Do Civilians NEED Ballistic Helmets? | MTEK Strike Setup

Do prepared citizens need ballistic helmets? Is a plate carrier enough? Should you get a Bump helmet or a Ballistic? We look at a brief history of helmets, and the mindset behind normal people owning life-saving equipment, while taking a look at the new MTEK Strike helmet.
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00:00 Intrusive Thoughts
01:10 What is a "Need"?
02:51 Founding Fathers' Intent
03:43 Bump or Ballistic?
05:45 Garand Thumb
06:39 Impact Protection
07:30 Helmet Weight through History
09:11 Priority List
12:27 The MTEK Strike Setup 1
15:46 Ear Protection
22:09 NODs, Light & Attachments
24:36 MTEK Strike Setup 2
27:46 Final Thoughts

[@ControlledPairsGaming]

Hilarious intro. Really appreciated the "why" in this video. An extremely pragmatic and historically rooted explanation that appropriately weighted risk/likelihood of need. Keep it up, dudes.

[@dirty-civilian]

Thanks man!

[@zactanner5187]

​@@dirty-civilianalright so where can we buy an ACH for 30 bucks?

[@dirty-civilian]

Got it from a guy selling it on IG. You can find them used everywhere online.@@zactanner5187

[@Stuckofftherealness]

@@dirty-civilianHey brother great video. This was cut and dry. Straight to the point. I sold my old ACH and LWH then just kept my old bump helmet. Looks like I’ll get back into ballistic helmets now. I do have a question. What ear piece was your friend using? I’m wondering what ear piece and how he ran that into a PTT since it’s what 3.5mm Jack?

[@hurpaderpp]

@@zactanner5187 I have one rotting in my closet ill sell you for 200 :)

[@Modern_Warrior_School]

For the longest time, I did have 6 months of food saved up, but then I ended up losing my job and had to live off those supplies for 6 months. Remember, prepping isn't just about ammo and armor, it's about realizing that everyday life happens. Keep up the good work.

[@dirty-civilian]

Very true. Hope you landed on your feet man.

[@MissingLinkMTB]

water mains all broke in town this winter and we had no water.... I stocked up a lot before I deployed so the family was actually safe. That water came in really handy.

[@ninpolife7749]

I did the same thing in between jobs! Pregnant wife ate organic and I ate emergency food.

[@fromtheblack3220]

We prep for the worst case scenario but the great thing about prepping is that in doing so we are prepared for other hard situations and times.

[@Sk0lzky]

I laughed my ass off when the lockdowns were announced and people raided stores for the toilet paper - I actually felt more relaxed than normally because of the knowledge that if people bought out everything stores had to offer I'd be perfectly fine. (although tbf cooking with dryed meat, I don't mean jerky but pretty much edible stones with no moisture would be painful)

[@ka.fierce]

"Fools decide what is necessary based on immediate risk, while wise men choose what is needed based on potential consequences" - Dirty Civilian... apparently.

[@Horsemanray]

"If your wife was a little bit meaner you'd be collecting model trains. This is a sad fantasy. You're not Ethan Allen you own a power washing company in Sarasota." - Me thinking about the kinds of people who get conned into buying overpriced milspec gear.

[@mrpullings4490]

@@HorsemanrayYou alright man?

[@Horsemanray]

@@mrpullings4490 Are you wearing a helmet right now?

[@mrpullings4490]

@@Horsemanray Right now, no. Maybe later.

[@henblak]

I personally feel lucky to find this channel with the situation the world is in right now.

[@jamesowens2781]

Yep

[@kurt53641]

The world has been on fire since it’s been turning.

