COMPATIBILITY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HHV HELMETS
Customizing Your HHV Ballistic Helmets
Ballistic helmets are more than just a shell. We’ve made it easy to customize your HHV ATE Gen2, ATE Gen3, and ATE_Lite Ballistic Helmets with specially designed features that allow you to swap in accessories from other manufacturers. While we believe our gear is the best, we understand that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to what constitutes the ideal helmet.
The ATE Gen2, ATE Gen3, and ATE_Lite were designed to be the perfect ballistic helmets for different needs, from entry-level to advanced users. Each model comes with a night vision shroud, helmet liner, comfortable pads, M-LOK rails, and other accessories that work great, but we’ve ensured they're compatible with liners and accessories from other manufacturers, as well as third-party products. After all, your tactical ballistic helmet isn’t something you want to compromise on. You have unique needs, and we’re here to help you meet them.
Each element of a ballistic helmet serves a unique purpose. Below, we’ll go over the various accessories you can customize your ATE Ballistic Helmet with, as well as the manufacturers that we trust and recommend. When choosing products from any manufacturer, always consider your helmet size. Check out a standard helmet size chart before making a purchase so you can ensure the accessory will fit with what you have.
Tactical Communications And Hearing Protection
A communications headset also doubles as hearing protection in many modern devices. We have a complete guide to tactical communications headsets that you can check out here for more information.
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Regardless of if you operate in a tactical capacity on a day-to-day basis, or if you’re just a prepared citizen who likes to utilize H.A.M. radio equipment in force-on-force training, then you can probably make an argument as to why you need tactical communications equipment attached to your helmet. The hearing protection added on-top of the communication equipment doubles as a means of preserving your hearing in training, and in combat. For those two reasons, everyone who uses a helmet in live fire training or tactical operations with the possibility of kinetic action needs a tactical communications headset.
COMMS CAPABLE HEADSETS WE RECOMMEND
3M Peltor Comtac
MSA Sordin
Safariland Liberator
Otto Noizebarrier Tac
PolTact V1 & V2
Invisio T5
Invisio T7
Gentex Ops Core Amp
Earmor M32 Plus
SWATCOM
HEADSETS THAT ARE HEARING PROTECTION ONLY
Howard Leight Impact Sports
Sordin Supreme Pro
Peltor Comtac Hearing Defender
Walker Razors
Peltor Sport
Earmor M31 Plus
HEADSET RAIL ADAPTER SYSTEMS
Headset rail adapter systems replace the conventional headbands on most tactical communications headsets. These replacement adapters allow the headsets to be easily attached on the rail systems of your HHV ATE GEN2 Ballistic Helmet, or any of our other helmets that use m-lok rails.
WHY YOU NEED ONE:
If you intend to run tactical communications systems or hearing protection, a headset rail adapter system is the most comfortable way to do so. Wearing the headset in the conventional form with the original headband is often uncomfortable. Some users report getting stress migraines from the headbands pushing into their skulls, and others just find them generally uncomfortable when worn under the helmet for a long period of time.
HEADSET ADAPTER COMPATIBILITY LIST
HHV Low Profile Rail Adapter Kit & Pop Out Rail Adapter Kit (Works with 3M Peltors, Howard Leight Impact Sports and Walker Razors on their own.)
Further Compatibility- Safariland Liberator and MSA Sordins require this adapter from Unity Tactical as well.
M-LOK Helmet Rail Mount for Otto Noizebarrier Tacs.
Gentex AMP Arms will require this adapter to work with the Ops Core Amp. Or you can use the RAC link to connect other headsets to AMP arms.
NIGHT VISION MOUNTING ARMS
A night vision mounting arm is a streamlined add-on that locks into your helmet shroud. It allows for the secure attachment of, and quick access to helmet-borne accessories.
WHY YOU NEED IT:
The primary purpose for a night vision mounting arm is to mount a night vision device. If you intend to work at night under night vision, then you need a night vision mounting arm of some type attached to your night vision shroud. If you would like to find out more information about night vision mounting systems, you can check out this link.
NIGHT VISION MOUNTING ARMS COMPATIBLE WITH THE HHV A3S AND A3S LITE SHROUD:
Norotos INVH Hyper Night Vision Mount
Norotos Lo-Sto Hyper Night Vision Mount
Norotos AKA2
Norotos TATM
Norotos USGI Rhino and Rhino II Systems
Cadex Defence Low Profile Flip-Up Mount (Dovetail)
Cadex Defence Polymer Flip-Up Mount
Argus A4 NVG Mount (Dovetail)
Wilcox L4 G24
Wilcox L4 G22E
Wilcox L4 G60
Wilcox L4 G11
Wilcox G21
Wilcox G66
Wilcox DPAM G04
Argus Light Weight Night Vision Mount (LWNVM)
Any mount with the same shoe type as the above will effectively mount to HHV night vision shrouds.
HELMET PADDING SYSTEMS
Believe it or not, there’s more to a helmet padding system than meets the eye. At first glance, an inexperienced helmet wearer may think that the helmet padding system is meant simply as a countermeasure against discomfort. While this is an objective, it’s not the primary mission statement. Helmet padding systems are designed as a further cushion against the blunt-force trauma incurred on the skull if and when a round of any caliber strikes the helmet. They also serve to keep the helmet firmly in place on the user’s head.
