Every year we enjoy judging the Workwear and Safety category. While boots, gloves, jackets, lighting, and ladders may not garner the media coverage of the latest power tools, you can’t work without these products. Of late, more and more manufacturers are producing PPE products that serve multiple uses and extend the features and capabilities of these safety wear items. Check out our winners for the 2021 Workwear and Safety Awards.
Winner – Area Lighting
RYOBI 18V ONE+ LED Area Light PCL662B
What they said:
Introducing the RYOBI 18V ONE+ Area Light. It is 2.5X brighter with up to 850 lumens to power through the darkest of jobs. Easily charge your portable electronic devices with the 2A USB charging port. The folding metal handle allows you to hang this light for hands-free operation illuminating your job from above. The high, medium and low settings allow you to modify the brightness for whatever environment you are in.
What we say:
Ryobi’s PCL662B gives you up to 850 lumens of 360° light with a diffuser that softens it so it’s not as harsh on your eyes. That’s plenty of light to help you wrap up a job after the sun goes down or light up smaller areas to help you see obstacles. Thanks to its compact size, metal hanging hook/handle, and 2.0-amp USB charging port, it’s perfect for both work and play, so feel free to take it on your next job or weekend adventure.
Price: $39.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Commercial Site Lighting
Milwaukee Tool MX FUEL ROCKET Tower Light/Charger MXF041-1XC
What they said:
Our MX FUEL ROCKET Tower Light/Charger is the new way to light the site. It’s the most portable 10’ light for both indoor and outdoor use. The tower light provides up to 27,000 lumens of task and area lighting and withstands the harshest jobsite environments. The portable light tower provides you with the most portable and highest output cordless light on the market for remote applications and early phase construction.
The 8” all-terrain wheels ensure you can easily roll the work light across uneven ground, whether it needs to be moved across rough terrain during early phase construction or across pan decking for early morning concrete pours. The telescopic lighting tower can be set up in seconds to a max height of 10’ with a motorized mast and collapses back down to 44” for easy transportation and storage. Once it is in place, 4 outriggers can quickly be deployed to provide more stability on uneven surfaces.
The four multidirectional LED light heads give you the ability to cast up to 27,000 lumens of TRUEVIEW High Definition Output in several directions. The LEDs never need to be replaced and are backed by our limited lifetime warranty. When powered by our MX FUEL REDLITHIUM XC406 battery pack, the jobsite light tower runs up to 10 hours on a single charge. It can also be plugged into an extension cord for all-day operation as well as charge any MX FUEL REDLITHIUM battery pack. It is compatible with all MILWAUKEE MX FUEL REDLITHIUM batteries giving you the hardest working and most reliable power for equipment.
The MX FUEL ROCKET Tower Light/Charger is ONE-KEY Compatible. You can customize, track, manage, and secure your equipment from your mobile device or computer using the industry’s largest Bluetooth community tracking network. If the light tower is ever lost or stolen you can prevent tampering with remote lockout capability.
What we say:
Milwaukee’s MX Fuel Rocket Tower Light blasts 27,000 lumens of light using lithium-ion battery power. Aside from being a replacement for tower lights that run on small generators, there are some other impressive upgrades. We love that the mast raises and lowers with a motor instead of a hand crank and you can switch out the battery for an extension cord if you want to use AC power. Thanks to high, medium, and low settings, it’s useful as a variety of task lighting applications in addition to its primary function as a commercial site light. It’s also much easier to track and manage thanks to One-Key technology built-in.
Price: $3,000.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Handheld Lighting
Milwaukee Tool USB Rechargeable 1100L Twist Focusing Flashlight 2161-21
What they said:
Milwaukee Tool, the leading jobsite lighting provider in the industry, adds to their Personal Lighting family of products once again with a new flashlight solution. The expansion includes a new rechargeable light equipped with high-definition light output – the USB Rechargeable 1100L Twist Focus Flashlight-utilizing Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM™ USB* 3.0AH Battery for upgraded performance. USB Rechargeable 1100L
The MILWAUKEE USB Rechargeable 1100L Twist Focus Flashlight offers 1100 Lumens with precise beam control. Leveraging advancements in LED Technology, this flashlight maintains a compact body while delivering 1100L of TRUEVIEW High Definition output that gives you the ability to see up to 175-meters (574 feet).
