Is there such thing as bullet proof helmet?

The term “bullet proof” has in more times than one been misused and misconstrued to mean “impenetrable” or “invincible”. If you’re on this boat, then you might be wrong. Using this definition, there is really no such thing as a “bullet proof” helmet, vest, or shield.

Yes, some ballistic helmets can deflect pistols and handgun rounds. Some helmets are even made to specifically protect the wearers against rifle threats. However, this doesn’t mean that the wearers are invincible in the face of ballistic threats. There can be bullet resistant helmets in function, but not bullet proof.

Bullet proof would mean that these helmets can stop every single kind of bullets fired into them no matter the shot rate. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the term bullet proof is described as a state of being “impenetrable to bullets”.  Hence, wearing a bullet proof armor doesn’t make you invincible in front danger. As a matter of fact, the only thing that actually fits this description of ‘bullet proof’ is Superman.

Most of the gears that are often referred to as ‘bullet proof’ only need to come in contact with dedicated ammo or multiple shots before they cease to be proven of bullet resistance. However, there are some tactical armor and ballistic helmets that are crafted with highly durable materials. These materials give them an extreme ballistic resistance ability against a wide range of bullets and ballistic threats. This ballistic resistance is tested and measured by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and published in levels. These levels form the industry standard for most helmets, vests, armor, and shields.

In addition, while you might be protected against bullets, you are still susceptible to other threats such as shrapnel, bomb or grenade fragments, and even knife attacks. This is because not all bullet proof helmets or vests are stab and slash rated. And this is somewhat ironic – that a vest can deflect a bullet but gives way once in contact with a pocket knife.

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