I'm with Mike and Matt on this one. I've never been a people person, so ever since childhood I assume everyone is a cunt till proved otherwise and it seldom is.
There are persons that I love and care about, but I hate people. "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals, and you know it." Agent K
For those wondering Ops Core Helmet - $2K+ PVS 31 Nods - $11-13K Plates & Vest - $2-3k (varies on what you’re looking for could be more could be less) Battle Belt - $500-$1K (varies on what you attach and quality you’re looking for) All worth the buy if you have the money to afford. It’s not about if it’s all about when you’ll need it you’ll have it and have the advantage over the average person. As day to day people we often buy material things all the time that usually do nothing to enhance our security or protect our lives or the lives of people we love. Best to be prepared and not have to use any of these things than to be in need of these things and have none of them at all. Godspeed to all my 2A free range Americans.
You can also go the "budget" route for 1/2 the price and 80% of the capability. Training and having a preparedness oriented community is 100 times more important than having fancy gear. I just think this kind of stuff is neat and agree it's better to have it and not need it. Having a self reliant mindset will get you through almost anything.
Should have called this video the history of the tactical helmet…from a guy who lived through the evolution. I am a huge fan. Great stuff and am really enjoying the series.
Solid, practical advice with a clear purpose. Stepping up the game. This series is great, thanks for putting content out there that doesn’t make the lay-person feel like a dummy for not knowing all the facts already. Keep it up
Unfortunately & fortunately depending on a whole variety of situations, drones have changed the whole field of danger & protection whether military or civilian and right now in the U.S. We Liberty & Constitution-loving Patriotic Americans can easily have as many as a dozen potential 'enemies' from those coming North as those many already here. Those 'here' already and at the Top, if you know what I'm hinting at, being the 'Greater of the many Evils' We'll have to deal with in the SHTF scenario (I believe they themselves are orchestrating and expecting) while 'They' will be in 'their' D.U.M.B.'s while a whole different situation is happening on the surface which will be again, by design, orchestrated, planned and executed. Anyone who doesn't, can't or just Won't believe that 'this Can & Will happen here' is Very foolish and Not paying any Real attention.
I'm not usually into helmets and stuff and not sure why I started watching this bit just the whole story of how that helmet came to be or the evolution of that helmet you could say sucked me in. Awesome video dude.
I've always heard that a ballistic helmet is more important than body armor because your head is the one thing that needs to be protected even if if you're behind cover. At some point you'll have to stick your head up in order to shoot back and it won't be behind cover anymore.
Mike, truly so grateful you make these videos with an all encompassing perspective. You have a proper understanding of the history and meaning of the 2A and ability to defend yourself. This fear is not just for that Marine grunt or SF guy. It’s for the “civilian” as well.
I can only imagine how incredible it must have felt to go through the development of this stuff and see the difference of each iteration on the ground. The only thing I can compare it with for myself is with motorcycle helmets. I went from one of the big, heavy full face helmets on most rides to one of the super lightweight carbon/kevlar types with built in active ear pro and Bluetooth. When you have to wear the damned thing for an hour or two per day, everyday for a couple of years, it's a world of difference and definitely worth every cent. Good stuff man.
I'm an airsofter, and I absolutely love these videos. Puts reason and meaning behind the "why" or "why not" for kit. Keep it up, can't wait to see what's next
The background and context from this video of where the advantages and disadvantages come from are amazing. Thank you for sharing. Very much appreciated!
I collect military surplus and seeing the difference in helmets over the years is really interesting I used to wear a pasgt helmet on cellphone sites when working with my dad in case of falling tools or limbs from birds nests in the tower
A brilliant historical explanation of how many infantry assault groups in other armies preferred to wear skateboard helmets or bush hats rather than kevlar, particularly when a rabid quartermaster would probably have you charged for modifying your kit.
Solid advice. I’d add that if something goes bump in the night (or in the world) think about what gets exposed first. The head pops up over car hoods or around corners. A plate carrier won’t help when the head is typically the first body part exposed to the threat
I know it's not the same, but, I played paintball at a fairly competitive level and I can count on one hand how many times I was hit in the chest area. almost always in the head or extremities(hands/arms).
Very interesting and great advice. I am retired as B-52 Crew Chief from the 70's. I have always pondered the use of a helmet. I would use it for home defense. It's happening so often now and it would make since to grab this with night vision and my 940. Thanks for your professional take. You did a great job!!
Thank you for the constant stream of nuanced, valuable insights on a variety of gear and operating/behavioral tactics in general. You’re professionally experienced, knowledgeable, humble, and passionate about helping your fellow Americans help themselves; you’re a good man. Thank you for these contributions to our community, Mike!
I live in Alaska and a lot of Bush pilots are adapting helmets with Bose headsets to increase survival. Seems like bump helmets have other applications such as packrafting or ATV’ing. Anything where you can protect your dome.