The flashlight features precision twist focusing that allows for full control of the beam size and intensity giving the user the ability to search, trace, or inspect better. Designed for easy carry and storage, this compact flashlight is and features a removable clip for versatile attachment. A multi-functional power button offers battery indication, mode selection, and mode memory intelligence. Maximize brightness or extend runtime with high, medium, and low mode options with up to 13 hours of runtime.
Built for the toughest conditions on and off the job site, this flashlight is rated for 4M drops and with an IP67 rating, it’s fully waterproof and dustproof able to withstand submersion up to 1M.
The USB Rechargeable 1100L Twist Focus Flashlight is powered by the REDLITHIUM USB 3.0AH Battery, providing all-day run-time, more recharges, and 3x faster charge time. The Milwaukee REDLITHIUM USB Battery can be recharged in the flashlight via Micro USB or swapped out with additional REDLITHIUM USB Batteries for virtually no downtime. The 1100L Twist Focus Flashlight is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
What we say:
If you liked Milwaukee’s original RedLithium USB flashlight, you’ll love the upgrades. Now producing 1100 lumens of TrueView light out to 574 feet, it has significantly more light than the 700 lumens in the original. It’s also incredibly tough, surviving drops up to 13 feet and with a waterproof/dustproof IP67 ingress rating. Priced just under $80, this isn’t just a great jobsite flashlight, it’s a great flashlight for all of your needs. Toss it in your toolbox, tackle box, backpack, car, RV, or even your pocket for whatever life’s adventures have for you.
Price: $79.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Personal Lighting
Milwaukee Tool Intrinsically Safe C I, II, III / D 1 Spot/Flood Headlamp 2004HZL
What they said:
Intrinsically safe lighting is a requirement for companies that do any work in dimly-lit, flammable gas and dust situations.* Unfortunately, up until now, safety managers have had to opt for intrinsically safe headlamps that compromise on performance due to the limited capabilities of other products in the market.
By leveraging our leadership in jobsite lighting technology, we’re able to finally provide these users with a hazardous location headlamp built for their needs. This new Class I, II, and III / Division 1 Groups A-G headlamp not only delivers 310 lumens of TRUEVIEW High Definition Output and a beam distance of 100 meters, but it does so in a lightweight compact design.
What we say:
There are a couple of reasons Milwaukee’s Intrinsically Safe Headlamp outshines the competition. It’s clearly marked as intrinsically safe and distinct in its color design from any of Milwaukee’s other headlamps. When you pick it up, you know without a doubt it’s your intrinsically safe headlamp rather than a standard one. That’s not something every manufacturer of intrinsically safe lighting does, and it’s really helpful when you’re working in hazardous locations. It also doesn’t compromise on performance to deliver capabilities like a brighter 100-meter beam distance and lighter weight.
Price: $79.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Portable Work Lights
Mac Tools Rechargeable Area Lights
What they said:
The new Mac Tools Rechargeable Area Lights are perfect for lighting areas in both indoor and outdoor settings. The high-powered COB LED provides light at 3 adjustable outputs (High/Med/Low) allowing maximize runtime up to 8 hours. These heavy-duty lights feature 6 strong built-in magnets, a hang hook, soft strap and 1/4″ threads for hands-free use virtually anywhere.
There are two versions: 1. SPL1000M provides a maximum output of 1000 lumens and features a USB-C Charging port that will fully charge in 3-4 hours. 2. SPL2500, has a max output of 2500 Lumens and features a built-in motion detector which when activated will automatically turn off the light to conserve battery life when no motion is detected for more than 30 seconds. Both units are rated IP67 for dust and water resistance as well as IK07 for impact resistance.
What we say:
If you’re on the hunt for bright, rugged, versatile portable work lights, Mac Tools has you covered with their Rechargeable Area Lights. Both are impressive, but it’s the larger 2500-lumen model that really takes the cake. Rugged protection is built around the light, giving it IP67 (dust and water) and IK07 (impact) ratings. Thanks to a soft strap, hang hook, tripod threads, and strong magnets, you have a ton of ways to mount it for the job at hand. Then there’s the motion sensor that keeps the light on while you’re moving in front of it and kick off after 30 seconds if you walk away. You don’t have to think about flipping the light on and off to conserve battery as you move around.
