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Posted: 3/16/2015 5:59:39 PM EDT
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I am in the market for a ballistic, IIIA helmet, highcut. I hve been shoppin around and got a CVC, modified, that didn't workout for me. I cannot possibly afford an airframe or ops core. I found a highcut on bulletproofme.com for 390 slick. Just seeing if anyone else has found a highcut for cheaper than that or if anyone had a Reccomendation. I am keeping my eye out for a used one as well. I guess 390 is at the top of my budget if not slightly above.
Thanks for any input. |
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No worries. I'll be watching the thread too to see what's out there. I wouldn't mind an airframe myself if I had a few fat knobs of cash laying around. Ha yeah me too. My brother has one but he doesn't have mortgage or a wife! I have found a few things bulletproofme gunfighter Victory Tactical Gear stingray Bulletproofme gunfighter weighs in at only 2.6 lbs and it states that's for a medium! Not too shabby |
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I've bought a helmet from Own the Night before and I believe only the shell as well. Can't remember the cost but I believe it was around the price you found.
Although it was a BAE helmet which I thought was fantastic since it's a well known brand. I believe you can also buy just the shell of a Rabintex high cut from TNVC |
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I am in the market for a ballistic, IIIA helmet, highcut. I hve been shoppin around and got a CVC, modified, that didn't workout for me. I cannot possibly afford an airframe or ops core. I found a highcut on bulletproofme.com for 390 slick. Just seeing if anyone else has found a highcut for cheaper than that or if anyone had a Reccomendation. I am keeping my eye out for a used one as well. I guess 390 is at the top of my budget if not slightly above. Thanks for any input. BADGER ACH HIGH-CUT $314.00 Midwest Badger High Cut 
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BADGER ACH HIGH-CUT $314.00 Midwest Badger High Cut http://www.midwestarmor.com/images/BadgerACHHighCut.png Quoted:
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I am in the market for a ballistic, IIIA helmet, highcut. I hve been shoppin around and got a CVC, modified, that didn't workout for me. I cannot possibly afford an airframe or ops core. I found a highcut on bulletproofme.com for 390 slick. Just seeing if anyone else has found a highcut for cheaper than that or if anyone had a Reccomendation. I am keeping my eye out for a used one as well. I guess 390 is at the top of my budget if not slightly above. Thanks for any input. BADGER ACH HIGH-CUT $314.00 Midwest Badger High Cut http://www.midwestarmor.com/images/BadgerACHHighCut.png I use the high cut ACH and like it a lot. Sure a ops core FAST would be better, especially the maritime version or even better yet a crye air frame but my high cut ACH was $200(got it used on EE) vs $500-800 used or $800-1200 new its hard for me as a civilian to justify the expense for something that is only a few oz lighter. I put MSA rails on mine and a Universal Shroud. Only time i really wear it is if im playing with my PVS-14, which like the helmet is used, luckily it came with j-arm and mount for free. You can really rack up some serious cash on helmet setups. ive seen people with NV and helmet setups easily exceeding $10k. But if you go with used gear and look for good deals on EE, ebay, craigslist, armslist, etc... you can put together a nice civilian worth setup for a decent price. |
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I use the high cut ACH and like it a lot. Sure a ops core FAST would be better, especially the maritime version or even better yet a crye air frame but my high cut ACH was $200(got it used on EE) vs $500-800 used or $800-1200 new its hard for me as a civilian to justify the expense for something that is only a few oz lighter. I put MSA rails on mine and a Universal Shroud. Only time i really wear it is if im playing with my PVS-14, which like the helmet is used, luckily it came with j-arm and mount for free. You can really rack up some serious cash on helmet setups. ive seen people with NV and helmet setups easily exceeding $10k. But if you go with used gear and look for good deals on EE, ebay, craigslist, armslist, etc... you can put together a nice civilian worth setup for a decent price. Quoted:
