The chainsaw itself might be your most expensive purchase and the one that takes the most thought. Choosing a reliable machine fit for purpose, whether it’s yard maintenance, logging, or any other kind of timber work, will take plenty of time.
As useful as they are, chainsaws are dangerous tools and need to be treated as such. One way you can pay them the respect they demand is by choosing the right safety gear and the best chainsaw helmet system is a big part of that.
We’re going to take a look at 5 chainsaw helmets with full-head protection because for those using chainsaws even on an occasional basis, any less puts you at risk. When cutting with such powerful tools, the debris of any size can cause serious injury. That’s not to mention the real danger to your ears if you’re not careful.
For that reason, we’ve taken a closer look at five of the top-selling chainsaw helmets on the market.
We’ll consider more than durability and protection. We’re going to look at what kind of work they’re suited to, additional safety features they have, their weight, ventilation qualities and the oft-ignored aspect of how comfortable they are to wear. All of these elements factor into choosing the best chainsaw helmet for you.
Chainsaw Helmet Comparison Table
Don’t want to read the full chainsaw helmet reviews? Then here’s all you need to figure out the best option for you.
| Product | Hi-Viz | Protection | Total Weight | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TR Industrial
 | No | Full, Head, Eyes & Ears | 3.55lbs | CHECK PRICE | |
Oregon 563474
 | Yes | Full, Head, Eyes & Ears | 2.25lbs | CHECK PRICE | |
Husqvarna ProForest
Our Top Pick | Yes | Full, Head, Eyes & Ears | 1.7lbs | CHECK PRICE | |
NoCry 6-in-1
 | No | Full, Head, Eyes & Ears | 2.2lbs | CHECK PRICE | |
Greenworks GWSH0
 | Yes | Full, Head, Eyes & Ears | 1.4lbs | CHECK PRICE |
1. TR Industrial Forestry Safety Helmet and Hearing Protection System – Good value and flexibility but not the best quality
Touted as having a versatile “5-in-1” dynamic design, the TR Industrial Forestry bears some impressive references on its resume. It’s marketed and sold primarily as an industrial-use piece of equipment. It carries approval and certification from both ANSI and CE, two trusted organizations that test the safety, quality, and health impacts of a variety of products.
The helmet sports adjustable earmuffs and choices between plastic and mesh visor, the various combinations making for the five options. This flexibility provides an affordable option for what’s said to be industrial level protection, but does it live up to the promise?
A versatile chainsaw helmet suitable for lots of jobs
Versatility is the name of the game here. The removable and adjustable aspects of the earmuffs and visors immediately add a bit more flexibility to how you choose to wear it, making it a good tool for many jobs. While the mesh is better suited for heavy use, the plastic visor gives a clear advantage when it comes to visibility.
Those options mean that users can switch from different kinds of work, from using chainsaws to brush cutters and trimmers without a need for additional equipment. Among the reviews here, the earmuffs also provide the best protection from noise, too, working up to 25.9db.
Can be tricky to set up and use
The touted versatility doesn’t mean it’s immediately accessible, however. The TR Industrial, as customizable as it is, comes with no instructions and many testers find that removing, adding, and changing parts can be trickier than it first appears. This plug-in-and-play issue is most clear in the relative lack of elasticity in the earmuffs, meaning getting it on and taking it off can be a hassle.
As durable as the visors and helmet tend to be, too, the earmuffs have a common issue of losing the foam surrounding that keeps them snug to your ears. Glue might be necessary for this one.
Pro’s
- Versatile, suited to many jobs and offering multiple layers of protection, as many or as little as you need
- Best noise protection
- Cheapest of the lot
Cons
- Inaccessible, harder than it looks to assemble
- Feels cheaply made, from poor adjustment on the harness to the constant issues with the earmuffs
- Not as suited for long-term industrial level use unless you want to spend an inordinate amount of time fiddling with it
- Ventilation could be better, it can get stuffy under there
Product Verdict
Overall the TR Industrial should be commended for its afforable price and superior flexibility. For occasional use, it offers a worthy solution. Only when scrutinized besides the very best do you see where it falls short. This is largely in the quality department on components that prevent us from recommending it for all-day professional use.
2. Oregon 563474 Helmet in Yellow – A decent chainsaw safety helmet but not the most user friendly
This is an after-market version of a generic part, taken by Oregon and fitted with attached visor and earmuffs. The immediately noticeable difference between this and the TR Industrial is the lack of removable or interchangeable gear, but it too bears an ANSI rating with the additional feature of six ventilation holes at the top of the helmet, providing better airflow beneath.
This is a more expensive helmet and seemingly less versatile helmet than the TR Industrial, what exactly are you paying extra for?