Price: $199.99-$279.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Dust Extractors
Hilti VC 150-6 X/XE and VC 150-10 X/XE Vacuums
What they said:
Developed to provide more performance, the second-generation VC 150 X and XE vacuums have been enhanced to help give you better mobility around the jobsite. Both VC 150 X and XE versions are now smarter than ever. The integrated self-diagnosis function and new interface provide the user with continuous updates on the status of the vacuum cleaner, helping to make maintenance easier and providing clarity on when the filters need to be changed. The VC 150-10 X/XE vacuums maintain large net capacity, offering the right solution for dust heavy applications. The VC 150-6 X/XE vacuums are the perfect solution for when you need a compact and lightweight vacuum.
What we say:
Dust extractors do a great job of containing dust on the jobsite and helping you remain compliant with OSHA regulations. However, they’re only at peak effectiveness when you’re maintaining them properly. Hilti’s VC 150-6 X/XE and VC150-10 X/XE dust extractors help you do that with technology built in that runs self-diagnosis tests and offering you updates on the status, including when you need to change the filter. It takes the guesswork away and let you spend more time focusing on the job and less time checking filters.
Price: $699
For more information, click here.
Winner – Handheld Vacuums
BLACK+DECKER dustbuster AdvancedClean Slim Cordless Handheld Vacuum with Base Charger HLVC315B10
What they said:
Spills are unpredictable, but you can make sure you’re ready for the worst of them with this dustbuster 12V MAX AdvancedClean Cordless Hand Vacuum. DESIGNED TO DELIVER 3X MORE SUCTION POWER than our leading handheld vacuum. With a BUILT-IN EXTRA-WIDE NOZZLE, it’s well-suited for cleaning up large spills. The SLIM- Ultra-Compact & Lightweight Design makes it easy to use, and with a Convenient base for storage and charging, this dustbuster is always ready to go.
What we say:
The classic dustbuster has made cleaning up spills quick and easy for decades. Thanks to technological and design updates, the newest version is better than ever. Running on lithium-ion batteries, the power level is more consistent through the entire discharge cycle and its 12V configuration offers much stronger performance than before. With the extra suction available, there’s now a wider nozzle to help make cleaning up those messes faster than ever.
Price: $49.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Cordless Vacuums
Greenworks Tools Stick Vac (24V)
What they said:
Greenworks 24V Stick Vac includes:
- 500W Brushless Motor
- 170 Air Watts of Suction Power-15% More than Leading Competitor
- 72 dB(A) for Quiet Operation
- (5) Powerful LED’s for Illuminating Dimly Lit , hard to see spaces
- HEPA13 Medically Graded Filter
- (4) Accessories-Including Motorized Pet Tool
- Accessory Storage Clips
- 45 Minute Runtime with Greenworks NEW 24V 4 AH (21700) Battery
- 30 Minute Super-Fast Charger
- 3 Power Modes
- NEW Battery (Compatible with Existing and New Tools) includes Touch Screen, Digital Runtime Display, (2) Type-C USB (In/Out Charging), 20% More Power resulting in 35% MORE Runtime, and IPX5 Waterproof Rating
- Stick Vac Offered in both Green or White Versions
What we say:
Greenworks is making their 24V line of tools relevant to more areas of your home with the introduction of their 24V Stick Vac. With it 500-watt brushless motor providing 170 air watts of suction, it’s capable of running up to 45 minutes on a 4.0Ah battery. Greenworks made the right call by using a cyclonic collection system that makes much more efficient use of the debris container. Plus, the accessories store on the vac so they’re always on hand exactly when you need them.
Price: $279.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Vacuum Accessories
Dust Hog Pro LLC
What they said:
The Dust Hog Pro is a patent-pending, dust reducing vacuum hose attachment device that keeps jobsites much cleaner, and therefore safer. By directing your vacuum hose suction current downward into the mixing container, minimal dust escapes when mixing powdered materials with liquids. This makes clean up much easier and faster, saving valuable labor time. However, equally as important, it helps contractors better comply with OSHA’s respirable, crystalline, silica dust legislation, which now places contractors squarely in the crosshairs of Federal law. Failing to comply with these strict standards can subject workers to unsafe air quality conditions and owners to potential OSHA fines.
