Budget Ballistic Helmet Test & Review: Level IIIA TacticalXmen Ratel FDK22

[@bucdan9242]

This is great! More helmet reviews, please! I know it's expensive, but I wonder how well an ops core with the SLAAP armor can withstand.

[@meh9682]

Is there a slap for the back? Instead of weights or batteries why not extra protection? ( I've only seen for the front minus the nvg mount space)

[@presidenttnediserp428]

LOL It's on sale from $1200 dollars to $100 dollars. Must be discontinuing?

[@bucdan9242]

@presidenttnediserp428 Yeah apparently. Probably too much weight for the average head and neck to stay comfortable.

[@christianclemons187]

You get such a thrill out of shooting armor, fun to watch.

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@darrelldutsch]

Great job! Your video from a couple of years ago was the determining factor on what plate carrier and plates from tactical x man.. your efforts has saved me from making some expensive errors. Your test helped me then and now is another item for looking into. Thank You brother for your time, help and advice! Your efforts and content is Right On! Love your show! Again Thank You!

[@KO_5662]

I've been noticing that my subscription to your channel hasn't been severed again(so far), but the notification rate has been changed it least twice. If was changed from "all" to the minimal setting. Just thought you should know. Thank you for another informative and educational video, your humor in the way you deliver it is a bonus. 🇺🇲

[@jeremyk.6456]

With it being larger for most people will actually be a good thing due to the bullet deformation that is caused when it stops higher rated rounds thrown at it. This will help prevent injuries due to the helmet smacking the skull after it stops the bullet. The most crucial factor is that the user would ensure that it is properly fitted when they go to use it to ensure that it doesn’t shift when moving or being struck to end up causing it to make contact with the person it should be protecting.

[@dcmattman34]

I was thinking the same thing

[@cliffords2315]

i just bought one of these, i think it will do just fine

[@Alfs_Armory]

Spaceballs, the tactical helmet. Merchandising!

[@ShizawnSanders]

That shows that bullet shape is important. That 300blk sub sonic and 45ACP are probably going about the same speed.

[@bonsaw57]

Naaaah that .300 BO still has it by at least 200 fps. That’s a big difference

[@MyLonewolf25]

Sectional density is what you’re looking for

[@ShizawnSanders]

@@bonsaw57 yeah you're right. Thought he was using some 180gr 45ACP.

[@ShizawnSanders]

Even though they are separated by 200fps in this case I still think the helmet would have stopped a 45ACP doing 1050FPS like what the 300BLK is doing.

[@bonsaw57]

Most definitely

[@ClarenceCochran-ne7du]

The other thing is, taking that much kinetic energy to your noggin, is probably going to break your neck A .460 S & W is delivering more than twice the number of foot pounds to break your neck (2600 ft/lbs vs 1,000 to 1200 ft/lbs). Good review Mike, and good coverage over a wide number of points.

[@CIA_Alien]

What movies are you watching? "Is probably going to break your neck." Wrong. "A .460 is delivering more than the number of foot pounds is going to break your neck." Wrong again. But no, seriously, what movies are you watching?

[@johnvannewhouse]

Yo! That is a CRAZY effin' hat!! I kind of love it! Got a link?

[@RobinP556]

Dick Cheney’s hunting buddies need those. 😎

[@BuffRANGE]

Thanks again Mike :D

[@billjames3148]

You had the Blue helmet laugh @ 6:15, also at 12 min 300 black out it(helmet ) kept the wet shrapnel inside the bucket. Nice video.

[@Isaac556x45]

Just a daily reminder that King George III would have been a huge supporter of the NFA, and of increasing funding to the ATF. Freedom is taken, never given.

[@jackbrightside]

Great thought experiment, thank you for sharing

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

That might be the most politically illiterate analogy i have ever heard. Hurr durr kInG gEoRgE wOuLd HaVe SuPpOrTeD tHe NFA. A least put in a modicum of effort.

[@Isaac556x45]

@@MaxwellAerialPhotography Your attempt at an insult is the most hilarious thing I have ever seen.

[@dananderson6697]

@@MaxwellAerialPhotography So, to be clear, your contention is that King George would *not* have been in favor of gun control and gun confiscation? You do know that King George and Parliament literally tried to confiscate and over-regulate guns, which directly caused the Founders to write the 2nd Amendment, I assume? If not, I suggest reading up on the Restraining Acts of 1774.

[@indubitably1417]

Depends, he might have supported disarming the colonies completely, since he probably them as rebellious, although it might have been different before tensions arose between the colonies and Britain, also I have some doubts on whether he would have been in favor of an nfa for British citizens, and for the colonies he would just try and confiscate all firearms outright, so I doubt he would have viewed a piece of legislation as necessary or sufficient.

