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BEST BALLISTIC HELMET
 Best Bang For Your Buck | ||||||
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| Bottom Line | Looking for a helmet with all the features, but not all the price? The ATE meets this need and more. Using Aramid Kevlar, the ATE achieves excellent ratings across the board, while still being comfortable and light. | Team Wendy is known for their aftermarket padding and retention systems, so it's no wonder their full helmet is excellent. Not only is it comfortable, but you get excellent retention adjustment with their BOA system. | 3M F70 is scalable, modular platform with a unique geometry that is designed to maximize fit. They have pushed the envelope in UHMWPE's production with the result being one of the lightest helmets on the market today. | From the original workhorse and one of the most common helmets worn by Special Operations around the globe the OPS-CORE Fast SF Super High Cut helmet improves upon their legacy FAST helmet. | The ATX is a revised version of the Airframe helmet to meet IIIA standards. Using overlapping shells, Crye was able to create a helmet that vents passively at the top. Options include side rails and up-armoring components. | MTEK's long-awaited launch of there FLUX Ballistic Helmet did not disappoint. Crafted using advanced polyethylene fibers, and a profile designed to cradle the user's head it's the new hottest thing. |
| Pros | Reasonable price, but still meets and exceeds all standards. Features M-LOK rails, A3S shroud, and 3 part comfort pad system. Designed to be compatible and upgradable with other helmet manufacturers systems and various components. | Arguably uses the best retention system on the market with their CAM FIT system along with the super comfy Zorbium Foam Liner with 16 customizable pads. Utilizes a two-hole Wilcox W shroud for night vision mounting needs with shock cord included. | This new helmet from 3M provides a perfect combo of weight and performance along with a no thru-hole construction. It's easily scalable to work for any application and works with industry-standard accessories. | The OPS-CORE FAST SF or High Cut helmet is light 1.4-1.7 lbs shell weight, modular, and an industry standard, what more could you want! Comes standard with a rail system, NVG shroud, and multiple types of retention systems (OCC Dial, LUX Liner, Worm Dial, H-Nape). | Enclose your head in anything, and it's going to get hot. This Airframe ballistic helmet helps solve that exact problem giving you more comfort over long-term use. Its rail system is also compatible with most accessories on the market that use a dovetail system. | The helmet itself is exceptionally light coming in at 2.2 lbs. The helmet's ergonomics follow the natural shape of the head which also gives excellent comfort and stability. 100% boltless shell,meaning no weak spots on the shell itself. |
| Cons | Shells are slightly heavier between 2.7 -2.9 lbs. Shells are manufactured overseas with US materials. | Slightly fewer helmet accessories options available, marginally heavier shell between 2.6 lbs-2.75 lbs | 3M has a number of helmet offerings, but to get their very best you are going to pay! Actual BFD data is not published, but we will guess since it's a UHMWPE based shell, BFD will be in the upper limits. | Lead times and price are a factor at 16 week wait times, after paying 1,700 + dollars. | At 3.70 lbs the overlapping ballistic shells add some additional weight. The standard chinstrap is average at best | This awesome helmet will set your pocketbook back, and you can plan to wait 18-20 weeks. We would like to see actual blunt, and BFD data |
| Testing Data | NIJ Level: IIIA Back-Face Deformation: Crown BFD 15.0mm, Side BFD 13.3mm, Front BFD 14.8mm, Back BFD 8.5mm Fragment Perfomance: 17gr V50 ≥ 2400 ft/sec (731 m/s) Blunt Impact: AR/PD 10-02 (AVG 83G) over 14 drops. | NIJ Level: IIIA Back-Face Deformation: Less than 25.4mm Fragment Perfomance: 17gr V50 ≥ 2400 ft/sec (731 m/s) Blunt Impact: AR/PD 10-02 | NIJ Level: IIIA Back-Face Deformation: Less than 25.4mm Fragment Perfomance: 17gr V50 value >2,760fps (>840 m/s) Blunt Impact: AR/PD 10-02 | NIJ Level: IIIA Back-Face Deformation: Crown BFD 23.4mm, Side BFD 27.1mm, Front BFD 29mm, Back BFD 19.1mm Fragment Perfomance: 17gr V50 ≥ 2400 ft/sec (731 m/s) Blunt Impact: AR/PD 10-02 | NIJ Level: IIIA Back-Face Deformation: Less than 25.4mm Fragment Perfomance: Not Published Blunt Impact: Not Published | NIJ Level: IIIA Back-Face Deformation: Not Published Fragment Perfomance: Not Published Blunt Impact: Not Published |
The Ultimate Night Vision Mounting System Buyer’s Guide
HOW DID WE MAKE OUR DECISIONS?