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I am in the market for a ballistic, IIIA helmet, highcut. I hve been shoppin around and got a CVC, modified, that didn't workout for me. I cannot possibly afford an airframe or ops core. I found a highcut on bulletproofme.com for 390 slick. Just seeing if anyone else has found a highcut for cheaper than that or if anyone had a Reccomendation. I am keeping my eye out for a used one as well. I guess 390 is at the top of my budget if not slightly above. Thanks for any input. BADGER ACH HIGH-CUT $314.00 Midwest Badger High Cut http://www.midwestarmor.com/images/BadgerACHHighCut.png I use the high cut ACH and like it a lot. Sure a ops core FAST would be better, especially the maritime version or even better yet a crye air frame but my high cut ACH was $200(got it used on EE) vs $500-800 used or $800-1200 new its hard for me as a civilian to justify the expense for something that is only a few oz lighter. I put MSA rails on mine and a Universal Shroud. Only time i really wear it is if im playing with my PVS-14, which like the helmet is used, luckily it came with j-arm and mount for free. You can really rack up some serious cash on helmet setups. ive seen people with NV and helmet setups easily exceeding $10k. But if you go with used gear and look for good deals on EE, ebay, craigslist, armslist, etc... you can put together a nice civilian worth setup for a decent price. I know midwest makes some pretty nice plates and I'm sure there helmets are the same. I was just quoted $285 by victory tactical gear for there highcut helmet. FYI they do not sell online, only to LE and military and credentials are required. I am going to go that route. |
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There was a discussion on LF about these. Made in China and no great detail of how they test. Sure HP White tested them but was this only 1 sample out of a thousand helmets? Do they do batch testing? |
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I know midwest makes some pretty nice plates and I'm sure there helmets are the same. I was just quoted $285 by victory tactical gear for there highcut helmet. FYI they do not sell online, only to LE and military and credentials are required. I am going to go that route. Quoted:
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I am in the market for a ballistic, IIIA helmet, highcut. I hve been shoppin around and got a CVC, modified, that didn't workout for me. I cannot possibly afford an airframe or ops core. I found a highcut on bulletproofme.com for 390 slick. Just seeing if anyone else has found a highcut for cheaper than that or if anyone had a Reccomendation. I am keeping my eye out for a used one as well. I guess 390 is at the top of my budget if not slightly above. Thanks for any input. BADGER ACH HIGH-CUT $314.00 Midwest Badger High Cut http://www.midwestarmor.com/images/BadgerACHHighCut.png I use the high cut ACH and like it a lot. Sure a ops core FAST would be better, especially the maritime version or even better yet a crye air frame but my high cut ACH was $200(got it used on EE) vs $500-800 used or $800-1200 new its hard for me as a civilian to justify the expense for something that is only a few oz lighter. I put MSA rails on mine and a Universal Shroud. Only time i really wear it is if im playing with my PVS-14, which like the helmet is used, luckily it came with j-arm and mount for free. You can really rack up some serious cash on helmet setups. ive seen people with NV and helmet setups easily exceeding $10k. But if you go with used gear and look for good deals on EE, ebay, craigslist, armslist, etc... you can put together a nice civilian worth setup for a decent price. I know midwest makes some pretty nice plates and I'm sure there helmets are the same. I was just quoted $285 by victory tactical gear for there highcut helmet. FYI they do not sell online, only to LE and military and credentials are required. I am going to go that route. I love that company, love their products. Let me know if you pick up one of their helmets, was looking to pick one up also when I get home. |
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There was a discussion on LF about these. Made in China and no great detail of how they test. Sure HP White tested them but was this only 1 sample out of a thousand helmets? Do they do batch testing? Quoted:
There was a discussion on LF about these. Made in China and no great detail of how they test. Sure HP White tested them but was this only 1 sample out of a thousand helmets? Do they do batch testing? I always wondered about these........looked like knock off opscore stuff....thanks |
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I love that company, love their products. Let me know if you pick up one of their helmets, was looking to pick one up also when I get home. Quoted:
