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EVERY ORDER SHIPS FOR $10 OR LESS (continental US)
EVERY ORDER SHIPS FOR $10 OR LESS (continental US)
Naturally, you want to protect your head. You care about your safety. You want to find the best tactical helmet available.
And you're in the right place.
It doesn’t matter if you’re gearing up for a mission or you just want to stay safe. Picking the right helmet and pad system can make a huge difference.
Today, we’re diving into the ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) and the ECH (Enhanced Combat Helmet). These helmets have been the go-to for military personnel for years, but what's the difference between them? And more importantly, which one should you trust with your safety?
We'll break down every detail, from features to performance, to help you figure out which helmet is your best bet.
So, let’s get right into it and take a look at these two iconic helmets.
When it comes to tactical helmets, the ACH combat helmet and the MICH helmets have been around for a while. These helmets were designed to offer bulletproof protection and fragmentation protection for our military personnel. These two helmets in particular have seen a lot of action over the years.
You might hear them referred to interchangeably, but let's clear up the basic differences.
The ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) was developed to replace the older PASGT helmet, offering better protection, fit, and comfort. It's made from advanced ballistic materials, providing improved defense against shrapnel and ballistic threats.
Meanwhile, the MICH (Modular Integrated Communications Helmet) is quite similar, often used by special operations forces because of its ability to integrate communication devices easily. These are not descriptions that can be widely applied, they are two different helmets, so an ACH MICH helmet does not exist. A helmet cover for for a ACH would work for a MICH.
So, why would an ACH ballistic helmet still be relevant? For starters, they have a proven track record. Many veterans swear by them, and they're often seen as the gold standard for tactical headgear. They're built tough, designed to withstand the rigors of combat, and they offer a level of protection that has saved countless lives.
Here’s why people like the ACH army helmet:
ACH helmets are extremely capable and they are cheaper than other options. They are a really dependable choice for anyone needing reliable head protection.
Let’s talk about the ECH ballistic helmet–it’s the new and improved option in the world of tactical headgear.
The ECH stands for Enhanced Combat Helmet. It’s designed to be tougher and more protective than the older ACH helmets.
What makes the ECH combat helmet special? For starters, it uses more advanced polyethylene. This material is lighter and can offer a higher degree of protection. It simply makes sense for militaries to invest in these helmets where cost permits.
These helmets are also super durable. They’re built to handle the toughest conditions, so whether you’re in extreme weather or rough terrain, the ECH generally outperforms an ACH.
Here’s a condensed list of ECH helmet benefits:
The ECH army helmet is the most advanced helmet that the US army has widely implemented thus far.
When we explain the difference between ACH vs ECH, we like to compare it to SAPI and ESAPI plates: The Enhanced version (ESAPI) improved upon the materials of the SAPI plate. As technology improves, especially with ballistic materials, changes are made to enhance current protective gear.
Basically, the difference is in the material used.
The ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) uses a para-aramid fiber, like Kevlar. The ECH uses polyethylene, which is more expensive, but also super light for it's ability to stop more rounds. This makes the ECH more durable. It will do a better job with rougher handling and harsher conditions, as well as offer better ballistic performance.
In short, when comparing army ECH vs ACH, the ECH offers superior protection, durability, and a lighter weight.
When you get an older generation helmet, you get it for a fraction of the price with very little difference in quality. This isn’t the same as new phones or cars. Thanks to the highly funded and extensive research & development behind these products, helmet designs from years ago are still ahead of the curve.
The ACH and ECH are both great helmet options, especially for civilians. If you're interested in learning more about the differences in other helmet designs, check out ourComprehensive Helmet Guide.
When it comes to stopping bullets, both the ACH helmet and the ECH helmet offer ballistic protection, though no form of body armor is truly "bulletproof". Here are some differences:
The ACH helmet is designed with Level IIIA protection, like the MICH helmet. A Level 3A ballistic helmet can stop most common handgun rounds. They're made from Kevlar, which will give you a good level of defense in a very wide range of situations.
The ECH helmet (Enhanced Combat Helmet) obviously takes it a step further. Using ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), the ECH helmet can give you protection against higher-velocity threats. This means it can stop more powerful ballistic rounds compared to the ACH and MICH helmets.
So, while both helmets are bullet-resistant, the ECH is designed to handle tougher threats. This material represents the cutting edge of bulletproof armor technology.
If you’re wondering if you can get your hands on an ECH tactical helmet or an ACH tactical helmet, the good news is, you can. Both of these helmets are available to civilians, but here are some considerations to keep in mind.
The ACH tactical helmet is more commonly available on the civilian market. It’s widely used by law enforcement, security personnel, and even outdoor enthusiasts who want an extra layer of protection. These helmets are more than enough.
An ECH tactical helmet is a bit harder to come by. Since it’s newer, it’s primarily used by military personnel. However, with the right budget, civilians can still purchase ECH helmets.
If you want to learn more about the gear that the military uses and what's available to the public, check out our article onwhat body armor does the military use.
Both the ACH and ECH helmets have their strengths, and depending on your needs and budget, either could be the right choice for you. The ACH offers proven reliability and affordability, while the ECH offers advanced materials and superior protection. Between these two, you may rest assured that you're getting adequate protection.
You can find out more about our selection of premium bulletproof armor by checking out our selection of body armor vests or armored backpack bundles.Comments will be approved before showing up.
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