WHY YOU NEED IT:
Without proper padding and a solid fit, your helmet will get bumped out of place in the event of motion or impact. Quality definitely matters here – good padding won’t just keep your helmet in place while maintaining a comfortable fit, it will also serve as an added barrier of protection upon impact. If you would like to read more in-depth about helmet padding systems, you can check out this complete guide we put together here.
HELMET PADDING SYSTEMS COMPATIBLE WITH THE HHV Helmets
HELMET RETENTION SYSTEMS
A helmet retention system is a mechanism and set of components that are designed to secure a helmet on the wearer's head. It completes the fitment of the helmet shell and is comprised of a chin strap, adjustable strap splitters, and a nape system. While most modern helmets feature some form of dial retention system that allows for easy head circumference adjustment, some older retention systems may not.
WHY YOU NEED IT:
The primary purpose of your helmet's retention system is safety. An improperly fit helmet may fail to fully protect the wearer's head as the system could shift in a violent impact, exposing the scalp, skull, and brain to unneeded danger. The secondary purpose is comfort; a well-fitted helmet not only increases the ability of the shell to keep your head safe but also increases comfort and allows you to wear the shell for longer periods of time.
HELMET RETENTION SYSTEMS THAT WE RECOMMEND:
HHV Dial Back Retention System
RAIL MOUNTED HELMET LIGHTS
A majority of helmets that we carry come with our proprietary m-lok rail system. These rails allow for a lot of versatility in attachments and accessories, chief among them in importance is a rail mounted helmet light. These are similar to most tactical flashlights you would find in the industry; the only real difference is that they work exceptionally well when attached to the side of a helmet. You can find out more information about rail mounted helmet lights in this article.
WHY YOU NEED IT:
In some circumstances, you need both of your hands and a flashlight. While a weapon mounted flashlight allows you to fight hands free in a cone of illumination, a helmet mounted flashlight will keep both of your hands free in situations where you need to search, not fight, with both of your hands. They’re great for situations where you’re dealing with a detainee, and they’re also perfect for night-time sensitive sight exploitation.
RAIL MOUNTED FLASHLIGHTS WE RECOMMEND:
RAIL ACCESSORY ADAPTERS
WHAT THEY ARE
Rail accessory adapters enable a wide variety of attachments and accessories to be used on the HHV M-LOK rail platform regardless of the original attachment device. It doesn’t matter if the attachment uses standard picatinny attachment points or not. There is a simple solution to be found in the rail accessory adapter systems that are currently on the market.
WHY YOU NEED THEM
You only need rail accessory adapters if the attachment or accessory you want to use on your helmet rail is not M-LOK compatible. If the device you want to use is already m-lok compatible, then you do not need an accessory adapter.
A NOTE ON HELMET ACCESSORIES
Pretty much any helmet accessory you could want will work with the Hard Head Veterans helmet systems. If you have questions about mounting a specific accessory to your helmet, please feel free to reach out to our social media team for help, or send an email to info@hardheadveterans.com and we’ll get you pointed in the right direction.
SHOP HARD HEAD VETERANS GEAR
You have a lot of options on the market today, but if you’re looking for the highest quality products at the most competitive prices, you’re already at the right place. In addition to helmets, we also offer a wide variety of products that can be used to tailor your helmet to your specific need.
Have a question for our team? Send us an email at info@hardheadveterans.com and we’ll get your question answered as quickly as we can.
Commonly Asked Questions
We realize that the above article may not have answered your specific compatibility questions. Here’s a list of all the most common questions we get online from users just like you. If the below doesn’t answer your question, feel free to reach out to our social media team on Facebook or Instagram, or send an email into our customer service team at info@hardheadveterans.com during normal business hours for a quick response.
“Can I use Micro Lattice Pads in another manufacturer’s helmet?”
Yes – You can. We’ve had a number of customers over the years upgrade their helmets from other manufacturers with our micro lattice system. Most manufacturers have arrived on the same similar shell shape, with few exceptions. As long as your helmet shell has a standard shape, you will be able to get the micro lattice system to fit.
“Can I change out the M-LOK Rail system for an older helmet rail system?”
Maybe – Your mileage on this may vary. Over the years, our customers have had mixed reports on whether their older rail system can be swapped onto our helmet shell. We do not recommend this however, as just about every accessory can be mounted with M-LOK.
“I want to use X accessory on an HHV helmet, will it work?”
It probably will! If you have a question about a specific accessory and getting it to work on your Hard Head Veterans helmet, reach out to our social media team on Instagram or Facebook. Alternatively, you can ask in our closed community group here, or email into our customer service team at info@hardheadveterans.com
“Can I use the retention system from another manufacturer in your helmet?”
If it’s a four-point harness system, you most likely can. There may be a few exceptions for older or more niche retention systems, however most standard helmet retention systems can be used in our helmet shell if they are a four-point harness.
“I’m looking to get into communications headsets, where should I start?”
We always recommend people check out Comm Gear Supply for their communications needs. Their team is one of the finest in the defense industry, and they’re extremely responsive with compatibility and training information!
“I’m thinking about mounting my Walker Razor or Howard Leights to my helmet, will this work?”
It will work. Unfortunately, you’ll have to remove the headband from the headset in a destructive manner that will void your warranty, but once you’ve removed the headband the headset will mount just like any other comms capable of headset designed for helmet mounting.