Don’t Lose Your Head – Choosing the Best Helmet For You

Digging into the History of Helmet Technology

Combat helmets have come a long way since their inception.

1900’s – 1970’s

In the early 1900’s the helmet was just a steel protector that could guard against bumps, shrapnel and debris.

These helmets were better than not having any protection at all, but were also very heavy, uncomfortable, and unable to stop actual life-threatening dangers.

See the two most popular models here from World War 1:

Brodie – “Effectively an overturned metal dish weighing about 1.3 pounds” read more.

M1 – “A slight brim on its front to keep precipitation off a soldier’s face and a slightly lipped rim all the way around” read more.

Things changed rapidly in 1965 when Dupont chemist Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar!

Kevlar – a synthetic ballistic fiber bonded with a synthetic polymer resin is often considered stronger than steel and has the ability to stop most bullets and shrapnel from penetration.

With this grand discovery the next helmet was born.

1970’s – 2000’s

The Personal Armor System for Ground Troops otherwise known as PASGT was the next helmet to hit the market.

This design allowed for coverage of the ears and the back of the skull all the way to the nape of the neck. The PASGT’s protective qualities, due to the Kevlar exterior, proved a vast protective improvement over the M1. While still not perfect at stopping close-range bullets and shrapnel and shell fragments, the helmet’s provision of safety was recognized as a huge leap forward.

See Photo: PAGST

With time, more updates were identified and the army once again made enhancements to give soldiers a helmet with more configuration for accessories such as ear communication headsets.

Level III-A ballistics armoring, available in 4 sizes and 8 colors in EDI-USA’s Catalog.

2000’s – Current

The Modular Integrated Communications Helmet, otherwise known as MICH was born.

See Photo: MICH

This is a military favorite and staple for active members.

The MICH offered reduced weight, improved fit, and more effective protection against handgun rounds. Complies with level III-A ballistics armoring, interior trauma pads, side rails for attachments, and available in 4 sizes and 8 colors in EDI-USA’s Catalog.

Then…

Special Operations realized they needed something better suited for their line of duty so they too went back to research and development to start building their perfect helmet.

The Future Assault Shell Technology, otherwise known as FAST was then born.

Extremely lightweight, level III-A ballistics armoring, side rails, front shroud mount, ear space for audio communications, available in 3 sizes and 8 colors in EDI-USA’s Catalog.

Designed for special operations forces, features an integrated mount for night vision, built-in retention lanyards, mounting platform for accessories.

Mount ability of task lights, hearing protection, communication accessories, face protection, oxygen systems, video cameras, and numerous other devices.

Here is am interesting video if the history of military helmets, they even do practice shots on them at the 7 minute mark!

EDI-USA Manufactures The Helmets Your Team Needs

Look At Our Helmet Selection Here: Catalog

Contact Us For Help in Deciding For Your Team!

If you would like additional guidance to choose the best products for your team please contact us, we are confident that we can deliver all of your tactical customization needs.

EDI-USA

Ballistics Helmets – A Mandatory Tool for Today

Modern society is advancing in all areas faster, and with more technology than ever before. As great as the progress has been for tools, consumer items, and transportation, it must be noted that this rapidly changing landscape does come with advanced risks as well. Just the other day a landmark ruling against Cody Wilson decided that it is legally OK for him to publish his free 3D printable plans to print a pistol. This means that anyone in the world could download his blueprints and have this weapon printed. This also means that these new guns are untraceable as they have no serial numbers.

As society moves faster and faster it becomes even more necessary that the Police, Security, and Military also move forward in advancing their tools of the trade. If it seems like there has been a rise in protests worldwide, you’re not mistaken “ we’ve had more mass movements in this decade than in any decade since 1900.” As Police will continue to do their job in rapidly changing landscape there is one item they shouldn’t leave for last and that is their safety.

Now is the time to upgrade your helmets to cutting edge bullet proof helmets that are safer, lighter, and more comfortable than ever before.

Look at the below styles to see what you and your team would be best equipped with.

FAST Ballistic Helmet: Armor Level NIJ III-A

• FAST helmet provides the maximum amount of head protection from some of the heaviest ballistic threats. FAST style helmets are armored with EDI’s lightweight aramid ballistic material to provide secure and non-intrusive protection to the end user. Helmet protection expands from frontal forehead armoring to the lower back of the end user’s head. All FAST helmets are equipped with a durable chinstrap with a quick-release function to enable immediate removal. Helmets are fitted with accessory ports which allow the FAST helmet to be compatible with nigh vision, radio communications equipment (including earpiece & microphone), and NVG mounts. In 2016, EDI re-modified the FAST helmet with new lightweight armoring material which yielded a 27% lighter model than previous FAST styles.

PASGT Ballistic Helmet: Armor Level NIJ III-A

• PASGT helmet provides the most head protection for some of the toughest ballistic threats. PASGT-style helmets are armed with EXTRA- light aramid ballistic material to provide non-invasive safety and protection to the user. The helmet protection expands from the forehead to the rear lower part of the user head, and includes ear protection and a small visor on the top of face. All PASGT helmets are equipped with a durable chin strap with a quick-release feature to facilitate immediate removal. Finally, PASGT helmets are painted with Poly-Urea paint that is resistant to bad weather, water and resistant to sun de-coloration. In 2015, EDI re-modified the PASGT hull with a new lightweight shielding material that yielded an 18% lighter model than previous PASGT styles.

MICH Ballistic Helmet: Armor Level NIJ III-A

• MICH helmet provides the most head protection for some of the toughest ballistic threats. MICH-style helmets are armed with EXTRA-light aramid ballistic material to provide non-invasive safety and protection to the user. The helmet protection expands from the forehead to the rear lower part of the user’s head and includes ear protection. All MICH helmets are equipped with a durable chin strap with a quick-release feature to facilitate immediate removal and seven (7) interior anti-trauma pads to decrease ballistic trauma if the helmet is shot. Finally, MICH helmets are painted with Poly-Urea paint that is resistant to bad weather, water and resistant to sun dis-coloration. In 2016, EDI re-modified the MICH hull with a new lightweight shielding material that yielded an 32% lighter model than previous MICH styles.

 

NEW BOLTLESS HELMETS!

EDI-USA now produces boltless ballistic helmets (PASGT & MICH) since we released them in January 2017. The reception and feedback has been amazing, and they continue to be our top sellers to law enforcement, military, correctional, and other tactical groups in the USA and around the world.

REMEMBER! EDI-USA Customizes Sizes, Colors, & Materials

If you would like additional guidance to decide what ballistics helmet is best for your necessities please contact us, we are confident that we can deliver all your tactical customization needs.

Take a look at our full catalog to see all the gear that we can customize for you and your team.