Hey Mike... thank you for this... great info! I was hoping you were going to do a ballistic helmet vid!! What I think what would be great for future videos... would be like a "Good / Better / Best" type. Quality and what type/brand/model type etc.. is probably (in my opinion) one of the toughest things to research when I'm investing in the various pieces of kit for myself/family. Would be great to get your feedback on what kind/brand to buy based on your experience. So many people out there do gear reviews and they're great... but I'd think most people enjoy your content because its no BS ... and we don't have to worry about you schlepping for some company to earn a couple bucks. You're going to give us honest to goodness feed back and its so needed in this space. A ballistic helmet is def on my kit list to purchase, but I just cant seem to find enough reviews on enough models/manufacturers to feel comfortable dropping $500 for something good.. or $1500 for something great and is it worth spending that extra money etc.. Loved the Sig video for example... good breakdown on it for someone like myself to justify spending an extra 1k for the comp. Thanks again for all youre doing for everyone... your content is great.
Great video. I think urban scenarios are where one needs armor the most. Out in the woods or mountains yeah not so useful. I do love the improvements that have been made, especially on the newer, very expensive stuff. My current full size helmet weighs half of what my prior high cut helmet did, and it has a higher protection rating. It is incredibly light, and even with nods and battery pack it weighs what my high cut helmet did with nothing on it.
Anything above "military-grade" is an improvement lol To be fairly honest, the most successful assailants are the ones with speed and violence of action and usually what type of gear is irrelevant e.g. Cartel hit squads, Mujahadeen, etc, they generally run lightweight, barebones setups BUT THEY ARE PROFICIENT WITH THEM... How you gana get more proficient at wearing armor, Does the logic make sense? Its not just the armor, its the hydration, Ifak, blahblahblah and then you lose the speed advantage in a situation... BARE BONES EDC W/1000% PROFICIENCY IS THE GOAL.
Learning the history of how gear evolved is a lot of fun, more stuff like that would be great! I could see why body armor would be more of a hindrance than helpful, at times getting shot at either way is a bad spot to be in whether you have armor or not.
For years, I've had the old PASGT helmets for my wife and I. I upgraded them by getting rid of the headbands and replacing them with trauma pads. I was also able to install four-point chinstraps, without having to drill holes into the helmets. And of course we have the old ratcheting system of night vision mounts for each helmet. When I need hearing protection, I can wear my Peltor headphones underneath the helmet. I prefer the old PASGT helmet for civilian preparedness, because they simply cover more of your head (the stuff shown above, whether it's Kevlar or not, doesn't really protect anything in my opinion. And without the best trauma care in the World, i.e. the military, we can't afford to get hit, period.). Maybe I'm old school, but all this newer, issued minimalist crap, whether it's helmets or rifles (M4's) is a con; a defense contractor's wet dream (less material, more profit for the manufacturer). I do have airsoft replica-type ABS bump hats (non Kevlar) for the wife and I, simply because they mount night vision on your head better than the old "skull-crusher" PVS-7/14 head mounts, which look like a gay old dental retainer. I also have Princeton green LED lighting attached to the side of each one (the poor man's night vision).
@@mikeRnichols For the best bang for the buck, I actually like the PVS-14's made with GEN 2 tubes. The reason being is that you're only talking a difference of about 10,000 factor light amplification, when you're already talking about the difference between 30 - 40,000 (GEN 3) factor light amplification, with variable gain on both anyway, as well as the same mil-spec design for durability. If you can afford them, go ahead and get GEN 3 with the additional fancy white phosphor, etc, but at $500 less, I like the GEN 2 (If I need anything fancier, I'll get it off the people I out-manuever and smoke, post-collapse).
Love and appreciate the insight. I wasn't sure whether or not to get this kind of equipment. I'm a civilian and didn't want to feel like I was larping. Hearing the logic from someone as respected as you makes me feel more comfortable with this kind of a decision.
Tremendous amount of information and history! I always remember back then when I saw the ops core helmets wondering "woa someone is really advancing the rigs/gear" without knowing exactly where it came from. Excellent Logic and detailed video. thanks for sharing all this knowledge.
Very informative and quality video. I always wondered about the reasoning of the fast cut and was confused why a profile with less coverage would be preferred over some of the more traditional helmet profiles. This video explains it perfectly.
I really wanted night vision, so when it came time, even though I wanted duals, I couldn't swing it, but I got a good PVS14. The next I could afford duals, I got another PVS14, this time for the wife, because force multipliers. Now again I can afford duals, but again I am foregoing them, this time for a thermal scanner/weapon sight. Because, again, that will be worth more (in my opinion) than DNVG right now.
@@XDWX Well, I can't tell you how to spend your money, but I figured I could either see in the same spectrum but a few degrees more, or add an entirely new spectrum. I am choosing the latter.
@@XDWX If you can somehow test that set up it would be a good idea. For some people the brain has trouble processing the competing images and it makes it a challenge (headaches, fatigue etc.) if you're out working for an extended period of time. If people want to actually be able to do stuff usually duals are the best option to start with.
@@JordanVezinaactual That's an excellent point that I hadn't considered; thank you! Guess it just means more reps are needed to build the necessary neuronal pathways, right? :D
This was *almost* the first of your videos I took issue with, until you clarified that budget was a valid reason "why not?". Love your work, thank you for the knowledge shared!
Love this video. Still not sure I need a ballistic helmet in my AO as a civillian, but you have armed me with knowledge should the need arise. Thanks for this video!