[@tummyfreckles]

Your own situation should be your number one brotha

[@gmbb315]

These two guys^ 👍🏼

[@JewTubeSux]

Revelation 6:1 - 6:15 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGeWZnasZ8aCoqM&feature=share7

[@PharkDysics]

Your closing statement really hit close to home, I’m only 25 and I started prepping and larping a little over a year ago. I can say whole heartedly that I am the first and only person in my family to own any firearms. I grew up in a poor left household, parents were on food stamps Medicaid/medicare etc. don’t get me wrong they are amazing parents and I love them dearly but my dad isn’t into firearms and chooses not to have one, my mom is deathly afraid of seeing them in person. Regardless I am that first generation of protector in my household with my wife. I am learning all of this on my own with no personal friends or family who are even remotely interested in this as I am. Long story short. My dad asked me why I felt the need to own an AR-15, shotgun, handguns and ammunition? He understands why I store food and water, medical and survival but he can’t wrap his head around why firearms would be part of the equation. My answer left him speechless. Dad: “why do you feel the need to waste your money on all these firearms and ballistic gear and training? You’re not in the military.” Me: “Dad, what would you have done if someone broke into our house when I was a kid? Or if there was a rogue militia roaming through the streets and rioting? What if the we were invaded or if a complete collapse of society happened, what would you have done?” Dad: “ I would have prayed that no one hurt us.” Me:” that’s why I’m doing this, I have responsibility and obligation to protect my family at all costs.” Right now it’s just my wife and I, we don’t have kids yet but but you bet your ass I’ll do everything I have to do to protect her or my future children from harm if it ever comes down to it.

[@claytonedwards2961]

It may feel cringe or unnecessary. But damn, when you really need it. Training and larping can really be a lifesaver. It allows you to get familiar with the equipment you like and dislike aswell as get you familiar with your weapons. Which is so valuable

[@maineoutdoorsman677]

Make making me dizzy by whipping around in a circle like that I almost wanna puke

[@GentiluomoStraniero]

Thoughts and prayers only go so far in protecting your family. One can make the argument that you don't need anything....Until you do.

[@jurassicturtle3666]

Unfathomably based Larping may feel and be a little silly but if it's a methodology to increase our capacity to protect our families, it's beyond worth it. Men becoming men again

[@gbarraza2012]

That intro is a masterpiece

[@Out-to-Pastor]

Made me dizzy lol

[@gbarraza2012]

@@Out-to-Pastor same lol

[@LARPeratorsAnonymous]

Was just thinking about this last night with my team Wendy bump sitting on my noodle, running all the “what ifs” scenarios in my head, while I sit in my back yard kitted out looking at stars while my wife roasts me 😂

[@DPham1]

Good on you for holding fast. God willing, nothing will ever happen...but if it does, your wife's gonna thank the shit out of you. Stay strong bro!

[@LARPeratorsAnonymous]

@@DPham1 ❤️

[@cagneybillingsley2165]

team wendy bump helmet is 400 usd while a mich with nv shroud costs 200 usd. only fools get the team wendy, not to mention their politics suck.

[@joshr5014]

I wish this channel had been around when I was first getting into this stuff. Truly glad you guys are around and spreading this information so there isn’t such a big learning curve for the people just finding their way into this community. Much love

[@dirty-civilian]

Most of what we do here is based on what we wish we would have heard years ago as well, haha.

[@1172603]

​@dirty-civilian bro that intro was literally me asking all those same questions a week ago

[@markfiorentino9757]

Just wish they weren't so darn expensive.

[@softysoul7852]

My man... This video was literally made for me and guys with my overthinking process... Thank you DC.

[@dirty-civilian]

Awesome! Happy to help.

[@jarrodrobertson7607]

bro, I think we all go down the rabbit holes from time to time. I agree, these guy make it a lot simpler. Appreicatge the work fellas.

[@wannabecarguy]

I would like a helmet for comms . Can't afford night vision.

[@mj-mx1lu]

Is it just me or was this channel not even at 75k subs 2 months ago??? KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK YALL DO. We love it.

[@turdferguson2863]

My brothers in Christ, protect your eyes, your ears, and your head. Also, this is your reminder to go the gym and drink water.

[@fromtheblack3220]

That’s a great point about passing our gear along to our kids if we don’t need it during our own lifetimes. I hadn’t thought about gear investment in quite that light before.

[@Driftingsiax]

Most accurate “do you remember that time” airsoft story ever. I loved that.

