Real Talk from a Buyer: Pyramex Hard Hat Suspension, V2G Goggles, Gloves, and Safety Harness Guide

There’s No Single “Right” Safety Gear Setup—Here’s How I Figure It Out

Look, I’ve been managing PPE purchasing for about five years now. When I took over in 2020, I thought I’d just pick one brand, one type of glove, one goggle, and be done. That’s not how it works. Different crews, different hazards, different budgets. What works for a roofing crew won’t work for a warehouse team. Here’s how I break it down, based on what I’ve actually seen work (and fail).

Scenario A: Replacing a Pyramex Hard Hat Suspension (The “I Need To Fix This Before The Inspector Comes” Scenario)

You’re here because: The shell is fine, but the suspension is stretched out or cracked. You don’t want to buy a whole new hard hat. You’ve heard Pyramex suspensions are replaceable, but aren’t sure which one fits.

The reality: Pyramex makes a few different suspension types, but for most of their standard hard hats (like the Ridgeline or V-Gard style), the Pyramex S-201 is the go-to replacement. I keep a box of these in my supply closet. It’s a 4-point ratchet suspension, fits most Type 1 and Type 2 Pyramex shells.

Pro tip I learned the hard way: The first time I ordered replacements, I didn’t check the shell’s slot type. You’ve got standard slots and “universal” slots. The S-201 works in both, but if you’ve got an older Pyramex model, check the manual. I wasted $150 on suspensions that didn’t fit once. Now I just buy the S-201 and move on.

TCO angle: Replacing the suspension costs about $8-12 per hat versus $25-30 for a new hard hat. Over 60 hats, that’s a saving of roughly $900. Plus, you don’t have to deal with the hassle of re-embossing names on new shells.

Scenario B: Choosing Safety Goggles (The “I Need Clear Vision And No Fog” Scenario)

You’re here because: You’re ordering for a team that moves between indoor and outdoor work, or maybe a roofer who hates fogging. Someone recommended the Pyramex V2G GB1820ST goggles. You want to know if they’re worth it.

My take: I order these for almost every new hire. The V2G (Versatile 2-in-1 Goggle) has a removable foam frame. You can wear it as a standard goggle for impact protection (Z87+ rated), or pop off the foam for better airflow when it’s hot. The GB1820ST model specifically has the “Safety” tint (light smoke) plus anti-fog coating.

One catch: The anti-fog coating works great for most conditions, but if you’re working in extreme cold (below freezing) or high humidity, nothing is 100% fog-proof. I still get people complaining about fog, but it’s maybe 1 in 20 instead of 1 in 5 with cheaper lenses.

Reverse validation: I tried a cheaper goggle once to save $2 per pair. That batch cost me about $50 in total. I had 4 returns in two weeks because of lens scratching and fogging. The V2G is about $5 more per pair, but I haven’t had a single complaint in the past year. I still kick myself for that penny-wise, pound-foolish move.

Scenario C: Mens Leather Gloves (The “I Need Grip But Also Durability” Scenario)

You’re here because: You’re ordering for construction or warehouse work. Leather gloves are the classic choice. But there’s a huge difference between a $10 pair of mens leather gloves and a $35 pair.

The breakdown: I classify leather gloves into three tiers based on what I’ve seen:

• Light duty ($8-12): Grain leather, thin. Good for general handling, inspection work. Last maybe 4-6 weeks with daily use.
• Medium duty ($15-20): Split leather, reinforced palm. Good for framing, drywall. Last 8-12 weeks.
• Heavy duty ($25-35): Side split leather, double stitched, sometimes with Kevlar lining. The ones I order for our roofline and demolition crews.

Frustration point: The most frustrating thing is when a vendor sells “heavy duty” gloves that are just thick leather with weak stitching. The palm lasts, but the thumb rips out in two weeks. I’ve learned to check the stitching type. Look for “keystone” thumb (a separate piece of leather) and reinforced seams. Pyramex’s ImpactPro series has a reinforced thumb that holds up well, but I also keep a few pairs of their basic cowhide for light areas.

Scenario D: Using a Safety Harness on a Roof (The “Everyone Needs To Know This” Scenario)

You’re here because: You’ve got a team going up on a roof. Maybe it’s for solar installation, roofing, or HVAC work. Someone asked, “how to use safety harness on roof?” and you need a training reminder or to order the right gear.

Here’s the thing: A harness only works if it’s worn correctly and anchored properly. I’ve seen too many guys clip their lanyard to a pipe that isn’t rated. Or wear a harness so loose that if they fall, they’d slip out.

My checklist for ordering and training:

1. Anchor point: Must be rated for 5,000 lbs per person. That means engineered anchor, not just a rafter hook unless it’s rated.
2. D-ring placement: The dorsal D-ring (between shoulder blades) must be at the center of the back. Shoulder straps should be snug.
3. Lanyard/ SRL: For roof work, I prefer a self-retracting lifeline (SRL) over a 6-foot shock-absorbing lanyard. Less trip hazard.
4. Inspection: Before each use. Check webbing for fraying, stitching for damage, and buckles for bends.

A regret: One of my biggest regrets: not insisting on SRLs sooner. A crew member tripped on a conventional lanyard while walking across a sloped roof. He didn’t fall, but he stumbled and sprained an ankle. That cost us in medical and lost time. The SRL’s short, taut cable would have avoided that trip hazard entirely.

How To Know Which Scenario You’re In (A Quick Self-Diagnosis)

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Yeah, that’s me,” here’s how to lock it in:

• Scenario A: You’ve got drawers of perfectly good hard hat shells with busted suspensions. Order S-201 suspension kits.
• Scenario B: You’re looking for a “does it all” goggle for a multi-trade crew. V2G GB1820ST is your safest bet.
• Scenario C: You need leather gloves, and you’re not sure if cheap ones will hold up. Spend the extra $5-10 for reinforced stitching. Your guys won’t be asking for replacements every month.
• Scenario D: You’re sending people onto roofs. If you don’t have a written fall protection plan with proper anchors, stop. Get the harness, get the SRL, get the training.

At the end of the day, TCO thinking means looking past the price tag. A cheaper suspension that doesn’t fit costs you time and safety credibility. A goggle that fogs leads to the worker taking it off, leaving them unprotected. Cheap gloves that rip cost more in replacement and dissatisfied workers. And a safety harness purchased without a plan is just expensive rope.

I’ve made every mistake I’m describing here. Learn from them, don’t repeat them. And if you’re ever in doubt, just run a side-by-side test with your own crew. They’ll tell you what works.