so-called "Training Helmets"

**Composite** · 06-02-2019, 03:06 PM

I've noticed an increasing tendency amongst E-Bay sellers to use the words "Training Helmet" when in fact what they mean is "absolutely never been near any military establishment what-so-ever"......

But, to give these guys the benefit of the doubt, does anyone know of any Force which adopted a lightweight / non-ballistic helmet to assist with soldier training?

...and I don't mean lightweight parade helmets, M1 liners etc

**Anderson** · 06-03-2019, 07:16 AM

I don't. I think you are preferring to the "plastic" replica helmets aimed at the reinactor/ paintball market. PASGT lookalikes called "M88" and other types often in black plastic. Those ebay sellers are trying to hoodwink an ignorant market. These are not and never have been "training helmets".

**Watchdog** · 06-03-2019, 08:16 AM

Why would any serious military unit/force use a lighweight version of anything to train with?

I can see the merit in using something actually heavier(I've been there and done that with weighted dummy rifle) in the "train hard, fight easy" school of thought but lightweight, what would be the point?

No, I agree these are con tricks either that or ignorant sellers wanting to believe they have something interesting!

Regards

Mark

**MilitariaOne** · 06-03-2019, 08:51 AM

Greetings all,

Pro-Tec brand (originally designed for skate boarding's enthusiasts) helmets have been used since the mid-1980s by various US Special Operation's Forces and in some limited applications are still used today Protec Helmets: There are times when ground forces commanders are looking for lightweight shock protection and not ballistic protection. Especially so, when you are more concerned about protection against (very likely) blunt head trauma versus getting shot or too, weight's reduction. Nowadays, there are of course many more lightweight ballistic helmets'' options to employ, yet there are (still) times (i.e. water jumps, anti-shipping operations, fast-roping, etc.) where the additional weight of a ballistic rated helmet (along with all the other geewizbang gadgetry that get mounted on them) may in and of itself cause neck injuries or even drowning due to their additional weight.

So, while I agree this "training helmet" appellation regarding most eBay sales' descriptions is overused and more often than not spuriously applied, it did/does occur as an option for US Special Operation Forces' ground commanders to tailor their troops' load to a specific mission's requirements. Yes, plenty of folks parachute, fast-rope, and conduct waterborne operations with standard issue ballistic helmets with no significant issues whatsoever, however, not everyone has to settle for "standard."

Best,

V/r Lance

**Composite** · 06-03-2019, 09:13 AM

Thanks.

I think the distinction is that the other helmets used have been designed and constructed to protect the wearers head (even if they're just in a Skate Park)....ie care and science has gone into their application...if very intelligent folk CHOOSE to wear them when they perceive the only real risk is from "bumps" who are we to question BUT the other ones aren't "designed" at all...in fact, they're just hats which are made into the shapes of helmets (and often then sold as such)...oh how I wish we could find the guy who came up with "M88"...it sounds sooooooo convincing... :-)

**Watchdog** · 06-03-2019, 07:38 PM

by Composite

Thanks.

I think the distinction is that the other helmets used have been designed and constructed to protect the wearers head (even if they're just in a Skate Park)....ie care and science has gone into their application...if very intelligent folk CHOOSE to wear them when they perceive the only real risk is from "bumps" who are we to question BUT the other ones aren't "designed" at all...in fact, they're just hats which are made into the shapes of helmets (and often then sold as such)...oh how I wish we could find the guy who came up with "M88"...it sounds sooooooo convincing... :-)

Exactly, and the point I was making is that whilst some specialist units do use "non standard" specialist helmets they all as far I am aware train in the gear in which they will carry out their purpose.
For the most part units like the SAS and SBS do not use the Mk7 or Virtus types but they do not train in "lighweight" practice helmets. They train in the actual gear the intend to use on live ops. To do otherwise would be counter-productive.

Regards

Mark

**James C** · 06-03-2019, 08:12 PM

Ade Iv'e noticed a few of PASGT style helmets on E-bay at the moment some with Covers marked Cadet,is this the type your referring too ?

**Composite** · 06-03-2019, 08:18 PM

Anything which isn’t a REAL helmet I guess.......

I know there’s a market to LOOK right (cosplay) and to LOOK right with an element of safety (Airsoft)....but when these things are described as something REAL soldiers use to learn in when they’re obviously not......

**Jb4046** · 06-03-2019, 08:28 PM

I am more bothered by the endless amounts of Indian made Middle Ages helmets and pickelhalbes that come up in my results on ebay

**Composite** · 06-03-2019, 08:35 PM

Ahhh, but just think about all those repro Roman and Viking Helmet collectors who’re p’d off every day when they find their searches full of TR stuff covered with small bits of paper and boring old brightly painted Brit helmets.....