Each mounting system tested was purchased or borrowed; we never accept anything from product manufactures. By keeping our reviews independent, we can ensure you that our reviews are unbiased. You deserve nothing less. We are a group of formal combat veterans with lifetimes of experience working with the lights out and draw many of our comments about these systems from that experience.
We tested all 5 models discussed, interviewed 12 industry experts, and read over 1000 customer reviews.
How We Decided
Each night vision device tested was purchased or borrowed, we never accept anything from product manufactureres.
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Here at Hard Head Veterans, we are naturally partial to our own High Cut Ballistic helmet the ATE Ballistic, but we will be the first to admit that there are other great products out there. We kept this review as unbiased as possible. The research conducted to analyze and compare these high cut ballistic helmets was in depth and based not only off initial impressions and hard data, but also off of the experiences of numerous Special Operations members, Police Officers, and industry experts.
Ready to head out and purchase a high cut or FAST® helmet? Make sure to check out our matrix above for our top 6 high cut type ballistic helmets and the pros and cons of each!
If you are looking for additional information about shopping for a ballistic helmet, continue reading our shopping guide below.
TYPES OF BALLISTIC HELMETS
When it comes to helmets that soldiers and police wear in modern times there are three types you will hear most often, and they refer to the shape or design of the helmet: PASGT, MICH/ECH/LWH, High-Cut, FAST®, Above The Ear
Each type of helmet has its uses and purposes. For this review though we are focusing on the High-Cut style helmets.
Product In Depth
Design DifferenceThe AirFrame ATX is of the same design as the original airframe with a little more protection up to IIIA. The overlapping shell design creates air vents for passive cooling and can also reduce the effects of explosive blast waves. It's made in the USA from US materials.
BALLISTIC HELMET TESTING
Test Types
One of the most critical aspects of choosing a helmet is making sure it will perform the way it's intended. While we did not submit each of our review helmets to NIJ labs for testing any reputable company should be able to provide detailed testing reports. Here at Hard Head Veterans we random batch test helmets in-house, and also send out helmets annually to a 3rd party certified NIJ laboratory for the following tests which we consider the most important.
- Resistance to Penetration (NIJ Level IIIA (according to NIJ STD 0106.01 / 0108.01) (9mm, 357, and .44 magnum)
- Backface Deformation: 9mm (1400fps) BFD: Avg less then 25 mm all locations (front/back/crown/sides
- Fragmentation Performance: 17gr V50 ≥ 2400 ft/sec (731 m/s)
- Blunt Impact Performance: (per AR/PD 10-02): Avg Less then 150g's over 14 drops
Along with the major test's above, some others that should be tested as well are compression testing, and even element testing (hot, cold, wet, salt). Another thing to remember is the NIJ does not certify helmets like they do body armor, so it's up to you to ask for testing data to ensure the helmet meets your performance needs!
HELMETS TO AVOID
We have had several customers let us know that fraudulent companies advertising on Facebook and Google selling "ballistic helmets" using copied and doctored lab data, ads, and even websites to try and pray on unsuspecting customers.
Remember, if the deals are too good to be true, it probably is. You are not going to find a new ballistic helmet that will keep your noggin safe for $199, much less $99! Unless perhaps it's coming out of a DRMO pile and 10 years past its warranty.
Let's take a look at one of these videos we found on Youtube from a customer on just how well that $199 special from Top gentle, err wish.com....ballistic club or Sun Baby Store performed. The name alone should be setting off alarms!
As you can see, if you are lucky enough to even get something for your money, these helmets have zero ballistic capability. If you have second thoughts, email their customer service, check out the BBB rating, heck see if they even have an actual location on google!
Product In Depth
FeaturesThe MTEK Flux Ballistic Helmet is packed with excellent and innovative features. The ergonomics of the helmet alone make for one of the most stable helmets we have ever tried. Undercut in the rear for prone shooting, two sets of comfort pads for a custom fit, and a "bolt-through-less" shell make for nothing short, but an outstanding helmet.
Ballistic Helmet Feature Considerations
Weight
- Your helmet is going to be specific to your needs, and the weight will reflect this. While all of the helmets we tested are incredibly lightweight compared to earlier helmets, some are notably lighter than others.
- Lighter weight helmets typically come with a simple trade-off, less protection. Usually, the same resistance to penetration can be achieved with much lighter helmets, but the backface deformation and blunt impact numbers increase as you decrease weight.
- While heavier helmets give a little extra protection, anyone who has worn a ballistic helmet for 10 + hours and walked 10 kilometers to the objective knows that every single ounce counts. This is where lighter weight helmets excel and can make the difference between cursing every step or being focused on the task at hand.
- So as you can see weight plays an important role and should help you decide on which ballistic helmet is right for you.
Accessories & Compatability
- Lights, Up-Armor, O2 Masks, NVGs, Communications systems, and much more are commonly found on any modern army helmet or police helmet. Adding these to add weight though, check out our calculator to see how much!
