Husqvarna makes a variety of chainsaw protective helmets for homeowners and professionals. The latest version of the Forest Technical helmet has won multiple awards including the Red Dot Award for it’s overall design. Although this is geared for lumberjacks, It’s still affordable at double the price of the Functional Forest helmet, (formerly called: ProForest helmet). If you use a chainsaw for extended periods of time then I highly recommend the Technical helmet as it’s more comfortable and ergonomic, superior in every way, which will make a difference to your safety when using a chainsaw.
In this chainsaw helmet buying guide we review all of the current range of Husqvarna chainsaw helmets in 2023, and compare them to the competition.
Table of Contents...
Chainsaw Head Protection
If you’ve ever used a chainsaw before you know how dangerous they can be, which is why I always stress the importance of safety. I think many homeowners underestimate the potential danger of using a chainsaw, and if you’re one of those people then you need to start protecting yourself.
The Husqvarna Functional Forest helmet is an excellent all-in-one solution for safety protection for your head area. This package contains everything you need to stay safe, including: a hard hat, hearing protection, metal mesh visor, a rain shield and neck protector. Read all the details at the end of this article.
Many customers complain that this is a little tricky to assemble due to poor instructions but once it’s properly assembled there are very few complaints. It has a current rating of 4.5 (out of 5) with over 420 reviews. That’s an impressive rating from customers who purchased the product and use it on a regular basis.
Best Chainsaw Helmet for Homeowners
Husqvarna vs Oregon : Consumer Helmets
Husqvarna Functional Forest
The key reason why you should buy the Husqvarna Forest helmet over the Oregon, or other cheaper helmets, is because it’s rated at the newer safety standard — ANSI Z89.1-2014 Type I. I know a lot of people just look at the pictures and compare prices, then they usually buy the cheaper product; BUT, when it comes to something where safety is the primary reason you are buying it, doesn’t it make sense to buy the product that exceeds the latest safety standards?
Safety is everything. You can read about the differences between the Ansi 2009 vs Ansi 2014 standards and make your own decision. The look of the helmet is secondary to safety.
Oregon Safety Helmet / 563474
This Oregon protective helmet is quite popular and for good reason, it’s a well-made product and considerably cheaper than the leading Husqvarna helmet. You’ll notice that the Oregon helmet is a simpler design. For example, the top of the helmet is smooth compared to the Husqvarna Functional. Why is that?
The ridges on the Husqvarna helmet aren’t simply decoration, in fact, they serve to direct rain away from your eyes and face as it falls on the helmet. Also, the visor has inner curves on each side to fit the contours of your body and face as you move. Husqvarna costs more because it’s a better design and it meets the newer 2014 ANSI/ISEA safety standards.
If the things I mentioned don’t matter to you and you want to save money, then the Oregon 563474 is an excellent choice. To me, the details matter, especially when it comes to safety equipment.
The main differences between ANSI Z89.1-2014 and 2009 are: (Learn More at Hard Head Veterans)
- Requiring manufacturers to provide proof that accessories and replacement components won’t cause helmets to fail
- Clarification that useful service life doesn’t need to be explained by a set number of years
- Additional protections for users who work in hotter environments.
Other Chainsaw Safety Accessories
I’ll be adding many more articles on chainsaw safety in the near future. It’s an area that I need to spend more time on since it’s of the utmost importance. If you’re currently looking to purchase the full array of safety gear, you’ll need the proper boots, protective gloves and chaps. Here are a few recommendations until I do a full write-up on these chainsaw safety accessories.
Update: Since writing this article on the Husqvarna Pro Forest Chainsaw Helmet I’ve added several other articles on important chainsaw protective clothing.
Best Husqvarna Chainsaw Helmet
The Technical forest helmet is ideal if you’re someone who uses a chainsaw on a regular basis. It’s built for comfort and safety, but it’s twice as expensive as the Functional Helmet. Either way, I know some people value comfort and like to know their options. Take a look at this video below, showing you the features of the Technical Husqvarna Helmet.
Functional Forest Helmet / Video Overview
Most homeowners don’t wear a chainsaw helmet. People rarely think that an accident can happen to them. It’s always something that happens to someone else. Perhaps you think like this. I’m hoping you’re one of the smart consumers — you must be because you’re here looking for a safety helmet for chainsaw work. Well, I’m proud of you for recognizing the necessity of protecting your head. It seems obvious once you understand the risks but why do so many people skip wearing a protective helmet!
If you don’t own any chainsaw safety gear then I highly recommend buying the Husqvarna Protective Power Kit, the perfect package for homeowners as it contains all of the safety equipment you need — Functional Forest Helmet, Chaps, and Chainsaw Gloves. It’s already done for you; now all you have to do is commit to your safety and buy it. You don’t want to be a statistic.
Husqvarna Complete Protective Power Kit / For Homeowners
The Husqvarna Functional Helmet is the best value chainsaw helmet for the average homeowner. Even though the Technical Helmet is superior, it’s not necessary for someone who only uses a chainsaw occasionally. You could buy all of necessary safety equipment individually if you want to mix and match different brands, but if you want to simplify your life and your budget can afford it, consider investing in the Husqvarna Powerkit. Protecting your legs is also important, and for that you’ll need chainsaw chaps. In addition, the vibration from chainsaws can cause discomfort so it’s a wise idea to wear anti-vibration gloves.
Don’t be a fool, protect yourself. If you’re reading this article then you’re obviously considering buying a good quality chainsaw helmet. Any Husqvarna helmet will protect you in case of an accident.
This is a comfortable helmet and the visor doesn’t get in the way of your visibility.
VIDEO | An Overview of Husqvarna Protective Equipment
Recommended : Cut Proof Chainsaw Gloves
VGO / 12-Layer Gloves
Chainsaw accidents can happen anytime; they occur in an instant. you can’t predict what chainsaw will do. A little kickback at the wrong angle might seriously harm you. Thousands of chainsaw accidents every year, and most of them are gruesome. I can’t stress this enough — You must protect yourself, and not just your head — Your hands, legs, and head/face. The cost of not buying safety equipment will be nothing compared to the cost of what you might lose if you don’t buy chainsaw safety equipment and you have an accident.
What is the cost of your life and limbs? Don’t be a fool, cut safe!
Features:
- Ideal for logging, lumbering, cutting, felling, forest working, metalworking, hand tools, power tools, and DIY works.
- CHAINSAW STOPPER PATCH – Chainsaw stopper fabric patches inside the back of the left hand, for extra cut resistance and protection to the EN381-7 standard, class / 1.20 m/s;
- High visibility orange stretch spandex back. Premium Goatskin leather palm. Textured PVC palm patches offer extra durability. Neoprene cuff, hook and loop closure ensures a firm fitting
- EU EN381-7 Test Certification Class 1
- COLDPROOF & WATERPROOF – 7-layer structure for coldproof down to 0°C/32°F. The TPU waterproof membrane along with the 3M Thinsulate insulation G40 lining with superior warmth is moisture-wicking and breathable, keep your hands warm but sweat-free while you are working in cold weather or cold condition
If you’re looking to update your chainsaw, you might be interested in learning about the newest electric chainsaws worth buying in 2023, and, if you prefer the more traditional gasoline chainsaws, we have a guide for you as well.
