Hard Head Veterans ATE Helmet Ballistic Test & Review (HD)

The Hard Head Veterans Above The Ear helmet purports to offer great protection at a great price; we'll take a look at the features and test the protection that it offers with a few different pistol rounds.
HHV ATE Helmet: amzn.to/2lZOYxV
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Disclaimer: These videos are strictly for educational and entertainment purposes only. Imitation or the use of anything demonstrated in my videos is done AT YOUR OWN RISK. All work on firearms should be carried out by a licensed individual and all state and federal rules apply to such. We (including KZbin) will not be held liable for any injury to yourself or damage to your firearms resulting from attempting anything shown in any our videos. I do not endorse any specific product and this video is not an attempt to sell you a good or service. I am not a gun shop and DO NOT sell or deal in Firearms. Such a practice is heavily regulated and subject to applicable laws. I DO NOT sell parts, magazines, or firearms. These videos are free to watch and if anyone attempts to charge for this video notify us immediately. By viewing or flagging this video you are acknowledging the above.
Fair Use: In the rare instance I include someone else’s footage it is covered in Fair Use for Documentary and Educational purposes with intention of driving commentary and allowing freedom of speech.

[@dirtyterry44MAG]

So with the rail sections on the side, hypothetically, you could attach two picatenny pistol bayonet to it for tier 1 offensive head butts. Niiiice👍

[@Mrgunsngear]

#tactical

[@911WASanINSIDEjob420]

ya... im thinking BASED

[@HangingWithEpstein]

LoL rookie..... I'd mount an ir laser (like the predator) for quick and easy target acquisition. And on the other side I'd put a GPS unit so the butter bar behind me doesn't get lost.

[@OrangeAmped]

Mrgunsngear's head is so large because it contains so much guns and gear knowledge

[@Mrgunsngear]

ha

[@robjohnson212]

Just purchased the ATE HHV for my Son. This video makes me feel a lot better about it’s performance. Thank You!

[@LordDirus007]

This is the Gen 1 Helmet

[@scarmenl]

Thank you, I don't thing I would have found the brand without your review.

[@Mrgunsngear]

you're welcome

[@sootch00]

Cool review as always~ Funny hat day works for you : )

[@Mrgunsngear]

I love funny hat day!

[@HardHeadVeterans]

This is still one of our favorite reviews, but we need to get you updated with the Gen2 and micro lattice pads, or maybe wait for the ATE_Lite which is made down in Texas.

[@WoodrowWoods2007]

Sad that anything marketed as “veteran” is made in China :/

[@ethanstorey3485]

Is the ATE LIte available yet?

[@HardHeadVeterans]

@@ethanstorey3485 We have the first two fully completed and made in America prototypes coming out of our plant this week (inshallah) and we're hoping to bring them to a range event we're going to in Texas. We'll post them up on our socials when we have them ready to showcase. We're expecting next month or early Q2 for a soft launch. We're going to be in talks with Mrgunsngear's team soon to make sure he gets one of the newest versions and a set of Microlattice pads as well.

[@ethanstorey3485]

@@HardHeadVeterans Awesome that’s great. I guess the “money in my pocket that’s trying to burn a whole in it” will just have to wait until the 🇺🇸 one is released. I’m assuming it probably cost more over here to make them and they’ll be more expensive?

[@ctyler10889]

@@HardHeadVeterans hopefully not opscore price since it will be US made?

[@jamesriley3112]

As always...excellent video Mr. Mike!

[@Mrgunsngear]

thank you

[@twostangs81]

wow great price and it seems to be very well built for the price, you might have saved me 500+ on my first helmet

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks

[@johnfry9010]

Since this helmet is already shot , it would be interesting to see a common rifle round from 100 and 200 yrds . Good video !

