Duty ballistic helmet...

[Gray222]

I've been putting off buying one for a while and figure this is as good of a time as any to buy one.

Probably will be looking for a set of good chicken plates too.

Anyone have a line on a good helmet?

[ffhounddog]

Revision and 3M just came out with new high cut helmets that are now being stocked. Ops core is the standard though.

An option is to use Atlantic Signal. The helmets they sell are 3M and they have good prices oveall.

[Default.mp3]

If you want top tier with excellent NVG capabilities, Ops-Core FAST, Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic, Crye Airframe, Crye Airframe ATX, or MTEK FLUX Ballistic. Otherwise, for straight ballistic capabilities, a quality ACH clone, from Revision, Gentex, etc., would work fine; the Team Wendy replacement pads are the most comfortable, and probably your only real game in town besides the Ops-Core ACH OCC Liner (which is supposedly less comfortable than the Team Wendy stuff, but still superior to the Revision suspension system), so you'll have to balance your conscience with your need for TBI protection.

[smithjd]

We just bought new helmets. Would have bought Ops Core, but they didn't even answer the phone or emails. One of our favorite local suppliers had the 3M. Light helmet, but the suspension and pads were not even close to Team Wendy.

We went with Team Wendy as everyone liked it the best. They had outstanding customer service as well.

[Gray222]

If you want top tier with excellent NVG capabilities, Ops-Core FAST, Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic, Crye Airframe, Crye Airframe ATX, or MTEK FLUX Ballistic. Otherwise, for straight ballistic capabilities, a quality ACH clone, from Revision, Gentex, etc., would work fine; the Team Wendy replacement pads are the most comfortable, and probably your only real game in town besides the Ops-Core ACH OCC Liner (which is supposedly less comfortable than the Team Wendy stuff, but still superior to the Revision suspension system), so you'll have to balance your conscience with your need for TBI protection.

Team wendy is out of the equation, screw them with a rake.

Got links to specific products?

[Default.mp3]

MTEK FLUX Ballistic: http://store.atarmor.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1911

Mike at AT Armor is good peoples. He's been active with LF and P&S as an armor guru, not sure if he offers further LE discounts, especially considering the events in Dallas, would be worthwhile to reach out to him.

Ops-Core and Crye are going to be difficult to find on sale/discount.

A blem ACH clone: http://www.optactical.com/higrgethachm.html
Interesting helmet, Gentex is a major manufacturer, but I've not heard much about this model: http://www.optactical.com/getbhstwinvg.html
DSG offers first-responder discounts, you'll have to reach out to see if/when they'll get this back in stock: https://dsgarms.com/rev4-0525-9973

Revision offers a pro-deal on their Batlskin stuff (ACH clone), but you'd have to call in to see what it is.

Note that the FLUX, FAST, and Airframe are not Level IIIa, but merely meet ACH/MICH specs, which are a bit lower; this keeps them more lightweight. The Airframe ATX is Level IIIa, but heavier.

FWIW:

O.K....here's what I know - and why my Unit went to the OPS Core over the Air Frame after evaluating both.



There is an Army Unit who has adopted the Air Frame. I won't disclose which here - SO DON'T ****ING ASK ME!!!!!
The are more DOD Units who have adopted the Ops Core for the same reason we adopted the OPS Core - AFSOC/NAVSPECWAR
Although ballistic profiles for both are based on MICH/ACH requirements, the Air Frame has had issues with the ATEC "crush test" - again...DON'T ASK ME ABOUT THIS ON THIS FORUM!!!
Both have ballistic saves in Theater
However, the OPS Core has better 360 degree stand off minimizing Back Face Deformation (BFD) so theoretically TBI may be reduced as well as contact issues from BFD. In particular at the nape of the neck where the medulla is.
NO - the Air Frame helmet cover WILL NOT fit the OPS Core. However, we have asked OPS Core to team with Crye to design the same spec cover for our OPS Core - THEY HAVE. We will receive the first 5 this week from Crye. I don't know when OPS Core will make those available as a COTS item - SO DON'T ASK ME. I recommend you contact OPS Core directly for status...


Bottom line for us...the OPS Core allowed us a better platform for all situations, with easy transition/blend in between the Units we work with, with comparable/exactly the same ballistic protection/coverage as the MICH/ACH, with a more stable helmet system while wearing NODS. So our FORCMOD committee recommended transition to the OPS Core.

