's better to have a bucket on your head than your head in a bucket.”

At about $45 each, these hard hats are probably a little more expensive than the ones you can get at the big box stores, but in my experience, the old cliche “you get what you pay for” applies here as well. I suspect that I will be wearing this particular piece of gear for the rest of my career, and suggest that everyone who works in an occupation where hard hats are either required or recommended carefully consider wearing them as well. Ergodyne.com