would a combat helmet be useful for ITSHTF?

[OlderThanDirt]

[jimmykan]

To fight a dragon, the knight has a sword and a shield

you have the sword, so why not get a shield...

Many level 2a and 3a disappear to the casual observer under clothing....

Helmets... pass

I got you covered bud!

[SCVlongstroke]

Yah go nuts man, if you have the cash and want one then go for it. Will it make you a better fighter? Will it give you an edge? Will it keep you alive? Only you can answer those.

This gray man stuff is all “burn notice” inspired. That’s a trade that requires intense training that involves aspects of social skills, psychology, languages, different social behaviors, culture, and so on on top of “top tier” military training. You become what you want people to think you are, not blending in like a zebra in a herd. James Bond was definitely not a gray man but the intelligence and counter intelligence agencies around the world have their gray men.

Back to the helmet, it’s definitely there for a purpose. If you’re investing in armor, the helmet is definitely an added benefit.

[Foothills]

So, does anyone feel differently about this than they did two months ago?

There's actually another situation to consider. In the major active shooter incidents, the biggest casualties are from people who don't get medical attention. In situations like San Bernardino, the first people to go in were the cops driving by who happened to have stuff in their trunk. They did not have trauma kits.

Do you know first aid? Most medical first responders are not equipped to go in and bring out wounded. Even firefighters might be too afraid to do so-it's not what they signed up for.. Could you go into the warm zone and bring people out? Do you have anything in your trunk that would protect you so you felt a little more confident going in and helping get people out?

[omega]

the rioters have been seen kicking a person down and kicking their head

even a skateboard helmet would help, just to walk through a crowd, they also like to sneak up from behind and hit you over the head with something.

[sealocan]

Dang, very smart suggestion on the motorcycle helmet. ...
.

Thank you DrjonesUSA , I have some good moments but I'm surprised no one commented about the one stupid joke I threw into my good suggestion...


" ...You can also use a motorcycle helmet to ride a motorcycle, ATV, dirtbike, a Redhead, mountain bike..etc. ..."



And to update my opinion , I still feel the same. If you have the extra money and you have all your other gear needed like a plate vest or some type of chest protection, then you could buy a Kevlar helmet but in the meantime you can get a inexpensive motorcycle helmet that will cover your entire face, jaw/mask area, eyeshield that will look a lot less inconspicuous Everywhere it goes (can you imagine being pulled over and the cop sees your Kevlar helmet? It's not a crime but it's going to lead to some more questions. A motorcycle helmet won't and I think that means it Could go wherever you go).

You could even pick one up from a yard sale or Craigslist if you are really on a low budget but clean the sheeit out of it before you wear it.

The point I made above about all militaries needing Kevlar helmets because they have to stick their head out as they make forward movements still applies although I can understand standing your ground if your home or business is attacked but then you have the advantage of knowing the layout.

[sigstroker]

So, does anyone feel differently about this than they did two months ago?

I bet a lot of wiseguys that answered this earlier feel pretty stupid about now. If they don't, they should.

I wouldn't use a motorcycle helmet. They block out too much sound but not enough to protect your hearing from a gunshot. They're also pretty heavy.

For people looking for a military type helmet, there are basically two kinds. Ballistic ones that have a certain amount of bullet and fragment protection, and bump helmets. Ballistic helmets are expensive - the cheapest ones I've seen are about $500 and go much higher. I would guess they are also heavier than bump helmets. Bump helmets protect from... bumps. Some of them look just like issue ballistic helmets, meaning you can attach all the same sort of gizmos. The modern ones allow some earpro to work. They are fairly cheap, some under 60 bucks.

[MrExel17]

Safety First!

[DrjonesUSA]

Thanks for bumping this - extremely relevant!

Can we talk about specific brands, models & sources of helmets?

There seem to be 2 main models; the secret squirrel, lower-profile / higher cut, and the more traditional infantry / riot model that comes down lower around the sides.

Thoughts on pros/cons between these 2?

What are some good sources, specific brands, etc?

FYI: I'd be interested in a full-out ballistic helmet, not just cheapo for bumps.

Thanks!

[DrjonesUSA]

Thank you DrjonesUSA , I have some good moments but I'm surprised no one commented about the one stupid joke I threw into my good suggestion...


" ...You can also use a motorcycle helmet to ride a motorcycle, ATV, dirtbike, a Redhead, mountain bike..etc. ..."

Eh....pearls before swine around here sometimes......

And to update my opinion , I still feel the same. If you have the extra money and you have all your other gear needed like a plate vest or some type of chest protection, then you could buy a Kevlar helmet but in the meantime you can get a inexpensive motorcycle helmet that will cover your entire face, jaw/mask area, eyeshield that will look a lot less inconspicuous Everywhere it goes (can you imagine being pulled over and the cop sees your Kevlar helmet? It's not a crime but it's going to lead to some more questions. A motorcycle helmet won't and I think that means it Could go wherever you go).

You could even pick one up from a yard sale or Craigslist if you are really on a low budget but clean the sheeit out of it before you wear it.

The point I made above about all militaries needing Kevlar helmets because they have to stick their head out as they make forward movements still applies although I can understand standing your ground if your home or business is attacked but then you have the advantage of knowing the layout.

Very good points..... frankly I'm not sure I'd ever buy a used helmet because they can be damaged by drops & other improper use, and there's not any economical way that I'm aware of to check for internal damage, cracks, stress, etc.

But it's a good idea nonetheless......

[faterikcartman]

So, does anyone feel differently about this than they did two months ago?

Two months ago? No, I was already on high alert watching the state's enforcement arms willingly go after people over arbitrary, capricious and unconstitutional, orders. I would have been open to any TEOTWAWKI prepping.

Two years ago? Yeah, I admit I probably would have rolled my eyes and muttered something about keyboard commandos.

Today? I'm listening.

I skimmed the thread backwards. Do the posts prior to yours discuss knowledgeable recommendations of ballistic helmets? I'm not interested in attachment points for full tactinut madness (relax, just joking tactinut Calgunners) and night vision etc (though will my tune change by this time next year???). But something that can legitimately deflect a lucky shot from a commie looter.

Thanks. And I cannot believe a guy like me has reached a point where this seems like a potentially legit and reasonable purchase. But I think I'm there. Women and children sizes (serious question)?

Finally, who are legitimate vendors for such things who sell to the civilian market? (Not interested in Chinese manufacture.)

[subscriber]

If you can't find a pith helmet, you could always use a pith pot

https://www.amazon.com/Mil-tec-British-Foreign-Services-Tropical/dp/B005MYB35K

[elSquid]

[SomeGuy75]

My son uses one with a GoPro camera on the front when he plays airsoft. I wonder if that might be good for video evidence if you had to defend yourself?

Another option would be a motorcycle helmet and motorcycle jacket with Kevlar in the elbows and shoulders for extra protection.

[sigstroker]

Very good points..... frankly I'm not sure I'd ever buy a used helmet because they can be damaged by drops & other improper use, and there's not any economical way that I'm aware of to check for internal damage, cracks, stress, etc.

But it's a good idea nonetheless......

They're also usually disgusting inside because people sweat into them for hours at a time. I don't even like my own helmets sometimes.