FAIL - Ballistic Helmet made in China

Published on April 13, 2023
Duration: 2:11

This review tests a Chinese-made ballistic helmet advertised as NIJ Level IIIA. While it stops various handgun calibers and even a 12 gauge slug, significant backface deformation is observed in all tests. This excessive deformation indicates a high risk of traumatic head injury, failing a critical aspect of the IIIA standard. The helmet's High Density Polyethylene construction is noted as lighter but thicker than standard options.

Quick Summary

The Chinese-made ballistic helmet tested failed to meet NIJ Level IIIA standards due to excessive backface deformation. Despite stopping handgun rounds and a shotgun slug, the significant inward displacement of the helmet's rear surface indicates a high risk of traumatic head injury.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Specs
  2. 00:31Low Caliber Testing (.22 LR, .32 ACP)
  3. 01:07Handgun Caliber Testing (9mm, 7.62x25mm)
  4. 01:43Shotgun Slug Test & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main failure point of the Chinese ballistic helmet tested?

The primary failure is excessive backface deformation. Even though the helmet stopped various rounds like 9mm and 7.62x25mm, the inward displacement of the helmet's rear surface was significant, posing a high risk of traumatic head injury, which violates NIJ Level IIIA standards.

What material is the tested ballistic helmet made from?

The ballistic helmet tested is made from High Density Polyethylene (HDP). The reviewer notes that this material makes the helmet thicker but lighter compared to standard helmet constructions.

Did the helmet stop a 12 gauge shotgun slug?

Yes, the helmet did catch the 12 gauge shotgun slug due to its material properties. However, the impact resulted in massive deformation, indicating the force transferred would likely be fatal to a wearer.

What does NIJ Level IIIA mean for ballistic helmets?

NIJ Level IIIA is a standard for ballistic protection that requires helmets to stop common handgun rounds like .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum. Crucially, it also mandates that backface deformation must not exceed 1.18 inches (30mm) to prevent serious head trauma.

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