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Posted: 3/7/2026 2:00:59 PM EDT
[Last Edit: seamasterpro][Edited]
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I'm looking to upgrade to a ballistic helmet and looking for opinions, currently I have an Ops Core bump thats right around 3lbs with a counterweight, I figure with a ballistic I won't need it since they're generally heavier so 3lb is my baseline. Like everyone I want cheap, high quality and lightweight but I can't have it all. I have a big head so this would be an XL helmet, color doesn't really matter since I intend to put a cover on whatever I buy so cover availability matters. Right now these are on my radar: Chase ACH - Galvion Viper A3 mid cut - 3.81lb - $400 Seems like a good deal but HEAVY, would still need to add a shroud. PGD Arch gen3 - 3.06lb - $685 @ PGD I have been looking at this one for awhile because it seems to be a good overall package although a little heavier. Galvion Viper A5 - 2.72lb - $725 @ JRH Kind of in the same range as the PGD but offsetting a little weight for cost, I'm a little unsure what covers are available for it. Highcom Striker lightweight - 2.2lb - $850 @ Apex Armor This appears to be the best of the bunch at an obviously high cost (stretching my budget more than I would like), when comparing this to the Highcom ACH its $600 difference and I start all over looking at the ACH. |
No one could take His life, He laid it down for me,
That twisted wreath of thorns, yea He took that crown for me,
But after three days, out of the ground for me,
He overcame it all, now I live to serve Him
That twisted wreath of thorns, yea He took that crown for me,
But after three days, out of the ground for me,
He overcame it all, now I live to serve Him
Joined:
Sep 2023
Posts:
409
EE: 100% (2)
KS, USA
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I'll be that guy and throw another option out there, the Team Wendy Epic Specialist in High Cut. https://ownthenight.com/team-wendy-epic-specialist-high-cut-ballistic-helmet In XL, it's just a bit over 3lbs. I have one, and like it quite a bit. It does have some lovely fitting issues (covers don't always fit 100% and I found that Ops Core AMP style arms don't fit me well enough to use from the rear-most part of the rail) but it's probably the best helmet I've ever worn. Certainly beats my old ACH hands down. |
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Attached File Love my Arch 3. For a little less money the CDI Bighorn is good to go as well! |
| thanks for all the suggestions, I have a few more to look into now! |
No one could take His life, He laid it down for me,
That twisted wreath of thorns, yea He took that crown for me,
But after three days, out of the ground for me,
He overcame it all, now I live to serve Him
That twisted wreath of thorns, yea He took that crown for me,
But after three days, out of the ground for me,
He overcame it all, now I live to serve Him
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ETA: SOLD OUT this is an excellent deal for a ballistic helmet: https://botach.com/team-wendy-exfil-ballistic-helmet-x-velcro-panel-ranger-green-medium-large/ |
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I was issued both a Galvion A5 and later a caiman. Both comfortable helmets, and good suspension system that holds it in place. The caiman liv3s in the truck with the gear, the A5 sits in a file cabinet in the office in case I need it at some point. They both fit exactly the same, same pads and same straps. The caiman feels a pound lighter than the A5, but the A5 is probably half the cost. Fit and finish on both is top notch. I believe they both carry the same NIJ IIIA rating. When you throw on a set of NVGs or a light or any of the other stuff people mount on brain buckets, that pound quickly vanishes and you will never notice the difference. Cant speak to the others, but Galvion makes a nice helmet. If someone told me I had to only use the A5, I wouldn't bitch about it. |
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back in stock in extra large. Not affiliated with botach but i did order one and no issues. Late 2025 production .Excellent price imo. https://botach.com/team-wendy-exfil-ballistic-helmet-x-velcro-panel-ranger-green-x-large/ |
Joined:
Sep 2023
Posts:
493
EE: 100% (2)
KS, USA
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