Tom Langan’s worn just about every kind of helmet that’s been near a chipper. A couple of Kasks, a few other brands, even some older lids that rattled around in the back of the truck. So when he unboxes the new Kask (trademarked KASK) Superplasma HD, he knows right away where it lands in the lineup.

Tom Langan tries out the Kask Super Plasma HD helmet. TCIA staff photos.

“This one’s definitely lighter,” he says. “Something about the foam or shell – they shaved weight somewhere, but it still feels strong. The whole setup just feels right when you put it on.”

The fit and adjustability got his attention first. Kask’s single-ratchet system at the back is simple, and that’s exactly why he likes it. “I kind of prefer this over some other hard hats and that double-roller thing,” Langan says. “You can snug this one down one-handed, no fuss. I’ve broken a couple of these over the years, but this version feels tougher. It locks right in under that bump on the back of your skull and stays put.”

Then there are the earmuffs – the part that most climbers either love or curse. “These actually seal,” Langan says. “I flip them down and can’t hear a thing, which is great when the chipper’s going. And they don’t get caught on stuff when you’re climbing. The metal-wire mounts on some other helmets always get snagged. These solid-plastic arms are way better.”

He’s also big on airflow. After years of wearing nonvented helmets, he noticed the difference immediately. “You can actually feel the air moving,” he says. “If you’re sweating up a pine tree in August, that’s the difference between being miserable and just working.”

“Honestly, this is the kind of gear you want – something you throw on, it does its job and you forget about it,” Langan says of the Super Plasma HD.

When it comes to comfort, Langan ranks the Superplasma HD near the top. “I’ve worn other hard hats that feel super safe, but they also feel like a clamp on your head. These Kasks are lighter, more natural. You forget you’re wearing them, which is what you want.”

One limitation is the safety rating. “This one’s not ANSI Type E,” Langan notes, meaning it’s not built for electrical hazards. If he’s doing work anywhere near energized lines, he switches to his helmet that is ANSI Type E rated. “But for climbing, rigging, stump grinding or running the chipper, this thing’s perfect.”

He also appreciates that the helmet leaves plenty of space for accessories. “It’s got more surface area inside for mounting comms or a boom mic,” he says. “Other helmets are tighter – it’s harder to fit your setup in there. I’ve done a few installs myself, and this one’s definitely easier.”

When asked what he’d tweak, Langan had a couple of ideas, nothing major. “Reflective tape would be great,” he says. “We work on roads all the time, and drivers don’t pay attention. Anything that makes us more visible is a good thing.” (The Superplasma HD comes in a hi-viz version as well.) He also mentions that the face shield can be a little clunky to snap back into place, especially with gloves on. “Not a dealbreaker, just something you notice after a long day.”

He’s a fan of the neck shade, too – the Velcro attachment that keeps the sun off the back of your neck. “Whoever came up with that deserves a medal,” he laughs. “No more permanent farmer’s tan.”

Langan first switched to Kask years ago after trying one on at a TCI EXPO. “We were at the TreeStuff booth, and they had Kasks set up with comm headsets. We all tried them on and thought, ‘OK, this is the future.’”

Now that he’s back in one, would he spend his own money on it? “Yeah, 100%,” Langan says. “If I didn’t already have one, I’d buy it. It’s light, comfortable, works well with comms and I can wear it all day without thinking about it.”

He wraps up the review with a grin and a shrug: “Honestly, this is the kind of gear you want – something you throw on, it does its job and you forget about it. You don’t need fancy, you need functional. And that’s what this helmet is.”

Bottom line: The Kask Superplasma HD nails the balance of comfort, protection and practicality, according to Langan. It’s a great everyday helmet for climbers, groundies or anyone who wants lightweight protection that plays nice with comms and accessories. Add a bit more reflectivity, smooth out that face shield and it’s pretty much perfect.

Tom Langan is a climber with Casey Tree Specialist Inc. in Jamestown, Rhode Island. Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP, is staff arborist for the Tree Care Industry Association.

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