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Sandblasting Helmets and Respirators Buying Guide

A Sandblasting helmet is one of the key components for blasting operator safety. It protects the operators face, eyes, ears and upper torso from rebounding abrasive, excess noise and harmful dust. The Blast Helmet also supplies an external source of breathing air through an additional supply line.

Choosing the right respirator is important for blaster comfort and productivity. A Blaster with a comfortable helmet will have less fatigue, so we hope this article helps you on your search.

Name	Top Feature	Includes	Climate Control Options	Cape/Jacket Options	Other Options	Head Protection	Hearing Protection (Note – supplemental protection is generally required)	Eye Protection	Weight lbs/kgs
GVS-RPB NOVA 3	Wide field of vision and premium comfort	Blast Helmet Choice of Cape Choice of Climate Control Device Breathing Air Tube Waist Belt & Buckle Lenses	Cool air tube Hot air tube C40 Hot/Cold Climate Control Device Adjustable Flow Valve Constant Flow Valve	28″ or 38″ Nylon Cape 28″ or 38″ Leather Cape XL or XXL Nylon Blast Jacket	Nova 3 Talk Communication System L4 Helmet Light Tinted Inner Lens PAPR (for pot tenders, inspectors, etc but not blasters)	Integrated Hard Hat	Yes – NRR-7 with ear pads	Yes	4 lbs/ 1.8 kgs
BULLARD 88VX	Time-tested rugged design	Blast Helmet Choice of Cape Climate Control Device Breathing Air Tube Waist Belt & Buckle Lenses (Starter pack)	F30 Constant Flow Tube AC1000 Cool Tube HC2400 Hot/Cold Tube DC50 Dual Cool Tube (use with cooling vest)	28″ or 38″ Nylon Cape 38″ Nylon Blast Jacket 38″ Hibernia Blast Jacket	In-helmet communication system DC70 Cooling Vest Tinted lenses Rectangle front lens frame available	Integrated Hard Hat	Yes – NRR-3	Yes	8 lbs / 3.62 kgs
BULLARD GEN VX	Lightest blasting helmet on the market	Blast Helmet 28″ Nylon Cape Climate Control Device Breathing Air Tube Waist Belt & Buckle	F30 Constant Flow Tube AC1000 Cool Tube HC2400 Hot/Cold Tube DC50 Dual Cool Tube (use with cooling vest) Frigitron2000 Cool Tube (for free air pump)	28″ or 38″ Nylon Cape 38″ L or XL Nylon Blast Jacket 38″ Golden Gate Nylon Cape	DC70 Cooling Vest Tinted lenses Available in yellow, green, navy, red	Integrated hard hat	Yes – NRR-8 with cheek pads	Yes	2.39 lbs / 1.084 kgs
GVS-RPB NOVA 2000	Comfort and durable	Blast Helmet 28″ Nylon Cape Climate Control Device Breathing Air Tube Waist Belt & Buckle Lenses (starter pack)	Cool air tube Hot air tube C40 Hot/Cold Climate Control Device Adjustable Flow Valve Constant Flow Valve	28″ or 38″ Nylon Cape 28″ Leather Cape XL or XXL Nylon Blast Jacket	Nova 2000 Talk Communication System Tinted Inner Lens	Integrated hard hat	Yes – NRR-7 with ear pads	Yes	5.5 lbs / 2.5 kgs


