Workwear and safety gear is essential to jobsite performance. One is required by OSHA, the other by common sense. I’ll let you decide which is which. From the clothing we wear to the lighting that aids vision and everything in between, these are the most innovative solutions the 2017 Pro Tool Innovation Awards found.
Winner – Shirts
Truewerk G2 Werkshirt
What they said:
Inspired by combat shirts used by US special forces, the G2 WerkShirt is constructed from three technical fabrics each engineered and placed on the garment to optimize the performance of the shirt as a system. Truewerk refers to this approach as composite body mapping. Design details include a high neck with Velcro cuff to protect against sparks and foreign objects, articulated elbow with pockets for bump pads, shirt tail detents to prevent the shirts from becoming untucked from a harness, reflective hits on the arms, large sleeve openings to be worn under or over gloves and a deep front opening that can be zipped or snapped closed.
What we say:
Truewerk targets the “Industrial Athlete” – guys that show up to get work done and have an athletic build. The clothing line in general fits and stretches like no other. The G2 Werkshirt also takes things up a notch. Part lightweight dry fit shirt, part durable, functional outerwear for the jobsite, it’s a blend inspired by modifications soldiers had local seamstresses making on site in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Price: $89
For more information, click here.
Winner – Work Pants/Shorts
Truewerk T2 Werkpant
What they said:
Truewerk engineers innovative performance work wear for the industrial athletes facing demanding work in challenging environments. The T2 Werkpant features T215 WerkFabric with a four-way stretch and durable water-repellent, stain-resistant finish. Truewerk’s double weave fabric technology creates a single layer fabric with an abrasion and tear-resistant outer surface and soft-wicking, next-to-skin inner surface. Harness-ready inseams and a 3D fit from articulated knees and gusseted inseams further improve range of motion. T2 pants are detailed with a ‘hooded’ no-snag pen/knife pocket, thigh and hip stuff pockets with bonded zippers and riveted corners. Pocket bags are constructed with a durable body fabric that offers protection from screws or other sharp objects in the pocket. The Truewerk T2 Werkpant is engineered to be a three-plus season pant, ideal in all but extreme hot and cold conditions.
What we say:
Truewerk makes some of our favorite outerwear for several reasons. First, the clothing stretches and moves like no other workwear we’ve seen. It’s also as functional and durable as anything else we reach for. When it comes to work pants, the T2 Werkpants are on another level for comfort and movement on the job. There’s also the fit. Truewerk is designed for guys that are built more like wide receivers than defensive linemen, so they fit much better than workwear designed for guys that fill out the middle more.
Price: $109
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Boots
Wolverine Blade LX Waterproof CarbonMAX 6″ Boot
What they said:
The Wolverine Blade LX work boot is the ultimate comfort companion for your feet during long days on the job. The Blade features Wolverine’s EPX anti-fatigue technology that brings comfort closer to the foot. The EPX technology conserves and returns energy to fight fatigue and features a foot bed with a honeycomb heel to expand to absorb impact, a cushioning midsole, a lightweight stabilizer midsole, and a rubber lug outsole. All components work together to provide unrivaled support step after step. Waterproof full-grain leather upper combined with Waterproof Plus breathable membrane ensures feet stay dry, and a durable toe bumper and heel kicker ensure long-lasting durability. The Blade boot features CarbonMAX nanotechnology safety toe for lighter-weight, better fit, and a strong structure that meets ASTM standard F2413-11 M I/75 C75 EH.
What we say:
Trying to decide which boot is 2017’s most innovative was a tough task. Comfort and safety technology have come so far that there are a lot to choose from. The real winners, of course, are Pros who subject their feet to all kinds of jobsite abuse. Wolverine makes the job a little less abusive thanks to a combination of stability and comfort. This is really highlighted by their Blade LX Waterproof CarbonMAX 6″ Boot with its EPX technology. Their CarbonMAX composite safety toe is also another consideration for keeping the weight of the boot down compared to steel toe options. And it’s all housed with a full-grain leather upper with a waterproof, breathable membrane inside.