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks

[@danrugbyman]

I was told I get my helmet in 8-12 weeks. I waited 6 months for mine and it never came. I got a shipping notice after about 3 months - it never came. Then I got a request to review the helmet that never came. Then I was told several times that it would ship out in 2 weeks. I eventually just told them to refund my money. At that point I was told that it was shipping out next week. I had lost all faith in the company and had to ask for the refund twice. What a disappointment. After realizing that they are made or assembled (whatever) in China. I was much less disappointed. I'm gonna grab up a old fashioned Avon ACH, full cut

[@msts_WD]

Great video. That 45acp did some major damage with the back face deformation. It would be better to put the helmet on a melon with some support to see how it does. It seems all the cheaper Ballistic helmets show major deformation. Are there any videos of the Ops Core being tested? I can't seem to find any.

[@danr9999]

Love the Amazon prime box ballistic stand!

[@Mrgunsngear]

#tactical box

[@Eslamizar]

A few years back I bought one of those German military helmets from keepshooting. It's an older style but it's 3A I believe and it was brand new with storage and handling scratches and such. I paid $100 for it :) It's OD green and I am thinking about plastidipping it flat black.... you know... make it more tactical and an assault helmet lol.

[@Mrgunsngear]

super tactical!

[@quietlion06]

Another awesome review, just got mine on order.

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks

[@Zenki240sxse]

Great video I was looking at this exact product.

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks

[@danielhaikkila3056]

"My dogs literally ate the Accessories" 🤣🤣🤣 I would click the like button 5 times for that alone!

[@darkoni3677]

Awesome review, you should do a review on the Gen 2 they have now, can't wait for mine to come in the mail.

[@Mrgunsngear]

Will do

[@amh22__27]

I own one so this is pretty awesome to see.

[@Mrgunsngear]

sweet

[@kevinyoung9557]

Seen this review a few times now. For sure purchasing one today. Once again thanks and if possible lets get into night vision gear. Happy Thanksgiving Mike you and the Mrs stay safe.

[@ninomigliazza1876]

Don't buy from HHV unless you can wait 4 months or more. Ppl have been waiting 14+ weeks for helmets and now Hard Headed Veterans says it will be another few weeks. That is way too long for something from China.

[@kevinyoung9557]

@@ninomigliazza1876 Waiting forever for everything. BDS tactical vest,tri arc rifle,cyre gear and now hhv.

[@ninomigliazza1876]

@@kevinyoung9557 yeah, you're right. Is HHV cherry picking who they give proper service to @Josh Horton got his within a week...i'm at 15 weeks and counting. HHV no es bueno :(

[@369ranch]

Impressed by the force both rounds delivered, glad I'm not your test dummy

[@Mrgunsngear]

that would certainly hurt

[@PUNCHYNUTZ]

Thanks for the video.

[@Ghostrider-71]

Good video and great info. Thank you.

[@Mrgunsngear]

You're welcome 👍🏽

[@lestatzapata6393]

Any possibility of testing the $200 botach longfri 3a? Impossible to find a test anywhere, reviews sure, actual tests have yet to be seen. Would be incredibly appreciated by many, I'm sure!

[@FIREBREATHINGAK47]

Good video as always.

[@Mrgunsngear]

thank you

[@capcamouflagepatterni6162]

Good video, thanks for making it. Back face deformation on this is bad, don't cut corners when your life it at stake, buy the ops core.

[@salinsoulok3338]

Proof?

[@LoveTheElectro]

This is all well and good and it's a great video but I think a lot of the energy from the impacts is getting lost because the helmet isn't in a fixed position and is moving. Now your neck of course would have a little give but nothing that extreme. I think you might find the results would differ wildly if someone was actually wearing the helmet or the helmet was fixed into place.

[@NullVoidgone]

Would that make that much of difference?

[@supersaijan4]

Dude I love your videos but you sound like Bill Belichick talking when you were doing the side by side comparison with the OPS Core lol. Great review!

[@ratsniperslugs]

Old video but I just got my HHV Level 3 helmet...with the impact pads and comfort pads installed I don’t think you’d ever feel the back face deformation 👊🏻 As usual...Great Video!!! 🍻 I have a bald head too...I don’t think people with hair realize how much protection hair gives a bald scalp! Definitely a * Must Have* 👍🏻

[@Ranstone]

Hair is NIJ level 0.00001.

