Are Helmets Bulletproof?

Published on July 21, 2016
Duration: 6:08

This video from DemolitionRanch, hosted by Matt Carriker, tests the ballistic resistance of a motorcycle helmet. While a $700 Arai Signet-Q helmet offered some protection against .22 LR and 12 gauge birdshot, it was easily penetrated by 9mm and .50 BMG rounds. The testing demonstrates that motorcycle helmets are not designed to be bulletproof and should not be relied upon for ballistic protection.

Quick Summary

Motorcycle helmets are not bulletproof. While a $700 Arai helmet with DOT certification offered some resistance to .22 LR and 12 gauge birdshot, it was easily penetrated by 9mm and .50 BMG rounds, demonstrating their primary design is for impact protection, not ballistic threats.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Gear Reveal
  2. 00:16Helmet Origin & Donation
  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 & Channel Update

Frequently Asked Questions

Are motorcycle helmets bulletproof?

No, motorcycle helmets are not bulletproof. While they are designed to protect against impacts in crashes, they generally cannot stop firearm rounds. Testing showed a motorcycle helmet was penetrated by 9mm and .50 BMG rounds, though it offered some resistance to .22 LR and birdshot.

What kind of protection does a motorcycle helmet offer against bullets?

A motorcycle helmet offers very limited ballistic protection. It might stop very small caliber rounds like a .22 LR or some shotgun birdshot due to its foam padding and shell, but it will not reliably stop common handgun or rifle calibers.

What was tested in the DemolitionRanch video about helmets?

The video tested the ballistic resistance of a $700 Arai Signet-Q motorcycle helmet against various calibers: .22 LR, 9mm, 12 gauge birdshot, and .50 BMG. The results showed significant penetration with larger calibers.

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