[@americantopgunner5102]

Nice helmet. Would you recommend another helmet (better) or buy this one. Impressive that it stopped the 5.7 and 460. I’d like something with thick trauma pads to avoid a cracked dome lol.

[@jeremyrode6581]

Wondering about the PSA Dagger review

[@nicks9541]

Go for it, they are great 👍

[@TheRios7018]

Man that’s an awesome review! One of the best reviews ever bud! 💯💥👍🏼🔥

[@jmmartin7766]

I've been looking for a good helmet to larp as that dude who fired the laser cannon on the Death Star... Think I found it! Thanks, Mike! 😁👍

[@robertlansdown7606]

The large fit is likely to compensate for the internal deformation

[@brucestarr4438]

I would be interested in a review of the old Vietnam era steel pot compared to the more modern stuff. A historical reference of then compared to today.

[@batman88ironman]

M1 steel pot helmets were not bulletproof they were designed to stop shrapnel. Most shrapnel travels at about four or five. Maybe he may be 600 feet per second and his little shards of metal and wood debris and things like that. I've seen people on KZbin shooting in one helmets. 9 mm goes through it. 380 ACP goes through it 38 special goes through it

[@hardcore4476]

No point. Was just for shrapnel and maybe would stop a 22 out of a pistol. Maybe..

[@kentpublic]

Thank you for all the great testing!

[@J_TRAIN]

Love these kind of reviews, include more deals like this on your emails as well my friend.

[@alanparadis5061]

Great job! I'm shopping for a helmet too, thank you for the informative content!

[@PrecisionRifleNetwork]

haha that 460SW. freaking cannon. Thanks Mike.

[@JMac-md3vj]

Without something simulating a head inside the helmet, I’m not sure how accurate the results are.

[@FLHamExtra]

So much better than the helmet liners and steel pots I used when I was in the army.

[@robertzeurunkl8401]

10:30 - Are you sure about that? because it looks like it hit at the very top of the top velcro at the very top of the helmet. I don't see anything hitting that mounting bracket, and the deformation you are pointing out is the 9mm indent.

[@robertzeurunkl8401]

Maybe not. The 9mm imprint was closer to the front, and what you are touching is towards the rear of the helmet.

[@platapus112]

Holy shit did they raid the Iraqi Republican guard for the helmet molds?

[@murphyzlaw13]

Firstly, love your channel. Secondly, in the US Marines in Iraq, our helmet or Kevlar as we called them, if they were compromised at all, we would switch it out. Just saying, blasting at the same helmet..?? Uhhh, I would hate to have that helmet on, lol...another great video.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@Brandon-dl4ww]

I’m interested in hearing about your 3M. Will the 3M stop ANY rifle rounds? I’ve seen footage of a soldier talking a 7.62 to the forehead and thought he just bumped his head.

[@tradbowhunter53]

It will deflect a good amount, i think ive seen the same video, could have been a glancing hit to the forehead(most likely because it didnt seem to ring his bell much)

[@NinjaofApathy]

Which 3M helmet model is that?

[@tradbowhunter53]

@@NinjaofApathy 3M MICH2000

[@Brandon-dl4ww]

The one I mentioned is the mich, like he says but the one I asked about is the high cut 3M that was flashed in the video for about one second. But it’s a mid-tier priced helmet

[@DaveSmith-cp5kj]

@@Brandon-dl4ww Most rifle round stops the bullet has slowed down from drag to the point where it is closer to a handgun round impact than a rifle round. Even after just 100 yards, a rifle bullet has slowed down to the speed of that of an SBR. The ECH is probably the strongest baseline helmet shell out there, although many high end manufacturers like MTEK have that same capability. You can make a cheaper helmet shell stop rifle rounds at closer range if you use an armor up but it adds a lot of weight to the front so the value is questionable.

[@peterhartwell2578]

Great video - slow mo is great! And can't help but enjoy the obvious pleasure you get. Just FYI I like some other of your fans appreciate best in class for a specific price point. Your best AR for $1K video closed the deal for me with IWI. If this helmet is the low end at $400 I was wondering if we could get a "Best Ballistic Helmet for $800 (2X)" video? Would sure appreciate your thoughts - especially around backface deformation of the winner.

[@berniestraight126]

That was awesome thank you for your information

[@pewpewTN]

That Federal American Eagle isn't even real 5.7x28 ammo. It's loaded so light it's more like a 5.7 Special.