[@ratsniperslugs]

@@Ranstone 🤣 Very true…but even a little scrape can get your attention whereas having hair it may not have scraped at all 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@tylerharris3602]

I have a fma ops core airsoft bump helmet for my NV and the hhv harness and pads are EXACTLY the same. Lol ill bet they are the same.

[@dan.d]

Was curious, could you link some good night vision options for civilians to use in home defense as you mentioned in your video? Sounded like you knew a bit about that. I can tell you in looking on my own, there isn't much out there that has good reviews that doesn't cost over $1k. And that is out of my budget. Maybe you should do a video on optics!

[@ACYT298]

ok alot of the helmets obviously can stop rounds but that doesn't matter if you're skull is caved in from the backface deformation , as much as i hate spending a chunk of money on the high end stuff ive decided its either that or nothing for the time being

[@ninomigliazza1876]

This is another great review Mike. However, now Hard Headed Veterans has a 16 week backlog minimum. One of my guys has been waiting for 14 weeks for his helmets and they just added a few weeks to the delay. There are too many other legitimate options out there to wait for Hard Headed Veterans extremely long delivery times.

[@brandondavidson6569]

mine came in literally one day after I ordered it. I ordered a week ago.

[@jaimemartinez3866]

@@brandondavidson6569 placed an order today. i hope mines does too.

[@BeltFedSelfDefense]

I got mine within 5 days of ordering. Times changed.

[@Ranstone]

2023 here. Mine arrived at my door 4 days after I bought it.

[@terrysaunders2026]

Strap your test helmet to a melon or other object for a more realistic test. When the test helmet can skitter across the smooth cardboard box as soon as its hit is not the same as a helmet on someone’s head. The additional resistance at the millisecond of impact would result in a different level of damage than that which you are showing in your test.

[@RunningWithSauce]

Most underrated comment on this entire thread. Test data is meaningless unless the person wearing it has no head already lol

[@oleredwhiteandblue3613]

Why would they go from a ratcheting harness and arc rails to the crappy m lok rails and arguably a worst suspension system in gen 2 , i feel robbed that im just finding this out now after i already bought a gen 2

[@Jax0319]

Hey man, nice video. Question, Nice combat shirt what camo is that called? Looks awesome. Thanks.

[@DevilFrog61]

This was great! Thanks

[@weduhpeople8504]

Test that 7.62 front add on they sell. Just ordered one in black multicam.

[@danteintense5164]

Can you do a test on the “NovaSteel Helmet - High Cut” from ADEPT ARMOR and do a comparison to regular Kevlar helmets?

[@AristotleofStagira1]

wish you had a MTek helmet there as well to review

[@New2Kendo]

Will MSA Sordin Pros fit under the helmet ok or would a mounting kit be better

[@fijillian]

Thank you for this. I found this company a couple weeks ago and couldn't find any of my favorite youtubers who had done a review on any of their helmets. I laugh at people who say that if I wear a helmet that I am just trying to be tacticool/operator looking. I look at it as another layer of protection for me, and when it comes to my noggin I will definitely wear a helmet. I think the same should go for carriers with plates.

[@Mrgunsngear]

agreed

[@thefamilybrit]

It's awesome to see this comment 5 years later, now that plate carriers have been normalized and helmets are being normalized. We've come a long way.

[@keithgregory7937]

Nice review it is something different from guns thanks!

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks

[@DavidK362]

do you know if there is a video or ballistics test report for the ops core helmets?

[@Berzilla]

Can you do a test on the Team Wendy Helmets ?? I am curious to see how they stand up against the Hard Head Veterans ones

[@stonep11]

Probably better lol, they are like 4 3 times the price.

[@stevenbass8674]

Nice review

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks

[@subaruVaggos]

Would be nice to make a comparisson video on ballistic AR500 plates (how much weight, How many rounds from rifles can stop, how many rounds can antispall coatings last etc). Would be nice to have not only active protection (guns) but also passive protection videos (ballistic plates and helmets). I think that many youtubers should be interested from all around the world...