Info from Lightfighter circa mid-2011. Also, people have stated that the OpsCore is a more stable platform for NODs than the AirFrames, although with the Team Wendy Cam-Fit liners, the difference has been significantly reduced compared to the OCC Liner, not sure how it compares to the new Lux Liner from Ops-Core. On the other hand, depending on how long you'll be wearing your helmet, "Roland" over at P&S has stated in the podcasts that he prefers the Airframe, strictly for its venting system, as it allows for a longer amount of time before he starts fogging up his eye pro and/or NODs, not sure if that's relevant for your mission.

[Gray222]

MTEK FLUX Ballistic: http://store.atarmor.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1911

Mike at AT Armor is good peoples. He's been active with LF and P&S as an armor guru, not sure if he offers further LE discounts, especially considering the events in Dallas, would be worthwhile to reach out to him.

Ops-Core and Crye are going to be difficult to find on sale/discount.

A blem ACH clone: http://www.optactical.com/higrgethachm.html
Interesting helmet, Gentex is a major manufacturer, but I've not heard much about this model: http://www.optactical.com/getbhstwinvg.html
DSG offers first-responder discounts, you'll have to reach out to see if/when they'll get this back in stock: https://dsgarms.com/rev4-0525-9973

Revision offers a pro-deal on their Batlskin stuff (ACH clone), but you'd have to call in to see what it is.

Note that the FLUX, FAST, and Airframe are not Level IIIa, but merely meet military specs, which are a bit lower; this keeps them more lightweight. The Airframe ATX is Level IIIa, but heavier.

FWIW:


Info from Lightfighter circa mid-2011. Also, people have stated that the OpsCore is a more stable platform for NODs than the AirFrames, although with the Team Wendy Cam-Fit liners, the difference has been significantly reduced compared to the OCC Liner, not sure how it compares to the new Lux Liner from Ops-Core. On the other hand, depending on how long you'll be wearing your helmet, "Roland" over at P&S has stated in the podcasts that he prefers the Airframe, strictly for its venting system, as it allows for a longer amount of time before he starts fogging up his eye pro and/or NODs, not sure if that's relevant for your mission.

Thanks, I am already verified with dsg...

[Gadfly]

All these high speed cool guy helmets, and here I am with my mid 90s PASGT helmet...

But the price was right. (Free)

[Default.mp3]

Oh, and FWIW, it was a Revision Batlskin that had a ballistic save during the Orlando attack:
http://soldiersystems.net/blog1/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/img_4916.jpg

http://soldiersystems.net/2016/06/28/revision-helmet-saved-orlando-swat-officers-life/


All these high speed cool guy helmets, and here I am with my mid 90s PASGT helmet...

But the price was right. (Free)Yeah, but I've always been told the first rule of gunfighting is to look cool.

[Gray222]

Yeah I saw the revision helmet photo, I trying to find the most applicable for my loadout setup...

[Gray222]

https://www.revisionmilitary.com/store/batlskin-a3-mid-cut-helmet.html

Thinking this...

Anyone has a line on this helmet being instock and able to ship size: Large in Black color - preferably with the suspension system (MSS) ?

Thanks

[breakingtime91]

https://www.revisionmilitary.com/store/batlskin-a3-mid-cut-helmet.html

Thinking this...

Anyone has a line on this helmet being instock and able to ship size: Large in Black color - preferably with the suspension system (MSS) ?

Thanks

why not get something that doesn't cover your ears?

[Gray222]

why not get something that doesn't cover your ears?

I'm up in the air on both, I've used both in various circumstances and have no real preference as earpro works with both.

I guess whatever is more available quickly and won't make me broke.

[L-2]

I've been issued an MSA TC2000 for the past few years (I think it's been less than 10 years now). I don't know where or what pricing my department paid.
Here's one place I found doing a quick search:
http://www.mcguirearmynavy.com/MSA-US-Military-Genuine-Issue-MICH-TC-2000-Helmet-with-1-Pre-Drilled-NVG-Hole-OD.html?select=HE-121-GR-M&gdftrk=gdfV23764_a_7c3468_a_7c13750_a_7cHE_d_121_d _GR_d_M&gclid=Cj0KEQjwwYK8BRC0ta6LhOPC0v0BEiQApv6jYaNnQUYo YEEPOHFvhTvm9h08q3N2610WPQg3MVrItNkaAql68P8HAQ

Actually, I just remembered and checked my gear, I also have a Gentex Law Enforcement helmet from 2000, too. These seem to be going for ~$300 on Amazon (used).

These are issued from my department, however, so the cost was a non-issue to me.

