One of the earliest forms of protective equipment, helmets were first worn by the Sumerians in the 17th century BC.
But why are helmets important? Because they are vital to minimize or eliminate risk by taking protective measures. Whether you are in the middle of a friendly airsoft game or real combat, your safety is of utmost importance.
This article is about the various types of tactical helmets offered by various brands. It will help you find a high-quality tactical helmet to ensure your safety.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Tactical Helmet
Comparison of the Best Tactical Helmets
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What is a Tactical Helmet?
A tactical helmet is a helmet designed to provide protection in combat situations. Like most tactical gear, tactical helmets have their origin in the military. Today, they are widely used among law enforcement agencies also.
Source
In ancient times, leather helmets were used in combat situations while the ones used by troops in World War II were made from steel. However, they were not designed to protect the troops from gunfire, but only from shrapnel.
Today, modern helmets are made from lighter materials such as carbon fiber, impact-resistant plastic, and Kevlar. They are designed with padding to provide a better fit and to ensure the wearer’s comfort. These ergonomically designed helmets are very effective in protecting the wearer from gunfire. Moreover, they can be used with multiple interchangeable devices such as cameras, night vision optics, audio equipment, communication devices, and much more.
What Makes a Great Tactical Helmet?
If you are looking for a tactical helmet, it is vital to keep the following points in mind:
Types
There are three types of helmets, and before buying one you should decide which one suits you best:
PASGT
PASGT, or "Personnel Armor System Ground Troops", are helmets that are made of phenolic resin systems and ballistic aramid fabric. The outer shell is made from nineteen Kevlar layers and provides the wearer with shrapnel protection and ballistic projectiles.
These helmets are available in different sizes, starting from extra-small to extra-large, and their weight ranges from 3.1 to 4.2 pounds. They are customizable and available in various camouflage patterns and colors.
In addition, these helmets are compatible with night vision eyewear. You can also fit cat eyes band or rechargeable glow patches on the rear to help prevent friendly fire. You can also attach a riot control visor.
ATE
"Above The Ear" helmets, or ATE, are constructed from Dyneema, which is a special composite material. It is durable yet lightweight, which provides extremely high ballistic protection for the head. These helmets are available in extra-large to medium sizes and weigh from 2.52 pounds to 2.99 pounds. They can carry a wide range of gears and have a special load-bearing shell design.
MICH / ACH
A MICH, or "Modular Integrated Communications Helmet," is constructed from advanced Kevlar material and helps to protect the wearer from handgun shots. They vary in size from 3 pounds to 3.6 pounds. They can be customized with night vision wear and various other necessary gears, including a riot control visor.
Right Size
You should choose a helmet that fits properly. Measure the circumference of your head to make sure that you get the right size. Uncomfortable equipment should always be avoided. It is also better to buy a helmet with chin strap and inner padding to ensure a comfortable fit.
Degree of Protection
Every manufacturer should provide detailed results of NIJ required testing. These results will tell you how these helmets perform with regards to resistance to penetration, fragment performance, blunt impact resistance, and back-face deformation. You should also look at element testing to make sure that the helmet you choose will perform well in the environment that you will use it in.
Review of the Best Tactical Helmets
The wide variety of helmets available on the market can make it quite difficult to find the ideal tactical helmet. Therefore, we have reviewed the distinctive features of some of the best tactical helmets available and listed their features to help you find one that suits your requirements perfectly.
Best Overall:
LOOGU Fast BJ Base Jump Military Helmet
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The LOOGU Fast BJ Base Jump Military Helmet has managed to turn recent buyers into lifetime users due to its high quality and increased level of comfort. They also find the two sets of pads very convenient and feel that their quality is far superior to the pads provided by other companies. The neck gaiter and tan is an added bonus that buyers feel makes this helmet the best choice.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this product to be of high quality and are happy to see that the Multicam pattern is authentic and not a knock-off rendition. Its high quality makes it durable while the Velcro allows you to adjust the pads according to your preference. It also comes with instructions, making it easier to put the screws in. We highly recommend this product if you are into outdoor sports such as cycling, airsoft, etc.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a versatile product that is ideal for various outdoor activities such as paintball, airsoft, climbing, or cycling. It is also great for search and rescue and training as it is very lightweight and can be worn for longer periods without getting fatigued. Moreover, the ventilated liner ensures that it does not become too hot inside the helmet to wear in warm weather.
Bottom Line
The LOOGU Fast BJ Base Jump Military helmet is one of the best tactical helmets available, excelling in performance, comfort, and quality. With this product, you can enjoy your outdoor activities or go about your training, confident that it will protect you from any harm.
Runner-up:
Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet with Shroud
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers were so satisfied with this product that many plan to buy it again. They report that it has the best retention system, which allows for comfortable movement of the jaw while talking. There are 16 comfort pads inside this helmet that take comfort to a whole new level.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This helmet has various features that we find outstanding. The BOA Fit system helps in making precise adjustments, thus ensuring the perfect fit. The Rail 2.0 Accessory Mounting System is excellent for mounting IR illuminators, flashlights, and more. The comfort pad sets are available in two thicknesses, thus offering customizable comfort. Moreover, the rear webbing slot for counterweight ensures minimum neck strain.