The tool stands out in the industry because it is regarded as the easiest to use, most versatile, and most cost-effective solution now in the market. It has two intake ports that direct the vacuum hose suction current down into the mixing container, creating a vortex within the pails with has a tremendous effect on performance. No other product on the market has two intake ports which is critical to its superior performance. This is such a powerful advantage that we branded the technology as “Vortex Suction Technology.”
The Dust Hog Pro increases productivity by enabling installers to better control mixing dust which reduces the amount of clean-up time at the end of the day. It also helps keep airborne dust out of building HVAC systems, a huge advantage now with all of the sensitivities around indoor air quality. Finally, it helps contractors visually communicate to their employees and customers that they are true professionals employing the best practices for their team as well as the building occupants.
What we say:
With OSHA’s respirable silica dust regulations changing a few years ago, the construction industry had to adapt along with it and do a better job of protecting workers against silica dust. One area that didn’t receive as much attention was mixing applications. Dumping bagged concrete or mortar into a bucket for mixing naturally kicks up dust. You can wear a respirator but adding the Dust Hog Pro to the side is a more comfortable way to keep the dust out of your lungs and keep the area you’re working in cleaner. Thanks to its dual suction ports, it creates a more effective airflow into your vac than a single port. For less than $40, that’s a big win.
Price: $38.95
For more information, click here.
Winner – Work Boots
Keen Utility Troy
What they said:
KEEN Utility brings innovation and American ingenuity to the forefront with the introduction of the Troy, featuring KEEN.BELLOWS Flex technology, an ergonomically engineered system designed to offer multidirectional flexion making bending, squatting, kneeling and knee-down work up to three times easier. KEEN.BELLOWS Flex is game-changing technology, which is designed to more easily bend with the foot. It is a lightweight and innovative system which solves the issue of the typical drying and cracking seen with an all-leather upper typically found in the high flexion part of a work boot.
Combining quality with performance and comfort, the Troy also features a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane which allows water vapor out without letting water in and an antimicrobial lining to help keep the boots odor-free. This boot also offers asymmetrical carbon fiber safety toes, which are 15% lighter than steel, providing ASTM-rated, metal-free toe protection with a roomier, less obtrusive fit. The Troy features proprietary comfort innovations from KEEN including a lightweight LuftCell air-infused PU midsole for comfort and all-day support as well as a LuftCore air-injected heel for enhanced cushioning and shock absorption helping to reduce impact on the body with every heel strike. This boot also boasts an oil- and slip-resistant non-marking multi-directional lugged rubber outsole. That provides increased stability and traction on uneven terrain and is EH-rated to provide a secondary source of protection if the outsole accidentally comes in contact with live electrical circuits.
The Troy is part of KEEN Utility’s American Built collection of boots and is assembled with pride in KEEN’s Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility using the finest materials from around the world. This medium-duty work boot is designed for both indoor and outdoor work environments including industries such as carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrician, and other construction trades where both work below the knee and safety are key.
What we say:
Keen has been on a tear developing boot designs that are more comfortable than we could have dreamed of a decade ago. The Keen Utility Troy shows off the next big step forward—KEEN.BELLOWS. Added in front of the laces, this is a zone designed to flex much easier right out of the box. Situations when you need to squat or work on your knees cause your foot to bend at the toe joints and KEEN.BELLOWS puts less strain on that exact motion.
Price: $225.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Exoskeletons
Hilti EXO-O1 Overhead Exoskeleton
What they said:
Hilti’s new human augmentation device will help commercial contractors, tradesmen and management alike tackle health and safety as well as labor shortage challenges. Wearable systems like exoskeletons will help reduce strain and fatigue for both experienced and novice users, at a time when the industry is managing a workforce shortage challenge. The exoskeleton development is initially focused on overhead and shoulder height and above applications because this type of motion is so physically intensive and fatiguing.