[@nrm3247]

subaruVaggos I think he did do some ar500 stuff a while back. I remember him shooting some lvl3 stuff with several different calibers.

[@Mrgunsngear]

I did; several in fact

[@subaruVaggos]

Didn't know that...Must search all videos from scratch...I am new member so please forgive me just got this idea from IraqVeteran8888 and MAC videos....

[@Svejky001]

These days (because most norms are outdated due to technology advancements every day) those ballistics tests should be done with the strongest ammo in the sugested calliber the armor has to stop on the market. Aim talking Underwood Extreme penetrators and other +P+ monolithic style projectiles.

[@stevenbenedetti7694]

Have you ever tested their Up-armor for their helmets?

[@nrm3247]

cool review but would your head in the helmet change the impact principles of the helmet itself? I'm just imagining the displacement of space would not allow the helmet to flex or move when shot with a head in it.

[@Mrgunsngear]

hard to know

[@housingcriminal]

In the video I notice the standard mounting system on the sides, but when I ordered my HHV high cut it has an MLOK mounting system. Did you replace that yourself or did they change something ?

[@steveb5216]

Gen 1 vs Gen 2 from HHV I think. Gen 2's have the MLOK

[@TacticalBeard]

Would you be able to do a shooting test on there new generation 2 helmet that uses name brand dupoint Kevlar now?. Other than there rail changes idk what other upgrades they have made. There releasing a rifle rated upgrade to it soon

[@Mrgunsngear]

maybe

[@rahkshifan99]

@@Mrgunsngear The UpArmor kit is out now, thanks for the review, I think I'm sold

[@mikeyob4271]

What kind of night vision do have on helmets? And are you happy with them? Thank you keep up the good reviews!

[@Mrgunsngear]

NYX14 and PVS14; yes

[@mikeyob4271]

THANK YOU ! Any thoughts on thermal night vision or scopes

[@Mrgunsngear]

yes, I have a video on thermal or night vision

[@davefried]

i looked at your amazon store page hoping there'd be some nv items on it but didn't see any. can you recommend a couple monoculars to mount on this helmet?

[@landonpalmer9242]

PVS-14

[@nlesiak3]

I'd be curious to see testing while being supported/worn. i bet the helmet sittng loose decreases the damage because it's so light and moves when shot. being worn and supported by a head might allow more energy transfer? doesn't matter either way to me being a civilian with no need for a helmet, just offering up a curious thought. great video

[@shoeshiRoll]

DWings From a physics standpoint, i don't think fitting tight or loosely makes a difference. With an impact as quick a bullet, the majority of its energy will be dumped into the material causing the most damage before any movement takes place. Combine that with the difference of a helmet being tight, and one that is only slightly tight I would see as extremely negligable. But overall a cool test to see!

[@NK-ne9uf]

GoTigers330 no need for helmet because you’re a civilian? Gayest comment award goes to you

[@tuongtran4862]

N K93 Agree man. That dude’s comment stupid af

[@MidasWelby]

I was getting that wind too, we must be in the same area? eastrn Nc.(triangle/triade)

[@Mrgunsngear]

must be

[@BertShackleford]

Two dead cats? 0:30 I'm going to guess that's some sort of videographer terminology for a piece of equipment? One more personal addition. Hair will make a difference in the fitment of your helmet. My hair being thick and wavy makes securing my helmet quite difficult as it grows out past a certain point. Being that both you and my buddy maintain follicle aerodynamics; he found out the hard way after his hair grew out past a certain length too. Just something to consider since I'm sure no one has mentioned that, in case you hadn't thought of that contingency. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@Mrgunsngear]

thanks

[@NovaScotiaNewfie]

Bert Shackleford great point. A major reason why the military has specific hair regulations. Mainly for safety gear such as helmets, gas masks and firefighting equipment. To make sure they fit properly to protect members.