[@borndante7254]

I always thought of it as "I'd rather not need it and have it, than need it and not have it." I also like "prepare for the worst but hope for the best."

[@RP-ks6ly]

Charlie is one of the main reasons I watch Garand thumb..... I do appreciate your channel. Y'all are killing it with the content, guests, subjects and coverage.

[@sleazykilla360]

dont be a simp about it dude...

[@paulhowe5602]

I have been running that old school helmet for years now, it weighs about the same it does limit your options for ear pro but it gets the job done. I would love one of the new fancy ones but it is not in my priorities right now as long as I have something functional. Great video, and way to keep it in perspective.

[@dirty-civilian]

It absolutely will get the job done!

[@nathan-ls8yw]

@@dirty-civilianhas anyone tell you you kinda look like administrative results? distant cousin maybe?

[@dirty-civilian]

@@nathan-ls8yw Haha, yes. Love that guy. Served alongside him in numerous BB wars. :P

[@nathan-ls8yw]

@@dirty-civilian 😂🙃

[@leth4ltiger]

THANK YOU!! I've been hemming and hawing over helmets and headgear for years. This video really made everything pretty clear, and gives me an actual goal to shoot for. Excellent video!

[@gunterstraus606]

I personally saw the helmet as the mechanism through which you get effective NODs mounting, and I figured if I'm wearing a helmet, it might as well be ballistic. I quite like the mid-cut style as it can take the AMP Arms but still permit some ear coverage.

[@fn45tac1]

That was my exact process too

[@covrtdesign5279]

To do what exactly? Seriously, what do you expect to happen that you need spec ops gear as a civilian. As a combat disabled veteran, I will tell you the answer, nothing.

[@gunterstraus606]

@@covrtdesign5279 Is it ignoring a bait post if you point out it smells like bait? Or is it like biting but saying you're doing so ironically?

[@065Tim]

At this moment, US civilians are more often in gunfights than US military personnel.

[@JORLANDO93]

@@covrtdesign5279yessir, LT KEYBOARD sir 🫡

[@kennedyfinancialsolutions]

It’s Friday afternoon here in the bottom of Alabama, I’m on my second whiskey, and this intro comes on…. Epic. You boys are doing it right😂 God bless and keep the excellent content coming! Thank you for your work✝️💪😎🇺🇸🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️

[@markrichards7452]

Dont drink go do 5 pushups

[@kennedyfinancialsolutions]

1000/day. I earn my whiskeys bud.@@markrichards7452

[@BigTpetty]

As a relatively young guy who is just getting into enough money to be getting serious gear, I can't tell you how valuable the knowledge you guys are sharing with us is. Going to save a lot of time and "suffering" over the years. Keep it up fellas! God bless!

[@LibertarianGalt]

Don't forget to learn how to fight without a gun as well as with one!

[@dwilliams3594]

Good stuff as always, guys! Love the content!

[@HangtownTactical]

FANTASTIC video man. Your really coming into your own and I’m enjoying your content as much as GT and Admin for sure. Keep up the good work. Thinking about finally putting out some videos myself. Got a few video ideas in the works.

[@gym7144]

Helmets and eye pro are the first armor anyone should get.

[@medicineman6454]

Recommendations for good eye and ear pro?

[@MyLonewolf25]

⁠@@medicineman6454eye pro is eye pro as long as it’s ansi rated it’s good Ear pro go nuts but walker razors are cheap and decent

[@BrandonE-ri4km]

That’s what I was thinking.. can’t see why you’d get plates first

[@SideStrafed]

@@BrandonE-ri4kmmaybe cause you’re more likely to get hit centermass than your head

[@BDD-]

Considering plates are 1/2 the cost of this helmet I’d deff go plates first protect the most likely area to get hit first.

[@Sammenluola]

I have huuuge appreciation for the mental and philosophical points raised in this video. The inheritance and legacy aspect of this stuff, the long game so to speak, is extremely important and meaningful to me as a farther and prepper living right next to Russia. (Greetings from Finland guys!) I instantly subscribed.

