Let's talk about helmets

[1Admin]

So we have them, but honestly, I don't think we've trained with them in the last decade......

They all need an upgrade- straps, suspension, Rhino mounts, etc.

Do you have/use a helmet? Do you train with it? Back in the day we never trained in them, usually just wore boonie hats or patrol caps.

What upgrades/modifications would you recommend?

[EX121]

I'm glad you brought this up, as I'm considering buying one and need some input.

[Rmplstlskn]

The benefits are quite clear in an URBAN or direct conflict scenario, but the weight and bulk will also be an issue for those rural and bugging out. So I too HAVE THEM, but do not train with them, as I think their usefulness is very specific, like a gas mask.

I did upgrade mine to the new support pads, but I honestly liked the old style better as per comfort, but I do see how the new pads offer better impact protection. And that is the goal, so I left the new ones installed.

[Irish-Tech]

I dont have one, but when i trained with it i liked the donut i got in the army. just a simple cushion to help make it more comfortable. boonie hat is my favorite while in the woods but i wear just a regular baseball cap the rest of the time. no camo or gun symbol to ruin opsec, but it is earth tone so it wont stand out in a group.

one of the things i was told was never wear the chin strap. it can be used against you in close quarters combat.

[Grand58742]

The benefits are quite clear in an URBAN or direct conflict scenario, but the weight and bulk will also be an issue for those rural and bugging out. So I too HAVE THEM, but do not train with them, as I think their usefulness is very specific, like a gas mask.

I did upgrade mine to the new support pads, but I honestly liked the old style better as per comfort, but I do see how the new pads offer better impact protection. And that is the goal, so I left the new ones installed.

Personally, I find the newer padding system more comfortable than the old leather band and nylon suspension system. Once you get it dialed in right, it gets downright comfy, or as comfy as a block of kevlar can be lol. YMMV though. But there is still a lack of sweat gathering capability, so old or new, I still wear a bandanna or old cravat under mine (unless of course there's one of those sticklers for the rules that comes along and bans "faddish" items) to keep the sweat off my brow.

one of the things i was told was never wear the chin strap. it can be used against you in close quarters combat.

Never heard such a thing. I figure if they get close enough to grab my helmet, they are in a prime location for a butt stroke or thrust. I'd prefer to keep mine in place as losing your brain bucket during a close quarter engagement means you now have a vital area unprotected and let's face it, it doesn't take much for a helmet to come off at the wrong time.

Guess it comes from having serious injury averted by wearing one that keeps my chin strap in place. Again, YMMV

[1Admin]

One thing I've learned is that ANYTHING can be used to choke/strangle someone. However a chinstrap might be a little tougher than other pieces of kit. Why? Because it probably is tight to the chin. A little slack actually helps when using something to strangle someone. Honestly I'd look at the collar first. The tacticool sling or ANY sling that is over the head or body, first.

I'd be interested in hearing on this chinstrap strangulation idea. I've heard of the "chinstrap" choke ala Marcelo Garcia, but it involves the hand and the trachea, not an actual chinstrap ;)

[Matt In Oklahoma]

So we have them, but honestly, I don't think we've trained with them in the last decade......
I have done some but like most I dont folks like too. It is difficult to find places to be able to train with them in keeping with OPSEC. yeah i know excuses excuses but it aint for lack of trying
They all need an upgrade- straps, suspension, Rhino mounts, etc.
The mounts for lights and eventually NVG would be in order
Do you have/use a helmet?Yes Do you train with it? Like I said some, we ran to the storm shelter in hail storm not to long ago does that count LOLBack in the day we never trained in them, usually just wore boonie hats or patrol caps. Not us, whew we wore them, alot

What upgrades/modifications would you recommend?

Depends on what ya need, if it aint broke dont fix it just cause it aint cool no more, they still protect them noggins and thats what is needed. wouldnt mind one of them new systems coming out that protects the head from getting a concusion. That would sure be nice in the light skin vehicles and when fighting H2H
maybe add some earplugs cause ya dont wanna be like me, them bangs get real loud inside! I get them cheapies and just loop them through on the inside so they are always there

one of the things i was told was never wear the chin strap. it can be used against you in close quarters combat.