[@dan.d]

Got a quick question for ya @ Mrgunsngear Channel. How is one supposed to wear these helmets with a gasmask on? The chin strap can't be used because the gas mask is down over the chin!

[@salinsoulok3338]

That’s any helmet tho

[@antman656]

Hey brother I’m getting a bump mostly for training. Former crayon eater and working on the law enforcement thing. Would you suggest ops corr or HHV? Only reason I ask is because ops core bumps are going for like $285 right now. Thanks and I know this is an older video

[@HaloDude557]

Ops core ballistic helmet if you expect to get shot at. Don’t cheap out on protection. Otherwise stick to bump helmets, it’s just as good for mounting gear. As appealing as HHV is, don’t wanna risk turning into a vegetable from the backface deformation.

[@ninjaproofshadow]

I think it's better if it fits a little big on your head with the type of deformation shown, what do you think?

[@shawn4664]

The fit won't save you from the deformation unfortunately. If it fits snug, the force is going to push the helmet into your skull then into your brain. If it's loose, the force will push the helmet against your skull, then into your skull, then skull into brain.

[@Zach-rw6jf]

"The price keeps coming down every year." -- Me, in 2021 :'(

[@BeltFedSelfDefense]

Oof, but in 2022.

[@Tonygarry78]

Say...WW3 breaks out? Would you use the helmet covering the ears or without?

[@Teddy_______]

Will the helmet cover on the ops core fit the hhv helmet?

[@thomasstorgaard9750]

Did the dogs like them?

[@Frebaullin35]

What helmet cover is on the ops core?

[@andrewsanford2020]

NVGs are life.

[@calebwood7658]

Would this fit people with big heads

[@ArgosySpecOps]

Is this Gen 1 or Gen 2?

[@mikeschurman4871]

Did hhv change the suspension system? Mine didn't come with the dial or the foam

[@Mrgunsngear]

maybe

[@lukluck]

Wanted to see you shoot it with 5.56 and x39 since it was destroyed anyway.

[@Mrgunsngear]

noted

[@jumpykilllerqx6029]

What are other fabrics used in ballstice protection besides Kevlar.

[@Mrgunsngear]

there are tons; too many to list really

[@markwilliamson6002]

How about ear pro or coms with those helmets? What works best? Hey! That's a whole new video! I have my old SWAT psgat helmet and it is an antique compared to newer mil spec headgear! Great vid but do something on ear pro and coms for that style helmet. Thanks!!!

[@Mrgunsngear]

MSA & ComTacs work best IMO

[@markwilliamson6002]

Mrgunsngear Channel Thanks for the info!

[@JW02828]

Is the helmet just a strong as the ECH helmet?? Or does the ECH have a little better ballistics rating???

[@mchester1234]

I think ECH is stronger.

[@Mortalcoil100]

MrG... do you own a hhv helmet? And, would you trust one enough to wear it in a shtf situation?

[@Mrgunsngear]

just this shot up one. yes

[@weduhpeople8504]

Tell us some good value helmet mounted night vision/ir options.

[@jovannibaeza191]

Pvs 14, if you're lucky you'll get one for 1600 used, more likely 2500 new, at least. Plus mount, plus laser

[@doom-gloom]

the link to the HHV doesn't work

[@clc-gl4jn]

Why does he wear those ear muffs? Isn’t that lacking protection other than the covered ears helmets???...

[@flippy51090]

what patch was that?

[@ItsNotThatSerious82]

Always love your content. I'll stick with ops core. Those hhv Chinese helmets seem sketchy.. thanks for the review.

[@bigbluemsp]

how does Opscore compare to a Team Wendy helmet?

[@Mrgunsngear]

never used one

[@rjtorrez9935]

Would you recommend now hhv still I have money to buy either or even maybe an ops core money

[@Marden223]

Hhv is made in china. Stick with ops core, team wendy, armor source, galvion revision

[@thrainkross4288]

what are the plastic clips on the rails used for?