What we say:
The concept of using exoskeleton technology to assist in construction has been talked about for years and Hilti is making it happen on a scale that can make a difference. The EXO-01 is specifically designed to help support your body on shoulder-level and overhead work, reducing strain and fatigue that comes from it. This support helps you get through the day and can reduce lost-time injuries, but perhaps more importantly, it can help extend your career at a critical time when the industry needs experienced professionals on the jobsite.
Price: From $1599
For more information, click here.
Winner – Gloves
Ironclad Performance Wear HW6XFR HEATWORX Heavy Duty FR
What they said:
The Heatworx Heavy Duty FR glove is the first NFPA 2112:2018 certified glove in the world. The entire glove is constructed using materials and components that won’t ignite, melt or drip when exposed to fire within the testing parameters of NFPA 2112:2018. In addition to the flame resistance, this glove utilizes a 1-piece molded silicone palm with Hotshield Technology, allowing for a wearer to handle 600°F objects for extended periods of time and is rated at ANSI Level 5 Conductive Heat Resistance (ASTM F1060-08).
Designed in partnership with DuPont Personal Protective Equipment, the Heatworx Heavy Duty FR is an extremely advanced glove, featuring a molded silicone rubber palm, and a shell made with 100% DuPont Kevlar. Complete heat and flame protection delivered in one glove. Silicone-Laminated Kevlar is used on the finger sidewalls, knuckle and cuff, to create a cut-resistant and flame-resistant barrier. Traditional heat and flame-resistant gloves are bulky and utilize thick insulation to limit thermal conductivity, but the Heatworx Heavy Duty FR glove uses a much thinner silicone construction that provides much higher dexterity.
This glove was developed in response to a desperate need for an NFPA 2112 certified glove in the safety market. Workers in hazardous locations that are at risk for lethal flash fire exposure-such as chemical processing plants, petrochemical refineries and drilling platforms are required to wear FR garments certified to NFPA 2112:2018 for protection in the event of a flash fire incident. Up until now, they had no options for flash fire-certified hand protection. Now they can be fully protected with the Heatworx Heavy Duty FR glove.
We spent several months developing and testing this glove, which is based upon our award-winning Heatworx glove platform, utilizing Dupont Kevlar and Nomex fabrics and yarns. We worked very closely with the certifying institution and testing laboratories just to refine the test methodology, which in itself is new so that gloves can be effectively measured and tested to flash fire requirements. This glove represents a definitive breakthrough in hand safety for millions of workers globally.
What we say:
The Ironclad is the world’s first flash fire certified glove and that’s a huge deal. Earning the HFPA 2112:2018 certification, these gloves won’t ignite, melt, or drip if they’re exposed to fire and lets you handle objects up to 600° F. The other impressive piece of the puzzle is that Ironclad was able to produce the glove without making it super-bulky. You end up with meaningful heat and flame protection in a glove that still offers excellent dexterity.
Price: $69.99
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Cut-Resistant Gloves
Milwaukee Tool Impact Cut level 5 Nitrile Dipped Gloves 48-22-8982
What they said:
Built to provide impact protection and high dexterity, these gloves are ANSI/ISEA 138-rated and are available with an ANSI cut level 3 or 5 protection to help prevent injuries on the jobsite. The gloves feature a reinforced nitrile coating between the thumb and index finger to add increased durability and protection. A nitrile coating improves grip when working with wet or oily materials and provide users with the dexterity needed to work with small jobsite items.
Milwaukee Tool’s new Impact Resistant Gloves are designed to provide users with ANSI/ISEA-rated protection, helping users STAY SAFE. STAY PRODUCTIVE.
What we say:
Milwaukee is taking hand protection to the next level with their Impact Cut Level 5 Nitrile Dipped Gloves. As a nitrile glove, it’s ANSI cut level 5 rated with additional impact protection on the back of the glove. With protection coming in against multiple threats, it’s a slam dunk as this year’s cut-resistant glove winner.