“Worst case scenario” can happen anywhere, at any time. Worst case scenario is “you or yours could be hurt or killed”. That’s talking you, your family, friends, or even neighbors (depending on how well you like them). Kidding! But really, every American should have a full kit ready to go if things go south to prevent you from being hurt or worse while defending your people. And here in America, we’re all supposed to be each others people. That’s what makes our country great, and what other countries should strive to be. Love your family,friends,and neighbors and do what you can for your community and spread good important knowledge. Thanks for the videos.
GReat content Mike. Would actually love to get your opinion on NVG systems that are available out there on the market today? What seperates the good the bad and the ugly of each config and what you have experienced as they have evolved over the years.
As a NVG Instructor pilot circa 1983, we had to counterbalance our AN/PVS-4s (Note: not dash 15s) with neartly 2 pounds of lead weights. I found out later in the Aviation Safety Officer's course that nearly every aviation crash for twenty years (i.e., UH-1 aircraft) resulted in critical neck injury because every aviation headgear until the dash five helmet exceeded the two pounds, some odd ounces that was the limit of excess weight that the neck could safely decelerate during a crash sequence and here we were ADDING two plus pounds to the already maximum weight limit. Go figure.
My budget for my first helmet as a civilian didn't afford me the high cut helmet as an option, so I went with an XL over an L, and attached my ear pro inside the MICH cut "ear flaps" It's heavier, yes, but I can't afford the rest of the gear required to jump, and the only thing I intend to use armor for is a defense situation. Being lighter and more mobile is better in my opinion. I doubt I'd have a place for armor on any type of offensive operations unless I was assaulting a fortified position, which I don't forsee happening. An extra 15-20 lbs for a vest, and 3-5 lbs for a helmet weighs you down. Even as a 240 lb 6'2" male, that's 10% of my body weight before weapons, ammo, medical gear, food or water. It's absolutely a valuable piece of kit, and I have invested in a high cut helmet, NODs, ceramic plates etc. But I also have my old MICH cut, and steel plates as backups, and they stay in my truck... just in case. Gear is like a condom. It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
PVS 15s are over $6,000. Most people don't have that laying around. Ive still got some gear from the Army plus a few pistols including my M17 and 365, mid range rifle and long range rifle, plate carrier + plates, but I have no helmet or NODS. Stuff is expensive
In the early 2000s I was on a SWAT team. I was in a support role, I drove an M113 APC. I got a helmet that was high cut but before the MICH. I wore regular peltors underneath with a radio earpiece. Worked very well. I am retired now and I still have that set up in my kit box. Works fine for civilian use. Unfortunately no NODS.
as a delivery driver idk when i would ever transition to using a helmet or machine gun but damn these videos hit differently, thanks for sharing mike. skydiving soon?
Before October 7, 2023, I would say that it would be pretty unlikely that a civilian would need a ballistic helmet and nods. They would just be the next fun thing to have to impress our buds and get the hogs. But now, given the likelihood that October 7 was a beta test for what's about to happen in the Hear-and-Now, USA, in a neighborhood we live in or next door, I'd say that if you can afford'em, get'em. That and a programmable, preferably digital, mobile ham radio.
Great video. Have the same setup but different nvg and the high cut instead of super high. Takes a while to get used to the weight for sure. Build that neck up over time it does get easier and more comfortable.
Funny with the shoe glue for lights. Unit I was with the "ninjas" used C-clamps and wooden blocks to attach maglights to the MP-5...ghetto but it worked..lol
I haven’t watched any videos yet. Today is 02/10/23. My name is Mark, I just needed to take this time and say, THANK YOU.. Thank you for everything you’ve done. Those two words will never be enough to show my respect, gratitude or how much I appreciate everything you have done. Thank you. Have a most excellent day…
Great video. And totally agree that if I'm in home defense or SHTF scenarios I want whatever is available to give me an edge. Of course it's all useless if you don't put in the work to understand the gear, but I want whatever gives me a leg up
Great video Mike. We'd love to work with you when we finalize the ATE_Lite we'll be making down here in Texas. Your input would be incredibly valuable for our next iteration in combat helmets.
My night vision is Capone. He is a 90 pound tri color bully. He stays on the ground level of the house at night. Oh I also have day/night scope and a thermal scope. Night stand gun is 10 inch 300 blackout with an AAC SDN can.
I served in the Marines from 1981-1985, and I remember being loaded down with so much gear that my feet would sink two inches into the ground with every step. It was insane. If that was required of me, today, I would be dead.
A fully kitted out OPS Core helmet with integrated hearing protection/comms and NVG's, attached IR illumination, etc., will cost you in the range of $20,000 for quality kit. The only non-military people who can realistically afford this are high speed contractors. The average working man/woman just doesn't have that kind of budget when they're already spending lots of money on ammo and training time.
Awesome content as always. And what a coincidence that I'm about to buy my first ballistic helmet :) I really like videos like these, especially tying the military world to the civilian world. I think we are seeing more and more of that. I also really enjoy your series where you review combat footage as well as home invasion/defensive shooting scenarios. Those are great and are super informative, I hope you do more.
