Are Helmets Bulletproof?

Published on July 21, 2016
Duration: 6:08

This video from DemolitionRanch, featuring Matt Carriker, tests the ballistic resistance of an Arai Signet-Q motorcycle helmet against various firearms. The helmet, certified DOT FMVSS No. 218, was subjected to .22 LR, 9mm, 12 Gauge birdshot, and .50 BMG rounds. While it offered some protection against smaller calibers and birdshot, it was not bulletproof against higher-powered rounds.

Quick Summary

Motorcycle helmets are not bulletproof. While an Arai Signet-Q helmet, certified DOT FMVSS No. 218, stopped .22 LR rounds and largely birdshot, it was easily penetrated by 9mm and .50 BMG rifle rounds, demonstrating their limitations against ballistic threats.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Gear Reveal
  2. 00:16Background and Helmet Origin
  3. 01:23.22 LR Ballistic Test
  4. 02:109mm Ballistic Test
  5. 02:4712 Gauge Birdshot Test
  6. 04:00.50 BMG Ballistic Test
  7. 05:01Conclusion and Channel Update

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a motorcycle helmet stop bullets?

Motorcycle helmets, like the Arai Signet-Q tested, are not designed to be bulletproof. While they can stop smaller caliber rounds like .22 LR and offer some protection against birdshot, they are easily penetrated by higher-powered rounds such as 9mm and .50 BMG.

What is the DOT FMVSS No. 218 certification?

DOT FMVSS No. 218 is a United States Department of Transportation safety standard that motorcycle helmets must meet or exceed to be sold legally. It primarily addresses impact protection from crashes, not ballistic threats from firearms.

What firearms were used to test the helmet's bulletproof capabilities?

The test involved a .22 LR pistol, a 9mm pistol (Glock 17), a 12 Gauge shotgun firing birdshot, and a .50 BMG rifle (Barrett M82A1).

What was the outcome of the .50 BMG test on the helmet?

The .50 BMG round passed through both sides of the Arai Signet-Q helmet very quickly, creating clean entry and exit holes with minimal movement of the mannequin it was placed on.

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