Price: Size L: $23.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Hard Hats
Klein Tools Hard Hat, Premium KARBN Pattern, Vented Full Brim, Class C, Lamp 60347
What they said:
Klein Tools’ KARBN Full Brim Hard Hat offers protection from front, back, and side impacts along with a new look. Long-term comfort and proper fit are achieved with an adjustable, flexible, open-frame suspension that hugs the head for a secure fit, and a premium padded, breathable oversized blue sweatband and top pad that both feature advanced evaporative technology. The KARBN pattering is a hydro-dipped film applied to PC/ACS composite hard hat surfaces, and the hat also features reflective stickers and Klein Tools logos. All models feature Klein’s patent-pending accessory mounts (on the front and back) to easily and precisely attach any of Klein Tools’ jobsite headlamps (which is included with this model). This model features adjustable side vents to manage air circulation and keep professionals cool on jobsites.
What we say:
There’s no question our voting team loves the look of Klein’s Class C vented hard hat with a KARBN pattern. Looks aren’t everything, though, and Klein built this hard hat to protect you against front, side, and back impacts along with top protection. The 60347 model includes a headlamp on the front, so there’s no need to purchase a separate one or fight with a strap on your hard hat. Add Klein’s red rechargeable safety light to the back mount to see and be seen in any lighting conditions.
Price: $79.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – In-Ear Hearing Protection
ISOtunes PRO Aware
What they said:
Differentiating itself from other safety headphones on the market, ISOtunes PRO Aware is an in-ear style headphone that provides users with complete awareness and protection. The brand new Aware Technology allows users to hear the world around them without the fear of hearing damage, filtering out loud, sudden noises in less than 2 milliseconds. This is the first time this combination of technologies has been integrated into in-ear hearing protection products, making it a standalone innovation in the industry.
PRO Aware combines level-dependent Aware Technology with other key features like high durability, impressive battery life, and advanced sound quality. The headphone’s omni-directional microphones allow users to safely listen to the world around them—such as their colleagues and warning signals—while also blocking out harmful levels of sound. The high-fidelity speakers enhance the desired sounds while the custom-engineered digital signals detect precise impulse filtrations to reduce harmful sounds. In short, Aware Technology is perfect for professionals who need to hear their colleagues or equipment, but still need protection from loud impulse noises like nail guns, hammers, and more.
When in use, this OSHA-compliant hearing protection product mitigates exposure to loud noises that can lead to irreversible hearing damage and hearing loss. The hearing protection capabilities also help prevent workplace incidents caused by difficulties in hearing colleagues and important warning signals. The PRO Aware earplugs bring something no other ISOtunes model has: in-ear, wireless hearing protection with situational awareness.
The ISOtunes PRO Aware headphone also allows for continuous connection to Bluetooth-enabled devices and all-day protection with up to 10 hours of battery life. With a noise-reduction rating (NRR) of 26 dB, PRO Aware is water, dust and sweatproof and comes with four pairs of ISOtunes’ trademarked TRILOGY foam ear tips to ensure the perfect fit.
What we say:
IsoTunes has done a great job producing NRR-rated hearing protection with quality audio sound built-in. The IsoTunes Pro Aware takes it to another level completely. It uses electronic filtering to dampen sudden loud noises in less than 2 milliseconds while allowing other sounds in. You get to keep your situational awareness intact while getting 26 dB of noise protection when it matters most.
Price: $129.99
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Elgin Rumble Noise Reduction Earbuds
Winner – Jackets
Truewerk FLAC Shacket
What they said:
The FLAC Shacket—Fast, Light and Comfortable—is a versatile addition to any closet or truck. Designed as a performance mid-layer, it sleeps easily under a hoodie or heavier coat for chilly mornings and can be worn on its own as the day warms up. It’s built with the insulation of a jacket and the ease of a shirt. The snap-front makes it easy to open or close while wearing gloves, three low-profile pockets can store essentials and the styling puts it at home both on and off the jobsite to wear wherever life takes you.
What we say:
Truewerk FLAC Shacket is one of the newest additions to its workwear lineup targeting industrial athletes. FLAC stands for Fast, Light, And Comfortable and Shacket refers to its combination of a shirt design with jacket warmth. It does its best work on days that start chilly enough to layer up but never warms up to the point of just working in your favorite flannel. With the style of a button-down and the warmth of a light jacket, the difference between you and everyone else is that you’ll make the job look good.