Can you add like a top 5 choice of helmet and setups? No price limit to say limited budget? Keep it up you have a great way of explaining things and are entertaining
I'll probably never own night vision, but you did sway me more towards thinking about getting a helmet. Even without nvgs a helmet could still a be a lifesaver
Try hanging upside down daily for extended periods, had a bulged disc at base of my neck, really helped that and my shoulder. I know you're the man and probably have an awesome doctor but yeah. Kia kaha brother
As a person that uses a wheelchair I have to sacrifice speed or protection for mobility. So I also don't use plates in my go kit. I just can't move. Unless absolutely necessary
I can now understand Why You have Never shown up in Any of YT's 'Recommended Videos' to me because you are No Clown like some of the others that come up in there. Thank you for this video and your channel, Subbed!!
Awesome insight and a little bit of a BS check for the normal high speed, low drag Instagram larper types. "This is what's truly valuable, with good ol actual combat experience as the judge".
Hi Mike. Great video and history on tactical helmets and how they have evolved for the better. Look forward as always to the next video. Again, thank you for your insight and service to our nation.
I have a ACH as I collect once and awhile if the price is right, got it at an online auction for about $60 on a buy now quick bid with no big expectations, turned out the helmet was marked under the rear helmet cover flap 126th Infantry Regiment that served in Afghanistan 2012. Duty worn. The favorite I have is a Japanese Army Type 90 with full padded JH-136 cover and complete liner, rare as that usually rotted out in the jungles. Possibly an Aleutians war trophy brought home.
Helmets are pretty interesting. There's all the different military Balistic Helmets, bump Helmets, motorcycle Helmets, bicycle helmets, and many many more. Tons to talk about.
I think it was Mas Ayoob (Lethal Force Institute, Author of "In The Gravest Extreme"), at some point said, just as some FD give Fire Fighters a set of turnouts, SCBA, 2 1/2 gallon water extinguisher, 20 lb. ABC extinguisher and tools for their POV for off duty responses, and some PD's give SWAT officers, a set of their tools to keep in their POV for off duty response to a call out, so too the home owner who hears a "bump in the night" that needs that "turtle shell" feeling of a SWAT vest and helmet. Somebody else said, ballistic protection, night vision/thermal, encrypted comms and suppressed guns gives you dimensional advantages.
I've been running a fast carbon bump for my PVS31's for a few year's now... Solid platform for the nod's.. Still using a little counterbalance tho.... Thanks POU videos on the belt, helmet and carrier set ups. Subscribed.
What do you want to see next? Yes! I like it all Mike, you are a great story teller teacher/trainer and I value what you have to say. Especially in these uncertain times.
"I'm not a fan of people." I'm with Mike on this one.
If I could I'd live in the mountains away from everyone, wife said no but yes to tactical gear haha
I'm with Mike and Matt on this one.
I've never been a people person, so ever since childhood I assume everyone is a cunt till proved otherwise and it seldom is.
"The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog" - Mark Twain
There are persons that I love and care about, but I hate people.
"A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, dangerous animals, and you know it." Agent K
Bill Burr approves of this statement. 👌👌👌
If you served in an Army Infantry platoon you will know the PT belt and eye pro is the best line of defense.
One PT belt for everyone in the family and you're pretty much in the clear. Thank you for mentioning this. Cost effective too.
Hey there soldier, you forgot the gloves and ach, hooah?
@@tarantulathree-one8013 and don’t forget to hydrate
Water canteen
Facts
For those wondering
Ops Core Helmet - $2K+
PVS 31 Nods - $11-13K
Plates & Vest - $2-3k (varies on what you’re looking for could be more could be less)
Battle Belt - $500-$1K (varies on what you attach and quality you’re looking for)
All worth the buy if you have the money to afford. It’s not about if it’s all about when you’ll need it you’ll have it and have the advantage over the average person. As day to day people we often buy material things all the time that usually do nothing to enhance our security or protect our lives or the lives of people we love. Best to be prepared and not have to use any of these things than to be in need of these things and have none of them at all. Godspeed to all my 2A free range Americans.
Any civy who goes to this length for a ‘what if’ scenario, has some screws loose.
You can also go the "budget" route for 1/2 the price and 80% of the capability. Training and having a preparedness oriented community is 100 times more important than having fancy gear. I just think this kind of stuff is neat and agree it's better to have it and not need it. Having a self reliant mindset will get you through almost anything.
Great info. Thank u
If you have the money, then it’s an automatic Yes.
💯% homie
The helmets the easy part, Nods....I'm gonna haf to ask my wife's boyfriend for that.
@@l3joint 🤣😂🤣
@@KR-1zero 😉
@grayman1 No dude lol its a running joke in the gun/tactical community cuz shits so expensive lol
Should have called this video the history of the tactical helmet…from a guy who lived through the evolution.
I am a huge fan. Great stuff and am really enjoying the series.
Solid, practical advice with a clear purpose. Stepping up the game. This series is great, thanks for putting content out there that doesn’t make the lay-person feel like a dummy for not knowing all the facts already. Keep it up
What was the purpose since it was so clear?
O I’m sorry professor, would you like an essay?
@@nitrocell9287 there isnt, its just amercans that are trying to make up a reason to have military gear
Unfortunately & fortunately depending on a whole variety of situations, drones have changed the whole field of danger & protection whether military or civilian and right now in the U.S. We Liberty & Constitution-loving Patriotic Americans can easily have as many as a dozen potential 'enemies' from those coming North as those many already here. Those 'here' already and at the Top, if you know what I'm hinting at, being the 'Greater of the many Evils' We'll have to deal with in the SHTF scenario (I believe they themselves are orchestrating and expecting) while 'They' will be in 'their' D.U.M.B.'s while a whole different situation is happening on the surface which will be again, by design, orchestrated, planned and executed.
