4 main type of ballistic helmets

• Name: PASGT (Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops)
• Material: Aramid fiber with a phenolic resin system.
• Weight: 3.1 lbs. to 4.2 lbs. (1420g to 1910g)
• Design: Available in a range of colors and patterns for the U.S. Army, SWAT teams, Marine Corps MARPAT, UN Peacekeeping forces.
• Uses: Protects the wearer from shrapnel and ballistic projectiles.

Pic Source: Hard Head Veterans

• PASGT stands for Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops and is pronounced as “pass-GET.” These tactical helmets were used by the United States military from the early years of the 1980s to the middle of the 2000s. They are typically made of Aramid Kevlar Fibers. Sometimes referred to as a K-pot or kevlar helmet. Their most defining feature is a lip over the brow of the helmet. These combat helmets are still in use today, some utilizing original fiber technology, while others featuring upgraded combat pads and fibers.

• Name: MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet)
• Material: Made of an advanced Kevlar material.
• Weight: 3.0 lbs. to 3.6 lbs. (1360g to 1630g)
• Design: Available in camouflage patterns of Cyre MultiCAM, USMC MARPAT, U.S. Army UCP. Also available in complete black for SWAT terms.
• Uses: Protects the wearer from handgun shots.

• The Modular Integrated Communications Helmet or the MICH was developed as an improvement on the PASGT while the ACH or the Advanced Combat Helmet is an advanced version of the MICH. Militaries around the world use both the MICH and ACH. The ACH was first issued to US troops in 2003. There is also the advanced combat helmet generation II, which is typically referred to as an ECH we discuss below.

• Name: ECH (Enhanced Combat Helmet)
• Material: Made of Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight polyethylene which is stronger than Kevlar.
• Weight: 3.2 lbs. to 3.5 lbs. (1474g to 1637g)
• Design: Colors and patterns are the same as PASGT and MICH.
• Uses: Provides enhanced protection from rifle rounds and fragmentation.

• The Enhanced Combat Helmet is to replace MICH and ACH versions in the future. Utilizing ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, the ECH is designed to be lighter while providing increased protection from fragmentation and rifle rounds. So far the ECH or (advanced combat helmet generation II) has fallen somewhat short of its original goal of stopping rifle threats. So far it's only capable of stopping very select rifle threats at drastically reduced velocities simulating rages of 300-500 meters.

• Name: Fast/High Cut/Maritime Cut/ATE
• Material: Advanced Kevlar material.
• Weight: 2.2 lbs. to 3.0 lbs. (1143g to 1354g)
• Design: Available in colors such as foliage green, urban tan, MultiCAM, black, desert MARPAT, etc.
• Uses: Designed for Maritime special operations.

• FAST®/High Cut/Maritime cut/ ATE® or Above the ear: These helmets were first designed for maritime special operations due to the safety hazards of water catching the ear cups on the sides of older helmets at a high speed. Ops-Core was the company to first bring the FAST® helmet to market, an acronym for Future Assault Shell Technology. While all other helmets were created keeping in mind the necessity of protecting soldiers’ eyes, ears and brain, the FAST® helmet is designed to carry additional combat equipment.

• This helmet provides LIMITED protection for the head and does not offer any protection against neck, spinal, or certain types of brain injuries including those caused by rotational forces. Some hazards can exceed this helmet's ability to provide protection and could cause severe head, brain, or spinal injuries including paralysis or death.
• Remember: the higher the impact velocity, the greater the chance of injury/death. Common sense is the best defense.
• Inspect the helmet before each use. Make sure the shell, inner pads, plastic hardware, stitching, chinstrap, and fit system components are not damaged, cracked, loose, or showing signs of excessive wear. Do not remove or alter the front, top, or back impact pads. Do not apply paint, solvents, or like products as they could degrade Helmet integrity and resulting performance. Replace your helmet if it is subjected to a significant impact since the shell and/or liner pads could be damaged without showing any obvious signs of a problem.
• These instructions must be followed by all persons using our maintaining this helmet in order for it to perform as designed. Failure to do so could result in equipment malfunction, serious injury, or death.