Great ventilation for wearing on long jobs
One of the first noticeable differences between the Oregon and TR Industrial is the ventilation holes in the helmet. Those aren’t just for show, the breathable nature keeping things from getting too stuffy underneath. For the price, the helmet is sturdy and feels it, giving more confidence that you’re truly protected. While it lacks the adjustable factor of the TR, that actually ends up making it feel a good deal more solid
Some minor fitting and specification issues
Out of all the choices, the decibel protection is lowest on the Oregon, effective up to 22db. This might be fine if you have a small chainsaw for attacking yard duties.
The lack of a clear plastic visor can also limit visibility, meaning it’s suited to fewer tasks than the TR Industrial. The Oregon, however, does come with instructions, unlike the TR Industrial. Unfortunately, they’re near impossible to decipher, using only vague diagrams with no text, meaning that working it out yourself is often the better answer.
In terms of fitting the Oregon also feels a little tight to us. It’s not that we’ve got particularly big heads or anything, we’ve seen this mentioned in numerous reviews. This can lead to soreness with long-term use, in particular, thanks to the fact that the earmuffs aren’t adjustable.
Pro’s
- Great quality for the price
- Breathable due to ventilation making it well suited to hot, humid environments
- Solid construction once you get it put together, suited for long-term use
Con’s
- Putting it together can be a trial due to vague instructions
- No options in visors limits versatility
- Not as one-size-fits-most as it could be, non-adjustable ear muffs leading to soreness and discomfort for some
- Lowest decibel effective range for noise protection
Product Verdict
The Oregon 563474 is better made than the TR Industrial and thanks to the improved ventilation will allow you to wear it for longer out in the field. Still, the fit and comfort are a bit hit and miss depending on the size of your head.
It’s also a little tricky to put all the bits together but once you have you’ll be rewarded with a solid and protective helmet. For the price, it’s almost a very good product, just not quite.
3. Husqvarna ProForest Chain Saw Helmet System – A great quality logging helmet for long days on the job
The Husqvarna chainsaw helmet system has two immediate differences from its competitors. The first is a focus on an additional rain neck protector, the second is the price. This being the most expensive unit of the 5.
Additional features like more ventilation holes and UV-protection on the hard hat make it a tempting buy when it comes to listed features, but again, is it worth the extra cost?
Visible, breathable and altogether a better prospect for remote work
The Husqvarna forestry helmet, like the TR Industrial, provides comprehensive ear protection, just 0.5db less effective, meaning it’s perfect for heavy-duty tools.
Beyond providing additional UV protection, the particularly bright color provides great visibility, meaning it’s more suited for work out in the wild. That’s further emphasized by the additional rain neck guard and those ventilation holes, keeping you fit to work whether it’s wet, warm, or humid.
Ergonomically, it’s also much more accessible than the competitors too, with better adjustment on the earmuffs. Furthermore, a sturdy face-cover easily opens and closes when you want it to, but won’t shift in place while working.
Glare from helmet
The instructions that come with this helmet are the best out of the three. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean much. Tiny print can make it hard to understand, but it’s still a little more accessible than the competitors.
One slight issue is that while it’s highly visible, the color reflects a lot of light, causing a glare that can occasionally get in the eyes of the wearer when doing work outside. It’s a matter of changing your body angle to correct.
Pro’s
- 6 point headband suspension system
- More ergonomic, adjustable and durable
- Comprehensive ear protection
- Additional UV protection, rain neck guard, and ventilation holes make it great for outdoor work in most kinds of weather
Con’s
- Brightness provides visibility but can cause glare
- Poor assembly instructions
Product Verdict
The Husqvarna helmet is the most expensive and so it needed to impress. Thankfully, for the most part, it didn’t disappoint. It’s the chainsaw helmet that you’ll find comfortable for longer periods.
If you’re a professional tree surgeon or logger this is the one for you. It’s breathable and includes attention to detail that makes it suitable for use in any weather condition, such as the neck guard.
The only minor downside is the occasional glare that’s caused by the bright color. For most this won’t be an issue but might be for those using it as a logging helmet.
Could this be the best chainsaw helmet? Read the overall review summary below.
4. NoCry 6-in-1 Industrial Forestry Safety Helmet – Great value and decent protection but shame about the earmuffs
The NoCry 6-in-1, like the TR Industrial, is another helmet aimed at the budget end of the market. Costing just a few dollars more at the time of review.
Like the TR Industrial, it too is ANSI and CE approved. What’s evident with NoCry is the company ethos. Every question and warranty claim on Amazon has been dealt with professionally and likewise, the supporting product materials will help you get set up with the helmet in no time.
Out of the box, the setup really is fuss-free. A few users who purchased the helmet prior to June 2019 had issues fitting the headband to the helmet. The tabs were just a bit awkward to press into the helmet.