Anyone who doesn't, can't or just Won't believe that 'this Can & Will happen here' is Very foolish and Not paying any Real attention.
I'm not usually into helmets and stuff and not sure why I started watching this bit just the whole story of how that helmet came to be or the evolution of that helmet you could say sucked me in. Awesome video dude.
I cut my noggin on my chicken coop about 20 minutes ago. If I’d been wearing a helmet I wouldn’t be commenting now.
That’s hilarious, thanks for the laugh Bro 🤣😂
You too..... I think they're trying to kill us all. I'll have to borrow my dogs helmet and sidearm next time I go out there. 😄 nice one
JT R
@@ogk9com Better to deploy one of those bomb robots.
@@hughmac13 I only use those for cleaning out my dog kennels
I've always heard that a ballistic helmet is more important than body armor because your head is the one thing that needs to be protected even if if you're behind cover. At some point you'll have to stick your head up in order to shoot back and it won't be behind cover anymore.
Big no
Bro what
Mike, truly so grateful you make these videos with an all encompassing perspective. You have a proper understanding of the history and meaning of the 2A and ability to defend yourself. This fear is not just for that Marine grunt or SF guy. It’s for the “civilian” as well.
I can only imagine how incredible it must have felt to go through the development of this stuff and see the difference of each iteration on the ground. The only thing I can compare it with for myself is with motorcycle helmets. I went from one of the big, heavy full face helmets on most rides to one of the super lightweight carbon/kevlar types with built in active ear pro and Bluetooth. When you have to wear the damned thing for an hour or two per day, everyday for a couple of years, it's a world of difference and definitely worth every cent. Good stuff man.
so you don't wear full-face and have glasses on instead?
What model motorcycle helmet are you currently rocking?
I'm an airsofter, and I absolutely love these videos. Puts reason and meaning behind the "why" or "why not" for kit. Keep it up, can't wait to see what's next
The background and context from this video of where the advantages and disadvantages come from are amazing. Thank you for sharing. Very much appreciated!
I collect military surplus and seeing the difference in helmets over the years is really interesting I used to wear a pasgt helmet on cellphone sites when working with my dad in case of falling tools or limbs from birds nests in the tower
A ballistic helmet would actually not help you very much with blunt force trauma like that
@@gunjeebus3453 depends on the padding but it can def take a hit.
A brilliant historical explanation of how many infantry assault groups in other armies preferred to wear skateboard helmets or bush hats rather than kevlar, particularly when a rabid quartermaster would probably have you charged for modifying your kit.
Keep up the awesome work, you're helping this community so much
Solid advice. I’d add that if something goes bump in the night (or in the world) think about what gets exposed first. The head pops up over car hoods or around corners. A plate carrier won’t help when the head is typically the first body part exposed to the threat
I know it's not the same, but, I played paintball at a fairly competitive level and I can count on one hand how many times I was hit in the chest area. almost always in the head or extremities(hands/arms).
Very interesting and great advice. I am retired as B-52 Crew Chief from the 70's. I have always pondered the use of a helmet. I would use it for home defense. It's happening so often now and it would make since to grab this with night vision and my 940. Thanks for your professional take. You did a great job!!
For the next episode please talk about LBE/ non body armor set ups. Thanks for the videos Mike!
This will be very interesting to see and more from all the experience he has when he used to run that type of kit.
Thank you for the constant stream of nuanced, valuable insights on a variety of gear and operating/behavioral tactics in general. You’re professionally experienced, knowledgeable, humble, and passionate about helping your fellow Americans help themselves; you’re a good man. Thank you for these contributions to our community, Mike!
I live in Alaska and a lot of Bush pilots are adapting helmets with Bose headsets to increase survival. Seems like bump helmets have other applications such as packrafting or ATV’ing. Anything where you can protect your dome.
Mike, retired LEO here in So. Cal. Enjoy your content and value your experience and knowledge. Much respect and appreciate everything you share.
Hey Mike... thank you for this... great info! I was hoping you were going to do a ballistic helmet vid!! What I think what would be great for future videos... would be like a "Good / Better / Best" type. Quality and what type/brand/model type etc.. is probably (in my opinion) one of the toughest things to research when I'm investing in the various pieces of kit for myself/family.
Would be great to get your feedback on what kind/brand to buy based on your experience. So many people out there do gear reviews and they're great... but I'd think most people enjoy your content because its no BS ... and we don't have to worry about you schlepping for some company to earn a couple bucks. You're going to give us honest to goodness feed back and its so needed in this space. A ballistic helmet is def on my kit list to purchase, but I just cant seem to find enough reviews on enough models/manufacturers to feel comfortable dropping $500 for something good.. or $1500 for something great and is it worth spending that extra money etc.. Loved the Sig video for example... good breakdown on it for someone like myself to justify spending an extra 1k for the comp. Thanks again for all youre doing for everyone... your content is great.
