MICH helmet question

[rudeboy3]

Hey everyone first off thank you for your service, anyway I got a question about the new helmets you guys are wearing. Im familier with the PASGT helmet and I ran across the new marine helmet and also a MICH helmet so I handled both of them. The USMC one seemed pretty similar to the PASGT but it had the new pads in them and the harness and all that, it also seemed to have a similar weight. Now the MICH helmet had a ACU cover on it and the inside was similar with the padding and harness but the weight seemed much less. So I peeled the cover a little and it had the rough texture like the PASGT but again I was suprised at how light it was. It felt legit but is there a chance it could be some replica or something. Are there markings I could look for on the inside or can someone post pictures of the inside? Thanks

[MRX9989]

MICH/ACH helmets will have a small label on the side that will identify size, manufacturer, NSN, etc. This biggest contractors are MSA and Gentex. In some cases the writing on the label will be worn away.

[rudeboy3]

ok that works for me thanks

[The Director]

I wore a PASGT all weekend. At the end of the excercise, a buddy offered to swap his MICH for a few minutes just to give it a try. The weight seemed to be more or less the same to me. The MICH was waaaaay more comfortable, but there did not seem to be a discernible weight difference.

IIRC they are both in the 3 pound range.

[OneSevenDeuce]

The MICH or ACH is slightly less weight than the PASGT, but it feels much lighter due to the improved padding system.

[MRX9989]

Personally, I think the ACH is a prime example of "good initiative, bad judgment". While the above noted improvements are substantial (four point suspension, foam padding), the higher cut leaves more of the head exposed, especially when the helmet is not sized to the Soldier's Head properly (as is often the case). Some evidence has suggested that the design of the ACH has contributed to traumatic head wounds.

I would like to see the Army adopt a helmet with a PASGT profile and an ACH liner/suspension. The CAARNG partially accomplished this by outfitting many of its PASGT helmets in stock with Oregon Aero BLSS suspension systems. The Marines have also fielded the Gentex Lightweight Helmet which is essentially the helmet outlined above.

Having spent extensive amounts of time in both the ACH and the PASGT/Oregon Aero, I personally feel more comfortable with the larger helmet.

[OneSevenDeuce]

Having used both I highly prefer the MICH/ACH. It provides enough coverage when fitted properly and does not get in the way when in the prone. I would never go back to the PASGT.

[The Director]

PASGT looks way better, tho...... :-)

[OneSevenDeuce]

I don't care how it looks. I care how it feels after 10 hours.

[MRX9989]

Hey, since we're on the subject, please take note for any of you who might be team/squad leaders or anyone else in a leadership position....

During your next TA-50 layout, command inspection, PCC/PCI, or trip to Roberts CIF, please make sure your Soldiers have a correctly-fitted ACH (If issued). This is especially important if you are expecting a mobilization!

Here are a couple resources that can assist with this:

http://www.operation-helmet.org/documents/GTA07-08-001.pdf

http://www.operation-helmet.org/documents/ACHMAM04-001-013.pdf

Also, if you have a Rabintex or ArmorSource ACH please make sure you don't have a defective helmet. Shoot me a PM if you need more guidance.

[The Director]

I don't care how it looks. I care how it feels after 10 hours.

'twas an attempt at humor, bro.

[The Director]

Hey, since we're on the subject, please take note for any of you who might be team/squad leaders or anyone else in a leadership position....

During your next TA-50 layout, command inspection, PCC/PCI, or trip to Roberts CIF, please make sure your Soldiers have a correctly-fitted ACH (If issued). This is especially important if you are expecting a mobilization!

Here are a couple resources that can assist with this:

http://www.operation-helmet.org/documents/GTA07-08-001.pdf

http://www.operation-helmet.org/documents/ACHMAM04-001-013.pdf

Also, if you have a Rabintex or ArmorSource ACH please make sure you don't have a defective helmet. Shoot me a PM if you need more guidance.

Those are great links!

[ir0nclash86]

The PASGT helmets suck hardcore. We just called them K Pots. The ACH is waaay more comfy. The K Pot single chin strap sucks cause the helmet would just flop front to back all the time. When in the prone the K Pot slides forward and covers my eyes making it difficult to qualify on the range or zero. The ACH is small and still provides enough cover for your noggin. The helmet doesn't flop and the ACH in my opinion looks badass as well. I would sometimes forget that I'm even wearing the ACH...its that good.

[MRX9989]

So I can do one better....I found this cheesy ACH sizing guide that is modeled after that Vietnam-era M16A1 "comic". Let me know if you want to see that one too! Feel free to push this out to your units and CoC as well.

[mceod]

Whatever way you go, look into new pads and a harness from Oregon Aero.