Aug. 12, 2024
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Are you interested in buying a ballistic helmet? Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of options on the market?
We put together a comprehensive quiz with questions that will help lead you to the ballistic helmet that is right for your team. In this article, we will be breaking down the questions that are posed in the quiz and explaining the different reasons the question is important to consider when choosing a helmet.
We will be asking and answering:
Keep reading to learn more about ballistic helmets and find out which one is right for you!
One of the first questions you will need to answer when determining which tactical helmet is right for your application is&#;ballistic or non-ballistic? Ballistic helmets offer protection from gunfire and blunt impacts. On the other hand, non-ballistic helmets are used in non-combat environments like climbing, in armored vehicles, and more.
Non-ballistic helmets are meant for situations where you may &#;bump&#; your head and need protection. Ballistic helmets are necessary if gunfire or large impacts may occur. Non-ballistic helmets are lighter and cannot provide the same protections against gunfire that ballistic helmets provide.
The other option that is almost a compromise between ballistic and non-ballistic are hybrid helmets. These are non-ballistic helmets or bump helmets that can be later turned into ballistic helmets with appliques.
If you are planning to use your tactical helmet for several different applications, then hybrid helmets may provide the flexibility you are seeking.
After determining what protection type you need your helmet to provide, you will need to decide the comfort level.
Comfort may seem unnecessary or unachievable in tactical applications. However, companies like Galvion go against that theory. With the right sizing, helmet weight, and liner, a tactical helmet can be comfortably worn for hours on end and no complaints.
This is also a great reminder that the more comfortable tactical gear is, the higher the likelihood is that users will not take the gear off (out of discomfort) and will not become exhausted or distracted from annoyance.
Wearing a heavy helmet for 10 or more hours at a time can be a lot of stress on the neck which can lead to migraines and unnecessary distractions. Therefore, comfort needs to be addressed.
When it comes to weight and tactical helmets, there is a general rule. The rule is that ballistic helmets tend to be heavier than non-ballistic helmets. The weight difference is due to the thickness of the shell.
Weight also is not just attributed to the helmet. With modern critical communications&#;many tactical helmets are also outfitted with night vision goggles, communications headsets, gas masks, and more. All these attachments add to the weight and possible exhaustion of the user.
If you know that the application you will be using includes long hours, then the Caiman helmet from Galvion is your best option for low weight. Ops Core also offers bump helmets that tend to be lighter than the ballistic counterparts.
The next factor to consider is the liner. Tactical helmet liners are used to provide a padded layer inside the helmet shell. The liner can provide comfort, breathability, and impact protection. As a result, liners are great for those who are wearing their tactical helmet for hours on end&#;as the liner provides additional comfort.
Tactical helmets have different levels of protection. The helmets get tested to stop a certain amount of gunfire. Military helmets are usually rated to stop a 9mm fragment. For instance, the Ops Core FAST SF is a 9mm rated helmet.
The National Institute of Justice issued a &#;Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor NIJ Standard&#; in July . In the standard, the NIJ specifies that there are five levels of ballistic protection. They are as follows: IIA, II, IIA, III, IV. On the first level&#;IIA&#;these include the gear that protects against the standard 9mm and .40 S&W ammunitions.
Image source: https://www.quora.com/Why-is-a-9mm-considered-a-small-caliber
It is not until the &#;4th&#; level up at III that gear is expected to protect against rifle ammunition for 7.62mm lead core rounds. On the top level&#;IV&#;gear can stop .30cal steel core armor piercing rifle ammunition.
Determining what level of protection you need your helmet to provide is an important step in choosing a ballistic helmet.
The cut is the next thing you will need to consider when deciding which helmet works best for your use. Tactical helmets tend to be either high cut or full cut. The high cut helmets are cut higher above the ears which allows for space to use communications headsets. However, with the higher cut, there is less protection.
Full cut helmets, on the other hand, come down closer to over the ear so they are not compatible with communications headsets, but they are more protective. With the additional protection is more material to the helmet so full cut helmets are heavier than high cut helmets.
Galvion and Ops Core both have different cut options for tactical helmets. When choosing if you want high or full cut helmets you are deciding a few things. Will you be using a communications headset? What level of protection are you looking for? And is weight a major factor for your helmet wearers?