Price: $160
For more information, click here.
Finalists
Winner – Gloves
Husky Water Resistant Gloves
What they said: 
This premium grain cowhide Leather Driver Glove from Husky is great for heavy-duty work. Its water-resistant properties enable you to work in wet and damp conditions, allowing your hands to stay dry and comfortable. Crafted with 100% grain cowhide, it provides long-lasting durability and superior protection with an elastic wrist and strong keystone thumb.
•Water-resistant material helps keep hands dry in wet conditions
•Crafted with 100% grain cowhide for durability
•Shirred elastic wrist offers a comfortable feel
•Keystone thumb provides additional wear and greater comfort
What we say:
Few things are worse than getting your hands wet early during a long work day. Within minutes, your hands turn to large, pink raisins, By the end of the day they just hurt. But leather gloves that offer water resistance often come at a premium price. That’s where Husky steps in with their 100% grain cowhide water resistant gloves. You get the comfort of leather grain and the water protection it offers for less than $15.
Price: $14.97
For more information, click here.
Winner – Flashlights
Husky Dual Beam Flashlight
What they said: 
- Combo spot & flood LED beam: focusing and wide beam for brighter long distance lighting
- Flood beam: wide zone for close distance working
- Spot beam: focusing zone for long distance lighting
- Lifetime warranty
- Unbreakable aluminum design
- Sustains 30 foot drop and is water resistant
- Available at different power levels: 300LM, 350LM, 500LM, 700LM
What we say:
Husky is extending their line of Virtually Unbreakable flashlights with new adjustable beam models. With a durable aluminum housing, these flashlights offer output levels from 300 – 700 lumens with a lifetime warranty. And because these come from Husky, you know they’re going to be a great value as well.
Price: TBA
For more information, click here.
Winner – Handheld Spot Lights
Ridgid GEN5X 18V Dual-Power Light Cannon
What they said: —
RIDGID introduces the GEN5X 18V Dual-Power Light Cannon. It puts out a powerful 2500 Lumens. The head swivels 180° to direct light where its needed. On its lowest setting, it can run up to 30 hours on a single 5 Ah battery charge. It can also be plugged into a 12V Car Adapter. And best of all it is backed by the RIDGID Lifetime Service Agreement. FREE parts, FREE service, FOR LIFE.
What we say:
High output combined with versatility makes the Ridgid Light Cannon a winner. 2500 lumens is a lot for when you need a spotlight after the sun goes down. On the security side of things, you can walk the jobsite and take a look inside with battery power. The 12V adapter gives you the ability to drive around the site spotting areas of concern without fear of running out of battery power.
The swiveling head makes it more than a standard spotlight. You can set the light down and direct light exactly where you need it when there’s not a second hand to help.
Price: $89
For more information, click here.
Winner – Headlamps
Milwaukee USB Rechargeable Hard Hat Headlamp
What they said: 
Built from the ground-up to be used on a traditional hard hat, the new USB Rechargeable Hard Hat Headlamp features a rubber, slip-resistant strap and clips for easy attachment and a secure hold. Capable of providing 475 lumens and up to 31 hours of run-time, the new Headlamp has (5) light output modes for optimal brightness and run-time including a Spot Flood Mode for a wider view of the surrounding area and to assist in viewing issues from far away. The light can be maneuvered in (7) different positions and features 216° tilting motion to help users direct light where it’s needed most. Built to be impact and chemical resistant, the Headlamp is also IP54 rated for weather and dust protection.
What we say:
Milwaukee is going after personal lighting solutions for the jobsite with a vengeance! It all wraps around their new single-cell RedLithium USB rechargeable battery system giving you the advantage of long runtime and up to 1000 recharges on the pack. Since the battery is removable, you can easily have a spare on hand or simply get a new battery instead of a whole new light at the end of its life.
The headlamp itself delivers 475 lumens with a ton of features from 5 light modes to 216 degrees of tilt. But beyond the features you normally find on a headlamp, this is specifically designed for the jobsite with an IP54 rating and hardhat clips, so it’s not slipping all over the place.
