Arborist Helmet Types
TreeStuff Jan 9th 2024Not every arborist helmet is made the same. Learn how to choose the best helmet for you by deciding what features you need and which helmets offer those features in a cost-effective package. Nick compares the electrical ratings, impact protection style, and more between the: Kask Super Plasma, Kask Zenith, Petzl Vertex, Petzl Alveo (replaced by the Petzl Strato), and the Pfanner Protos.
Video Caption File/Transcript by Arborist Industry Expert Nick Bonner
[Music] Hi, I'm Nick Bonner for TreeStuff.com. Today we're going to do a really quick look at one of the main differences between helmets that are on the market today. And no, it's not on the outside—it's on the inside.
Here we have a Petzl Vertex, and you can see there's nothing between the suspension and the shell of the helmet. So in this instance, when something hits the top of the helmet, the helmet is designed for the shell to crack and for there to be flex here, and that's what dissipates the force so that the object that hits the top doesn't kill you.
On the Kask, you see that inside there's an EPS foam insert, and that's connected directly to the outer ABS plastic shell. Again, if an object hits the helmet hard enough, the shell might crack, but the foam on the inside is going to deform and dissipate that force as the object is coming down and hitting the user on the top of the head.
But wait, there's more. There is a third system with Koroyd. Here, this is the new Studson helmet, and on the inside you can see there's an EPS foam insert, but there's also a Koroyd insert. Koroyd is like a drinking straw that's been laminated next to itself over and over and over again, and it makes a pattern. Just like EPS foam, it's going to deform to dissipate force, but it also allows air to travel right through it since it's essentially hollow.
You're also on this Studson helmet going to see the X Shield, which is MIPS-like technology, and that's like an anti-concussion technology where this barrier will actually separate in an impact and allow the helmet to rotate more effectively on your head.
That's a quick look at just some of the technology inside these helmets and some of the differences behind them. Thanks for watching, and please wear your helmet.