	GVS-RPB NOVA 3	GVS-RPB NOVA 2000	BULLARD GEN VX	BULLARD 88VX
Top Feature	Wide field of vision and premium comfort	Comfortable and durable	Lightest blasting helmet respirator on the market	Time-tested rugged design
Includes	Blast Helmet Choice of Cape Choice of Climate Control Device Breathing Air Tube Waist Belt & Buckle Lenses (starter pack)	Blast Helmet 28” Nylon Cape Constant Flow Valve Breathing Air Tube Waist Belt & Buckle Lenses (starter pack)	Blast Helmet Choice of Cape Choice of Climate Control Device Breathing Air Tube Waist Belt & Buckle Lenses (starter pack)	Blast Helmet Choice of Cape Constant Flow Valve Breathing Air Tube Waist Belt & Buckle Lenses (starter pack)
Climate Control Options	Cool air tube Hot air tube C40 Hot/Cold climate control device Adjustable Flow Valve Constant Flow Valve	Cool air tube Hot air tube C40 Hot/Cold climate control device Adjustable Flow Valve Constant Flow Valve	F30 Constant Flow Tube AC1000 Cool Tube HC2400 Hot/Cold Tube DC50 Dual Cool Tube (use w/cooling vest) Frigitron2000 Cool Tube (for free air pump)	F30 Constant Flow Tube AC1000 Cool Tube HC2400 Hot/Cold Tube DC50 Dual Cool Tube (use w/cooling vest) Frigitron2000 Cool Tube (for free air pump)
Cape/Jacket Options	28″ or 38″ Nylon Cape 28″ or 38″ Leather Cape XL or XXL Nylon Blast Jacket	28″ or 38″ Nylon Cape 28″ Leather Cape XL or XXL Nylon Blast Jacket	28″ or 38″ Nylon Cape 38″ L or XL Nylon Blast Jacket 38″ “Golden Gate” Nylon Cape	28″ or 38″ Nylon Cape Tan or orange w/ snap hooks 38″ Nylon Cape Tan w/ cinch straps 38″ “Golden Gate” Nylon Cape 38″ L or XL Nylon Blast Jacket
Other Options	Nova 3 Talk Communication system L4 Helmet Light Tinted Inner Lens PAPR (for pot tenders, inspectors, etc but not for blasters)	Nova 2000 Talk Communication system Tinted Inner Lens	DC70 Cooling Vest Tinted Lenses Cheek pads Available in yellow, green, navy, & red	DC70 Cooling Vest Tinted Lenses Rectangle front lens frame available
Head Protection	Integrated hard hat	Integrated hard hat	Integrated hard hat	Integrated hard hat
Hearing Protection (Note – supplemental protection is generally required)	Yes – NRR-7 with ear pads	Yes – NRR-7 with ear pads	Yes – NRR-8 with cheek pads	Yes – NRR-3
Eye Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight lbs/kgs	4 lbs / 1.8 kgs	5.5 lbs / 2.5 kgs	2.39 lbs / 1.084 kgs	8 lbs / 3.62 kgs

Name	Top Feature	Includes	Climate Control Options	Cape/Jacket Options	Other Options	Head Protection	Hearing Protection (Note – supplemental protection is generally required)	Eye Protection	Weight lbs/kgs
APOLLO 600	Industry leading 180° viewing window	HP Blast Helmet 38″ Blast Cape Choice of climate control device Choice of head suspension (DLX cushion or classic web strap) Waist Belt Lenses	Constant Flow Convertor Air Control Valve Clem-Cool Air Conditioner (Disposable) Cool Air Tube (Rebuildable) Climate Control Tube (Hot/Cold)	38″ Blast Cape	In-helmet carbon monoxide monitor/alarm Noise Reduction Ear Muffs Two suspension options: web-style or DLX comfort-fit style Comfort vest – connects to climate control device Low pressure conversion kit available for free air pump	Integrated hard hat	Yes NRR-8 with web suspension NRR-9 with DLX suspension	Yes	9 lbs / 4.08 kgs
APOLLO 20	Lightweight & economical (for less demanding use)	HP Blast helmet 28″ Blast Cape DLX Cushion Suspension Choice of climate control device Box front lens system	Constant Flow Connector Air Control Valve Cool Air tube Climate Control Tube (Hot/Cold)	28″ Nylon Blast Cape	In-helmet carbon monoxide monitor/alarm Comfort vest – connects to climate control device Low pressure conversion kit available for free air pump	Integrated hard hat	Yes	Yes
MSA ABRASI-BLAST	Flexible for confined spaces	Choice of Blast Hood Facepiece w/ lens housing Breathing tube Lens cartridge Choice of Flow-control device Support belt	Constant Flow Air-line Constant Flow Duo-Flow Respirator NOTE: use either as air supply or particulate filtration	Hypalon Hood (Shoulder or Waist Length) Duck Cloth Hood (Waist or Chest Length) Neoprene Hood (Waist or Shoulder Length) Hypalon Front, Knit Back Hood (Shoulder Length)	5 different lens cartridge types to match different blasting levels Removable flat glass lens offers clear view of work area – easy to replace Two support belts available: standard web belt or a urethane belt for easier decontamination Easy operation and maintenance	No	No	Yes	1.85 lbs