[@X9Unsponsored]

This is my life. I feel autistic with how I think and am glad to find others who make me realize I'm just being and prepared as I can be.

[@E.AllTheAbove]

I think 19:17 to 20:32 is my favorite part. LMAO his story telling is amazing. And your reaction was amazing

[@Briggattonii]

In true youtube comment section fashion, I wont finish the video before giving my opinion. It depends on the scenario you’re preparing for, where you are geographically, and the amount of money you’re willing to put into preparedness. If you’re planning on being part of a semi-official military organization, fighting in a near peer or peer-to-peer conflict, then you should have a ballistic helmet. If you’re bugging out “inna woods” and you just need something to serve as a night vision host while being lightweight enough to preform strenuous activities, then you’re 9 times out of 10 going to be better served by a bump helmet. “Mission drives the gear” isn’t just a bumper sticker, and you should know what your mission is and buy gear to help you in that mission rather than the other way around. A plate carrier with a 3 mag placard might not be best suited for your individual use cases if your regularly going outside “civilization” and the tradeoff of weight to capability is too great for you to make. Does that mean plate carriers are useless? Absolutely not. However, just know there’s a time and a place for everything. There are no universal solutions, and you shouldn’t buy gear “because that’s what the pros are using”.

[@dirty-civilian]

We love the caveat, haha. Totally agree!

[@taylorharbin3948]

Agreed. I want NV, but I’ve been considering a head harnesses to start with.

[@mrtaylorhelm]

The airsoft war story was GOLD

[@Rifles-n-Harvest]

This was an excellent breakdown. Loved this!

[@levigruffydh6913]

Great content as always! I love my TW Exfil Ballistic. But i also have the bump that i use for mountain biking, snowboarding, rappelling etc.

[@ehtikhet]

Sick! That’s what i’m after, cross compartamization for sharp pointy rocks in the the back country and the major priority of shit goes bad, bullets bouncing off my dome in the potential future.

[@LTLC]

As someone who also has both real Ops Core AMPs, and the FMA AMPs, I'll say this... The real AMPs absolutely suck for passive hearing protection (meaning with the electronics turned off). Like, worse than just using a set of Howard Leights passively. I would go so far as to say you will get hearing damage using those headphones long term. They are about the same as the FMA AMPs with passive hearing protection (with the gel ear cups, as they lower the noise reduction rating by 1-2 decibels). The only reason the real AMPs are worth the money, is if you purchase the NFMI earbuds. And boy, do they sound amazing.... Doubled up hearing protection with the sound profile of not wearing anything at all. The FMA AMPs have surprisingly decent sound reproduction, and are excellent when using a bao feng radio. But the speakers get blown out around live fire, and the included headband doesn't have enough tension to safely provide a good seal. So i would only recommend those as airsoft only. Plus, no way to use the real NFMI earbuds with them, as they don't actually have the magnetic inductors like the real ones. The FMA helmet mount arms are legit, and i am using them on my bump helmet with the real AMPs. Final thoughts... The FMA AMPs are okay for the money if you want something for airsoft, but i would not recommend them for real steel. The real Ops Core AMPs are only worth it if you buy the NFMI earbuds as well, otherwise just stick with Howard Leights for electronic ear pro.

[@abrahamzenger3531]

Where is the best place to buy the fma amps?

[@jannawaber7912]

@@abrahamzenger3531 Ebay/ Amazon is your best friend for ANY reproduction items (repro). I have gotten Repro WADSN and SOTAC Surefire flashlights DF M640, M300V, and 2x X300U-A for around $40-$50, a Wilcox G24 NVG mount that's aluminum (amazon) as well as a WADSN Helstar for the top of my helmet and my god they work. I can hardly tell them apart from the real thing. Repros flashlights have been bright, and I haven't been able to test it yet, but based on build quality I have no reason to doubt that it would work on weapons. Everything is machined aluminum, so no issues there, and the springs on the light caps and heads are a gtg from me. I run my repro Wilcox G24 mount and my M300V daily with the IR illuminator with nods, at 1/5 the cost of a real vampire. The only downside with some repro is the screw threads can be small so DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN! past that, a dab of blue Loctite made my G24 NVG mount gtg after one time of applying and tightening all the screws for running through the woods all night (not a metaphor). I'm excited now to look into those FMA ear pro mounts but I see no reason that they wouldn't work like he said in this video!

