FAQs

ANSI Z89.1 Type I certified helmets are impact tested onto the crown to simulate objects falling onto the head from above. Type II certified helmets are also tested for impacts to the front, sides, and rear of the helmet to simulate being hit by projectiles or objects at head level. The majority of hard hats and safety helmets being worn today are Type I rated although many more accidents occur from peripheral impacts. In the EU, the EN 12492 test standard includes front, side, and rear impacts as part of the testing in addition to impacts to the crown.

ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020 American National Standard For Occupational And Educational Personal Eye And Face Protection Devices

Hardknock technology and its effectiveness in mitigating rotational forces has been studied extensively and results have been published in peer-reviewed literature. Specifically, a study published by Bottlang et al (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09962) demonstrated that compared to a climbing-style safety helmet with a foam liner, Hardknock technology reduced the predicted risk of concussion from 56% to 2%. A most recent study published by Bottlang et al in the Journal of Safety Science (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2023.106296) furthermore demonstrated Hardknock Resolve helmets delivered better protection from lateral impacts (ANSI Type II) than any of seven climbing-style safety helmets from major helmet manufacturers. Hardknock is the only helmet company that has been awarded funding from the US National Institute of Health to translate their innovative technology into helmets that better prevent brain injury.

All components in the Hardknock Resolve Helmet and their materials have been investigated with regards to the requirement of providing a warning statement per California Proposition 65. Hardknock determined that no warning statement is required based on California's "Proposition 65 List", and the use, size and composition of materials utilized in the Hardknock helmet.

There is no MSHA approval for helmet. Instead, the MSHA bulletin P11-36 refers to the ANSI Z89.1 standard, which Hardknock meets and exceeds. Hard hats or caps that meet or exceed the applicable specification of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provide appropriate head protection and comply with these requirements. The applicable standards are ANSI's "Safety Requirements for Industrial Head Protection," Z89.1, and "Safety Requirements for Industrial Protective Helmets for Electrical Workers, Class B," Z89.2.

A chin strap is not needed to comply with the ANSI Z89.1 Type II standard. Based on the wording in the standard, chin straps are optional. However, "If the helmet is provided with a chin strap, test samples [] shall be tested for retention in accordance with Section 10.6[]", which Hardknock conducted and passed. Therefore, the Hardknock Resolve with or without chin straps complies with all applicable requirements of ANSI Z89.1. With regards to EN12492, the answer is different, because a chin strap is required here. The Hardknock Resolve is one of the only hard hats that is CE marked and fully certified to EN12492:2012.

The break-away force of chin straps is not required as part of ANSI Z89.1, and therefore not tested.

Hardknock helmets were tested to and passed the flammability requirements of ANSI Z89.1: 7.1.1. There is no specific flammability requirement in the ANSI standard for the chin straps.

Yes, our chin straps can be easily removed from the helmet with a blunt tool such as a pen.

The Hardknock material may feel rigid, but it’s designed to flex and crumple during a severe impact to reduce the peak forces transmitted to the head. With the peak force reduced, the Nuro Core is designed to glide within the helmet shell, decoupling the motion of the shell from the motion of the wearer’s skull. See more about why Hardknock works at www.Hardknock.com/pages/howitworks

The helmets have a ratcheting dial on the back to adjust the headband to the wearer’s head circumference. The rear fit system arms can also be adjusted up/down to fit the shape of the user’s head and improve the comfort and stability of the helmet. Once set, the fit system should retain its position and should not need to be adjusted each time.

Hardknock hard hats are one-size-fits-most, covering a head size range from 53cm to 63cm (6 5/8” - 7 7/8”). Make sure to adjust to your individual needs by using the ratcheting dial in the back and pulling out the rear connection arms of the headband.

A baseball cap under our helmet is not expected to have any negative performance influence if the helmet maintains a secure fit to the head and is not tilted back too far.

The chevrons in the front brim were designed to improve grip, especially useful when wearing gloves.

Hardknock does not restrict wearing any helmet liners (e.g. cooling or warm beanies) with our helmets, granted they do not replace the installed comfort pad in the helmets.

Replacement comfort pads and sweatbands are available to order through Hardknock.com/collections/accessories or from your local distributor.

Yes. Both soft goods can be removed from the hard hat and machine washed at warm temperature settings.

Every helmet should be replaced if it sustains an impact. In case of an impact, please inspect your helmet for signs of damage to the shell (cracks, tearing, deformation), or deformation or softening of the Nuro Core. If a helmet has been damaged while being worn, Hardknock will replace it for free if it is returned with a report describing the incidence.

The fit system is non-removable and not designed to be replaced by the user. However, because the fit system components are made of durable nylon materials, unlike helmets with a suspension strap system that wears over time, the fit system has the same lifespan as the helmet itself.

Hardknock includes a user instruction manual with every helmet. These instructions include sections describing proper wear, warnings, warranty, as well as cleaning, inspection and replacement guidelines.

The Nuro Core and can be cleaned without being removed from the helmet. To clean, remove the comfort pad, rinse the helmet and the Nuro Core with soapy water, then spray the inside of the helmet with clean water (e.g. kitchen sink sprayer) to rinse out the dirt, and let it air dry.

Our 3 year warranty covers the entire helmet against any production and assembly related defects, as well as failures under normal use conditions. The warranty excludes normal wear and tear.

The helmet’s texture is not customizable and therefore not easily changeable at this point. However, we are able to make custom-colored shells including specific white shades. Please contact us at sales@Hardknock.com with any specific needs.

Helmets should be cleaned with warm water and soap, or with magic eraser type foams, without compromising the helmets. After cleaning, the helmet should be air dried. For very dirty areas, isopropyl alcohol may be used. The helmet should never be cleaned or treated with acetone, paint strippers, solvents, gasoline, bug sparys, etc.

Per the latest OSHA bulletin form 3-6-2024: 6. Refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for recommended lifespan or guidance on when to take head protection out of service. The service-life of head protection depends on many factors including storage, handling, use, and exposure to harsh environments including UV Rays. Any hard hat or helmet should be discarded when it is impacted or if there are any signs of damage or degradation.

Yes, our Hardknock visors have been cleared to the ANSI Z87.1 standard.

Hardknock offers earmuffs designed to fit into the earmuff slots of the Resolve helmet. The earmuff slot is a standard 30mm wide slot that allows other brands to fit as well.

You can return your helmet within 30 days of purchase. Contact us at support@hardknock.com or 888-261-2451 for assistance.