Close Quarter Battle Helmet

[Skip]

Sabre Industries is about half way into developing a helmet that is designed for CQB - in particular I would like any opinions from police SWAT members or Mil Spec Ops guys on this board.

Somewhat obviously the helmet will be;
* Level 3A - 9mm + Fragmentation
* Compatible with NVGs and have a Visor Helmet mount
* British Suspension System
* Removeable leather covered foam inserts
* Compatible with the Davis CT-400 and other similar systems.
* SF-10 or similar compatible
* Weight 3lb max
* Compatible with an Oxygen mask

What I am interested in particulary is the sytle. Some areas of the press have given tactical officers (worldwide) a bad name because much of their equipment has a seemingly military appearance.

Obviously style is not the most important issue, but would a helmet with a more streamlines form (such as the Pro-Tec) provide more manoeuvrability in a confined environment?

What other features should be included?

My thanks for your time and advice.

Kindest regards

Ben Arnold
Partner
Sabre Industries www.sabreindusries.com (http://www.sabreindusries.com)
barnold@sabreindustries.com

[Sharky]

The only thing I can think of is ventilation. I'm basing that off of the K-Pot. I think those things (along with not properly hydrating) have caused a lot of heat injuries over the years. The K-Pot just seemed to trap the heat from your head under the helmet and you felt like you were dying. I'm not sure if this would be possible without compromising the protective aspect of the helmet. Personally, I would sacrifice a little protection to have a helmet that was comfortable and that I wouldn't mind wearing. Light weight, ventilation and comfort are the reasons so many Spec-ops went to the Pro-Tec to begin with. SWAT teams normally don't have to spend that much time in their helmets because they usually will stage behind a controlled perimeter, perform the mission, withdraw back to the perimeter and it's over with. Military personnel will be required to wear their helmets for days on end so I would say that the comfort issue would normally matter more to the military personnel. Just my opinion from both sides of the house.

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F.I.D.O.

[Sharky]

I would also add that you should post this on the 75th Ranger Regiment forum. You will get a lot more input.

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F.I.D.O.

[dsumner]

I'd just like to say that I would be more than willing to field test any free samples you would be willing to send my way (he he he).

I'm always on the look out for new goodies for me and the rest of the boys.

Seriously I've got to agree with Sharky, The k-pots will fry your brains on a hot Summer day. It's evan worse in an enclosed structure with little to no ventalation.

[Skip]

Interesting, the Brits have two kevlar Helmets. The standard issue version has good ventilation, but is very bulky and cumberson.

The airborne version resembles the US style - but is as hot as hell to wear for any length of time.

[RECON5]

I think Sharky hit the nail on the head. No punn intended. Ventilation would be a tremendous help, as well as any improvements to decrease the weight. While I will agree most LE Teams dont spend near the time in this gear the military folks do, those pots being worn over balaclava's for any length of time are a killer. Just one more OPINION.
Good luck.

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REMEMBER 1*

[wolfhound227]

Padding,like the NFL helmet.Or close.They use inserts and some use air.With inserts you could drill small holes around the insert slots for ventalation.

[HmtPD2]

This may seem rather trivial, but heh, if your asking......

How about some sort of clip, or "belt loop" to keep the strap from your gogles on your helmet?

[Terry Jones]

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[This message has been edited by Terry Jones (edited 11-22-2000).]

[Skip]

I have been told that only a very small number of tactical officers around the world have ever recieved a shot to the head.

I am told the biggest threat is debri, such as falling glass.

What are your experiences?