STUDSON Introduces HighBar-Equipped SHK-1, A New Approach to Helmet Fit
November 20, 2025
STUDSON has announced the general availability of the HighBar-Equipped STUDSON SHK-1 Type II safety helmet, featuring the revolutionary buckle-free HighBar safety system with a single, stowable chinstrap.
After introducing the concept version last year, the HighBar-Equipped STUDSON SHK-1 helmet is now shipping to workers in construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, utilities, and industrial maintenance industries. The system is a first for the industrial safety market, and provides a more adjustable, breathable, and hygienic fit compared to legacy designs.
“Following the overwhelmingly positive reception of the concept last year, we are thrilled to confirm that the HighBar-Equipped STUDSON SHK-1 Type II helmet is now generally available and shipping to industrial athletes,” said Ryan Barnes, Founder & CEO, STUDSON. “We understand that chinstraps overall are also a new concept in these industries. HighBar’s innovative adjustment system and hygienic material are now actively working to ease that transition, while ensuring workers receive the benefits of the most innovative Type II protection.”
The HighBar system utilizes hygienic, polymer material strap arms that allow for a precise fit for increased comfort and convenience. These arms can be easily rotated up for storage and quickly rotated back down below the chin when the helmet is in use. Different from traditional four-point, y-shaped nylon harnesses, the simple one-strap system can be intuitively adjusted using a twist dial on the bottom of the strap, enabling workers to tighten or loosen it with one hand, even while wearing heavy gloves.
“HighBar’s mission is to re-invent helmet fit and retention, and our system increases the probability of the helmet being worn properly,” said Andrew Herrick, General Manager, HighBar LLC. “The HighBar system ensures that active industrial workers can wear the STUDSON SHK-1 safety helmet properly without sacrificing comfort on the job. We are excited that workers across construction, oil and gas, and beyond can now experience the intuitive, one-hand adjustment and hygienic polymer strap material that makes proper helmet use easier and safer than ever before.”
The HighBar system offers several benefits to industrial workers compared to traditional four-point buckle systems:
- Simple – Requires no instructions compared to complicated web-splitters and ladder lock buckles
- Clean – Polymer strap material doesn’t harbor sweat or bacteria and is easy to wash with water
- Cool – Minimal contact with skin means cooler faces
- Stowable – The system easily stows in the helmet brim when workers are away from the job site
- Micro-Adjustable – Can be adjusted with one hand to tighten or loosen the strap
- Safe – A properly adjusted helmet is a safer helmet.
Similar to the company’s other helmet models, the High-Bar equipped STUDSON SHK-1 helmets use Koroyd welded polymer tubes designed to absorb shock upon impacts more efficiently than traditional EPS foam. The material also enhances heat dissipation and improves ventilation due to its cellular open structure. The helmets also feature embedded Twiceme Technology which gives individual workers the optional capability to upload critical health data for ease of access by first responders in an emergency.