Who Will Use This Most
This product provides not only ballistic protection to fulfill the NIJ Level III-A standard but also provides blunt impact protection, thus making it ideal for army personnel. Whether they are in training or out in the field, this product aims to keep them safe and protected from harm. It easily adjusts to an individual head shape, which is why it can be used by everyone, irrespective of their head size.
Bottom Line
If you want a helmet that is comfortable, provides complete protection and allows for an overhead communications headband, then the Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet with shroud should be your first choice. This extraordinary piece of tactical gear is a popular product as a protective helmet, and after using it, you may find other such products not up to par.
Best for the Money:
Lancer Tactical Industrial ABS Plastic Helmet
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Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have found this product perfect for Airsoft play. The Velcro panels allow them to attach morale patches, identification markers, and other accessories such as tactical lights. The rear dial knob at the back of the helmet and the quick detach helmet strap ensure that the helmet remains seated even during the most strenuous of tactical maneuvers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Lancer Tactical is constructed with ABS industrial-grade plastic, thus making it extremely durable and ready for airsoft field use. It comes with goggle clips that hold the goggles in place as the wearer runs or jumps. We also like the fact that the embedded night vision mount is perfect for affixing the night vision system, and the bungee retention cord fastens the devices securely.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is ideal for outdoor activities where real ammunition is not being used. This is a versatile product and can be used by people who are required to wear a hard hat in their line of work. As it stays firmly on the head, it is also preferred by people who skydive or take part in any other extreme sport.
Bottom Line
Although it is not ballistic rated, the Lancer Tactical Industrial ABS plastic helmet is guaranteed to save your head from hard bumps. It mounts GoPro and night vision well and is very comfortable. It is a high-quality product available at very reasonable prices, which makes it a very popular option among airsoft players.
Best Tactical Bump Helmet:
Modern Warrior Tactical M88 ABS Helmet
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers have found this product to work extremely well in tactical environments such as Paintball or Airsoft. It is lightweight and has saved their heads from serious injury. Some people have also bought it as a costume piece and have reported that it gives an authentic feel to their Halloween or cosplay outfit.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Modern Warrior Tactical M88 ABS helmet is a great bump helmet available at an unbelievable price. Its ABS construction ensures its durability and reliability. It resembles the Kevlar and SWAT helmets, thus providing the wearer with an authentic look while playing. We think that it will be difficult to find such a good quality product at such a low price.
Who Will Use This Most
This product is best for people who participate in paintball activities. It can be easily adjusted; therefore, it fits almost all individuals. This Modern Warrior helmet can also serve as a great costume piece to give an authentic look to your Halloween or cosplay outfit. As it is not a ballistic helmet, it should not be worn in real combat.
Bottom Line
The Modern Warrior Tactical M88 ABS helmet is an amazing piece of tactical equipment with many outstanding attributes. Its adjustable yet comfortable nylon harness makes sure that it provides a perfect fit. It resembles popular brands and will definitely make you stand out. With this product, you can enjoy paintball and airsoft without any difficulty.
Editor’s Pick:
ATAIRSOFT PJ Type Tactical Helmet with Visor
No products found.
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers particularly like this product due to its compatibility with GoPros and Night vision goggles. The flashlights can be conveniently mounted on the side while the visor protects the eyes. Some buyers have also reported that they were able to fit their glasses nicely in between the gap of the visor.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a product that is not only designed for tactical activities but is also ideal for other activities such as cycling. It is a versatile and lightweight product with incomparable features and outstanding performance. The sliding plastic visor goggles protect the eyes from possible flying debris out in the field. This product also helps to keep your accessories within easy reach. You can also carry the camera and record the action if necessary.
Who Will Use This Most
The straps can be adjusted to conform to any face shape; therefore, this product can be used by everyone. Moreover, the padding can also be removed for a perfect fit. Many people disregard the use of helmets as they are a heavy object and can hinder their mobility. However, this lightweight helmet can be worn for longer periods without causing any pain in the neck or head.
Bottom Line
The ATAIRSOFT PJ Type tactical helmet with visor is a great product with multi-function card and side rails that are very convenient for mounting accessories. If you want a tactical helmet that will not only protect your head from airsoft pellets but will also safeguard your eyes, then this product is for you.
Perks of Getting a New Tactical Helmet
A tactical helmet provides various benefits to its users:
Safety
Even the slightest blow during outdoor activities could cause a concussion or brain damage. Wearing a high-quality tactical helmet could help prevent this and protect the brain from any traumatic damage.
Accessories
Carrying accessories like a flashlight, camera, or night vision optics can greatly help while you are in combat or having a friendly game of paintball with your friends. Tactical helmets are designed to carry these things with ease and within an arm’s reach.
Camouflage
Tactical helmets provide camouflage, which can be a decisive factor between the success and failure of your mission. They are available in various patterns, thus allowing you to choose the one that will be most compatible with the environment you are going to be working in.
Proper Ventilation
Tactical helmets are designed with ventilation holes, which help to keep the heat issues at bay. When we are engaged in outdoor activities, we lose quite a lot of heat through our heads. These ventilation holes help to keep the heads cool.
Conclusion
With the right use and implementation, a tactical helmet can become your greatest ally. Therefore, it is essential to choose one that has all the features that you require. In the above article, we have discussed some of the best brands and their distinctive features so that you can find one which is best for you.