[@LastEarBender]

Thumbs up for larping in the back yard last night lol When I see helmets give a lot, I wonder what the odds are for cracking a skull? I mean, beats the alternative- but I wonder if a secondary inner shell wouldn't be a bad concept

[@n8strength]

Love that 686! It’s a beauty

[@bonsaw57]

It looks to be a later made “Clinton lock” version if I had to guess. Just from the sights and everything. I’d avoid those for collecting. There is a company that makes lock blocks for new model smiths that I use on my 360j and carry every day with it

[@n8strength]

@@bonsaw57 Interesting. I picked up a 5” Plus, unfluted like his for $800 barely used (Same sights, though i swapped for HiViz fiber optic). I love shooting it. Very accurate, beautiful craftsmanship. Ill have to look into if it’s a Clinton Lock version

[@boldie24]

Excellent review as usual Mike. Is that a rattle can job on the DDM4ISR?

[@Mrgunsngear]

Yes it is!

[@michaelriordan9834]

Great review thanks!

[@christiancook5738]

Please review hard head veterans who have a similar price point but I’m sure are much more well known

[@adamtudor8201]

Probably have some bad headaches from those suckers. Thanks for discussing backface deformation. That is important.

[@relaxingmoments7928]

6:18 The bee was flying for its life....

[@ReasonablyBadActor]

Need some better 5.7x28 for armor penetration. Aside from SS190, which is vaporware, try SS198 or some Elite Ammo T6-B (if you can find it, I do not even see it listed on their site anymore)

[@Phantom1188_]

Would love to see your shoot an ops core or a team Wendy. I know it would be expensive but I don’t think anyone else on KZbin has done it.

[@imjustadude]

Where ya get the floppy hat? My head is aerodynamic like yours, needs some protection ...

[@Pyle81]

Im looking for the same hat. I need the neck and ear coverage it offers.

[@stoneblue1795]

That was great. Practical tests and excellent results. Shared with some friends.

[@Capoe3]

Seriously, we need that hat. Where did you get that thing. I suppose the helmet might be nice too but that damn hat I need.

[@Pyle81]

Same here, I won't rest till I find one. LoL. I've seen shooters with this same hat at Camp Perry at the High Power National's in the past. Perhaps that might help point you towards sourcing one.

[@cyotedude]

Pretty cool and informative video. Really, if shot by any high impact projectile while wearing any IIIA or greater helmet, you would be out of the fight, even if there were no penetration or serious backface deformation. The impact would ring your bell to such a degree as to render you "stunned for life" with really bad neck problems... if not a broken neck. So, wear any helmet with the knowledge it largely protects you from bumping your head, and its a great place to mount your NODs, thats about all. Anything greater than .22 caliber rimfire and your going home to sit on the porch and to watch the sunset. Best case scenario.

[@Chase7711]

Then how have soldiers, and contractors taken 7.62x54 R rounds to the helmet and continued fighting and live without issue? And i promise you this haplens bc ive seen it

[@TerminalM193]

Where did you get your sun hat from? I've been looking for a very wide brim one like yours that can be shaped like yours as well.

[@grantham1149]

Can ear pro (muffs) fit underneath?

[@soulscreed]

Have you looked at some of there other helmets? They're even cheaper but boast same protection it seems. Maybe so mythbusting to be done?

[@flipflopsgarage]

That hat is the real star of the show

[@bcsbird]

Hey Mike can you test some gear from Helmet Camp. Appears to be unrealistically inexpensive for helmets and night vision. Would be nice to see how bad or good there stuff really is. Thanks and great video as always.

[@Laserbimmer]

anybody see the bee in the .45 ACP test? little guy was like WTF and got outta there

[@staycoolproductions]

I don’t usually like asking people to review certain things because no one can do everything, but if you can could you test a Team Wendy EXFIL ballistic helmet sometime? I’ve been wanting to buy one but I have to save up and I want to know what exactly it’ll do. Please and thank you :)

[@yzhou05]

Just look at the test data on the TW website. They do plenty of mil/leo contracts and have been around long enough with a good track record that I would trust their certifications/ratings for bump and ballistic protection.

[@staycoolproductions]

@@yzhou05 Right, I just don’t trust a salesman to tell me something like that, because that’s what they are is salesmen ya know

[@yzhou05]

@@staycoolproductions I get it, but you’re asking somebody to write off a >$1000 helmet for destructive testing, and TW doesn’t need the extra publicity/sales (or maybe they do, I guess one can always ask them for a sample).