[@JTimberB.45]

Drew, I personally find that what I need to prep right now, is the theology of my family and friends. We are in a time of mass deception and people are losing faith and embracing the world and its wickedness. The culture of where I live already focuses on self reliance and preparedness, but has salvation and moral righteousness in the backseat. Thanks for all you do, keep the flame

[@nicholasmullins4613]

Nhp😊😊😊po😮

[@Detlastriker]

Thank god for the opening. Love it. Thanks for the vid

[@travisoneal3]

Great communication drew. Thanks brother.

[@Callsign_Ewok]

That hilarious intro is what I needed today, thank you. The struggles of the spinning internal main character monologue is relatable.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

Very well thought out and explained.

[@PJDonut117]

Some top teir content right here, keep up the good work. The explanations behind the why and the reasons was on point. There are multiple options for helmets and this made it clear but also explained why this helmet is a good option.

[@dirty-civilian]

Thanks!

[@MrFox1111]

So funny. Another great video guys! Keep up the great work with the channel.

[@ogebogi]

Knocked another topic out of the park. Well done DCs!

[@RonJeremyFan2142]

Fantastic intro. I chuckled with my morning coffee.

[@jebusgabagool7902]

Great content. Thanks for the insight from your experience.

[@seang1032]

My thought is kind of what you said but if you can afford the ballistic helmet, with the money to train, go with it. If the ballistic helmet is far too expensive for you, get the bump helmet. Train with your bump helmet and nods while figuring out what you like and how you'll set it up. Get the ballistic helmet after saving up. I think it's very similar, if not the same, to buying and setting up your AR15. If you can afford the quality AR and immediately start training with it, get it. If not, don't go cheap, start with something like a bcm/build. Kit it out and find out what you like. Took me over a year of constantly changing grips (vert/angled/handstop), lights, pressure pad placement, sling placement etc to find out what I prefer and works best for me.

[@blakeaustin4250]

Intro was great!! I just subscribed!!

[@HyperLethal7]

Well made video and informative!

[@tennesseeprince]

So glad to see the streamlight sidewinder stalk getting some traction lately. Its a great helmet light

[@han6211]

Btw, your FMAs look to be the older 2021 model. There was a revision that changed up the internal electronics in 2022 that supposedly made them sound really good. I've got a 2022 pair, when I use em it's almost indistinguishable from natural hearing. Slight bit more electronic noise, but pleasant enough that it doesn't bother me. And still protects my ears from all sorts of pyros.

[@elliottdmann]

Awesome stuff, love your philosophy and explanation here.

[@KRYPTOSPOLLARD]

I passed over this video a few times because i didn't want to hear the same bullshit we've all heard so many times. And eventually i got to it, and the intro itself was very well worth it. The meat of the content is great, but putting it with the comedy makes it top tier.

[@dirty-civilian]

Thanks for taking the time to watch! We appreciate it and hope it was helpful in some way.

[@gabrielchatwin7459]

Mtek is a great helmet, definitly cutting edge. For a budget option id suggest a used ACH, itll cost about 200. For budget mounts id suggest surplus "Rhino" mount and J Arm which will be 70-200. Sure youll be running Legacy GWOT gear... but they flat out WORK! Throw in some surefire earplugs and you'll have a servicable kit. As far as NODs go there isnt a "Budget" option. But PVS 14s with contract tubes can often be had around 2k. All in all you can have the head protected with a mono NVD for 2.5k, which is less than the Strike with amp arms.

