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Posted: 2/18/2023 5:43:23 PM EDT
So I'm reading more and more that Hard Head Veterans helmets are no good for a budget/poors option, so I stopped looking at their offerings and realized I don't really know what the alternatives are. I'm not expecting any protection beyond IIIA for my budget. I do intend on connecting stuff to the helmet, and intend on using it to get in to night vision (probably buying a PSV-14 next...) later this year.
I want a ... serious replies on the first page will be reported  
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Posted: 2/18/2023 5:48:42 PM EDT
[#1]
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Posted: 2/18/2023 5:51:00 PM EDT
[#2]
1990's Protec.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 5:54:43 PM EDT
[#3]
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Posted: 2/18/2023 5:54:52 PM EDT
[#4]
Home Depot has a sale on helmets, they're orange and stacked by the entrances. According to the label one size fits all.
 Scour eBay and you'll find folks selling ballistic helmets for $350-$500 but I'm not convinced they're all real. And if I'm going to drop $500 to protect my noggin I might as well thrown more at it and get something real. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 5:56:09 PM EDT
[#5]
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:02:55 PM EDT
[#6]
Team Wendy. If you can wait, their Black Friday deals are pretty decent.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:02:59 PM EDT
[#7]
get on the notification list at Kota Outfitters. ETA: looks like they are in stock
they had south korean ballistic helmets for like $200-$250. i had to replace the dial retention system on mine since the ratchet wouldn’t hold. add in some new pads and it’s pretty comfortable, just heavy as hell with duals, counter weight, etc as far as pads go, i actually like HHV pads and put them in my ops core, and used the 4D plush tiddy pads in the kota helmet. BUT i have no idea if the helmet will actually stop a bullet, but it’s better than a plastic airsoft helmet. iirc, these were made by Midwest Armor. https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/product-page/ach-fast-high-cut-iii-a-ballistic-helmet |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:04:09 PM EDT
[#8]
Why are HHV no good? No complaints with mine.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:07:58 PM EDT
[#9]
 or for a starting bid of only $56 on ebay, you can have this one 
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:10:29 PM EDT
[#10]
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:12:34 PM EDT
[#11]
Poor here. I have a PASGT that was $20 at a surplus store.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:12:36 PM EDT
[#12]
Why yu no ACH, PoorBro?
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:15:48 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Poor here. I have a PASGT that was $20 at a surplus store. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:25:47 PM EDT
[#14]
Pretty happy with my UARM HCBH for $600. Not sure how they compare to HHV. Also, I’ve never worn a Team Wendy or high end helmet so my comparison is limited.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:27:36 PM EDT
[#15]
why dont we like HHV?
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:29:21 PM EDT
[#16]
I have one of the cheap Kota helmets with upgraded HHV padding. I put a Norotos shroud and AKA2 on it. Holds my PVS14 fine for 2-3 hours at a time when I'm out farting around.
I guess if you are CAG or something doing DA raids all night every night it might not be ideal. But I'm going to guess your uses won't be quite so demanding. You'll be fine with the HHV. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:35:08 PM EDT
[#17]
I ordered an ArmorSource AS-200 a few weeks ago. But, I haven't gotten it yet. $490 and made in the USA. IIIa
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:38:40 PM EDT
[#18]
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:40:24 PM EDT
[#19]
I have an armor source helmet for nvg. I paid $200 for it. If you want rails and a shroud, add them?
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:40:31 PM EDT
[#20]
OP, Taofledermaus on YT was sent a "bulletproof" helmet to test a while back, and while it indeed stopped a number of different rounds fired at it, the amount of energy that was transferred to the head it was on in just about every case would have proven extremely traumatic or fatal.
Those tests proved to me one thing: you don't want to get shot in the head regardless of if you are wearing a bulletproof helmet or not. You probably won't survive either way. Ballistic helmets were designed to shield against shrapnel, not direct fire. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 6:59:06 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: why dont we like HHV? It more or less has to do with Chinese labor being involved. I don't need a Chinese made helmet because, I mean, I already have a beanie
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:01:42 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: (snip) Ballistic helmets were designed to shield against shrapnel, not direct fire. Certainly understood. I'm just new to what brands are out there, and don't really know which ones are worthwhile and within my budget. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:07:52 PM EDT
[#23]
Buy a cheap bump helmet and the PVS-14 first. You’re halfway there with your budget.
NV is way more practical than ballistic head protection. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:10:16 PM EDT
[#24]
Poors? $1500 buys you a damned nice ballistic helmet. Hell, $1500 buys you a nice ballistic helmet, a decent bump helmet and covers for both.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:10:47 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why yu no ACH, PoorBro? I bought my ACH about 8 years ago for like $150. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:17:12 PM EDT
[#26]
I'd go for a classic Egyptian bread helmet if I were you.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:17:31 PM EDT
[#27]
I shot the piss out of one of those cheap Chinese polyethylene ballistic helmets.. actually did pretty well against 55 grain 5.56 and 150 yards.. 7.62 at same distance on the other side of helmet, you’ll probably feel it a lot more or maybe break your skull.. no penetration for first 2-3 rounds on 7.62, but it was over after that. You’ll live (maybe) if you only take one hit, but I imagine results will vary on each helmet.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:17:37 PM EDT
[#28]
Find a good surplus store by any major CONUS Army base (which you can also do using Google Maps and a phone, since they don't all have websites) and buy a used ACH. Won't be anywhere near $1500.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:24:51 PM EDT
[#29]
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Posted: 2/18/2023 7:56:17 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: OP, Taofledermaus on YT was sent a "bulletproof" helmet to test a while back, and while it indeed stopped a number of different rounds fired at it, the amount of energy that was transferred to the head it was on in just about every case would have proven extremely traumatic or fatal. Those tests proved to me one thing: you don't want to get shot in the head regardless of if you are wearing a bulletproof helmet or not. You probably won't survive either way. Ballistic helmets were designed to shield against shrapnel, not direct fire. I think I’d rather have my head canoed than die slowly from chunks of skull in my brain. Although all dems live with that level of brain damage. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 8:03:23 PM EDT
[#31]
Yea, I’d be putting that budget toward the NV and worry about the helmet later.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 8:09:54 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Buy a cheap bump helmet and the PVS-14 first. You’re halfway there with your budget. NV is way more practical than ballistic head protection. This all day long and twice on Sunday, except I went with an Opscore bump, which is fairly expensive for a bump helmet, but thought it was worth it. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 8:11:41 PM EDT
[#33]
I got this Level IIIA one for $400 last aug.