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I am in the market for a ballistic, IIIA helmet, highcut. I hve been shoppin around and got a CVC, modified, that didn't workout for me. I cannot possibly afford an airframe or ops core. I found a highcut on bulletproofme.com for 390 slick. Just seeing if anyone else has found a highcut for cheaper than that or if anyone had a Reccomendation. I am keeping my eye out for a used one as well. I guess 390 is at the top of my budget if not slightly above. Thanks for any input. BADGER ACH HIGH-CUT $314.00 Midwest Badger High Cut http://www.midwestarmor.com/images/BadgerACHHighCut.png I use the high cut ACH and like it a lot. Sure a ops core FAST would be better, especially the maritime version or even better yet a crye air frame but my high cut ACH was $200(got it used on EE) vs $500-800 used or $800-1200 new its hard for me as a civilian to justify the expense for something that is only a few oz lighter. I put MSA rails on mine and a Universal Shroud. Only time i really wear it is if im playing with my PVS-14, which like the helmet is used, luckily it came with j-arm and mount for free. You can really rack up some serious cash on helmet setups. ive seen people with NV and helmet setups easily exceeding $10k. But if you go with used gear and look for good deals on EE, ebay, craigslist, armslist, etc... you can put together a nice civilian worth setup for a decent price. I know midwest makes some pretty nice plates and I'm sure there helmets are the same. I was just quoted $285 by victory tactical gear for there highcut helmet. FYI they do not sell online, only to LE and military and credentials are required. I am going to go that route. I love that company, love their products. Let me know if you pick up one of their helmets, was looking to pick one up also when I get home. Will do. Once I recieve it I'll update the post with some pictures |
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Well I made some other calls today and ended up purchasing a Gentex highcut with an ops core 3 hole shroud, adjustable pads, ops core retention system, for a grand total of $350 shipped to my front door. VTG was going to want an extra $95 for the ops core shroud.
I also learned from a sales rep at Midwest armor that they will be having a 15% off sale on there helemets. Not sure what else...The guy said to email him If the discount wasn't up tomorrow. |
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Well I made some other calls today and ended up purchasing a Gentex highcut with an ops core 3 hole shroud, adjustable pads, ops core retention system, for a grand total of $350 shipped to my front door. VTG was going to want an extra $95 for the ops core shroud. I also learned from a sales rep at Midwest armor that they will be having a 15% off sale on there helemets. Not sure what else...The guy said to email him If the discount wasn't up tomorrow. Assuming that's accurate, 15% would make it $266.90 for an ACH High Cut. I think I'll have to get one for that. I have a PASGT but would prefer a HC. |
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2001 out the door tomorrow and 2002 will be ordered shortly after. Now I'll need to order new rails and a velcro kit. So, I (and I'm already kicking myself for asking this) I'm trying to figure out what colors I'll need. Helmet is tan, I'm getting a new set of Ops Core rails and an Airfame velcro kit, and i have a tan universal shroud. At some point Id like to get a quick-on ACU helmet cover, but should i do the whole thing tan? Or spray it OD or grey with what color velcro and rails? |
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So, I (and I'm already kicking myself for asking this) I'm trying to figure out what colors I'll need. Helmet is tan, I'm getting a new set of Ops Core rails and an Airfame velcro kit, and i have a tan universal shroud. At some point Id like to get a quick-on ACU helmet cover, but should i do the whole thing tan? Or spray it OD or grey with what color velcro and rails? Quoted:
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2001 out the door tomorrow and 2002 will be ordered shortly after. Now I'll need to order new rails and a velcro kit. So, I (and I'm already kicking myself for asking this) I'm trying to figure out what colors I'll need. Helmet is tan, I'm getting a new set of Ops Core rails and an Airfame velcro kit, and i have a tan universal shroud. At some point Id like to get a quick-on ACU helmet cover, but should i do the whole thing tan? Or spray it OD or grey with what color velcro and rails? If you don't mind me asking, why an ACU cover? And both coyote and OD look great on a helmet and work in most environments. |
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If you don't mind me asking, why an ACU cover? And both coyote and OD look great on a helmet and work in most environments. Quoted:
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2001 out the door tomorrow and 2002 will be ordered shortly after. Now I'll need to order new rails and a velcro kit. So, I (and I'm already kicking myself for asking this) I'm trying to figure out what colors I'll need. Helmet is tan, I'm getting a new set of Ops Core rails and an Airfame velcro kit, and i have a tan universal shroud. At some point Id like to get a quick-on ACU helmet cover, but should i do the whole thing tan? Or spray it OD or grey with what color velcro and rails? If you don't mind me asking, why an ACU cover? And both coyote and OD look great on a helmet and work in most environments. I'd like an ACU cover because the Army is taking it's sweet time to swap over to Multicam. 
