Ballistic helmet question

[DrjonesUSA]

I just went through a multi-month process of research and shopping a ballistic helmet for myself.

I did not see the brand you speak, but that does not mean its bad, I just didn't come into it.

In my research, I found that head injuries played a small portion of battle field injuries. Even then, head injuries includes injuries from explosive devices and shrapnel, not just bullet wounds.

Here are some combat wound stats.

According to Clint Smith,

"Half of EVERYONE killed and/or wounded in Vietnam, happened from the collarbone up." Relevant portion in video below starts at 1:40

That statement alone when I first heard it, shot a ballistic helmet way up my prep "to buy" list.






.

[DrjonesUSA]

With that logic, why bother owning any guns?

Why bother fighting at all?

I just do not understand this mentality at all... you've surrendered and lost and the fight hasn't even begun!

[DrjonesUSA]

Is there any such thing as a LVL IV helmet?

Seems 95%+ of the helmets on the market are IIIA only.

[DrjonesUSA]

Most helmets only protect you from handgun rounds/shrapnel/bumps (IIIA). Military/PD uses IIIA helmets. The reason being, the helmets that protect you from rifle rounds are extremely heavy, around 4-4.5lbs+ and after a short amount of time, your head and neck will be extremely uncomfortable and hurt. Invest in a good brand name with a proven track record such as Ops Core and Team Wendy.

Ahhhh.....this is very helpful.... Thanks!

[ohsmily]

I just went through a multi-month process of research and shopping a ballistic helmet for myself.

I did not see the brand you speak, but that does not mean its bad, I just didn't come into it.

In my research, I found that head injuries played a small portion of battle field injuries. Even then, head injuries includes injuries from explosive devices and shrapnel, not just bullet wounds.

Here are some combat wound stats.




That said, I did not look for rifle rated head protection. NIJ IIIA is pistol rated to 44mag. I thought that to be more than enough.

In level of priority, I listed below protection I acquired for first to last.

1) Tourniquet - for bleeding wounds to the extremities
2) Blood clotting and chest seal (includes decomp needle, trauma/first aid kit)
3) Body armor - front and back plate with carrier -
4) Helmet - NIJ IIIA
5) Side plates

If I didn't need the helmet to mount night vision, I may have never bought it. I do not feel I really needed one, I could've settled for a bump helmet. But a good bump helmet is very close to the cost of a middle of the road ballistic helmet. I just went for it coz it was something that was nice to have.

I purchased the Protection Group Danmark ACH helmet, currently available for pre-order at Bulletproof Zone for under 400 with their current coupon.

I am not affiliated with BPZ.

Well written and I agree with most of your conclusions. However, for now I decided to go with a bump helmet for my NVG setup due to the lighter weight and less fatigue I expect to experience when wearing it for long periods as I will in an upcoming NVG rifle class. Also, by having night vision, I would in theory be using the dark and a covered position to my advantage to avoid incoming fire hence my decision to go with the lighter weight, non bullet resistant helmet. I may change my opinion over time but that's where I am for now.

[OlderThanDirt]

I agree with the above regarding a bump helmet for NVG. The skull crushers that came with my NVGs are marginal at best, but I never worked for the phone company and am not an operator.

[MarikinaMan]

Well written and I agree with most of your conclusions. However, for now I decided to go with a bump helmet for my NVG setup due to the lighter weight and less fatigue I expect to experience when wearing it for long periods as I will in an upcoming NVG rifle class. Also, by having night vision, I would in theory be using the dark and a covered position to my advantage to avoid incoming fire hence my decision to go with the lighter weight, non bullet resistant helmet. I may change my opinion over time but that's where I am for now.

I think you did what was best for you. That’s good. I was very close to going for a bump helmet. But then, my want for NVG and a ballistic helmet was pretty equal, so I went for it.

Please share some NVG resources such as those classes. I think I my son will like one as a gift.

[BrassCase]

One of the problems is that even if your helmet stops a rifle round, say a generic 55 gr. 556 round, your head just got whacked with 400 or so foot pounds of force. Your neck is going to be sore for sure if the head is still attached! Imagine a 147 gr 308 !!!

[MarikinaMan]

One of the problems is that even if your helmet stops a rifle round, say a generic 55 gr. 556 round, your head just got whacked with 400 or so foot pounds of force. Your neck is going to be sore for sure if the head is still attached! Imagine a 147 gr 308 !!!

It may even cause significant brain injury. But take your pic.

Given a choice. Do you prefer a round through your bare head, or with a helmet?

I think the thing that put me over the line is the fact that as a former climber and cyclist, I appreciate a good bump helmet. Having decided on a bump helmet, I just went for it.

[flavor]

Is there any such thing as a LVL IV helmet?

Seems 95%+ of the helmets on the market are IIIA only.

Yes, Gunnook has rifle rated helmets and Hard Head Veterans has an rifle rated armor up plate that goes in the front of the IIIA helmet.

[flavor]

If youre kicking down doors, I would go ballistic. If youre going to respond to something that would be quick and over, I would go with a IV as you want maximum protection. If youre going to wear one for a long period of time, I would go with a IIIA helmet as it is a lot lighter. I got into NVG shooting and got a good deal on a 3M IIIA, mounted NVG's with ear pros/comms, and after about 30 min-1hour of shooting, my head and neck became very uncomfortable and hurting as it is heavy. Since my main thing was for the NVG's, I sold it and went with a TW bump with the same setup and I could wear it all day as it is so comfortable. It was the best thing I ever did. I plan on getting a IV or IIIA with no attachments and just leaving it there next to the vest for SHTF scenarios.

[flavor]

Correction on the level IV label. Im not sure if the Gunnook and HHV are labeled as level IV, but I do know they are rifle rated to certain calibers like 7.62.

[sigstroker]

Sore neck, please.

I used to ride my bike with a full face helmet all day long without getting a sore neck. Those weigh between 3 1/2 to 4 pounds and even more. Plus you have the wind pushing on it. If you think that's no big deal, roll your window down going 75 mph and stick your head out the window.

The Lightweight ACH helmet Mrgunsngear tested above weighs 3 pounds. LOL at rather have a Team Wendy for 3 times the price. The one he tested isn't similar to, or looks like a military helmet. It IS the helmet supplied by the official supplier to the US Army.

[ohsmily]

Sore neck, please.

I used to ride my bike with a full face helmet all day long without getting a sore neck. Those weigh between 3 1/2 to 4 pounds and even more. Plus you have the wind pushing on it. If you think that's no big deal, roll your window down going 75 mph and stick your head out the window.

The Lightweight ACH helmet Mrgunsngear tested above weighs 3 pounds. LOL at rather have a Team Wendy for 3 times the price. The one he tested isn't similar to, or looks like a military helmet. It IS the helmet supplied by the official supplier to the US Army.

You ignored part of the discussion which is running a helmet with night vision
Once you add in the device, mount, counter weight, ear pro, and possibly a helmet-mounted illuminator, it will be over 6 pounds. That doesn't sound like much but when wearing it for hours in a class where you also have plates, full kit, and a slung rifle, it gets heavy.