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Today, while our team were browsing the internet, one particular question caught our eyes. Someone asked a renowned motorcycle helmet blog where he could get a bulletproof motorcycle helmet. We were surprised to notice that a few people had recommended some helmets and claimed those to be bulletproof.
Even to our surprise, we discovered some YouTube videos offering bulletproof facilities. We are quite sure that the video uploaders never fired a bullet on the helmets to test the integrity.
Are Motorcycle Helmets Bulletproof?
Well, the bitter truth is that there is no such thing as bulletproof helmet. Some helmets have really strong shells and could provide adequate securities. However, the definition of a bulletproof helmet is that the helmets are impenetrable to bullets.
As far we know that no motorcycle helmet manufacturer has made a dedicated bulletproof helmet yet or has plans to build it in the near future.
Can A Motorcycle Helmet Stop A Bullet?
No! There is no such motorcycle helmet that can stop a bullet. None of the motorcycle helmet out there in the market is bullet proof.
There are some expensive motorbike helmets that are remarkably strong and provide sufficient protection. Nevertheless, the protection here means that the helmets could save your life in a road collision or fall. These helmets are designed to keep your head from injury when a crash occurs. They are not made to stop bullets.
If you were shot in the head by a rifle then you could only wish that you had a steel helmet on. Unfortunately, you will never find a steel motorcycle helmet in the market. If you were hit by a bullet while riding then even if it stopped the bullet from penetrating your head, it still would break your neck.
Difference Between A Combat Helmet And Motorcycle Helmet
Combat or tactical helmets are designed solely for the military and other law enforcement. This type of helmet gives protection to its wearers from shrapnel and other objects and to keep the skull safe during combat scenarios. The United States Army currently uses the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH).
Even this is not an entirely bulletproof helmet. A soldier carries various devices and accessories such as guns, cameras, walkie-talkie, water bottle, lights, and more. A true bulletproof helmet would weigh a lot and it would limit the ability of a soldier to look around and to move because of its weight.
The French army once experimented with steel helmets during World War One so that the helmet can be bullet proof, but failed completely and had to switch to the common combat helmet.
Combat helmets have been used since ancient times to keep the head safe from stones and arrowheads. Those helmets were usually made of leather. As time passed by, science and technology have upgraded and made the tactical helmets far more durable. The materials of modern ballistic helmets are carbon fiber, Kevlar, and strong plastic. At some point, modern combat helmets are bullet resistant as they could stop a lower caliber bullet from a long distance.
Why Don’t Motorcycle Helmet Manufacturers Build Bulletproof Helmets?
Motorcycle headgear are designed to be worn while riding motorcycles in the roads. Unlike the tactical helmets, these are made for the normal motorbike riders. Such helmets also protect your head but not in the combat scenarios.
A motorcycle helmet prevents head injury during a road accident by protecting the head, neck and face. They are designed to absorb impact and its purpose is not to stop bullets. A motorcyclist would never wear a heavy steel helmet. Motorcyclists prefer aerodynamic, lightweight helmets for comfort with transparent plastic visors.
The chances of accidents would rise if a motorbiker had difficulty to see the roads clearly or move his head due to overweight of the helmet. Having a heavyweight motorcycle helmet could be dangerous in a collision particularly for your neck.
Who Needs A Bulletproof Helmet?
Is your life in danger? Are you not comfortable to go out and ride your motorcycle due to your security issue? Don’t be upset by the unavailability of a bulletproof helmet. You can still protect yourself or your loved ones. Well, my first suggestion is to be friends with your enemies. If it is not possible then go for an armor.
You may find bulletproof vests out there which are usually worn by military, law enforcement, and security guards. Don’t worry if you’re not any of them. A civilian of the United States has the legal right to purchase and wear the armor. In most countries, body armor is legal for both personal or professional use.
You do not require any special paperwork or anything to purchase body armor. Moreover, you can also hire trained professional bodyguards or exclusive bulletproof cars if you can afford.
FAQ – Bulletproof Motorcycle Helmet
HOW EFFECTIVE ARE BULLETPROOF HELMETS IN TERMS OF SAFETY?
A bulletproof helmet needs to be made with steel. A steel helmet could stop a bullet but it wouldn’t be so effective because it would weigh a ton. Whoever wears a heavy helmet would have difficulty to move and look around. Rather than protecting, it would pile up more problems.
CAN A KEVLAR MOTORCYCLE HELMET STOP A BULLET?
Modern Kevlar helmets are very strong, and they could give protection against the shrapnel and fragments of mortar, grenade, and debris. However, there is no such helmet which could stop a bullet shot from point-blank range or close distance.
HOW CAN YOU MAKE A MOTORCYCLE HELMET BULLETPROOF?
I recommend you to buy DOT certified helmets for the protection of your head and neck. Manufacturers of motorcycle helmets are not making or taking personal orders for bulletproof helmets.
IS IT LEGAL TO BUY BODY ARMORS?
If you’re an adult then you can buy and use bulletproof vests or armor. Only a convict of felony needs permission to use bulletproof vests in the United States.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A BULLETPROOF HELMET?
Well, there is no bulletproof helmet in the market right now. However, if you are looking for any strong protective helmet then look for helmets having Snell or DOT certification.
DOES SWAT TEAM USE BULLETPROOF HELMET?
Swat uses ballistic helmet which is not a bullet proof helmet. A ballistic helmet can only prevent stray bullets with limited protection capability of medium power rifle.
Wrap Up
If you are looking for a bulletproof motorcycle helmet because you are fashion oriented and want to be unique then you can buy a military designed motorcycle helmet or you can buy a police motorcycle helmet. You will find plenty of strong helmets offer superior protection in the market. Before you buy, check if your helmet is DOT or Snell certified. I also recommend, choose the helmet color wisely.
This is to some extent incorrect. A well constructed motorcycle helmet could defeat a small low end bullet, assuming the angles were good. It could even deflect some lightweight ammunition, though I doubt it for rifle calibers.
Modern combat helmets are constructed of ballistic fabric and ultra high molecular weight plastic. The latter is for more advanced forces, the former is for the most part the norm. Most countries field a helmet at least capable of repelling pistol caliber ammunition. The impact would probably be painful, but you’d be in more danger of a concussion than anything. These can be made up of ballistic fabric or UHMWPE.
Rifle capable helmets are made of UHMWPE with the possible addition of a ceramic composite uparmor plate to increase protection. They are usually limited in scope due to the nature of the human head and neck, and doubtless it would have some effects, but other than a case of whiplash and a concussion with full power rifle ammunition you should be fine enough.
As it is, don’t count on it.
TLDR: Most motorcycling helmets are not ballistic, some might be strong enough, ballistic helmets do not work as motorcycle helmets all that well, being shot in the temple region is bad.