[@nathanhollingsworth413]

I actually have no issue running my old PASGT with a gen3 white phos pvs7b … it’s a set up I’m very familiar and comfortable with , Even if it’s old school to a degree

[@BeDangerousGroup]

Your intros have been killing it lately!!! I have heard all of those inner monologue lines actually verbalized😂😂😂😂

[@JangJuiceProductions]

The monologue 20:00 was absolutely perfect lmaooo

[@idanksicard]

Please do an in-depth comms video with radio recommendations! I'm trying to get going on this but I'm having a hard time getting information and recommendations for the equipment from a source that uses them regularly. You guys are good and explaining and breaking things down in a way for the average joe to understand.

[@rodgreene2687]

Start with a Yaesu UV 65R and upgrade the antenna. You’ll be ahead of the cheap fellas who bought $40 Baofangs

[@donaldsanor2359]

Thank you for the knowledge. My perfect helmet, would be DOT and ballistic, as a Motorcyclist.

[@That_Guy5575]

What a fantastic intro, loved it.

[@tylerbryanhead]

I'm torn on this topic. I kinda cheaped out on a 400ish hhv helmet. I mean the test videos I've seen were fine until the hit the .44mag. They were good for .45 and 9mm. I don't expect Dirty Harry to dome me and rifle rounds are going to sail through a nice ops corp the same. I have a good suspension system and pads and it'll stop fragmentation. One day I'll get a nice one one day but for now I won't lose sleep. 3.4k could buy my night vision, which is my next purchase now that I've built out my fighting rifle how I want it, simple ham radio, peltors that were left in the bleachers at a grenade launcher range, plenty of ammo, ifak, cls bag, ronin plate carrier I bought in the army, battle belt, pistol with red dot, breaching shotgun and tools, non NATO/Commie combat uniforms, cold weather gear, boots, spare boots, tarp, sleep system, ruck, assault pack, compact one day ration packs I've been experimenting with (using hard tack, dried meat and fruit, hard candies, granola bars, bullion cubes, hydration powder, vitamins, caffeine gum, the works), spare batteries for everything, ect. I'm almost to where I want to be gear wise.

[@john316godlovesyou5]

Great video! Keep up the great work! God bless you!

[@kylehill4437]

Very helpful video.Thank you

[@patrickpendergast898]

Truth @3:10. When you go down the rabbit hole on antique firemarms they had some very surprising stuff like the 1658 Kalthoff 30 shot repeating flintlock

[@Zyavecht]

this is gold, awesome video.

[@micahmayfield]

Incredible truly.

[@melnieves2467]

Brother that intro had me in stitches!

[@Sheild_against_the_wicked556]

2:16 he said Garandchildren's lifetime 😅. I love it!! Keep up the awesome content!!!!

[@oliverallen5324]

@19:35 We don't have to do this again. I appreciated the video in its entirety up to this point.

[@maddogmagowan]

Thanks for the great info

[@kevindoherty126]

Great video. Strike looks sick. Protection Group Denmark has some dope, quality helmets at a super reasonable price for us budget boys 🤙

[@mikewithers299]

DC i love this channel. I dont have tons of money to throw at gear but i still need it to get the job done. Love your friends idea with in ear comms so as not to have too much extra stuff snagging on things.

[@Steelboots47]

Great video man. I love what your saying. Everyone thought I was crazy when I came back from the army and said I need guns & gear but the times are proving me right. Also like to add for those on the fence stuff isn’t getting any cheaper. I saved quite a bit getting kitted before the blandemic. Best to get stuff now while ya can. (Wait for Black Friday sales for the expensive stuff though)

[@Highdragjake]

That intro was 🔥

[@carsontipps7637]

Amazing video! I’ve currently got a “high end” airsoft team Wendy bump helmet. I’ve got guns, body armor, etc, but I’ve really been wondering if there was a good justification to ballistic helmets. This video cleared up that a ton so I thank y’all for doing it. Plus Josh telling his story reminded me of my eleven year old brother and his hyperactive energy. If you know what an ten year old energy is like….Im sorry. 😂

[@dirty-civilian]

Hahaha! So accurate.