Military ballistic helmets typically come in colors that most align with your uniform and then will coincide with your environment.
The top colors of ballistic helmets are tan, green, black, and gray. Tan and green are the most popular colors of helmets in the military while black is mostly used by SWAT teams.
ITAR stands for International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Tactical helmets are considered body armor which is subject to ITAR regulations. ITAR relates to the export control of body armor in and outside the U.S.
Therefore, ballistic helmets may not be exported since they are under ITAR
Used to prevent head injuries from crashes, collisions, and other impacts, and aid in head and neck stability in uncontrolled environments, there are numerous types of helmets used in different activities: athletic (such as bicycle, hockey, and football), flight (for astronauts and pilots), and military (such as tactical bump helmets and ballistic helmets.)
According to the Department of Defense, from -, 413,858 United States military personnel experienced a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).
No matter the type, all helmets serve to protect from brain and skull trauma by absorbing and dissipating the force of impact away from the head, thus protecting the wearer, and is an important piece of gear for people participating in tactical operations.
There are five main categories of military helmets for sale that you might consider:
PASGT Helmets (Personal Armor System for Ground Troops) also called K-Pots, is the oldest helmet type released in the 's. These helmets are made of Kevlar fibers and typically weigh three or more pounds. They are less popular than before but are still being used today.
Picture By Seaman Alyssa Weeks - https://www.dvidshub.net/image//-n-kp948-423, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=)
The Modular Integrated Communications Helmet (MICH) released in , was designed to be lighter and more comfortable than the PASGT Helmet. It removed the need for the sweatband and chinstrap from the PASGT helmet and includes a four-point retention system.
(Picture By Cpl. Timothy Valero - https://www.dvidshub.net/image//aint-no-sunshine-hes-gone, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=)
ACH or Advanced Combat Helmet released in as an updated advanced version of the MICH helmet. Both helmets have advaned Kevlar for an increased protection against firearms.
(Picture By U.S. Army - https://web.archive.org/web//http://peosoldier.army.mil:80/images/cie/ACH_005.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=)
The Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) is a second-generation ACH, and is also known as an ACH II. Using ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene instead of ballistics fibers, the ECH is designed to be lighter than its predecessors while providing increased protection against fragmentation and rifle projectiles.
(Picture By USMC - http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/photos/-M-RT059-.JPG, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=)
First unveiled by Ops-Core, Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) Helmets are immediately recognizable due to their characteristic high-cut design, exposing the ears unlike the PASGT Helmets, MICH, ACH, and ECH. Specifically designed to prevent water intrusion and retention in the ear cups, the side rails of Ops-Core FAST Ballistic Helmets allow for additional accessories, such as communication systems and night vision equipment. Other brands now offer ATE (above-the-ear) and high-cut helmets as well. (Note: First Source Wireless has the pictured helmet &#; the Ops-Core FAST SF Super High Cut Ballistic Helmet for sale!)
Picture By Sgt. Pete Thibodeau - https://www.dvidshub.net/image/, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=)
There are a variety of brands that sell ballistic helmets, ballistic helmet accessories, bump helmets, and bump helmet accessories. We&#;ve listed some of the best-known names below:
Now that you know what kinds of helmets are in the market, we&#;ve rounded up a few of our favorites for you! (Note: All prices in USD and as of November )
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Bullet-Proof Helmet.
An investment in a helmet is an investment in your health and safety; ultimately, it&#;s an investment in yourself. Depending on your unique needs, you might opt for a helmet designed to protect against gunfire, such as a Rifle Rated Ballistic Helmet, Ops-Core Ballistic Helmet, or Team Wendy Ballistic Helmet. Alternatively, you might select a simpler option, a FAST/ATE High-Cut Bump Helmet. No matter what you choose, we hope our overview has been helpful! Please don&#;t hesitate to reach out to First Source Wireless: we&#;re committed to our customers and are always happy to help you find what you need to complete your next mission!
Ballistic helmets, also known as tactical helmets or bulletproof helmets, are designed to offer crucial head protection in life-threatening situations. When crafted with state-of-the-art materials and rigorously tested to meet stringent safety standards, these helmets provide adaptability, comfort, and life-saving protection.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve into various aspects of ballistic helmets, including the stringent testing methods overseen by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). We'll help you differentiate between helmet ratings, understand what types of ballistic helmets are available, and discuss what the U.S. Military uses for head protection.