In the days of old we heard this alot especially with the concusion of grenades and shelling but after several experiences and losing it in the mix a few times thats bunk, keep that thing sinchted up tight

[Hawkeye]

For me, there isnt enough of a benefit vs. the weight/bulk/cost. For most use, I prefer a boonie. The one thing I do like though, is a regular bump helmet like the PT Alpha or the new Bravo version. They are great for mounting NV on (primary purpose for me), very light weight, excellent bump protection, and affordable cost.

[RobertJ]

I prefer the FAST helmet now. Be prepaired for sticker shock though:eek: used one twice and cant justify the price.

I still have my old PASGT with the Padding upgrade and chin strap, the upgrade is much better IMHO. I would prefer a MITCH though better with my electronic hearing protection.:cool:

[JUSTIFIED]

Personally, I find the newer padding system more comfortable than the old leather band and nylon suspension system. Once you get it dialed in right, it gets downright comfy, or as comfy as a block of kevlar can be lol. YMMV though. But there is still a lack of sweat gathering capability, so old or new, I still wear a bandanna or old cravat under mine (unless of course there's one of those sticklers for the rules that comes along and bans "faddish" items) to keep the sweat off my brow.



Never heard such a thing. I figure if they get close enough to grab my helmet, they are in a prime location for a butt stroke or thrust. I'd prefer to keep mine in place as losing your brain bucket during a close quarter engagement means you now have a vital area unprotected and let's face it, it doesn't take much for a helmet to come off at the wrong time.

Guess it comes from having serious injury averted by wearing one that keeps my chin strap in place. Again, YMMV

So you're saying that cute little bicycle helmet I saw President BO wearing a couple of years ago aintagonna cut it? It did have a chin strap ya know....chuckle..

[JUSTIFIED]

One thing I've learned is that ANYTHING can be used to choke/strangle someone. However a chinstrap might be a little tougher than other pieces of kit. Why? Because it probably is tight to the chin. A little slack actually helps when using something to strangle someone. Honestly I'd look at the collar first. The tacticool sling or ANY sling that is over the head or body, first.

I'd be interested in hearing on this chinstrap strangulation idea. I've heard of the "chinstrap" choke ala Marcelo Garcia, but it involves the hand and the trachea, not an actual chinstrap ;)

I know nothing technical about these helmets but if an attacker got behind you and had his arms around you maybe it's possible he could push that chin strap down around your neck and pull back on that hat. Is that possible?

[Matt In Oklahoma]

I know nothing technical about these helmets but if an attacker got behind you and had his arms around you maybe it's possible he could push that chin strap down around your neck and pull back on that hat. Is that possible?

If I get your back it dont matter if you are wearing a mickey mouse cap, your mine
Wear the helmet if you know you are going into a sh storm, take it off if you know it has slowed down. Simple enough, we arent bound by the stringet rules of the Military and if I need to take to off to hear better or put the sneak on the so be it.

[JUSTIFIED]

If I get your back it dont matter if you are wearing a mickey mouse cap, your mine
Wear the helmet if you know you are going into a sh storm, take it off if you know it has slowed down. Simple enough, we arent bound by the stringet rules of the Military and if I need to take to off to hear better or put the sneak on the so be it.

True, it would be lights out....of course I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a mickey mouse cap....maybe a yosemite sam hat....

[Matt In Oklahoma]

Now they gone and done it and made a better one so there goes the budget LOL

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2013/07/30/army-marines-to-field-better-ballistic-helmets.html

[justanothergunnut]

I have a couple of the old school pasgt style helmets but I am going to upgrade this winter to the new MICH2000B.. Level 3a weighs just a tad over 3 pounds and the price is right so why not.. Besides I need a new helmet to mount the TRICK pvs14 I got from JRH. ;-)