	APOLLO 600	APOLLO 20	MSA ABRASI-BLAST
Top Feature	Industry leading 180º viewing window	Lightweight & economical for less demanding use	Flexible for confined spaces
Includes	HP Blast Helmet 38″ Blast Cape Choice of climate control device Choice of head suspension (DLX cushion or classic web strap) Waist Belt Lenses	HP Blast Helmet 28″ Blast Cape DLX cushion suspension Choice of flow control device Box front lens system	Choice of Blast Hood Facepiece w/ lens housing Breathing tube Lens cartridge Choice of climate control device Support belt
Climate Control Options	Constant Flow Connector Air Control Valve Clem-Cool Air Conditioner (Disposable) Cool Air Tube (Rebuildable) Climate Control Tube (Hot/Cold)	Constant Flow Connector Air Control Valve Cool Air tube Climate Control Tube (Hot/Cold) NOTE: use either as air supply or particulate filtration	Constant Flow Air-line Constant Flow Duo-Flow Respirator
Cape/Hood Options	38″ Nylon Blast Cape	28″ Nylon Blast Cape	Hypalon Hood (Shoulder or Waist Length) Duck Cloth Hood (Waist or Chest Length) Neoprene Hood (Waist or Shoulder Length) Hypalon Front, Knit Back Hood (Shoulder Length)
Other Options	In-helmet carbon monoxide monitor/alarm Noise Reduction Ear Muffs (web suspension only) Comfort vest – connects to climate control device Two suspension options: web-style or DLX comfort-fit style Low pressure conversion kit available for free air pumps	In-helmet carbon monoxide monitor/alarm Noise Reduction Ear Muffs (web suspension only) Comfort vest – connects to climate control device Low pressure conversion kit available for free air pumps	5 different lens cartridge types to match different blasting levels Removable flat glass lens offers clear view of work area – easy to replace Two support belts available: standard web belt or a urethane belt for easier decontamination Easy operation and maintenance
Head Protection	Integrated hard hat		No
Hearing Protection (Note – supplemental protection is generally required)	Yes NRR-8 with web suspension NRR-9 with DLX suspension		No
Eye Protection	Yes		Yes
Weight lbs/kgs	9 lbs / 4.08 kgs	6.5 lbs	1.85 lbs

Sandblasting Respirator Helmet Videos

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What blast helmet lenses should I use for Sandblasting?
Typical Blast Helmets all use a 3 lens system. this consists of the following
- Inner Lens – this is your safety lens. They are typically about 1mm thick, and rated to a safety glasses standard. It is vital that you never blast without an inner lens.
- Outer Lens – this is the lens that protects in inner lens from wear. its thinner and cheaper then inner lenses and you can blast with just using and inner and outer.
- Tear Off Lens – These are outer lenses that have been perforated to allow you to tear them off while you are working, when they get frosted up, so you don’t have to stop working to change the lens. if you are going to blast over 2hrs per day, we would recommend that you use Tear off lenses. you can only put 3 tear off lenses on a helmet at one time.
- Cassette Peal off System – this is a patented Lens system from RPB, they provide a sealed set of 6 lenses. 1 outer and 5 tear offs. this allows you to put more lenses on your helmet at one time, and they are sealed to ensure no dust gets in between the lenses (which is a common issue) These cost a little more, but highly recommended for all blasters to use.
- Nova3 Replacement Lenses
- Nova 200 Replacement Lenses
- Bullard 88 Replacement Lenses
- Bullard Gen VX Replacement Lenses
- Apollo Replacement Lenses
What Blast Helmet Cape options are available?
All Blast Helmets come standard with a 28″ Nylon blast cape. You can upgrade your cape at anytime, or when you order if you call into Customer Service.

