Ballistic Helmets: What You Need to Know

What is a Ballistic Helmet?
A ballistic helmet is standard infantry equipment that provides ballistic protection from various threats to the wearer’s head, temples, ears, and neck. These helmets are designed for the purpose of protecting the user and are typically worn by military and law enforcement officers for protection in the line of duty. A ballistic helmet’s main objective is to protect the wearer against bullets, blunt impact, shrapnel, blast fragmentation, and other threats.

Common Uses for Ballistic Helmets
Generally, anyone who could be in dangerous situations involving firearms or explosives would benefit from a ballistic helmet. They are commonly used in police and military work, but can be used by civilians as well. Ballistic helmets are also used for purposes other than bullet protection. They could be worn in situations where the wearer might be exposed to flying debris, projectiles, or other threats that may lead to head impact.

Types of Ballistic Helmets
There are several distinctions to consider when choosing which type of ballistic helmet best fits your needs – primarily, threat protection and the cut, or shape, of the helmet.

Threat Protection
According to the NIJ, a revision of NILECJ-STD-0106.00 (1975), was released in December of 1981. This is the most recent and updated version of the standard which redefines the classification system and establishes threat levels and test rounds that are consistent with companion NIJ standards for ballistic protective equipment and materials. There are three levels of performance for ballistic helmets that are covered by this standard.

Type I helmets protect against the standard test rounds where the test weapon may be a 22 caliber handgun, test barrel or a 38 Special handgun. They provide protection against lesser threats such as 12 gauge No. 4 lead shot and most handgun rounds in calibers 25 and 32.

Type II-A helmets protect against the standard test rounds where the test weapon may be a 357 Magnum handgun, test barrel, or a 9 mm handgun. They provide protection against lesser threats such as 12 gauge 00 buckshot, 45 Auto., 22 caliber Long Rifle High Velocity (rifle), High Velocity 38 Special and some other factory loads in caliber 357 Magnum and 9 mm. They also provide protection against lesser threats such as 12 gauge No. 4 lead shot and most handgun rounds in calibers 25 and 32.

Type II helmets protect against the standard test rounds where the test weapon may be a 357 Magnum handgun, test barrel, or a 9 mm handgun. They provide protection against lesser threats such as 12 gauge 00 buckshot, 45 Auto., 22 caliber Long Rifle High Velocity (rifle), High Velocity 38 Special and some other factory loads in caliber 357 Magnum and 9 mm. They also provide protection against lesser threats such as 12 gauge No. 4 lead shot and most handgun rounds in calibers 25 and 32.

Shape of Helmet
The fit and shape of a helmet are also crucial to consider when purchasing a ballistic helmet. There are 3 main shapes: low-cut, mid-cut, and high-cut.

A low-cut helmet offers the most coverage and protection, as the helmet extends down past the ear. With that coverage and protection, however, comes excess weight and less comfortability. These helmets sometimes require the wearer to use internal communication devices, as they restrict hearing abilities. If you’re looking for high protection, and willing to sacrifice some mobility and comfort, a low-cut helmet could be the best choice for you.

A mid-cut helmet falls in between the low and high-cut helmets. It covers just the top of the ear, so the wearer has most of their hearing capabilities. The helmet is less heavy than a low-cut design, so it may be the best choice for someone that needs mid-level threat protection while being able to move quickly and efficiently.

The high-cut helmet is designed with weight, comfortability, and mobility at the forefront of a wearer’s needs. While these helmets may provide less coverage, they are extremely beneficial in situations where the helmet must be worn for a long period of time. If long-term use and comfortability are the two most important factors to the wearer, the high-cut helmet is the best choice.

Do I Need a Ballistic Helmet? 
In conclusion, ballistic helmets can offer life-saving protection in various situations. However, when it comes to choosing a ballistic helmet that will best fit your needs, it is important to balance protection and durability with comfort and mobility. Consider what situations you may encounter and how important protection is in comparison to comfortability and mobility.