Pre-installed Headband System
Now the helmet comes with the suspension headband system already in place. You simply attach the earmuffs and your choice of visor.
The process is straightforward enough without instructions. Still, decent instructions are supplied as well as a link to a video that makes assembly idiot-proof.
You can watch the video below. Just bear in mind that the headband system is now pre-installed.
For just over $30 this feels of adequate quality and it provides good comfort. The polypropylene hard hat will have a decent amount of impact resistance and the ratchet system allows for a good fit for most people’s heads.
No helmet ventilation
It’s a shame the helmet doesn’t have ventilation holes like the Oregon model or more expensive Husqvarna. It’s especially warm when using the clear polycarbonate face shield. The steel mesh visor option allows for better airflow.
The reason for the 6-in-1 name is the strength of this product to the intended market. Home users will like the NoCry because it can be used an adjusted for a range of tasks. Use it for chainsaw tasks around the yard or a spot of weed whacking
At the cheaper end of the market, you must make savings with quality. In our opinion, it’s with the earmuffs in this package.
Earmuffs have some shortcomings
In terms of reducing noise, they perform OK. They’ll be fine for short bursts of home use. The real issue is with the comfort and moving them out of the way.
If you have a big head the earmuffs just press on a little too hard onto your ears. Also pivoting them around the back of the helmet is a relatively stiff movement. You’ll need to hold the helmet in place while you do.
When the earmuffs are moved out of the way the helmet doesn’t feel as stable. It feels a little top-heavy. A chin strap might help though admittedly this would force what is a bargain price upwards.
Pros
- A bargain price for a reasonable quality package
- Pre-installed headband system makes setup easy
- Good adjustment of visor away from your face
- Choice of clear polycarbonate or steel mesh visor
- Comfortable helmet with sweatband
- Choice of 2 visors
- Fabulous customer service
Cons
- Stiff earmuffs
- Earmuffs not as good at noise isolating as the best here
- No helmet ventilation
- No spares available
Product Verdict
For the money, this is a good product that might just save your hearing, eyesight or even your life. If this is all you can afford for home use then get it, it’s that simple.
If, however you have a little more money or are wanting a product for regular professional use then spend more. While the NoCry 6-in-1 has a lot of commendable qualities the various earmuff issues and a lack of ventilation let it down. Other models like the Husqvarna helmet just feel tougher overall – and so they should, given the more expensive price tag.
5. Greenworks Chainsaw Safety Helmet with Earmuffs – Removable earmuffs but nothing else of note
On appearance alone, the Greenworks Chainsaw Safety Helmet looks like another budget model. It shares many of the characteristics of the TR Industrial and NoCry 6-in-1 products.
More expensive than the budget models
The Greenworks, however, costs around $10 more than those products yet doesn’t offer anything additional. In fact, the NoCry specifically is far more adjustable and also includes a clear polycarbonate visor.
The Greenworks comes with just a mesh visor. That’s fine if you’re working in warmer conditions and won’t be encountering any stray dangerous liquids.
On a positive note, the Greenworks meets the ANSI standard that the US Forest Service requires. So, you could use it to get your Sawyer Certification.
Easy to assemble
Still, the Greenworks is easy enough to assemble. The instructions are straightforward enough. Unfortunately, once assembled the helmet doesn’t reassure. For example, the tab connectors of the suspension system don’t feel secure in their slots.
It’s clear that this product has been manufactured at a price. Overall, it’s just flimsier than the other products on review here.
Earmuffs can be removed
The one thing we do like is that the earmuffs can be removed while keeping the visor on. Not so with the other products here.
Pros
- Earmuffs can be removed while leaving the visor in place
- Adjustable suspension headband system
- Hi-viz green color
Cons
- Flimsy build
- Tab connectors don’t feel secure
- Overpriced
Product Verdict
Unless you’re a huge fan of the Greenworks brand and don’t mind paying for it we’d look elsewhere. All the other products here are superior and 3 of them are cheaper!
The only redeeming feature is the fact that those earmuffs can be removed without detaching the visor. That might encourage a few buyers.
And your winner of the best chainsaw helmet system is…
Of these 5 options the Husqvarna helmet is your best bet for sustained use. It might not have the versatility of the TR Industrial or NoCry 6-in-1 but it’s more solidly built and significantly more comfortable in many types of weather.
Loggers can happily work longer at a task with this forestry helmet with visor and ear defenders. Partner with a decent pair of chainsaw chaps and gloves and you’ll have almost full body protection.
For a lower price, both the NoCry 6-in-1 and TR Industrial products do the job, but just not to a professional standard. Constant usability issues and the need to provide your own fixes with the TR Industrial will make it an annoyance for anyone who really has to use it for hours every day. Likewise, the various earmuff issues of the NoCry let the package down. Still, they both represent superb value and offer reasonable protection. These are good options for occasional yard use.