Cape Options include
- 38″ Long Cape – great if you are taller and a standard 28″ cape doesn’t stay “tucked-in” to your waist belt.
- Leather Capes – 28″ and 38″ – these are typically used by blasters blasting with steel grit as they last longer, however they are hotter and heavier.
- Blast Jackets – these come in 28″ and 38″ and have closed sleeves that can cover your entire arms down to your blast gloves.
- Custom – some other options are available including capes with high-viz and different colors. You are best to call us to discuss your project if you need something like this.
- Bullard Replacement Capes
- Nova 2000 Capes
- Nova 3 Capes
What breathing air climate control options work with a blast helmet?
Most of the blast helmets have their similar options these range from;
- Air Flow control – basically just allows you to regulate how much air will come into the helmet.
- Cool Air Tube – This will cool the incoming air to make it more comfortable for the operator, at a minimum, I would get this.
- Hot Air Tube – Heats the incoming air
- Dual heating/cooling tube – the contractors choice, allows the operator to heat the air at the start of the day, and cool if off as the temperature rises.
- RPB Climate Control Tubes
Folks, lets be really honest… Blasters have the most horrible job in the universe, living inside a dust cloud all day long, out in the elements. The least we can do is give them some control over the temperature of their breathing air.
What safety standards do the Nova 3 Blast helmets conform to?
Respiratory Protection Certifications
- NIOSH Approved – SAR Type CE/PAPR Type C
- CE2797
- UK CA 0086
- EN14594:2005 4B
- EN12941:1998
- +A2:2008 TH3 P R SL
- AS/NZS 1716:2012
- BMP# 714303
Eye and Face Protection Certifications
- ANSI Z87+
- EN166:2001 CLASS 1B
- AS/NZS 1337.1:2010
- BMP# 714304
Hard Hat Protection Certifications
- ANSI – Z89.1 Hard Hat Protection Type 1, Class C
- EN397:2012+A1:2012 (Impact Clauses)
- AS/NZS 1801:1997
- BMP# 714306
Do I need a breathing air filter and carbon monoxide alarm as well?
Yes, The Breathing air filter is designed to remove impurities from the breathing air. This works by passing the air through a 7 stage filter cartridge which will remove all oils, odors, particles etc. however it does not remove CO.

CO is a deadly gas that is odorless, tasteless and colorless. This means you cant identify it without specialized CO monitoring equipment. There are a few different ways to manage CO and it is a legal compliance issue that all breathing air must be monitored.

Government Authorities have a special interest in blasters breathing air, as it is feed typically by a diesel compressor, which generates CO and piped directly to the operators breathing air zone (in the helmet)

Options for CO Monitors are;
- RPB GX4 CO monitor (recommended if using RPB products)
- Breathing Air Boxes – these can become a distribution manifold for your breathing air as well.
- CO Scrubbers – if you have a constant problem these will convert the CO into CO2, but they are expensive to purchase and maintain, so we only recommend these when you cant resolve the CO issue any other way
Are Blast Helmet inner linings and pads replaceable?
Yes, you can purchase hygiene kits for your RPB Nova3 and Nova 2000. We would recommend that you replace the inner linings on a quarterly basis.

You can remove all the padding from your blast helmet and machine wash the linings as well.

Nova 2000 Helmet Hygiene Kit

Helmet Liner Replacement Kit

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Sandblasting Helmets and Respirators Buying Guide

Sandblasting Respirator Helmet Videos

Sanitizing Your Blast Helmet

Changing lenses in the RPB Nova3 helmet

Heat and cool your Sandblasting Helmet

Use a genuine inner lens in your blast helmet

Save time with the RPB Cassette Lenses

Climate Control Tube

How to remove and replace the Nova3 helmet padding

What Is The Best Cooling (AC) Tube For Your Blast Helmet?

Nova3 Blast Helmet Inner Lens Durability Tests

Do Not Blast With Silica Sand

Ensuring Safe Breathing Air For Blasters and Painters

Common issues with blast helmets

Insufficient noise attenuation

Lack of head support

Uncomfortable head support

Dust inside helmet

Latches are difficult to open/close with gloves on

Uneven airflow distribution

Difficulty changing lenses

Breathing air tubes break easily

Face frames break easily

Capes are difficult to fit

Important considerations when choosing the right blast helmet

How comfortable is it on your head?

Does the helmet move with your line of sight when you move your head?

How well does it keep out dust?

How durable is the helmet as a whole? How durable are individual components?

How evenly is the airflow distributed?

How noisy is the incoming breathing air?

Do the lenses fog up?

How well does it attenuate sound?

Does it have hard hat protection?

How easy are the lenses to change?

What do spare parts and lenses cost?

Frequently Asked Questions

What blast helmet lenses should I use for Sandblasting?

What Blast Helmet Cape options are available?

What breathing air climate control options work with a blast helmet?

What safety standards do the Nova 3 Blast helmets conform to?

Do I need a breathing air filter and carbon monoxide alarm as well?

Are Blast Helmet inner linings and pads replaceable?

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