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I'm thinking the First Spear and/or LBX covers should work perfectly. Just trying to get some confirmation on that, and release dates and MSRP for the LBX. Joe, can you update us with a final weight once you have everything together (shroud, rails, cover, etc)? |
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Well, I can guess:
Large MSA/Revision TC2002: 3.25 lbs (52 oz) Norotos Universal Shroud: 2.5 oz Ops Core Rails: 5.53 oz S&S Manta Strobe: 1.5 oz Total: 61.53 oz (3.85 lbs) MS2000 (not sure if I'll end up keeping the Manta): 4 oz I doubt a couple strips of velcro and a helmet cover will add considerably more weight. |
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Well, I can guess: Large MSA/Revision TC2002: 3.25 lbs (52 oz) Norotos Universal Shroud: 2.5 oz Ops Core Rails: 5.53 oz S&S Manta Strobe: 1.5 oz Total: 61.53 oz (3.85 lbs) MS2000 (not sure if I'll end up keeping the Manta): 4 oz I doubt a couple strips of velcro and a helmet cover will add considerably more weight. Thanks, wasn't sure about the weight for the helmet. TNVC had the weight's listed for the revision helmets but all the weights between the 3 cuts here listed as the same. |
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Thanks, wasn't sure about the weight for the helmet. TNVC had the weight's listed for the revision helmets but all the weights between the 3 cuts here listed as the same. Quoted:
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Well, I can guess: Large MSA/Revision TC2002: 3.25 lbs (52 oz) Norotos Universal Shroud: 2.5 oz Ops Core Rails: 5.53 oz S&S Manta Strobe: 1.5 oz Total: 61.53 oz (3.85 lbs) MS2000 (not sure if I'll end up keeping the Manta): 4 oz I doubt a couple strips of velcro and a helmet cover will add considerably more weight. Thanks, wasn't sure about the weight for the helmet. TNVC had the weight's listed for the revision helmets but all the weights between the 3 cuts here listed as the same. I just saw that too. I'm really not sure what it weighs and unfortunately I don't have a scale to weigh it on. I got it in today and just fitting it i like it more than my issue 2000 or the 2001 I just sold. More coverage but doesn't interfere with my Peltors. I'm still waiting for all the parts to show up still. Velcro kits aren't in stock until May. |
Ask me nicely, and I may at least be able to check how well the Ops Core FAST cover fits on an ACH. 
Joe - for your color problem, I would be tempted to say something in the realm of TAN 499 would probably be your best bet. If you're going to partially cover it with a camouflage cover, a coyote-ish base color would blend well enough with both UCP and MultiCam, while for LEO use, it's still a good, "neutral" color that's not "SWAT black," or "Army Green," relatively subdued and unobtrusive. At this point, I've spent more time and money dicking around with helmets than I'd like to admit - Honestly, what it comes down to is "why do you want a ballistic helmet?" If the answer is "because I need it," I've come to the following conclusions: 1) If you need a ballistic helmet, but just can't spend a chunk of change - get a surplus ACH. Simple, straightforward - yes, I like high and mid cut helmets, and use over-the-head hearing protection/comms - but let's not forget that the TC2000 cut is, in fact, the MICH - or "Modular, Integrated Communications Helmet." Without speculating on the "hows" of the situation - ACH/MICHs are available readily in pretty much all sizes for no more than $200 depending on what they come with - literally less than a good bump helmet. Padding is decent, and a $40-$60 upgrade to an Ops Core suspension system gets you 90% of the way towards whatever else you can get. For the NV types - good one-hole shrouds are readily available for the more common one-hole ACH pattern. 2) If you're going to spend $400 on a ballistic helmet because you need it... you may as well spend $800 on a ballistic helmet. You'll spend a great deal of money on this and that trying to fix or improve what you have, until you're about 70% of what it would have cost to have simply gotten a "late gen" ballistic like the FAST or Airframe. Things to think about - - buying used - for better or worse, 99% of helmets you'll buy on our EE, at least, sat in the closet and maybe went on a couple of range trips before being sold - generally speaking, if the person was "really using" their Airframe, they probably wouldn't've sold it - helmets are heavy - cutting weight is not a joke if you're wearing a helmet for more than an hour at a time - if you're spending $400-$500 for a helmet, plus whatever upgrades you might end up adding - a "late gen" lightweight helmet is