[@mwchilders24]

Lol lord helm popped into my head from space balls when you put that big helmet on your head hehehe

[@davidtasker6729]

That guys neck with the 460 would have snapped. Helmets are nice for siting on in hello’s. At least with the old steal pot.

[@billydickerson5647]

What's the helmet made with, the last time I saw a dent(s) like that in a helmet was a heavy plastic ballistic helmet during paint ball combat

[@demsexploitingdeadkidsforp3635]

He mentioned it was ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or UHMWP.

[@billydickerson5647]

@@demsexploitingdeadkidsforp3635 Thanks for the reply ... I think I'll stick with my Kevlar helmet

[@Megames2012]

While looking at the Adept website, I just saw they have a Level 4+ plate (Colossus Beyond RF-3); could you take a look at it?

[@tangomantactical]

What is a good brand of a beginning helmet? Nodz are on my short list. Can someone give any suggestions? Not a airsoft helmet.

[@robertzeurunkl8401]

5:12 - 115gr of what? I'm assuming 9mm?

[@robertzeurunkl8401]

5:55 - That didn't go through, but with that big dent, that must be like someone taking a baseball bat to your head full swing! Ouch!

[@pkt1213]

Everytime I see a helmet test it makes me think of my Sr. Drill telling us, a brain bucket doesn't stop the bullet, it stops your brains from splattering all over you battle and him freaking out. Only person I knew preGWOT with 2 CIBs.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

I just think they're so big. You wear the helmet and that's what they'll see and shoot at because you're a bigger target. But also, I doubt a shiny bald head is much better so maybe it's worth it.

[@90whatever]

Catching a bullet in the head even armored is going to be a broken neck and/or TBI or dead. Would be nice to have a shock or g-meter inside the helmet to measure the trauma that is still going to be transmitted to your skull and brain.

[@brucestarr4438]

In my time, '73-'77 it wasn't uncommon to see double CIBs. 10 years earlier you might have seen someone with triple CIBs. 3 Wars in 20 years is why.

[@pkt1213]

@@brucestarr4438 I wasn't specific. This was the summer of 2001. A single one from while still uncommon wasn't unusual. He had earned his two in Panama and Somalia if I remember. All 3 of my drill sergeants had earned combat patches which also set them apart from a lot of the others..

[@brucestarr4438]

@@pkt1213 I went in 1973, most the NCOs were Nam vets & a few Korea vets were still in. In '73 it was still separate BCT/AIT for Infantry. I earned my Blue Cord @ Polk.

[@TomDog5812]

There are truckloads of folks I would not believe...but if you say there was no pass through, I believe you.

[@johncooper1107]

How would those rounds work on a Vietnam era helmet ?

[@frenchroast1355]

One can predict the outcome of any particular shot by the size of the grin you wear.

[@resyrifle]

can you put any comms headset underneath this helmet?

[@jameela1058]

Is that the James Cameron Deepsea Sea Dweller watch?

[@mrhollisterjr]

I know this was asked somewhere else, but how do you use a headset/hear muffs with this helmet? I just can't see how the rail works with the ear coverage? Is there enough space under the helmet to wear a headset?

[@OldCelticWarrior]

Thanks again. As always very interesting and informative. Thumbs up and I "re subscribed" hmm imagine that.

[@AlecBerg]

It's cheap for a helmet but not cheap for the avg guy at $399. They also have a helmet for $159 that says NIJ IIIA. Shockproof Riot helmet. Any chance of testing it?

[@michaelpietrzak2067]

Great review as always. How about the Guard Dog IIIA from Atlantic Firearms?

[@Danny344S]

They are just longfri botach shells that they sell for a mark up not worth it all china junk

[@Lex10999]

Great video. Thanks )

[@wilfdarr]

Are they replacement pads, or are they different thickness to customize the size?

[@shadyp-zv3uf]

dude I don't mean to sound like a Fudd, but that 1911 and the 686plus w/ 4inch barrel are some sweet pistols... then u bring out a 460 S&W w/ 8" barrel...lol #ouch

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁

[@ChristianGrest]

Looks like a solid option for folks wanting to save a little cash. Would love to get a helmet set up some day. Great video Mike!

