Budget Ballistic Helmet Test & Review: Level IIIA TacticalXmen Ratel FDK22

Published on August 19, 2022
Duration: 14:54

The TacticalXmen Ratel FDK22 offers a budget-friendly Level IIIA ballistic helmet option at $399. While it successfully stopped common handgun rounds and even a .460 S&W (though with extreme backface deformation), it failed to fully stop a .300 Blackout round. Key drawbacks include a 'one size fits all' design leading to fitment issues and a loose shroud mount compared to premium helmets.

Quick Summary

The TacticalXmen Ratel FDK22 is a budget Level IIIA ballistic helmet costing around $399. It stops common handgun rounds like 9mm and .45 ACP but shows extreme backface deformation from a .460 S&W and fails to fully stop a .300 Blackout round. Key drawbacks include its 'one size fits all' design and loose shroud mount.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro & Helmet Standards
  2. 01:14Features & Specs
  3. 02:46Sizing & Fitment Issues
  4. 05:11Ballistic Test: 9mm & .45 ACP
  5. 06:50Ballistic Test: .357 Mag & .460 S&W
  6. 10:00Ballistic Test: 5.7x28mm & .300 Blackout
  7. 12:11Final Assessment & Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the protection level of the TacticalXmen Ratel FDK22 helmet?

The TacticalXmen Ratel FDK22 helmet is rated Level IIIA. This means it is designed to stop handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum. While commonly referred to as IIIA, it technically adheres to US Army criteria for helmet protection.

How did the TacticalXmen Ratel helmet perform in ballistic tests?

It successfully stopped 9mm, .45 ACP, .357 Magnum, and .460 S&W rounds. However, the .460 S&W caused extreme backface deformation, and a .300 Blackout round penetrated the first layer of material.

What are the main drawbacks of the TacticalXmen Ratel FDK22 helmet?

The primary drawbacks are its 'one size fits all' design, which can lead to loose fitment issues, and a noticeable play in the front shroud mount compared to premium helmets. It also failed to fully stop a .300 Blackout round.

What is the price and value proposition of the TacticalXmen Ratel helmet?

Priced around $399, it's considered a competitive budget option. It offers good ballistic performance against handgun rounds but comes with compromises in fit and resistance to certain rifle calibers.

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