[@Mrgunsngear]

they're multi use actually

[@danielboydcooper6850]

which night vision device can you recommend for a shooter on a budget? (Mrs cooper might kill me so budget that works)

[@Mrgunsngear]

budget means different things to different folks. Shoot me a message on facebook and I'll get some recommendations for your specific budget

[@7gerez]

Sounds to me like you need a couple streamlight HLX for your rifles and hand held. Until you can get a PVS14.

[@fluffinmcpuffin1879]

A lot of that energy is transferred into motion considering it’s not strapped to a body then again it should do its job perfectly defending against shrapnel.

[@rman713]

Is that a Midwest Industries complete rifle?

[@Mrgunsngear]

no

[@gunslinger7647]

Where is the Hard Head manufacture? I could not get a clear understanding of your assessment?

[@gunslinger7647]

DoogerDog thank you

[@TheKnightWatch365]

Has anyone done any research to see that these gen 1 HHV helmets are the same as Longfri Chinese helmets? Just 2x the price. The insides are identical…

[@snipercam11]

Seeing the war in Ukraine and how much artillery is being used persuaded me to get a ballistic helmet instead of a bump to stop shrapnel from arty mortars and grenades

[@bigschlongdaddio277]

So keeping your brains in between your ears wasn’t motivation enough?😂😭

[@FlerdaMan]

not tryna hate but in all reality what situation do you truly think you'll find yourself in where you will be on the receiving end of artillery and mortars as a civilian, I could understand home defense or civil unrest and being able to defend yourself from situations like that

[@snipercam11]

@@FlerdaMan If other nations invade and bring war to American soil it will be an all out war. The threat is there and I need a helmet for nods anyways and figured I might as well get ballistic and make the helmet actually be a helmet and provide protection.

[@20goodmen72]

@@snipercam11 the U.S. has nuclear weapons. Don't be ridiculous.

[@Danny344S]

@@20goodmen72nuclear weapons but no bunkers for the masses of civilians

[@quinnwall5771]

nice vid!! :) and where did u get the frog gear at???

[@Mrgunsngear]

not sure what frog gear is

[@quinnwall5771]

Mrgunsngear Channel: the type of cammies ur wearing, thats what we called them in the corps anyways lol

[@oboy8695]

why not test the Alibaba?

[@facilitatinghappiness]

well done...

[@Mrgunsngear]

thank you

[@dailydrivencarsddc1182]

What headset are you using?

[@Frogman6287]

Idk. I think the deformation from the .45 acp would hurt more than getting a bullet directly to the brain. Dying pretty much instantly and all...

[@Mrgunsngear]

fair point

[@mikethemaniac1]

what is the NVG on the rhino mount?

[@Mrgunsngear]

NYX14

[@LordDirus007]

HHV Gen 1 was just a Rebranded Chinese Militech Helmet

[@StephenB2]

I think the nrj testing isn't quite as harsh as DOD. pacifically when it comes to Backside defamation

[@yupyup4209]

Great video, should of shot it with 12 gauge slug just for fun!

[@Mrgunsngear]

noted

[@HelplmAlive]

The alibaba are the exact same helmets. HHV just sent those helmets to get tested. They are the exact same.

[@Mrgunsngear]

do you have a link to that?

[@HelplmAlive]

Look up Jianlei Technology Industrial and their testings. Some of the weight of the helmets are within .02grams off of HHV. Take a look at the hardware, it is the exact same. Look at the texturing/paint on the helmet. It is the same. I am not saying they dont stop rounds. You can actually buy these helmets for well under $250. I put these in the same category as AR500 armor plates. They are better than nothing. But for the price that these go for, you can get MSA or Revision helmets instead. For me, life saving gear is where I dont skip my money on.

[@jdougy8209]

What model ear protection set up are you using under there?

[@Mrgunsngear]

not sure but if you post a screenshot on my Facebook page I'll let you know 👍🏽

[@IkeaCouch3600]

Either MSA Sordins or TCI Liberators. They both look the same, so

[@zachconant7031]

0:13 what setup is that?

[@Mrgunsngear]

if you post a screenshot on my facebook page I'll let you know