[@whippedflame8484]

Man you guys are awesome love this channel

[@dirty-civilian]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Josh-wv3mn]

that intro... LMAO. I subbed off that alone. PS I own a Ops-Core SF, AMPS, and a set of DTNVS with L3 tubes. It is an amazing setup.

[@zachzimmerman2996]

Something I find funny, is that I've always run a helmet playing airsoft. We did a shop outing one time to play with some people from work, and one of the new people we brought was shot in the forehead about halfway through the day. The first thing she said to us regular players the next work day was "now I know why you guys wear helmets". Also, often the first three things a militia man in the middle ages would acquire was a spear, a shield, and a helmet. Protect your head!

[@mikef5694]

Fantastic video. I’d love for you guys to get into thermal and it’s capabilities.

[@dirty-civilian]

We're into it already. Getting spun up on it as we speak! It's definitely the next level.

[@ontarioblue1994]

Nice job on the weight loss keep up the good work

[@devinwhite1207]

The extended version of the nade story may have been the best part of this video. But also great information! 😂

[@ohnousagain6606]

I Love The Intro!

[@rtek777]

My grandpa did things in Cuba when the Castro brothers and Che Guevara were up in the mountains before they took over. When things went south and he had to evac my grandma, Mom and uncle out or be killed, lets just say his years of training and preparation came in handy. He used to sit with me and tell me stories of the assignments he was given by a 3 letter agency he worked for. One thing he always told me was how important it is to stock up on things of all sorts. Food, water, medical, pew pews etc. Now Im teaching my kids and telling them the stories their great grandpa told me.

[@gaunt371]

Great video

[@dougannash6985]

A couple thoughts... 1. Speed is security. Even the lightest ballistic helmet will be ~1lb heavier than something like the TW bump. 1lb on your noggin feels like...alot. If you're a member of the unorganized militia (which we all are) and you're facing threats from shrapnel (which I realize *can* come from rounds impacting near you and/or disrupting other frangible material, though it's usually not carrying enough energy to penetrate a bump helmet and the skull), you probably made a mistake being there in the first place. And yeah, I've got a Fast SX as well as a TW bump. If I get "the call" and the only info I have is a rally point, yeah--I'm humping the bump. If I know I'll be kicking down doors (highly unlikely and again, if I'm doing this, mistakes were already likely made) then sure, I'll rock a ballistic. I agree people should probably have both, but man, I put that ballistic helmet alot lower on the list of priorities. 2. Ditch those old OTE ear pro/comms systems my dude. In-ears are the future. Silynx makes an absolutely killer set that work with a number of different radios (including Baofengs). They run $500-600 and open up a ton of options in terms of helmet selection as you no longer have to worry about finicky adapters, rail compatibility, etc. That and you essentially lose the weight penalty. Training in 95 degree heat with sweat pooling in your ears just isn't necessary anymore.

[@duhbullb]

The phrase: "Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it" has never felt more appropriate in this day in age

[@dirty-civilian]

Absolutely.

[@caseycodes]

This intro was the straw that broke the camels back. Had to sub after that one lmao

[@dwalker8145]

Did the exact same thing. Started with a TW bump and ended up actually trading it for a TW ballistic SL

[@jordanbrown351]

I wasn't issued one before I went on a mission but I found the perfect kevlar just sitting in the corner of a parking lot!!!

[@thundermuffin71]

Phenomenal content

[@SlothGuru]

If I remember correctly, approx 75% of all artillery fatalities during WW2 came from shrapnel in the head.

[@76692SankohaxxProjekt]

Just fyi as someone who works with data sets for military contractors, the cause of death reporting in the US military since WW1 has been "assumed" cause instead of "immidiate" cause. Thats why when you go the VA they can turn you away since your papers list speculative notes from your underqualified army doctor. Stratnel almost always is bodily shock from impact, not stratnal. From point of inpact up to about 5 ft the shcok wave alone will stop your heart and sever the spinal cord from the head. The stratnal stat is a BS data point, I literally grilled the agent I was consulting for that their data was ass and they are doing it completly wrong, as per usually they didnt care.

