Helmets

I was asked a question today about helmets. I was unsure the requirements of the user so I did some research and wrote back.
After writing I felt that this material might be of use to others....

In the 90's Delta Force conducted operations in Somalia with the equivalent of bicycle helmets. The reasoning was that there is no helmet that will stop an AK round and even a grazing hit would still break your neck. But the threats of urban warfare, debris and melee attacks were still a major concern so they determined that a helmet was still needed; just not a ballistic one. The only ballistic helmet style they had available back then was the standard PASGT and it was considered too bulky for the rapid missions in tight areas and too limiting on hearing.

Later a type of helmet with the ears removed came into existence. It had a similar profile as the Pro-Tec Bike helmets but was made out of kevlar. This is the type that I use. It is not cheap, the "SF Cut" helmet can run from $300-$600 USD. There are airsoft versions of this helmet available but they will not even offer the protection of a bike helmet (and I would probably laugh at you for having one). 

The PASGT is your traditional helmet used by US and Canadian forces.  They can be bought for $100-$300 but I strongly recommend watching for a Canadian style chin strap. Older style American chin straps have a single anchor point which allows the helmet to flip about forward-backwards. The Canadian 4 point chin strap is infinitely better. So if you don't need ballistic protection, go with the Pro-Tec. If you are on a budget go with a surplus PASGT. Do not get any airsoft imitations.