Additionally, we'll guide you through the process of selecting, setting up, and caring for your helmet, and answer some common questions we get. Let&#;s get started!
A military helmet designed for combat scenarios must pass strict testing measures to certify its effectiveness. The NIJ (National Institute of Justice) is the governing body that sets the standard for ballistic helmet performance.
Guidelines for helmet testing follow the NIJ standards .01 & the .01. NIJ standard .01 details how the helmets should be set up for testing. The more rigorous NIJ standard .01 provides updated classification requirements for all types of body armor, including helmets.
Helmets must withstand various calibers at a certain velocity to fall within certain ratings. Helmets are rated from I-III depending on what size rounds they can stop completely. An NIJ Level IV helmet would theoretically provide protection up against rounds as powerful as .30 caliber armor-piercing bullets. However, there are no true level IV helmets that have been tested according to NIJ standards.
Although there's a common notion that higher levels such as a ballistic helmet NIJ Level IV would offer superior protection, keep in mind that a true bullet proof helmet level 4 helmet would be substantially more expensive and would only offer additional protection from rounds that aren&#;t common.
Whether or not a level 3 tactical helmet is even safer is up for debate because of the risk of backface deformation. Level IIIA helmets offer an optimal balance of weight and protection, making them the preferred choice for many military/law enforcement organizations.
When comparing a level 3 ballistic helmet with a level 4 helmet, the key difference lies in the level of protection they offer. A Level III ballistic helmet is designed to protect against some rifle rounds and offers NIJ Level III protection. On the other hand, a Level 4 ballistic helmet is something to be wary of, as NIJ Level IV protection for helmets does not exist. The same goes for level 3+, as sellers offering a level III+ helmet have not actually been certified by the NIJ.
Choosing the right ballistic helmet is a bit confusing given the variety available. The three most common types of helmets are PASGT, MICH/ACH, and FAST helmets. Each design offers unique advantages tailored to different combat and tactical scenarios, and each of these helmets is suitable for a specific type of person. Let&#;s look at the fundamental differences:
The PASGT (Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops) helmet is a smooth classic design, often seen in old military movies. It offers good coverage and Level 3 protection, but is heavier and offers less adaptability and customization than newer models. This will generally be the cheapest option.
The MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet) or ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) is an improvement over the PASGT in terms of weight and utility. It provides Level 3 protection and offers better compatibility with add ons and communication devices.
The FAST (Future Assault Shell Technology) helmet produced by Ops-Core is the newest of the three. It has a distinctive high cut, with no ear coverage, and provides the benefits of Level 3 (RF1) protection via polyethylene. This helmet allows for the most customization options, such as mounts for night vision goggles/other accessories.
The bulletproof helmets USA chooses to employ in the military varies a bit and depends on the branch and mission requirements.
The U.S. Army primarily uses the ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) which offers Level 3 protection and is an upgrade over the older PASGT helmets. Known for its modular design, the ACH is a standard-issue army helmet that balances weight and protection efficiently.
The ACH is currently being phased out by the Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH), AKA the &#;ACH II&#;. The ECH uses polyethylene rather than ballistic fibers to enhance protection and reduce weight. Both helmets will ultimately be phased out by the Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS), which was introduced in . The IHPS helmet is 5% lighter and less restrictive on hearing, with improved ballistic and blunt force trauma protection.
Navy SEALs often opt for FAST helmets, prized for their light weight and adaptability. These helmets are customizable with various accessories, making them well-suited for covert and maritime operations. Two common types are the FAST SF and FAST Maritime. These two helmets are similar, but the FAST SF is slightly lighter and is designed to be comfortable than the Maritime.
For an in-depth look at the military&#;s use of body armor, read our article on what body armor the military uses.
Whether a helmet is a worthwhile investment largely depends on the situations you expect to encounter. On top of being more expensive, helmets are much more cumbersome and less concealable than a bullet proof vest. For this reason, helmets are less common, and are usually only used by military personnel, law enforcement, and security professionals.
Regardless, trauma to the head is almost always more immediately life-threatening than trauma to any other part of the body, including the cardiac box. Trauma to the skull/brain can result in rapid loss of consciousness, severe brain injury, and potentially irreversible neurological damage. For civilians concerned with personal safety, a body armor helmet can easily prove to be invaluable when in a life or death situation.
