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.
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.
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'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
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 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
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!!
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!!
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.
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.
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).
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 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.
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
“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.
I live in a reality where I can't have this equipment, but it was really cool to get to know the story behind the evolution of helmets and absorb this knowledge of why to use them.
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.
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
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.
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?
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
Thats Was An excellent Lecture really love the Story Time And Educational Factor on the Kit And on the Ballistics Helmet Setup… Well Done Mr Mike. have an excellent day
I wore a ACH for several years many days. I’m use to it and gives me more confidence having it on in a shitty situation especially when I slap on the pvs14. Fyi any service members can keep their helmet and pay for it on your TA50 when you ETS. If I recall they charged me like $400 which wasn’t bad and I made sure to get a new one from CIF before I left. One thing that was a game changer for me is getting a helmet ballast to balance out the front heavy weight when wearing mods. I’m also able to wear my electronic ear pro under my helmet without giving up that extra ballistic coverage most the high speed helmets delete. I’m gonna look into the ops core helmets
Team Wendy Exfil LTP $279+ is a NON BALLISTIC Bump helmet but is compatible with all the modern accessories for helmets. Ive gotten more concussions than bullet head wounds wearing my ACH...
No point now a days when you can get an ECH for around 400 or less. Pay a trust worthy company to hugh cut if that's your fancy and you're still under a crye or ops with better protection rating. Also lighter.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
That was interesting. I’ve not thought of using this nor a plate mostly due to price and weight. At the ready I have clothing, chest rig, chest pack, small pack and weapon system.
You can get a good vest and source out plates which will be steel on budget vs composite or ceramic which costs higher and much lighter. I went with RTS Tactical vest with side plate carriers($150)($130 without sides) and Scorpion Tactical for the plates, front can take hits from a 30-06 ($100 curved), back normal 5.56-7.62 ($60 I believe) sides 6x8 ($20 each). They aren't cheap but that's the cheapest reliable combo I found and am fully confident in it. Also if you have little ones you can make side plates work great to protect them for $40 vs $500.
"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.
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
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.
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
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.
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'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
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?
Keep up the awesome work, you're helping this community so much
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.
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.
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
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).
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.
Mike, retired LEO here in So. Cal. Enjoy your content and value your experience and knowledge. Much respect and appreciate everything you share.
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.
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.
"Why would you need this...why would you not?!" Damnit man, stop being such an effective enabler!!
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
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 ?
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!
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!
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.
Awesome information Mike, especially for us Retired Coastie's love this and thank you for your service.
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.
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.
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
got a MTEK ballistic and still in the military. very happy with my purchase for my helmet and feel 100% safer when shooting
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.
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!
Always interesting hearing about the history and evolution of modern gear!
Amen brother, right on point! can't be around people either
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!!
You were always my favorite channel, and the more content is badass
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
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.
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).
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 pointers and content, especially now that things here in this country are getting weird. Please keep them coming and thank you very much.
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.
Thanks Mike. Touching on budget is very important. I managed to upgrade my K-Pot to make it suitable.
Thanks Mike for the info on the helmets! "I'm not a fan of People." No truer words have ever been spoken!!
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.
Love these videos so cut and dry no fluff why should we use it and what we should use ! Love it keep it coming
3:29 referring to Lucas Botkin/TREX Arms playing C.O.D. IRL
I don't have 2K for a helmet.
Thank you for the info and the context. I'm adding the discussed items to my wish list and will budget accordingly.
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 ...
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. 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
These are so good. So glad this series got started
Marines need to wear helmets all the time even after we are out
😐😐😐........🤣🤣
Rah!
“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.
Thanks for bringing in a very different point of view.
I live in a reality where I can't have this equipment, but it was really cool to get to know the story behind the evolution of helmets and absorb this knowledge of why to use them.
May I ask what you mean by you can't have this equipment? If you're not stateside I'd understand
@@GamerMarine89 i live in Brazil. Very hard gun control laws and lots of burocracy, even to buy balistic protection.