Always liking the latest & greatest, if I was to buy my own and didn't need to match everybody else, I'd look at the Ops-Core as others have mentioned.
http://www.ops-core.com/system-platforms/ballistic-helmets/

[txdpd]

If this is a helmet for patrol work I think an ACH fitted with a faceshield is a better option than an Opscore, Airframe. etc. If you're doing crowd control/riot work the cool guy helmets don't have faceshields that can stop bottles or rocks and you'll probably end up in a non ballistic helmet. With all that's going on now at the "protest", the risk of getting shot in the head at close range with handgun is probably one of the best reason to have a helmet.

[Gray222]

If this is a helmet for patrol work I think an ACH fitted with a faceshield is a better option than an Opscore, Airframe. etc. If you're doing crowd control/riot work the cool guy helmets don't have faceshields that can stop bottles or rocks and you'll probably end up in a non ballistic helmet. With all that's going on now at the "protest", the risk of getting shot in the head at close range with handgun is probably one of the best reason to have a helmet.

I have an issues non ballistic helmet with a face shield it sucks.

[L-2]

Here's the faceshield which goes with our MSA TC2000 ballistic helmets:
http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/content/minesafetyappliances/ACH%20Faceshield%20Bulletin%20-%20EN

[John Hearne]

I guess I'm just cheap but for me a helmet is not a regular wear/use item. For such items, I don't have to have the "best" or "greatest" and will spend a little less to have money to spend on a higher priority need.

I'm looking really hard at the Striker ACHHC from High Com Security with a Team Wendy Cam-Lok harness. It will be pre-drilled for all the cool accessories so they're an option but a helmet like this will be fine to wear intermittently. http://highcomsecurity.com/collections/helmets/products/striker-high-cut-ach-iiia?variant=19562871940

[TGS]

I have an Armor Source 501 high cut as issued to me. I've read that the standard suspension/padding is not as secure as what OpsCore has. It fits a little wobbly without ear pro, but with ear pro I've had no problems with the room clearing, smoke-house/casualty rescue, debussing under fire/cross-loads/evacs/motorcade training I've done. Certainly a worlds difference (better) than the PASGT and lightweight combat helmet I had in the military.

ETA: Just looked at it...it's an AS 501 high cut as I thought, but it does indeed have a Wendy suspension/padding system. So that might be why I liked it.

[Erick Gelhaus]

Have a few helmets, three, in the work bag or garage.

For most street cops / road deputies, the best call would be an ACH - Advanced Combat Helmet - the big Army's version of the MICH. As has been mentioned, all of the cool accessories can be added. Most importantly, an after-market riot face shield can be easily added. This is my riot, crowd control helmet.

[MI Law]

https://www.revisionmilitary.com/store/batlskin-a3-mid-cut-helmet.html

Thinking this...

Anyone has a line on this helmet being instock and able to ship size: Large in Black color - preferably with the suspension system (MSS) ?

Thanks

I called them on July 5th to order that exact same helmet in XL. I spoke with the lady about what it was being used for, etc. and she recommended the high-cut due to my plan to wear Sordin earpro under the helmet occasionally. The helmet was $300 +$10 shipping. I opted for the normal suspension system but it's only $40 extra if you buy it together with the helmet.

[Gray222]

I called them on July 5th to order that exact same helmet in XL. I spoke with the lady about what it was being used for, etc. and she recommended the high-cut due to my plan to wear Sordin earpro under the helmet occasionally. The helmet was $300 +$10 shipping. I opted for the normal suspension system but it's only $40 extra if you buy it together with the helmet.

Oh wow. Got a number? I'd order one now for that price.

It's expandable for rails and nvg right?

[The Apprentice]

Cant believe no one has mentioned this one9081

[msstate56]

Ownthenight.com is another good helmet resource. That's where I bought mine with personal funds. Great customer service.

[MI Law]

Oh wow. Got a number? I'd order one now for that price.

It's expandable for rails and nvg right?

1-800-383-6049 is what I called and I spoke to Renee and Cassandra. I added the NVG mount when I ordered it but not the rails. You can add both later too.

[Gray222]

Ended up getting a Revision Viper 3:

http://i.imgur.com/qATxmDk.jpg

With the long rails and NVG mount it was just under $500 delivered. Not bad.

I also ordered the Peltor ARC (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00745WSZE/) ear pro system which works with most ear pro (I use gray peltor's for this application) and they worked pretty easily.

[Rex G]

Yes, it is a good time to be looking at helmets; no time like the present! I bought a demo/blem Level IIIA ACH-looking helmet several years ago, before any of my patrol colleagues were buying helmets. It was a $500 or $600 helmet, marked down to $300. It was a major brand, but the sticker wore away a while back, and I have not remembered the brand. I figured a IIIA helmet was a higher priority than plates; I tend to tote an 870P, so get to be up front more of the time.