This leaves the Oregon and the Greenworks in the awkward middle ground.
The Oregon is not comfortable enough for long days and can leave you sore. It does everything to a reasonable standard but it doesn’t justify the price-rise over the 2 budget offerings. Still, it’s way better than the Greenworks which is overpriced and isn’t as good as the 2 budget offerings.
Helmet Buying Guide
If you’re not sure which product to go for considering the following should help you make your choice.
Color & Hi-viz
If you’re buying a helmet for home use the color will be less important. However, it’s important that logging helmets are hi-viz especially if you’re working in groups.
With a hi viz helmet you’ll remain visible to co-workers while trees are being felled or while motor equipment is used in close proximity.
Also, remember that darker colored helmets will absorb light and get hot. While lighter colored models will reflect light and keep cooler overall.
UV Protection
Look for chainsaw helmets with built-in UV protection. All helmets worn outdoors are subject to UV radiation. This will discolor and weaken the outer shell over time. Models with UV protection will last much longer.
Some manufacturers have now taken to stamping a helmet expiration date into the shell or adding a sticker.
Material and structure
All of the helmets above are made of some kind of plastic, be that polycarbonate, thermoplastic or fiberglass. To increase the structural strength better models will take advantage of more intricate injection molds.
In terms of the design lookout for thicker areas that incorporate reinforced box sections – you usually see this on the sides of helmets to improve side impact protection.
Comfort & fit
For an hour of yard work, you could probably endure a cheaper less comfortable solution. But if you’re using a helmet every day, comfort will be important.
Most helmets come with a suspension headband system. The cheapest will be made of plastic and incorporate tabs to adjust the fit. With better models, you’ll be able to adjust the fit with the helmet still on your head. Simply turn the ratchet adjustment.
Comfort will also improve the more you spend. The headband system will start to incorporate padding and sweatbands. Suitable for long periods of use.
To make setup easier you should also look out for models where the headband system is pre-installed. As with the NoCry 6-in-1 model.
Breathability & ventilation
Cheaper chainsaw helmets are basically an extruded piece of plastic. More expensive models will use better tooling when manufacturing allowing the design to incorporate ventilation holes.
These allow for better airflow and breathability. Your head won’t get as hot and sweaty. Again, if you only need protection for a short period this might not be a consideration.
Arborists and loggers will almost certainly need a helmet with ventilation. Look out for models where the vents are incorporated into the design so that you won’t get wet when it rains.
Protection offered
The helmets reviewed above all feature head, eye and hearing protection. The extent of protection required for each of those should help determine which product to go with.
For example if you don’t require ear protection you might appreciate that the earmuffs can be removed fully from the Greenworks safety helmet.
Safety standards
All of the models above comply with the all-important ANSI rating, many are also CE approved. This means the helmet is manufactured to a minimum set of health and safety standards.
Key benefits of chainsaw safety helmets
- They will protect your head from falling objects
- They will protect your eyes from sawdust and flying wood debris though we would also recommend combining with specific eyewear to protect against finer particles of dust and wood debris
- They will protect your ears from consistent noise that might cause permanent damage
- Helmets with ventilation holes will be cooler and are preferable for long periods of use
- Systems with the headband pre-installed will be easier to assemble
Temptation: Pfanner Protos Integral Arborist Helmet
The reviews above cover products you’re more likely to buy. Products in the $30-$70 bracket. They won’t leave you broke, and the outlay might just prevent serious injury.
As with anything, there’s always something better, and more expensive, available. So, if you’re a professional tree surgeon or need a forestry helmet for long working days then this little beauty might just turn your head.
The Pfanner Protos is as good looking as a chainsaw helmet gets. The ones above look old fashioned by comparison, yet all the same components are included. A visor, ear protection and helmet.
Superior rear and side protection
The design is just so much more ergonomic. Offering improved rear and side protection. Also, by sweeping back the front of the helmet and directly attaching the visor, the field of view is much better.
Adjustment of any aspect of the helmet is possible with just 2 fingers. We particularly like the variable pressure adjustment of the earmuffs. Many of the cheaper products above got poor ratings because of the discomfort from the ear protection.
The best ventilation
As well as superior protection the other big improvement is ventilation. Improved airflow is offered on all sides of the helmet. If you’re wearing a helmet for long periods this is the improvement, you’ll love the most.
The Pfanner Protos will be out of reach for most people given the price. But if you value the best protection and can afford it then check it out, it’s a wonderful product.
FAQ’s
As a general guide if the helmet hasn’t received any major impact then it should last about 3 years. By this point, UV rays could have realistically weakened the plastic helmet. We would also recommend replacing a helmet after suffering any kind of impact that could weaken the structure and jeopardize ongoing protection.
Send us your chainsaw helmet questions in the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer them.