It’s friggin $600 now. No other details on page 1.  Attached File |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 8:15:27 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why are HHV no good? No complaints with mine. The bump I bought from them was garbage. I really don't make an effort to disparage companies, particularly when they are "budget", but major pieces like raises would break off and the mlok mounting system SUCKS. Just trying to mount my peltors was a huge pain and they would routinely break off. The "comfort" pads routinely popped off and I'd pull my helmet off and it would take some hair with it. If that's how badly put together their BUMP is, I would absolutely not trust their ballistic gear. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 8:18:06 PM EDT
[#35]
I like my HHV. It's been really comfortable for 4 hours or so at night shoots.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 8:39:55 PM EDT
[#36]
You can get a Fast SF for that money. How is that a poor helmet?
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Posted: 2/18/2023 9:06:38 PM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Why are HHV no good? No complaints with mine. Heard they are prone to back face deformation in addition to being made in China. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 9:07:30 PM EDT
[#38]
I think my Shellback helmet was $350.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 9:49:40 PM EDT
[#39]
Surplus PASGT.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:17:02 PM EDT
[#40]
We went with the kota outfitters helmets. They seem fine. Put some 4d pads in them.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:21:35 PM EDT
[#41]
Surplus PASG here as well
Used to have a couple laying around |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:27:49 PM EDT
[#42]
I fell into the Ballistic Armor Co. trap. After dumping the suspension and the shroud for a Wilcox it's a pretty ok helmet. The padding it came with is great. Even though they claim European manufactured, are less than forthcoming about where they actually sourced their components.
If I had $1500 to blow on a helmet, I'd have an ops core or an air frame |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:30:00 PM EDT
[#43]
Can’t believe how much helmets have gone up. I got my OpsCore Fast ballistic a few years ago for around $750. I bought a ACH as a backup that I meant to have cut for $90 at a surplus store and I felt back then, I got ripped off.
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:30:34 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: get on the notification list at Kota Outfitters. ETA: looks like they are in stock they had south korean ballistic helmets for like $200-$250. i had to replace the dial retention system on mine since the ratchet wouldn’t hold. add in some new pads and it’s pretty comfortable, just heavy as hell with duals, counter weight, etc as far as pads go, i actually like HHV pads and put them in my ops core, and used the 4D plush tiddy pads in the kota helmet. BUT i have no idea if the helmet will actually stop a bullet, but it’s better than a plastic airsoft helmet. iirc, these were made by Midwest Armor. https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/product-page/ach-fast-high-cut-iii-a-ballistic-helmet I think it's pretty likely that they're Chinese rather than Korean. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:41:03 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I got this Level IIIA one for $400 last aug. It’s friggin $600 now. No other details on page 1. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/42509/F3FEB31D-6ADA-4AC4-85B8-BE3FE8A143BD_jpe-2716202.JPG Got one of those as well. Really like it actually. 
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:46:10 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I think it's pretty likely that they're Chinese rather than Korean. honestly who knows, i kinda remember there being talk around that time of them being surplus south korean and made by midwest armor, but it’s also likely it was made of chinesium. i need to drag mine out and see if it has any markings. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:49:46 PM EDT
[#47]
Quote HistoryQuoted: get on the notification list at Kota Outfitters. ETA: looks like they are in stock they had south korean ballistic helmets for like $200-$250. i had to replace the dial retention system on mine since the ratchet wouldn’t hold. add in some new pads and it’s pretty comfortable, just heavy as hell with duals, counter weight, etc as far as pads go, i actually like HHV pads and put them in my ops core, and used the 4D plush tiddy pads in the kota helmet. BUT i have no idea if the helmet will actually stop a bullet, but it’s better than a plastic airsoft helmet. iirc, these were made by Midwest Armor. https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/product-page/ach-fast-high-cut-iii-a-ballistic-helmet My understanding is that KOTA helmets are chicom shit? Who says they’re manufactured in Korea? |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:52:26 PM EDT
[#48]
I have a cheaper helmet (500$) and it was heavy and uncomfortable. After wearing it for a few hours I would have a headache.
I finally bought an ops core. They are worth the money. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:55:27 PM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My understanding is that KOTA helmets are chicom shit? Who says they’re manufactured in Korea? https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/-ARCHIVED-THREAD-Large-and-XL-FDE-and-Black-KOTA-ACH-High-Cut-III-A-Ballistic-Helmet-in-stock-/5-2366975/?page=1 originated from this thread. just googled it. |
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Posted: 2/18/2023 10:55:50 PM EDT
[#50]
What threat level?
High Com has IIIA helmets in the $600 arena. |
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