Body Armor/Ballistic Helmets

[D.B. Cooper]

This may not be the place to ask, but I know that some of you know.

Is there much of a difference, other than name brand and price in the body armor and helmets that are available on the civilian market? I know the obvious differences between steel plate and ceramic plates. (Weight, thickness, durability.) But when comparing two retailers' or two name brands of the same type of plate, there can be wide swings in price. This is especially true of ballistic helmets. I'm seeing virtually identical kevlar helmets from different manufacturers, with the same NSN numbers and the same IIIA rating for double or half the price of others.

I'm looking to outfit a bag for my workspace to keep on hand a plate carrier w/ level IV ceramic plates and side plates and a ballistic helmet, and I don't want to be taken for a ride.

 

[Doc Samson]

Is there much of a difference, other than name brand and price in the body armor and helmets that are available on the civilian market?

Oh, haven't been down this rabbit hole in awhile! Looked into this a year or so ago and realized, after many articles, reviews, and opinions, that each brand is not only "the best" but also "complete crap".

 

[armoredman]

I think the big thing is, is it made in China? I try to Made in USA. My only contribution as I really don't know much about it, except steel is very heavy for the protection value.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I think the big thing is, is it made in China? I try to Made in USA. My only contribution as I really don't know much about it, except steel is very heavy for the protection value.

And that can probably be ascertained by looking at the price. Sadly, what's in my price range, is probably Chinesium. I'm actually looking at RTS tactical, which I suspect is Chinese, but numerous well-known YT influencers have run destructive testing on them, and they've done well.

 

[BigBlue 94]

I got all mine from midway usa. I got the cheapest i could find that still looked decent, because i cant afford the top of the line stuff. Strike Face iirc, with a 5:11 carrier. Something is better than nothing...

Then i got lucky and scored a 101st Airborne issued helmet and new elbow and knee pads on an online auction for about 50 bucks, with a pair of camo pants.

Yes, steel is heavy, but its lighter on the wallet. My F/R/side plated rig is about 20 pounds, without the LBV over the top with mags, flares, IFAK, etc. Sure wish i was in the shape i was in when i was in high school lol!

 

[D.B. Cooper]

...I got the cheapest i could find that still looked decent, because i cant afford the top of the line stuff...Something is better than nothing..Yes, steel is heavy, but its lighter on the wallet.

I ended up with a ceramic set from RTS Tactical. I suspect that it's Chinesium, but, as you said, something is better than nothing. I was able to buy a USA-made Legacy PASGT Kevlar helmet at a pretty good price (20% off). I already have an IFAK/blow out kit from DARK Angel medical, so I'll have Level IV body armor, a level IIIA helmet and an IFAK under my desk at work. Short of an AR, that's about as safe as I can be.