In recent years, tactical and personal protective equipment has become popular among civilians, survivalists, or members of law enforcement and military wishing to equip themselves with ballistic equipment.
What is a ballistic helmet?
Tactical helmets are designed to provide protection against light warheads and shrapnel during combat, but also against impact.
It also allows you to be able to attach tactical hearing equipment, night vision, IF signal, cameras, light, radio, etc.
Modern helmets are made of lighter materials like kevlar, carbon fiber and impact-resistant plastic, and are often designed to protect the wearer from gunfire.
They have padding for added comfort and fit and are designed to be as efficient and ergonomic as possible.
Why want one?
The number one reason a civilian might want a tactical helmet is the same reason a civilian might want many types of Tactical gear: preparation.
If you want to be prepared for anything in an emergency, a ballistic helmet will provide you with the protection you need against attackers.
On a similar note, a tactical helmet is also a huge advantage in the event of a home invasion.
A ballistic helmet will protect your head, while night vision optics will help you see what your attacker can’t.
There are also reasons to have a tactical headset that aren’t just-in-case situations.
Choose the best type of tactical helmet.
I’ll be the first to admit that a tactical headset can be a bit pricey, but now is not the time to sacrifice quality for price. Your helmet is responsible for protecting your brain, after all.
With that in mind, there are a few features you’ll want to pay close attention to when choosing a tactical headset.
The first thing you will need to decide is which type you need.
ME/ACH
The MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Headset) was designed to improve on the PASGT, and the ACH (Advanced Combat Headset) is an upgraded version of the MICH.
These helmets are made from advanced Kevlar, protecting the wearer from handgun blows as well as ballistic projectiles and shrapnel.
An improved four-point retention system, as opposed to the PASGT’s chinstrap, provides greater comfort and impact protection.
QUICK
This style of helmet goes by many names: ATE (over the ear), high cut, and maritime cut, but whatever you call it, it’s the cutting edge of tactical helmet technology.
The ATE helmet was originally developed for maritime special operations and, as the name suggests, is cut higher in the sides to prevent water from catching in the ear cups at high speeds.
This higher cut also means that this helmet offers less protection, but greater visibility and easier use of communication devices.
ATE helmets are typically made from Dyneema, a specialized lightweight but incredibly ballistic resistant composite material.
Some ATE helmets are made from the same Aramid Kevlar as the MICH, which offers greater protection but also greater weight.
Degree of protection
Penetration resistance is how well your helmet withstands gunfire. For ballistic protection, you want an NIJ Level IIIA rated helmet, which means it offers 9mm, .357, and .44 Magnum protection.
Tips
Your helmet should be comfortable enough that you want to wear it.
This means that it should fit properly, not be too heavy and not rub.
It should also have a secure retention system that will hold it firmly in place, even against a strong impact.
You’ll want to make sure your tac headset can be used with all the accessories you’ll need.
Choose a helmet in the color you will need the most.
You can always spray paint the helmet or use a cover if you need to change the color.
So I hope this article will help you understand the interest of having a ballistic helmet and how to choose it.