probably worth it - Look into "less popular" models - I see NIB Ops Core Sentries - i.e. mid-cut helmets go for ~$750 regularly. They're not popular, let's face it, because they're not SOF issue, everyone wants the sexy Maritime model, or failing that, the Ballistic XP. The Sentry is the "black sheep" of the Ops Core line The other option, of course is - "well, I don't really need a ballistic helmet, day to day..." Then - 1) Look into "bump" helmet varieties - the Ops Core BASE Jump, and Team Wendy LTP are great options for the price - yes, there's some "sticker shock" associated at first glance with them - but having tried to modify various other helmets - I've once again come to the conclusion, that they're worth the price. I have a modified CVC shell that I keep around to basically remind me that you can't just "fake it" - you'll spend 90% of the cost of buying purpose built from the get-go, and only get about 80% of the performance. 2) If you just want to throw a ballistic lid in the closet for "SHTF" - I refer you to point "1" of "because I need it" - an ACH/MICH is going to give you more ballistic protection than a high or mid cut - you're probably not going to be messing around with comms as much as you think you will now - and if you haven't trained constantly to wear the ballistic helmet - most of the benefits of a high or mid cut are going to be lost on you. Bottom line - I'm all about, and have no problem with the idea of "I just want it" - but if you're thinking budget and asking on the forums for decision-making - be honest, not even just with us - but with yourself - about what you need versus what you want, and what your use/application is going to be. If you need quality - pay for quality up front. Ballistic helmets, unfortunately, are not like ARs, where you can slowly purchase quality parts, and swap them out along the way - a purpose built, integrated system is, IMHO, worth the "up front" outlay -- I say this from being on the back-end of some expensive and unnecessary experience. I too am currently in the process of "saving up" for a "high speed," "late gen" ballistic helmet - because every short-cut I contemplated has turned out to be an absolute dead end, and no matter what I did, I could not turn the proverbial "sow's ear" into a silk purse - the most I got was about 85% functionality, and when I tried the "real thing," I wanted to kick myself for the time and effort I had wasted "not quite getting there." Anyways, this is all just IMHO. As they say, "YMMV." ~Augee |
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Good post Augee.
Kinda agreee with you on the "just upgrade to the new gen helmets" kinda don't. I agree that you can dump a lot of money into "almost as good". Especially trying to update cheap bumps and cvc shells is throwing good money away. I'll even say that spending money to get PASGTs and 2000 ACHs cut up to have a 2001 or 2002 cut is absurd not only from the money point, but also because you're risking failure of the helmet if it's ever used. What i only partially agree with its the "if you spend $400, then spend $800". Im not sure that if I was to buy a brand new helmet I'd buy an upgraded ACH if I was trying to trick it out. (You're typically looking at 500 for the shell only). Looking at $650+ for a tricked out 2001 (or FAST copy) would push me to an airframe, exfil, or fast. But, an ACH variant is hardly outdated and are great solutions, especially if you don't need all the extras. If you look around, and wait you can find great deals on helmets used. There was a tricked out TC2001 with rails and a shroud in the EE for $250, and i just paid $300 for a brand new Revision 2002. ACHs are around $150 consistently, which is a crazy good deal considering new they're $500. Or put out a WTB ad, and someone that might have something can find you. As another note, I'm very cautious to not buy anything but a big name brand. I see a certain helmet here get recommended regularly because it's an inexpensive high cut. Reading elsewhere it leaves a lot to be desired performance-wise. I'll stick to: MSA/Revision BAE/Eclipse/SDS Protech Rabintex ArmorSource Gentex 3M Crye OpsCore Team Wendy I'm sure there are other good smaller brands, and I'd love to find out from reputable sources what they are. But gambling on "brand-x" to save a couple dollars on life saving equipment just seems foolish. If i was strapped for cash I'd skip the rails and fancy shrouds and get the more reputable shell. ETA: The quest for the best will prove to be somewhat futile. There are new helmet options on the horizon and you'll start seeing the Mtek and 3M "ballistic bump"helmets being used by the super HSLD guys. Helmet design stagnated somewhat for a decade with the ACH. Then came the new gen helmets, and the market picked up. Now the OpsCore is getting as ubiquitous as the ACH. |