Great video. I think urban scenarios are where one needs armor the most. Out in the woods or mountains yeah not so useful. I do love the improvements that have been made, especially on the newer, very expensive stuff. My current full size helmet weighs half of what my prior high cut helmet did, and it has a higher protection rating. It is incredibly light, and even with nods and battery pack it weighs what my high cut helmet did with nothing on it.
Anything above "military-grade" is an improvement lol
To be fairly honest, the most successful assailants are the ones with speed and violence of action and usually what type of gear is irrelevant e.g. Cartel hit squads, Mujahadeen, etc, they generally run lightweight, barebones setups BUT THEY ARE PROFICIENT WITH THEM...
How you gana get more proficient at wearing armor, Does the logic make sense? Its not just the armor, its the hydration, Ifak, blahblahblah and then you lose the speed advantage in a situation... BARE BONES EDC W/1000% PROFICIENCY IS THE GOAL.
Great content. I’m a vet who wasn’t in combat but retained the discipline and attention to detail to pick out what would work for me.
Why didn’t you deploy ?
got a MTEK ballistic and still in the military. very happy with my purchase for my helmet and feel 100% safer when shooting
Learning the history of how gear evolved is a lot of fun, more stuff like that would be great! I could see why body armor would be more of a hindrance than helpful, at times getting shot at either way is a bad spot to be in whether you have armor or not.
For years, I've had the old PASGT helmets for my wife and I. I upgraded them by getting rid of the headbands and replacing them with trauma pads. I was also able to install four-point chinstraps, without having to drill holes into the helmets. And of course we have the old ratcheting system of night vision mounts for each helmet. When I need hearing protection, I can wear my Peltor headphones underneath the helmet.
I prefer the old PASGT helmet for civilian preparedness, because they simply cover more of your head (the stuff shown above, whether it's Kevlar or not, doesn't really protect anything in my opinion. And without the best trauma care in the World, i.e. the military, we can't afford to get hit, period.). Maybe I'm old school, but all this newer, issued minimalist crap, whether it's helmets or rifles (M4's) is a con; a defense contractor's wet dream (less material, more profit for the manufacturer).
I do have airsoft replica-type ABS bump hats (non Kevlar) for the wife and I, simply because they mount night vision on your head better than the old "skull-crusher" PVS-7/14 head mounts, which look like a gay old dental retainer. I also have Princeton green LED lighting attached to the side of each one (the poor man's night vision).
Could you advise me as to NVG models and/or where to get them? Thx
@@mikeRnichols For the best bang for the buck, I actually like the PVS-14's made with GEN 2 tubes.
The reason being is that you're only talking a difference of about 10,000 factor light amplification, when you're already talking about the difference between 30 - 40,000 (GEN 3) factor light amplification, with variable gain on both anyway, as well as the same mil-spec design for durability.
If you can afford them, go ahead and get GEN 3 with the additional fancy white phosphor, etc, but at $500 less, I like the GEN 2 (If I need anything fancier, I'll get it off the people I out-manuever and smoke, post-collapse).
Love and appreciate the insight. I wasn't sure whether or not to get this kind of equipment. I'm a civilian and didn't want to feel like I was larping. Hearing the logic from someone as respected as you makes me feel more comfortable with this kind of a decision.
Tremendous amount of information and history! I always remember back then when I saw the ops core helmets wondering "woa someone is really advancing the rigs/gear" without knowing exactly where it came from. Excellent Logic and detailed video. thanks for sharing all this knowledge.
Very informative and quality video. I always wondered about the reasoning of the fast cut and was confused why a profile with less coverage would be preferred over some of the more traditional helmet profiles. This video explains it perfectly.
I really wanted night vision, so when it came time, even though I wanted duals, I couldn't swing it, but I got a good PVS14. The next I could afford duals, I got another PVS14, this time for the wife, because force multipliers. Now again I can afford duals, but again I am foregoing them, this time for a thermal scanner/weapon sight. Because, again, that will be worth more (in my opinion) than DNVG right now.
I am torn between DTNVS or one thermal with one PVS14.
@@XDWX Well, I can't tell you how to spend your money, but I figured I could either see in the same spectrum but a few degrees more, or add an entirely new spectrum. I am choosing the latter.
@@XDWX If you can somehow test that set up it would be a good idea. For some people the brain has trouble processing the competing images and it makes it a challenge (headaches, fatigue etc.) if you're out working for an extended period of time. If people want to actually be able to do stuff usually duals are the best option to start with.
Predator Vision does seem advantageous :D
When can we add UV and X-Ray though? :D
@@JordanVezinaactual That's an excellent point that I hadn't considered; thank you! Guess it just means more reps are needed to build the necessary neuronal pathways, right? :D
It’s weird your not a fan of people but you impact, influence, and train a lot of people.
Those aren't normal people. They are like minded individuals. The average person is aa scared sheep.
They are fans of him
This was *almost* the first of your videos I took issue with, until you clarified that budget was a valid reason "why not?". Love your work, thank you for the knowledge shared!
Always interesting hearing about the history and evolution of modern gear!
Love this video. Still not sure I need a ballistic helmet in my AO as a civillian, but you have armed me with knowledge should the need arise. Thanks for this video!
Thanks Mike. Touching on budget is very important. I managed to upgrade my K-Pot to make it suitable.