- Most helmet companies have stuck to the dovetail rail design that allows for compatibility with most others. This includes 3M, OPS-CORE, Hard Head Veterans, Crye, and more. Others such as MTEK and Team Wendy have their own systems for mounting accessories. All offer some type of standard Mil-Spec picatinny rail adapter though.
- Compatability should also be considered when outfitting the perfect ballistic helmet. Companies such as Hard Head Veterans designed their helmets to work across multiple retention system types, pads, and other accessories allowing for further personalization of your helmet.
Product In Depth
WeightAvon Rubber recently purchased 3M's helmet line up, and you can expect some changes coming to this guide in the future.* The 3Mâ„¢ F70 Ballistic Helmet shell weighs in at 1.56 lbs. Pads, and other accessories do add plenty of more weight, but it is still amazingly lightweight! It's precisely what you would expect from a company that specializes in innovation across multiple industries.
Ballistic Helmet Feature Considerations
Retention System
- Each of the helmets we tested came with their own style of retention system.
- Retention systems break down into two basic categories. One with a dial adjustment in the back of the helmet, similar to a construction helmet, the other without. The dial systems allowed for additional adjustment and a great fit. The con is the extra room they take up inside the helmet.
- The 4-point chin-strap system of various designs were the others we tested. X-nape, H-nape, H-Harness, and Cam-Lock. Many of these worked great depending on helmet design, while others failed to achieve enough adjustment. The H-Harness found in older issued ACH/MICH helmets were the worst we tested. With the H-Nape from OPS-CORE and the Cam-Lock in the MTEK helmet being the best.
Helmet Pads
- Searching for the most comfortable helmet pads, especially for ballistic helmets becomes vital typically after that first donning of a ballistic helmet for more than 5 minutes. Standard pads in most older helmets are designed poorly and sometimes even dangerously. Aside from the normal hot spots, headaches, and fatigue associated with uncomfortable helmet pads, pads that are too hard, too thin, or even too soft can increase the risk of brain damage from an impact.
- Luckily almost all of the helmet pads we tested were average and above in our opinions. Our favorite, of course, was our own aftermarket Comfort Plus Pads, but Team Wendy makes outstanding pads, along with the pads that come with the MTEK ballistic helmet.
- Most helmets used velcro discs on the inside of the helmet to allow the user to change out, modify, or re-position pads to get the very best fit.
Product In Depth
Retention SystemTeam Wendy and their EXFIL ballistic helmet come with their CAM-FIT retention system. This is a micro-adjustable dial made by BOA which allows the user to get the perfect adjustment with the helmet. Many other ballistic helmet companies also offer the Team Wendy CAM-FIT retention standard in their helmets as well.
Did You Know?
Headset adapters used to mount communications headsets or ear protection are one of the most common accessories mounted on high cut helmets.
Currently, Three Companies Make These
For Your Safety
Always try and keep any interior bolts or other hard components covered with your pad and retention system.
During blunt and ballistic impacts you want your skull coming in contact with pads before anything else.
How Much Should I Pay For A Ballistic Helmet?
- Ballistic helmets are available at a variety of price points, but depending on the model, you can typically expect to spend between $200-$1500 dollars for a high cut type helmet. You may also have luck finding a used helmet for much less, but be sure to check out the date it expires.
- For a helmet that meets all safety and testing standards expect to pay $400 or more, and for a higher end, lightweight helmet expect to pay $1000 or more.
- A note on high cut helmets with prices in the $200-$300 range, the ones we tested were made with unidentifiable fibers, and none of these companies could produce test data beyond a single resistance to penetration test. Buy at your own risk.
Tips And Tricks
- Modern ballistic helmets are designed to be customized to your head. Don't be afraid to reposition pads, try out different systems, and find the perfect fit.
- Like any piece of gear, take care of it, and it will take care of you. Helmets are no different. You should make sure to keep a finish of paint over the fiber layers themselves. Along with inspecting your helmet from time to time for any defects and contacting the manufacturer if there are any.
- On color selection, we suggest choosing the one you will need the most. You can always spray paint a helmet to match changing environments or buy a helmet cover.
- One way to offset the extra weight of attached Night Vision Goggles is to attach a counterweight to the back of the helmet. This can be done with a number of homemade solutions or off the shelf counter-weight products.
- When considering your purchase, don't be afraid to ask the manufacturer for full testing documentation.
Product In Depth
Design DifferenceUtilizing USA made aramid kevlar fibers HHV adds a few extra layers to its shells to give the user slightly better protection than most lighter weight helmets. The tradeoff of 4-8 ounces for a few additional layers of kevlar means a vast difference when it comes to back face deformation and blunt impact numbers while also increasing the resistance to penetration with in-house tests defeating .50AE.