Price: $89.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Heated Jackets
Milwaukee Tool M12 Heated TOUGHSHELL Jacket 204B-20
What they said:
Milwaukee Tool is introducing a new generation in their lineup of Heated Gear with the redesigned M12 Heated TOUGHSHELL and QUIETSHELL Jackets. Both jackets feature an advanced heat technology system, designed to outlast and exceed the wearer’s experience in cold climate conditions. The next generation of M12 Heated TOUGHSHELL Jackets delivers HEAT BUILT TO OUTLAST with re-engineered TOUGHSHELL Stretch Polyester that offers 80% more stretch and 5X longer life. These jackets offer better mobility and flexibility while being lightweight and comfortable.
With 3X faster heat, the next generation heated TOUGHSHELL and QUIETSHELL jackets fully heat up in 2.5 minutes and are designed with a new inner lining material that optimizes heat transfer to the user. Both jackets feature the unique new battery pass-through that allows for battery placement in the front or back pocket. The pass-through provides improved comfort by allowing users to relocate the battery to a more optimal location based on the situation. Both heated jackets are powered by an M12 REDLITHIUM 3.0 battery, allowing for 50% more run-time over the previous generations, and feature an advanced heat technology system. Milwaukee’s Heated Gear provides versatility, durability, utility, and comfort for use in cold conditions and all outdoor environments.
What we say:
Milwaukee continues to advance their impressive heated jacket lineup with the latest generation of their ToughShell heated jacket. With carbon fiber heating elements across the chest, pockets, and back, it’s a toasty as ever. What’s improved is the ToughShell material itself. With the latest design, it stretches and moves better without giving up the durability of previous ToughShell outers. As an added bonus, there’s a pass-through hole for the battery connector, letting you store the battery in the traditional back pocket or move it up to the front.
Price: $169.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Knee Pads
Toughbuilt GelFit Fanatic Thigh Support Stabilization Knee Pads TB-KP-G3
What they said:
ToughBuilt proved yet again how useful their gear and hand tools are in order to meet the needs of every professional electrician, plumber, or contractor. The gear and hand tools include the best-selling ToughBuilt GelFit Fanatic-Thigh Support Stabilization Knee Pads (model TB-KP-G3). The ToughBuilt GelFit Fanatic Thigh Support Stabilization Knee Pads are the perfect solution for extra agility and functionality, especially when kneeling all day.
The knee pads are Pro Grade, with the proprietary gel and foam design ergonomically shaped to embrace the knee, upper shin and thigh. The ultra-advanced knee pads provide extremely high stability while maintaining easy side-to-side movement. Thanks to the integrated thigh support, the knee can be perfectly centered and will not twist out of the knee pad. The lower platform lifts the shinbone off the ground, thereby reducing the pressure on the ankle. The ergonomic gel and foam design incorporate the natural shape of the knee and upper shin to maximize pressure distribution for maximum comfort.
- The GelFit gel and foam design provides long-lasting comfort.
- Rugged double-injected hard plastic shell with non-slip rubber, and velcro closures.
- Adjustable straps, Impact Resistant, Insulated, and Non-Slip.
- The joint is well designed to allow all forward and back motion, and keep the pads from slipping to the right or left while kneeling.
What we say:
These aren’t your average knee pads! ToughBuilt’s GelFit Fanatic Thigh Support Stabilization Knee Pads pretty much sum it up in the name. Gel offers better comfort than foam pads alone. By connecting to your thigh above your knee, there’s additional support that helps keep your knee centered on the pad so you don’t have to keep twisting and repositioning throughout the day. Finally, a lower platform section lifts your shin up and takes some of the pressure off your ankles while you’re working on your knees. Overall, it’s a much more supportive system that leaves your legs less fatigued and sore than standard knee pads can.
Price: $54.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Safety Glasses
Milwaukee Tool Performance Safety Glasses with Gasket, Polarized Fog-Free Lenses 48-73-2045
What they said:
Our Performance Safety Glasses with Gaskets provide Advanced Protection with Ultimate Performance. The safety glasses feature a removable gasket that protects your eyes against debris. For added protection, the lenses are high-velocity impact tested providing you with military-grade impact protection. The protective eyewear features fog-free lenses so the lenses will stay clear and unobstructed on any jobsite. Durable anti-scratch lenses protect your eyes while withstanding the demands of a job site. Clear and glare-reducing polarized options are available so your eyes stay safe whether working indoors or outdoors.