“Worst case scenario” can happen anywhere, at any time. Worst case scenario is “you or yours could be hurt or killed”. That’s talking you, your family, friends, or even neighbors (depending on how well you like them). Kidding! But really, every American should have a full kit ready to go if things go south to prevent you from being hurt or worse while defending your people. And here in America, we’re all supposed to be each others people. That’s what makes our country great, and what other countries should strive to be. Love your family,friends,and neighbors and do what you can for your community and spread good important knowledge. Thanks for the videos.
GReat content Mike. Would actually love to get your opinion on NVG systems that are available out there on the market today? What seperates the good the bad and the ugly of each config and what you have experienced as they have evolved over the years.
Marines need to wear helmets all the time even after we are out
😐😐😐........🤣🤣
Rah!
As a NVG Instructor pilot circa 1983, we had to counterbalance our AN/PVS-4s (Note: not dash 15s) with neartly 2 pounds of lead weights. I found out later in the Aviation Safety Officer's course that nearly every aviation crash for twenty years (i.e., UH-1 aircraft) resulted in critical neck injury because every aviation headgear until the dash five helmet exceeded the two pounds, some odd ounces that was the limit of excess weight that the neck could safely decelerate during a crash sequence and here we were ADDING two plus pounds to the already maximum weight limit. Go figure.
Amen brother, right on point! can't be around people either
My budget for my first helmet as a civilian didn't afford me the high cut helmet as an option, so I went with an XL over an L, and attached my ear pro inside the MICH cut "ear flaps"
It's heavier, yes, but I can't afford the rest of the gear required to jump, and the only thing I intend to use armor for is a defense situation.
Being lighter and more mobile is better in my opinion. I doubt I'd have a place for armor on any type of offensive operations unless I was assaulting a fortified position, which I don't forsee happening.
An extra 15-20 lbs for a vest, and 3-5 lbs for a helmet weighs you down. Even as a 240 lb 6'2" male, that's 10% of my body weight before weapons, ammo, medical gear, food or water.
It's absolutely a valuable piece of kit, and I have invested in a high cut helmet, NODs, ceramic plates etc. But I also have my old MICH cut, and steel plates as backups, and they stay in my truck... just in case.
Gear is like a condom. It's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Awesome information Mike, especially for us Retired Coastie's love this and thank you for your service.
Loud velcro is the way of the past. First spear, HSGI, Agilite, many others have tubes systems now which is faster to put on and much quieter too.
haha tubes
@@adog6539 can you explain what’s funny so we can all laugh?
PVS 15s are over $6,000. Most people don't have that laying around. Ive still got some gear from the Army plus a few pistols including my M17 and 365, mid range rifle and long range rifle, plate carrier + plates, but I have no helmet or NODS. Stuff is expensive
In the early 2000s I was on a SWAT team. I was in a support role, I drove an M113 APC. I got a helmet that was high cut but before the MICH. I wore regular peltors underneath with a radio earpiece. Worked very well. I am retired now and I still have that set up in my kit box. Works fine for civilian use. Unfortunately no NODS.
Great pointers and content, especially now that things here in this country are getting weird. Please keep them coming and thank you very much.
as a delivery driver idk when i would ever transition to using a helmet or machine gun but damn these videos hit differently, thanks for sharing mike. skydiving soon?
Before October 7, 2023, I would say that it would be pretty unlikely that a civilian would need a ballistic helmet and nods. They would just be the next fun thing to have to impress our buds and get the hogs. But now, given the likelihood that October 7 was a beta test for what's about to happen in the Hear-and-Now, USA, in a neighborhood we live in or next door, I'd say that if you can afford'em, get'em. That and a programmable, preferably digital, mobile ham radio.
Thank you for breaking down the whys and wherefores for those of us who know nothing about this topic.
"Why would you need this...why would you not?!" Damnit man, stop being such an effective enabler!!
I love the advice! I love the history more! How our modern kit came to be. Not a bunch of egg heads in lab coats but guys on the ground.
Love these videos so cut and dry no fluff why should we use it and what we should use ! Love it keep it coming
Thanks Mike for the info on the helmets! "I'm not a fan of People." No truer words have ever been spoken!!
You were always my favorite channel, and the more content is badass
This man is a hero ! Thank you for your work in Afganistán brother. No doubt about it ! Hero
Great video. Have the same setup but different nvg and the high cut instead of super high. Takes a while to get used to the weight for sure. Build that neck up over time it does get easier and more comfortable.
Would love to be taught more about small arms handling and battlefield maneuvering.
There are tons of other channels that have that kind of information here on yootoob.
Funny with the shoe glue for lights. Unit I was with the "ninjas" used C-clamps and wooden blocks to attach maglights to the MP-5...ghetto but it worked..lol
I haven’t watched any videos yet. Today is 02/10/23. My name is Mark, I just needed to take this time and say, THANK YOU..
Thank you for everything you’ve done. Those two words will never be enough to show my respect, gratitude or how much I appreciate everything you have done. Thank you. Have a most excellent day…
Well, we could boil water in the outer metal shell of the first helmet I was issued.
Awesome stuff Mike! Would definitely like to see how you might set up your home security. I will be looking for that one!
Great video.