Price: $59.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Shop Lights
Milwaukee M12 LED Underhood Light Kit
What they said:
There are a number of unique challenges for mechanics working on a vehicle. When working under the hood, mechanics rely on underhood lights to flood the engine bay with light. Leveraging our leadership in cordless and LED technology, Milwaukee is delivering the first cordless underhood light to provide high-output, high-quality task lighting capable of a full day’s worth of work without the inconvenience of a cord.
What we say:
Milwaukee tackled a number of challenges with the M12 Underhood Light, so don’t think they just slapped an M12 battery on the same thing the other guys are doing. The last thing you want to do is ruin the finish of the hood, so the FinishGuard hooks offer a solid grip as well as protection.
Mechanics also deal with wiring that you can’t afford to guess the color on. The 5000K LED color temperature of this Underhood light is perfect for keeping color identification accurate. Whether you’re a mobile mechanic or just looking for some extra light under the hood in the shop, 1350 lumens offer plenty of light. If you’re on the go, M12 battery packs offer the capacity to keep you working as long as the job takes.
Price: $249.99
For more information, click here.
Winner – Area Lighting
ProBuiltlighting ProLight 360° Industrial Light Kit
What they said:
The ProLight 360° Industrial LED Light Kit produces 15,000 total lumens. This light gives the option to be a full 360° light or a 180° light by utilizing two independent switches on the bottom of the base, each side producing 7,500 lumens. With no hot surfaces, the ProLight 360° Industrial Light can keep the job site safe and bright while only drawing .7 Amps per side and only 1.4 when fully powered, providing ultimate energy savings. Tested and rated to the highest standards, the ProLight 360° Industrial Light is cUL listed for wet locations and has an IP65 rated housing. What’s more is this light is packed with all of your needs in mind. The kit comes with a floor stand, two rare-earth magnets, a hook for hanging overhead and a tripod adapter. Developed for the professional tradesman, the steel construction makes the ProLight 360° Industrial Light durable enough for the harshest conditions.
What we say:
What sets the ProBuilt ProLight 360 aside from the competition is its versatility and build quality. Like other premium lights, it’s dialed in at 5000K color temperature, so you get accurate color identification. With 15,000 lumens available, you’ll also light up a large area. But it’s all the different ways you can set the light up that makes it so innovative. You get a floor stand, hanging hook, tripod adapter, and magnets to give you the ability to cast area lighting anywhere you need it. And it’s built for industrial-level jobsites with toughness few others offer.
Price: $585
For more information, click here.
Finalist
Winner – Portable Work Lights
Pelican 9455 RALS Remote Area Lighting System
What they said:
The Pelican Products 9455 RALS improves worker safety with the world’s first class I, division 1 Remote Area Light. It is a safety certified Pelican 9455 remote area lighting system (RALS), attaining the first Class I, Division 1 / IECEx ia / Zone 0 certification, supporting the greatest demand in safety certified lighting.
The 9455 RALS has passed rigorous evaluations conducted via certified test labs, making it the unparalleled safety industry leader among remote area lights. The 9455 has an astounding 1600 lumen output and is the first safety certified remote area light with a 125° beam, providing workers with a significantly wider view for higher situational awareness in work areas where safety is paramount.
The 9455 has three lighting modes: high, low and flashing. It will provide up to ten hours of light on low output setting (enough for an entire work shift), and five hours on the high output mode. The performance and durability of this breakthrough in safety lighting make it the most dynamic light source for use by first responders, search and rescue, law enforcement, military, industrial, construction, industrial, aerospace and recreational activities.
What we say:
When you’re working on a cordless area light that has enough output and runtime for Pros in explosive environments, every detail matters. And while Pelican nailed their design to earn Class I, Division 1 / IECEx ia / Zone 0 certification, they didn’t stop there. There’s also impressive utility with a 360-degree rotating head capable of extending up to 3 feet and a durable polycarbonate/ABS housing with an aluminum head. When you’re working where other lights aren’t even allowed to go, Pelican has you covered.
Price: $1738.86
For more information, click here.