What we say:
Milwaukee Polarized High-Performance Safety Glasses are everything you want in protective eyewear. They provide outstanding impact protection, legitimately don’t fog up, use removable gaskets to keep debris from falling behind the lenses, and come in clear or shaded options. You can even get them with polarized lenses. They’re the culmination of what happens when you put Milwaukee’s mindset to the task instead of just sticking a couple of ANSI-certified lenses in front of your face.
Price: $29.97
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Work Shirts
Truewerk Tech Flannel
What they said:
Truewerk’s elevated take on the classic plaid work shirt is everyone’s new favorite flannel. Soft, stretch fabric anticipates movements and a “just right” fit gives you all-day comfort. Plus, sleek snap-up buttons deliver an effortless getting ready process and front pockets keep things functional when you’re in the flow. It has 5 stars for a reason. Now available in two colors and two fits so everyone on the jobsite can experience the performance.
What we say:
Is there anything better than a crisp day and a flannel shirt? Truewerk is making that experience more jobsite-friendly with their Tech Flannel. Shifting to a stretch fabric, this soft flannel is able to move with you better than traditional materials can. Our team also really likes the switch to snaps instead of buttons, making dressing and undressing that much easier.
Price: $64.00
For more information, click here.
Winner – Safety Vests
Milwaukee Tool Class 2 Surveyor’s High Visibility Yellow Safety Vest 48-73-5161
What they said:
Milwaukee Tool is adding to their Personal Protective Equipment lineup with two new Safety Vest categories – Surveyor’s and Mesh and an expansion of their High Visibility Safety Vests. These innovative solutions are thoughtfully designed to keep users safe without slowing them down, provide all-day comfort by keeping users cooler on the jobsite, and are ANSI compliant.
Surveyor’s Safety Vests The Surveyor’s Safety Vests are designed with full, tear-resistant woven construction for maximum durability to survive the most rugged environments and built to carry more with 27 pockets. The Surveyor’s Vests are Type R Class 2 Rated and recommended when working in environments requiring additional visibility, when working around heavy machinery or traffic traveling under 50 MPH. The vests are offered in both yellow and orange color variations.
What we say:
With Milwaukee’s Class 2 Surveyor’s Safety Vests, you no longer have to choose between high-visibility safety and garment functionality. Starting with the foundation of the visibility you need, Milwaukee adds 27 pockets, including pockets for your ID, pens, hearing protection, a tablet, a water bottle, and much more. They didn’t stop there, making the vest from woven 600D material that resists tearing and ensuring that it’s moisture-wicking and anti-microbial. It’s time to expect more from your safety vest!
Price: $69.97
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Winner – Work Pants/Shorts
Truewerk T2 WerkPant
What they said:
As the world’s first softshell work pants, the T2 WerkPant outperforms traditional cotton and canvas workwear in durability, functionality and comfort. Made from our proprietary double-woven, poly blend fabric with 4-way stretch and DWR coating to deliver a next-to-skin softness on the inside and abrasion and water resistance on the outside.
The T2 WerkPant was redesigned in 2021. We kept all the things our customers love about the T2 WerkPants but changed and added some features to make them love the work pants even more, based on feedback collected over the last two years. First, we tweaked the fit to create a slightly more tapered pant less bagginess around the shins and ankles, thanks to more articulation around the knees. Then, we added another back pocket for all the lefties out there, plus we hear it loud and clear: two pockets are simply better than one. We also upgraded the functionality with zippers to keep things secure and a vertical pencil pocket.
What we say:
No other work pants we’ve worn have held up like the ones we have from Truewerk. While our T2 WerkPants still have plenty of life left in them, there are some improvements to the latest version. The fit shifts to a little bit more tapering so it’s not as baggy around your shins and ankles. For those of us who store things in both back pockets or are left-handed, they finally added a back pocket on the left side. New zippers and a vertical pen pocket finish it off in what has to be the most durable, flexible, and functional work pants on the market.
Price: $79.00
For more information, click here.