Blunt force trauma to the head remains a significant concern, even when wearing specialized protective gear like ballistic or tactical helmets. The force of from bullets or blunt force can still be transmitted to the skull and brain, potentially causing concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or even fatal outcomes.
The energy from these impacts, even when dispersed by the helmet, can lead to internal bleeding, brain swelling, or bruising, resulting in long-term or irreversible damage. While helmets will stop a bullet from penetrating the skull, they are not foolproof against all types of head or brain injuries.
A good helmet incorporates multi-layered composite materials and designs that aim to disperse the energy from blunt force impacts more effectively. Some helmets feature multi-directional impact protection systems (MIPS), which allow the helmet to rotate slightly upon impact, thereby reducing rotational forces that can cause brain injuries. Others use specialized foam or gel liners that can absorb and distribute the force of an impact more evenly, minimizing the risk of localized trauma.
While ballistic helmets can significantly reduce the risk of penetration, they are not entirely "bulletproof" in the sense that they can stop all types of ammunition. A ballistic helmet level 3 is designed to provide protection against handgun rounds and some rifle rounds. A full tactical helmet may offer additional coverage but adheres to the same protective standards.
Additionally, a ballistic helmet isn't usually tested to stop bullets being fired within inches of the head. Despite not being perfect, wearing a good ballistic helmet is considerably safer than wearing no helmet at all. Furthermore, modern helmet technology is able to provide an impressive level of protection and can save lives in a wide range of scenarios.
Ballistic helmets are typically made from Kevlar®, the same material that is in bulletproof vests. This high-grade composite material forms the core of many modern helmets. Kevlar fibers are woven into multiple layers to create a composite capable of absorbing and dispersing the energy of a ballistic impact.
While Kevlar is a staple in many designs, some helmets also incorporate additional materials like thermoplastics or advanced ceramics to further enhance performance.
Getting your helmet properly configured is important not only for comfort, but for safety as well. First, adjust the inner padding snugly so that it fits your head. Make sure there are no pressure points that could cause discomfort during extended wear.
When putting the helmet on, check that the chin strap is properly adjusted. You shouldn&#;t be able to place more than two fingers between the strap and your chin.
Lastly, look into mounting options for any additional gear you'll be using. Communication devices, night vision goggles, or facial shields can all be mounted to a helmet. Most modern helmets come with pre-drilled holes or mounting systems for such accessories.
Maintaining your helmet's integrity is as important as its initial setup, if not more.
For cleaning- Mild soap and water works great. You want to avoid harsh chemicals that could degrade the material. We recommend using a soft cloth to remove the dirt without scratching the surface.
For storage- Keep your helmet in a cool, dry area, away from direct sunlight, which can sometimes weaken its structural integrity. Use a helmet bag or a padded box to protect it from accidental drops or bumps.
No. Level 4 helmets would be designed to withstand .30 caliber rifle rounds. A true lvl 4 helmet would be quite heavy on the head, and the blunt force trauma from a hit with a round of that size and speed would be deadly.
In most jurisdictions, owning a ballistic helmet is legal for civilians. That being said, It&#;s typically prohibited for convicted felons to own/wear most body armor, among other exceptions. Visit your local sheriff's office to get a complete overview of your area&#;s laws regarding ballistic helmets, or read our article on body armor laws.
Not all ballistic helmets are rifle-rated. Most commercially available options are designed for Level IIIA protection, which is effective against handgun rounds. For rifle rated protection, look for a level 3 helmet.
Absolutely! Ballistic helmets are almost always part of a broader personal protective equipment system. We offer a wide range of protective gear, giving you plenty of choices to match your unique safety needs. Want to make an informed decision? Check out our expert guide: "How to Pick the Right Body Armor."
First, measure the circumference of your head about an inch above your eyebrows. Most helmet manufacturers provide sizing charts to ensure a proper fit. A well-fitted helmet should maximize both comfort and protection.
Does Premier Body Armor Sell Ballistic Helmets?
Yes, Premier Body Armor currently offers theFortis Ballistic Helmet as well as a helmet bag for secure storage.
Written by Ben Bryner
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