I need a new ballistic helmet

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - I need a new ballistic helmet (Page 1 of 23)

Posted: 1/30/2020 3:55:36 PM EDT

Watching all the Virginia boys muster up last week made me realize it's been quite some time since I tried gearing up in full battle rattle. Back when I was younger, dumber, and had perfect hearing (waaaaaat?), I purchased a USMC LWH in Large, with a new pad set and chin strap --- in case SHTF, right? Well back then I didn't worry quite as much about EAR-PRO (waaaaaaat??) as I do now, and the last half dozen years I'm kind of settled on my MSA Sordin (neckband version) for active electronics.

I just tried the LWH on with the MSA's and while I can get it on (after moving the helmet pads about a little and removing the velcro cover from the MSA's) my head, it's not all-day comfortable...it's...tight.

Time to upgrade to a more modern high cut helmet? Open to suggestions. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee..............

ETA: I don't typically train or compete in armor or foresee doing so anytime soon...so this thing is just going to sit for 'what if' -- which means I'm trying to be reasonable on cost. I'll flip the LWH for a few hundred on the bay, which will help, but not looking for the tier-1 option, maybe tier-3 if it won't be my funeral?

Posted: 1/30/2020 4:00:23 PM EDT

[#1]

Ops Core seem to be the go to lately.

Posted: 1/30/2020 4:08:11 PM EDT

[#2]

https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/shop-1?page=2

Posted: 1/30/2020 4:22:07 PM EDT

[#3]

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Quoted:
https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/shop-1?page=2

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Why is their stuff so cheap

Posted: 1/30/2020 4:46:59 PM EDT

[#4]

I would like one to be able to safely walk around at night on new year's and 4th of July.

Posted: 1/30/2020 7:21:03 PM EDT

[#5]

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Quoted:
https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/shop-1?page=2

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Thanks, I grabbed 2 of the tan helmets

Posted: 1/30/2020 7:29:10 PM EDT

[#6]

I have the neck band Sordins also, and they fit comfortably under a standard ACH after adjusting the pads and chinstrap.

Posted: 1/30/2020 7:30:59 PM EDT

[#7]

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I have the neck band Sordins also, and they fit comfortably under a standard ACH after adjusting the pads and chinstrap.

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Yeah -- not sure how much exact difference in clearance there is between the ACH and the LWH, but let me ask this -- what size ACH?

Posted: 1/30/2020 7:34:03 PM EDT

[#8]

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Thanks, I grabbed 2 of the tan helmets

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Do yourself a favor and look around for some better pads.

I got one of those tan ACH helmets and it took all of about 30 seconds to realize the pads it comes with are trash.

Posted: 1/30/2020 7:36:40 PM EDT

[#9]

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Quoted:
Why is their stuff so cheap

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Quoted:

Quoted:
https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/shop-1?page=2

Why is their stuff so cheap

X2

Posted: 1/30/2020 7:38:58 PM EDT

[#10]

McGuires army navy. I got the no name U.S. contract. ACH.

Great helmet. Real deal.

$159

Posted: 1/30/2020 7:39:42 PM EDT

[#11]

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Quoted:
Yeah -- not sure how much exact difference in clearance there is between the ACH and the LWH, but let me ask this -- what size ACH?

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Unless you have a peanut head get a large.

Kota only seems to have sm/med

Posted: 1/30/2020 8:09:30 PM EDT

[#12]

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Quoted:
Unless you have a peanut head get a large.

Kota only seems to have sm/med

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noticed that. my head is borderline XL

Posted: 1/30/2020 8:11:52 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
Yeah -- not sure how much exact difference in clearance there is between the ACH and the LWH, but let me ask this -- what size ACH?

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Quoted:

Quoted:
I have the neck band Sordins also, and they fit comfortably under a standard ACH after adjusting the pads and chinstrap.

Yeah -- not sure how much exact difference in clearance there is between the ACH and the LWH, but let me ask this -- what size ACH?

Large

Posted: 1/30/2020 8:21:04 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:

Do yourself a favor and look around for some better pads.

I got one of those tan ACH helmets and it took all of about 30 seconds to realize the pads it comes with are trash.