You mentioned jumping in this. I would love to see a longer format video on jumps and what time takes to gain the qualifications
Great video. And totally agree that if I'm in home defense or SHTF scenarios I want whatever is available to give me an edge. Of course it's all useless if you don't put in the work to understand the gear, but I want whatever gives me a leg up
Great video Mike. We'd love to work with you when we finalize the ATE_Lite we'll be making down here in Texas. Your input would be incredibly valuable for our next iteration in combat helmets.
Chinese made trash
My night vision is Capone. He is a 90 pound tri color bully. He stays on the ground level of the house at night. Oh I also have day/night scope and a thermal scope. Night stand gun is 10 inch 300 blackout with an AAC SDN can.
How about dropping a list of recommended vendors?
These are so good. So glad this series got started
I served in the Marines from 1981-1985, and I remember being loaded down with so much gear that my feet would sink two inches into the ground with every step. It was insane. If that was required of me, today, I would be dead.
Thank you for the info and the context. I'm adding the discussed items to my wish list and will budget accordingly.
fantastic video, exactly what I needed to know. Both helmet and battle belt.
Because if bullets are flying around yes and other benefits you can attach to it
Do people usually wear them on the range?
LOVED your stories of the evolution of gear ... we forget ... and assume what we have has no history ... the shoe glue was great!!!! THANK YOU ...
A fully kitted out OPS Core helmet with integrated hearing protection/comms and NVG's, attached IR illumination, etc., will cost you in the range of $20,000 for quality kit. The only non-military people who can realistically afford this are high speed contractors. The average working man/woman just doesn't have that kind of budget when they're already spending lots of money on ammo and training time.
Thanks for bringing in a very different point of view.
I appreciate this I wish we had these options in the regular infantry
“The tactical advantage of owning the night.”
Epic 🤙🏾
Awesome content as always. And what a coincidence that I'm about to buy my first ballistic helmet :) I really like videos like these, especially tying the military world to the civilian world. I think we are seeing more and more of that. I also really enjoy your series where you review combat footage as well as home invasion/defensive shooting scenarios. Those are great and are super informative, I hope you do more.
Can you add like a top 5 choice of helmet and setups? No price limit to say limited budget? Keep it up you have a great way of explaining things and are entertaining
I'll probably never own night vision, but you did sway me more towards thinking about getting a helmet. Even without nvgs a helmet could still a be a lifesaver
Try hanging upside down daily for extended periods, had a bulged disc at base of my neck, really helped that and my shoulder. I know you're the man and probably have an awesome doctor but yeah. Kia kaha brother
As a person that uses a wheelchair I have to sacrifice speed or protection for mobility. So I also don't use plates in my go kit. I just can't move. Unless absolutely necessary
I watch to see what I might be able to add....IF my budget allows. GOOD INFO THANKS!
I can now understand Why You have Never shown up in Any of YT's 'Recommended Videos' to me because you are No Clown like some of the others that come up in there. Thank you for this video and your channel, Subbed!!
God Bless Mike, thanks for the great info.
If you can buy yourself a ballistic helmet with the night vision
That’s a really nice inversión
Especially If you work livestock
Awesome insight and a little bit of a BS check for the normal high speed, low drag Instagram larper types. "This is what's truly valuable, with good ol actual combat experience as the judge".
Hi Mike. Great video and history on tactical helmets and how they have evolved for the better. Look forward as always to the next video. Again, thank you for your insight and service to our nation.
I have a ACH as I collect once and awhile if the price is right, got it at an online auction for about $60 on a buy now quick bid with no big expectations, turned out the helmet was marked under the rear helmet cover flap 126th Infantry Regiment that served in Afghanistan 2012. Duty worn.
The favorite I have is a Japanese Army Type 90 with full padded JH-136 cover and complete liner, rare as that usually rotted out in the jungles. Possibly an Aleutians war trophy brought home.
"Why not" is one of the greatest answers I've ever heard of.
I love the legit straightforward content.
I am loving this new gear content so much. Keep it coming mike
That peq15 on the helmet is actually a damn good reason for having it mounted like that, truly revolutionary
Helmets are pretty interesting. There's all the different military Balistic Helmets, bump Helmets, motorcycle Helmets, bicycle helmets, and many many more. Tons to talk about.
I think it was Mas Ayoob (Lethal Force Institute, Author of "In The Gravest Extreme"), at some point said, just as some FD give Fire Fighters a set of turnouts, SCBA, 2 1/2 gallon water extinguisher, 20 lb. ABC extinguisher and tools for their POV for off duty responses, and some PD's give SWAT officers, a set of their tools to keep in their POV for off duty response to a call out, so too the home owner who hears a "bump in the night" that needs that "turtle shell" feeling of a SWAT vest and helmet. Somebody else said, ballistic protection, night vision/thermal, encrypted comms and suppressed guns gives you dimensional advantages.
Its amazing the innovation that come from the necessity of 20 years of war
Thanks Mike great Knowledge brother👊🏼❤️😎
I've been running a fast carbon bump for my PVS31's for a few year's now... Solid platform for the nod's.. Still using a little counterbalance tho.... Thanks POU videos on the belt, helmet and carrier set ups. Subscribed.
What do you want to see next?
Yes!
I like it all Mike, you are a great story teller teacher/trainer and I value what you have to say. Especially in these uncertain times.