@@MrRubasso oof bro. Best of luck to you and yours, I've heard horror stories there I can't imagine how it actually is
@@GamerMarine89 tks, bro!
Awesome stuff Mike! Would definitely like to see how you might set up your home security. I will be looking for that one!
God Bless Mike, thanks for the great info.
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.
Thank you for breaking down the whys and wherefores for those of us who know nothing about this topic.
"Why not" is one of the greatest answers I've ever heard of.
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
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.
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?
I love the legit straightforward content.
This man is a hero ! Thank you for your work in Afganistán brother. No doubt about it ! Hero
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
fantastic video, exactly what I needed to know. Both helmet and battle belt.
Thanks Mike great Knowledge brother👊🏼❤️😎
absolutely love this stuff!!! Thanks so much man! Can’t wait to learn about chest rigs!!
I am loving this new gear content so much. Keep it coming mike
Excellent. Thank you Brother. Look forward to more information
I appreciate this I wish we had these options in the regular infantry
Mike, Please do a video about that landcruiser in the background. Not many like that in the states.
Loved hearing the progression. Keep up the great content!
Excellent knowledge is gained from everyone of your videos. Definitely one of my favorites on the Tube. Always look forward to your video releases.
Well, we could boil water in the outer metal shell of the first helmet I was issued.
Thats Was An excellent Lecture really love the Story Time And Educational Factor on the Kit And on the Ballistics Helmet Setup… Well Done Mr Mike. have an excellent day
I wore a ACH for several years many days. I’m use to it and gives me more confidence having it on in a shitty situation especially when I slap on the pvs14. Fyi any service members can keep their helmet and pay for it on your TA50 when you ETS. If I recall they charged me like $400 which wasn’t bad and I made sure to get a new one from CIF before I left. One thing that was a game changer for me is getting a helmet ballast to balance out the front heavy weight when wearing mods. I’m also able to wear my electronic ear pro under my helmet without giving up that extra ballistic coverage most the high speed helmets delete. I’m gonna look into the ops core helmets
Team Wendy Exfil LTP $279+ is a NON BALLISTIC Bump helmet but is compatible with all the modern accessories for helmets. Ive gotten more concussions than bullet head wounds wearing my ACH...
I just bought one off post for $100 and turned that one in. An ACH is good but they are alot cheaper than whatever the CIF will charge
No point now a days when you can get an ECH for around 400 or less. Pay a trust worthy company to hugh cut if that's your fancy and you're still under a crye or ops with better protection rating. Also lighter.
Which ear pro fit *under* the ballistic helmet!? Which helmet!?
We'll take two mate.! Great info to know when the fan hits the shit. Cheers Digger.
I love your videos. Very straight forward no nonsense. Good stuff.
That peq15 on the helmet is actually a damn good reason for having it mounted like that, truly revolutionary
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.
“The tactical advantage of owning the night.”
Epic 🤙🏾
Thank you for sharing your knowledge Mike, it is appreciated!
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.
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.
Mike, great video. Thank You for taking the time. Peace
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.
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.
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.
Thanks Mike, good stuff as always...
Thank you for another great video. I learn a lot from you. As money affords it I'm upgrading my kit.
That was interesting. I’ve not thought of using this nor a plate mostly due to price and weight. At the ready I have clothing, chest rig, chest pack, small pack and weapon system.
You can get a good vest and source out plates which will be steel on budget vs composite or ceramic which costs higher and much lighter. I went with RTS Tactical vest with side plate carriers($150)($130 without sides) and Scorpion Tactical for the plates, front can take hits from a 30-06 ($100 curved), back normal 5.56-7.62 ($60 I believe) sides 6x8 ($20 each). They aren't cheap but that's the cheapest reliable combo I found and am fully confident in it. Also if you have little ones you can make side plates work great to protect them for $40 vs $500.