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Which pads should I get?
These?USGI ACH MICH Helmet Pads & Velcro Replacement Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9LMYG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.k3mEb03G5REA

Posted: 1/30/2020 9:02:25 PM EDT

[#15]

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Quoted:
Why is their stuff so cheap

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Quoted:

Quoted:
https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/shop-1?page=2

Why is their stuff so cheap

+1

Posted: 1/30/2020 9:09:13 PM EDT

[#16]

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+1

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Made in China?

Posted: 1/30/2020 10:04:42 PM EDT

[#17]

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Quoted:
https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/shop-1?page=2

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only the little ones left in all 3 types.

would imagine i need the larger size, most baseball caps run small. 7 and 7/8 to 8 seem to fit best. but not sure how that translates to their measurements.

Posted: 1/30/2020 10:09:54 PM EDT

[#18]

Aside from being fairly heavy and no longer issued, is there anything wrong with my old PASGT helmet?

Sorry for the hijack OP - just figured this was the place to ask

Posted: 1/30/2020 10:18:38 PM EDT

[#19]

All the large are sold out already. Thanks guys:(

Posted: 1/30/2020 10:23:22 PM EDT

[#20]

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Quoted:

only the little ones left in all 3 types.

would imagine i need the larger size, most baseball caps run small. 7 and 7/8 to 8 seem to fit best. but not sure how that translates to their measurements.

View Quote

Posted: 1/30/2020 10:26:18 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
only the little ones left in all 3 types.

would imagine i need the larger size, most baseball caps run small. 7 and 7/8 to 8 seem to fit best. but not sure how that translates to their measurements.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/shop-1?page=2

only the little ones left in all 3 types.

would imagine i need the larger size, most baseball caps run small. 7 and 7/8 to 8 seem to fit best. but not sure how that translates to their measurements.

What brand is that helmet?

Posted: 1/30/2020 10:27:13 PM EDT

[#22]

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https://s17-us2.startpage.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=https:%2F%2Fwww.udttactical.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F01%2FHelmet_sizing_chart.jpg&sp=e2941744d610dcf1598c4ffd503da8bd

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gonna see if they have a caliper large enough at work, lol thx

Posted: 1/30/2020 10:50:59 PM EDT

[#23]

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All the large are sold out already. Thanks guys:(

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If there’s anything good about having a small noggin is that they’re usually in stock. I just nabbed a tan in sm/med. I figure any helmet is better than no helmet, for a while at least.

Posted: 1/30/2020 11:36:16 PM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
Aside from being fairly heavy and no longer issued, is there anything wrong with my old PASGT helmet?

Sorry for the hijack OP - just figured this was the place to ask

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I think the ballistic abilities get a little better with each new gen.

Posted: 1/31/2020 10:57:16 AM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
Aside from being fairly heavy and no longer issued, is there anything wrong with my old PASGT helmet?

Sorry for the hijack OP - just figured this was the place to ask

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ACH and newer gen helmets have better ballistic protection, at a lighter weight, and have better suspension setups so they're more comfortable

Posted: 1/31/2020 10:59:46 AM EDT

[#26]

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https://s17-us2.startpage.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=https:%2F%2Fwww.udttactical.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F01%2FHelmet_sizing_chart.jpg&sp=e2941744d610dcf1598c4ffd503da8bd

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My head circumference measured 23.75" and I was more comfortable in the Small/Medium Kota helmet than the large. It was a very close fit though.

Posted: 1/31/2020 11:31:53 AM EDT

[#27]

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My head circumference measured 23.75" and I was more comfortable in the Small/Medium Kota helmet than the large. It was a very close fit though.

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That's good to hear. My small/med has been sitting on my doorstep since yesterday. At the time of order it was the only size in stock, but I had hesitations about it not being a good feel. My head is even a bit smaller than yours, so I might be pleasantly surprised this evening when I get it.

Posted: 1/31/2020 11:32:04 AM EDT

[#28]

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My head circumference measured 23.75" and I was more comfortable in the Small/Medium Kota helmet than the large. It was a very close fit though.

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How was its positioning and coverage though?

Posted: 1/31/2020 11:50:03 AM EDT

[#29]

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Quoted:
https://www.kotaoutfitters.com/shop-1?page=2

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And while you're shopping for a ballistic helmet, on the same page, you can also get this gem...