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Good post Augee. Kinda agreee with you on the "just upgrade to the new gen helmets" kinda don't. I agree that you can dump a lot of money into "almost as good". Especially trying to update cheap bumps and cvc shells is throwing good money away. I'll even say that spending money to get PASGTs and 2000 ACHs cut up to have a 2001 or 2002 cut is absurd not only from the money point, but also because you're risking failure of the helmet if it's ever used. What i only partially agree with its the "if you spend $400, then spend $800". Im not sure that if I was to buy a brand new helmet I'd buy an upgraded ACH if I was trying to trick it out. (You're typically looking at 500 for the shell only). Looking at $650+ for a tricked out 2001 (or FAST copy) would push me to an airframe, exfil, or fast. But, an ACH variant is hardly outdated and are great solutions, especially if you don't need all the extras. If you look around, and wait you can find great deals on helmets used. There was a tricked out TC2001 with rails and a shroud in the EE for $250, and i just paid $300 for a brand new Revision 2002. ACHs are around $150 consistently, which is a crazy good deal considering new they're $500. Or put out a WTB ad, and someone that might have something can find you. As another note, I'm very cautious to not buy anything but a big name brand. I see a certain helmet here get recommended regularly because it's an inexpensive high cut. Reading elsewhere it leaves a lot to be desired performance-wise. I'll stick to: MSA/Revision BAE/Eclipse/SDS Protech Rabintex ArmorSource Gentex 3M Crye OpsCore Team Wendy I'm sure there are other good smaller brands, and I'd love to find out from reputable sources what they are. But gambling on "brand-x" to save a couple dollars on life saving equipment just seems foolish. If i was strapped for cash I'd skip the rails and fancy shrouds and get the more reputable shell. ETA: The quest for the best will prove to be somewhat futile. There are new helmet options on the horizon and you'll start seeing the Mtek and 3M "ballistic bump"helmets being used by the super HSLD guys. Helmet design stagnated somewhat for a decade with the ACH. Then came the new gen helmets, and the market picked up. Now the OpsCore is getting as ubiquitous as the ACH. Most of what you listed is solid. I'm not sold on ArmorSource and yes, I know all about them. I have handled some of their helmets over the years and honestly, the quality just didn't strike me as all that good. Rabintex does a decent job if you don't mind Israeli instead of U.S. made. BAE helmets might or might not be U.S. made, depending on which batch you get. 3M (Ceradyne), OpsCore, or MSA (Revision) are all very good quality but typically quite expensive. It was my understanding (from years ago, mind you) that Team Wendy did not make helmets, only helmet accessories? |
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I'm fairly certain that ArmorSource was one of the contractors for the ACH.
As for Team Wendy, yes they ate new to the ballistic market, however they're far from fly by night and have had years of experience in the head safety field and the resources available to make a quality ballistic helmet. Same reason I'd trust a Crye even though they also are a newcomer. |
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Armor Source was one of the suppliers but I believe their helmets were recalled. However they do seem to be innovative and have a lightweight helmet (AS-501) as well as their rifle resistant ECH type helmet (AS-601). Never handled an Armor Source so I don't know if they are good quality.
I agree with Joe that the next generation of helmets are coming. Maybe this is a result of research and development of the ECH or the big guys were losing business to Ops-Core and Crye? If Ops-Core can keep up with the manf. techniques and materials found in the newer lightweight helmets then perhaps they have a chance of keeping business. Seems like the de-facto standard is the ARC rail so that's another advantage for Ops Core. |
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Also what I would consider a cost effective Ops-Core type helmet that is in Joe's list of reputable manufacturers would be the Gentex TBH II MC.
Has all the rails and shroud but no OCC dial harness and a kevlar shell. I think it's interesting that the Ops-Core and Gentex merger hasn't really changed much to either companies, at least it seems that way from outward appearances. |
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