Even experienced security experts make so many mistakes when choosing the best ballistic helmet that many people wonder is there even a difference. Ironically, that issue doesn’t stem from the fact that what helmets do is very complex, but rather because it is so simple.
Currently, there are only three design categories for ballistic helmets (from UARM):
- Low-Cut Ballistic Helmet
- Mid-Cut Ballistic Helmet
- High-Cut Ballistic Helmet
And even in this classification, the middle ground is starting to become obsolete as protection ranges and utility capabilities become better.
When it comes to categories, the choice is simple. You should use low-cut helmets to protect you from explosives and high-velocity debris, and use the high-cut design when you want to stay agile, but still protected from blunt damage, falling items, and handgun ammo.
Currently, there are not viable helmet designs that might stop a rifle round, and they are mostly used to protect from slower projectiles and explosives. And, because the weight on your neck is not something you want to overdo, you will need to stay realistic about what are your requirements compared to your capabilities.
High Cut for Agility
If you even need a ballistic helmet, most cases will require a high-cut model, which is not only lighter but allows for more space for your communication devices, lighting, and optics.
While some older models have the structural issue imbued to give them more utility, this is not the case with advanced models like the BHBH™ Boltless High-cut Ballistic Helmet, which is made from a single piece of protective shielding, with no weak-points on the helmet itself.
Primarily, these helmets will allow you to move quickly and won’t restrict your view or your hearing, which is very important if you are organized with audible commands.
And, even more importantly, your head will be protected from handgun rounds, blunt damage, and explosives. All three are very important for the majority of high-risk situations, including offensive, defensive, and recovery missions.
Finally, if you find yourself in a situation where you need to defend from offensive explosive attacks or randomly flying debris, especially in urban environments, you can always add side panels to your high-cut helmet to provide extra protection to your face.
Low Cut for Protection
These helmets might be the heaviest and the most cumbersome, but they have no equal when it comes to protection. The LCBH™ Low Cut Ballistic Helmet is a tried and tested design that probably won’t change on the battlefield in the perceivable future.
The helmet itself is the same NIJ Level IIIa 0106.01 protection level as the high-cut but is designed to work with the auxiliary protection such as the neck guard to make you as resistant to explosives as possible.
It relies on you using very limited internal communication systems that will be protected together with your head and face, allowing you to come home safely.