[@Mrgunsngear]

Thank you

[@julianperez5046]

I'm gonna be honest it's a horrible option and there is a better alternative route for a helmet that can save a person's life without severe back face deformation. A person can get a galvion viper helmet, or even a Gentex helmet (without rails & shroud) at a similar price point that has the proper testing behind it alongside quality control. Additionally, if it's just to hold nods or ear pro & a person isn't doing live-fire CQB lasses then a team Wendy bump would be the best deal. The helmet gunsngear went over is flawed as while a bullet does not goes through a person's head they'd either end up a vegetable from a severe TBI or die from an internal brain bleed. It's much better in my book to buy something that can save your life should an SHTF scenario ever occur. Kind Regards, Julian

[@ez56789]

Dude its 400 bucks. Hard head vets almost no backface deformation, 529. 129 bucks to save your dome. Hard pass on this brand

[@julianperez5046]

@@ez56789 hard head veteran has backface issues too all they're helmets come from botach in China without proper qc. He's best off buying a gentex tbh shell with his own choice of pads, retention etc or a galvion viper

[@stahlhelmturtle9822]

Surplus ACH and PASGT helmets can be found on eBay for 300 dollars or less depending on size, model, and condition.

[@bilbsk.2510]

Awesome videos thank you

[@michaelj1098]

I'm curious about the boltless ballistic helmet from bulletproof zone mainly in how the nvg shroud holds up UARM BHBH

[@Token_Black_Guy]

Also was looking at that

[@jamesbergman581]

Where are they made

[@Midnightrider1177]

In your opinion, you think it would glance the normal rifle rounds on a indirect hit?

[@Mrgunsngear]

it's possible

[@christopheroconnor1847]

Probably not if the sub .300 blkout penetrated

[@JmfC1andONLY]

To TRULY identify failures by caliber, you should've used the highest velocity round, if it pierces then use the conventional.. i.e. to prove 5.7x28mm start with the nastiest, vanguard black fang or ss198. If it passes through THEN check federal slow boys at 600+fps slower and dull tipped.

[@28_babyshark]

PSA 5.7 pistol? Do you have a review on the PSA 5.7 ?

[@syndicate4417]

Why not tell us where it’s made? Why’s the website look so shotty?

[@Nperez1986]

Just like Apple....China

[@herrseekadett1172]

399$ is very good in my country we have less balistik weapons. (Germany) I think I will buy this

[@bonesely9858]

link to the 3M helmet you use please? I'm in the market and comparing.

[@versoarmamentcompany]

Great video

[@kevinwicklund5914]

Thanks mike!

[@clamum9648]

Holy feces I can't believe it stopped that 460 S&W

[@lucion511]

The 686 plus looked like a 5" or 6" barrel? Or am I wrong?

[@wabbitttune]

Keep the 2A content coming... love your channel and FB page.... from long time fan and sub.... in Auburn Hills, Michigan...

[@fog8969]

Sorry Mike, but off topic question, because I have nowhere to ask: Anyone have any experience in running the ARMSCOR 5.56 M193 FMJ 55GR AMMUNITION, 20 ROUNDS - 50174 for training purposes, only. It's on sale right now, and I just want to know before I buy if its gonna run. Doesn't need to be deadly. Just run for training. Thanks.

[@Mrgunsngear]

maybe but I don't remember

[@fog8969]

@@Mrgunsngear Thanks. Would have asked on FB, but don't have an account there. Maybe someone else has tried some. If I don't hear from others by Monday, I'll probably go ahead and order 10 boxes (free shipping for 10+ boxes) and run out and test it right quick, then order more if it runs fine.

[@JohnStevens-gp6qk]

What's that song at the beginning?

[@felipetejeda7545]

I’m some instances I feel it would be better without a helmet, the shot might narrowly miss your head without it, but enough of that back face deformation would fracture your skull and be killed instantly.

[@meh9682]

Was that a 500 magnum? (I thought that was the biggest mass produced?)

[@thatguyoverthere2288]

Also waiting eagerly on the mete pro review

[@chillios2222]

That 357 rocked it , would have messed you up bad

[@yishaihalpin]

Yeah but that same round to the head without the helmet on would mean absolute death. I’d probably rather have an injury I could very possibly come back from than half my brain missing lol.

[@Leethal1]

Was that a sig STX I saw

[@fathersonsrcpoop9905]

Last night when I was larping in my backyard😂 HAD ME DEAD

[@rogerloess2379]

What kind of watch you rockin?

[@thomastolan1477]

Is it DOT rated in addition?

[@wubaru]

What helmet would you recommend for a size 8 fathead like myself?

[@Danny344S]

I recommend you get a xl ops core if you can’t afford one get a older surplus ach helmet do not buy any high cuts online under 700 they are all Chinese junk

[@lancesmith5313]

What about a retest with 22 TCM, Tokorev, and.357 Sign?

[@Mrgunsngear]

nah

[@standingup6433]

so it doesn't come w/ NV to lose on a side of a hill outside of Zussman villiage huh...hehe...hope things are well

[@Mrgunsngear]

😁