[@TheDudeAbides1776]

You can get a surplus MICH or ACH and send it to Kustom ACH to get a high or mid cut. They also drill holes for a standard NVG mount. The cost of the helmet and cut are way cheaper than most new helmets.

[@OldDirtyDrake]

Surplus is sketchy though. Armor goes bad with age and unless it’s brand new, you have no idea how it was cared for.

[@TheDudeAbides1776]

​@@OldDirtyDrake Totally. Age and care make a difference so it would take some due diligence to find a quality surplus helmet. With all the surplus going over to Ukraine it's probably way harder to find a one though. A less effective ballistic is better than a plastic bump though. Just another option that's out there.

[@HankSmutty]

I recently got a Caimen ballistic helmet and love it !

[@dirty-civilian]

Those are nice.

[@BlakeJoy]

Just that intro got you a new sub lol

[@kingferguson1]

Got that Mike Jones flex tho, son. But seriously, great vid! Thank you for the info.

[@94SexyStang]

I'm just running a cheap airsoft helmet for NV, because I'm only casually exploring my property at night, stargazing etc.....maybe at some point I will dish out money for a Ballistic. But I think there are So many more important prep things to buy before worrying about a helmet, like body armor, and other attire.

[@willblackmon5245]

Its worth noting on the surplus ACH - there are guys out there than can cut and seal for high cut if the full length is not your deal. This can be cost effective relative to the gucci gear - especially if you can get one in the $100 and under range.

[@ChrisLee-UK]

ANything is only as strong as it's foundation! England here but I'm in the process of building a ballistic helmet setup. Obviously things are limited here but I'll do my best. I have a PVS-14 NOD and my son has an NVG10 already in his ballistic helmet set, don't need one if I'm honest but better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Also being a Medic, I'm most likely to be running towards the drama so anything that prolongs the heartbeat is worth it in my book! Keep up the good fight brother, regards from across the pond.

[@JP-vx2sr]

Yeah I’m interested in your upcoming food prepper video

[@gatormcklusky5850]

I went off in some sorta weird day dream while i was watching this when i came to i realized my thought was .. i can't believe how insecure the wrong guy in a white room up on a hill can make the entire nation feel bad / worry about whether or not this place is gonna continue to stand, never in my 58 years have i felt this way.

[@nathgibs03]

Intro was funny new sub

[@slimchauncey]

Amen brother!!!

[@BuckF0eJiden]

Anyone who's looking for ballistic protection on a budget, look into the Milsurp MICH/ACH helmets. Are they as good as newer helmets? No, not at all. But they are effective, and can offer many of the same benefits a new FAST or other high speed helmet will offer. I ran one as a budget setup for quite a while with my ears mounted underneath the pads, but you'll be very limited as to what ears you can run. Running ears mounted inside the helmet, under the pads, will help clamp the helmet to your head, too. I'm also running an AGM thermal unit on a bridge with a PVS-14. I ran with the highest resolution model that still had a true 1x magnification. It ran me around $600, and gives thermal capability. Disclaimer, it's hard to get used to moving with both a PVS-14 and the thermal unit, but having that thermal capability has been an absolute game changer. Whether it be milsim or hunting invasive species, it gives you an additional layer of detection capability. And honestly, I wouldn't trade that little thermal for another PVS14 if it was free. They also make mountable rail systems you can drop on MICH/ACH systems. They're a heavier helmet, and they take a lot of work to get up to par with other helmets. But... if you're on a budget, it's a good option. I still run my old budget helmet on a regular basis as a trainer. It's not as good as a newer helmet, but if you take the time to set it up to you, they'll work very well, and when you do upgrade... you'll have a ballistic helmet for your wife, your kids, or whoever.

[@dirty-civilian]

Amen.

[@8solideogloria]

Great stuff

[@AllmightyMilpil]

When it comes to prep for food, I make an effort to buy double the canned goods I plan on using to build up a stockpile, but I am really curious to see your approach to prepping food and especially water for multiple months. Please do make that vid!

[@tjcambre5236]

That's a great saying.