Posted: 1/31/2020 12:04:26 PM EDT

[#30]

Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet Cover for Helmets with Rail 3.0
Team Wendy

Sorry... posting from the phone, but any experience with these? I just need a light set for the Pvs 14 for hog hunting. $56 is compelling if it isn't garbage.

Posted: 1/31/2020 12:05:11 PM EDT

[#31]

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Made in China?

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Quoted:

+1

Made in China?

China has jumped in big with the armor market.

https://militech.aliexpress.com/store/128414?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000002.2.59a73023hJCxIt

It works too.

.50BMG VS Militech NIJ Level IV Body Armor!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYHy_eI1JTs

Posted: 1/31/2020 12:44:36 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
Aside from being fairly heavy and no longer issued, is there anything wrong with my old PASGT helmet?

Sorry for the hijack OP - just figured this was the place to ask

View Quote

The ballistic ability should be fine. The huge issue, which is why I never want to see one again, is the bullshit “suspension system”. It doesn’t matter how many of those foam donuts you put in there either, that helmet would rub the top of your head raw. Do your head a favor, and upgrade. So many better options these days.

Posted: 1/31/2020 1:57:36 PM EDT

[#33]

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Quoted:
The ballistic ability should be fine. The huge issue, which is why I never want to see one again, is the bullshit “suspension system”. It doesn’t matter how many of those foam donuts you put in there either, that helmet would rub the top of your head raw. Do your head a favor, and upgrade. So many better options these days.

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Quoted:

Quoted:
Aside from being fairly heavy and no longer issued, is there anything wrong with my old PASGT helmet?

Sorry for the hijack OP - just figured this was the place to ask

The ballistic ability should be fine. The huge issue, which is why I never want to see one again, is the bullshit “suspension system”. It doesn’t matter how many of those foam donuts you put in there either, that helmet would rub the top of your head raw. Do your head a favor, and upgrade. So many better options these days.

I believe there’s an upgrade for it to use ACH type pads.

Posted: 1/31/2020 2:08:31 PM EDT

[#34]

Have you looked into Hard Headed Veterans stuff, OP?

Posted: 1/31/2020 2:10:07 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet Cover for Helmets with Rail 3.0
Team Wendy

Sorry... posting from the phone, but any experience with these? I just need a light set for the Pvs 14 for hog hunting. $56 is compelling if it isn't garbage.

View Quote

They have a tendency to make you lose guns...

Posted: 1/31/2020 2:37:49 PM EDT

[#36]

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Have you looked into Hard Headed Veterans stuff, OP?

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I am now, thanks

prices seem reasonable.

Posted: 1/31/2020 2:48:57 PM EDT

[#37]

https://www.hardheadveterans.com/

Posted: 1/31/2020 2:53:09 PM EDT

[#38]

why the huge price difference between Kota's helmets and HHV's helmets?

Posted: 1/31/2020 3:22:42 PM EDT

[#39]

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why the huge price difference between Kota's helmets and HHV's helmets?

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Big Gorilla face ask good question but I assumed that from the time I first went to that link that didn't have anything other than the S/M...so maybe it's a disco'd model and closeout price

Posted: 1/31/2020 3:30:32 PM EDT

[#40]

Get a cut-off wheel and turn it into a high-cut. Its pretty easy.

I don't have a finished product picture on my phone, but I can get one later.

Posted: 1/31/2020 3:57:58 PM EDT

[#41]

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Quoted:

Why is their stuff so cheap

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Here's a discussion about the helmets, seem to be Korean.
https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Kota-Outfitters/5-2289877/

Posted: 1/31/2020 5:34:18 PM EDT

[#42]

Quote History

Quoted:
Which pads should I get?
These?USGI ACH MICH Helmet Pads & Velcro Replacement Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M9LMYG4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.k3mEb03G5REA

View Quote

I put a set of the hard headed veterans pads in there. It is noticeably more comfortable but still for me it is not comfortable to wear. I feel like a bobblehead.

Posted: 1/31/2020 10:12:10 PM EDT

[#43]

Quote History

Quoted:
Get a cut-off wheel and turn it into a high-cut. Its pretty easy.

https://i.postimg.cc/sxVy0L4S/20191231-163003.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/xC6FnFSL/20191231-173121.jpg

I don't have a finished product picture on my phone, but I can get one later

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