Ballistic Helmets
Every Bastion® helmet is pressed in the USA, assembled in White City, Oregon, and independently tested to HG2.
Agency Purchasing? Request a quote.
Every helmet in the lineup shares the same shell, construction and colors. The main difference is the rail system.
What Comes With Every Bastion
10-Year Warranty
Every Bastion helmet is covered against manufacturing defects for ten years, with a certificate for your records. Learn more
Independent HG2 Testing
Every Bastion helmet is independently lab tested to HG2, as defined in NIJ 0123.00. Lab reports are available on request or during agency procurement. Request reports
Chain of Custody
Every shell is pressed in the United States with a documented chain of custody you can put in your procurement file. Learn More
About BAC®
Ballistic Armor Co. is an American-owned manufacturer of ballistic helmets for law enforcement, based in White City, Oregon. Founded in 2015, we design and build the Bastion helmet family: the Bastion Ghost, Bastion Patrol and Bastion Operator.
Every Bastion shell is pressed in the United States and assembled in our White City shop, and every helmet is backed by a 10-year warranty and a team you can call directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a ballistic helmet?
A ballistic helmet is a type of protective headgear designed to withstand impacts from projectiles, such as bullets or fragmentation.
What is the purpose of a ballistic helmet?
The purpose of a ballistic helmet is to provide protection to the wearer's head from gunfire, fragments from exploding devices, or other threats.
What are the different types of ballistic helmets?
There are several types of ballistic helmets, including ACH, ECH, MICH, and FAST helmets. The choice of helmet type depends on a number of factors such as the intended use and level of protection required.
What is the level of protection offered by a ballistic helmet?
Ballistic helmets are rated against the threats they're tested to stop. The current NIJ helmet standard, NIJ 0123.00, defines two handgun threat levels, HG1 and HG2, with HG2 the higher of the two. Every Bastion helmet is independently tested to HG2. Older helmets are often described as Level IIIA under the previous standard.
What are the materials used in ballistic helmets?
The most common types of Ballistic helmets are made of a woven aramid material such as Kevlar™ or Twaron™, or of a composite woven aramid + polyethylene blend. The choice of material depends on the level of protection required, the intended use of the helmet, and weight requirements.
Other materials used in ballistic helmets include:
- Carbon Fiber
- Ceramic
- Graphene
- Fiberglass
How are ballistic helmets tested for safety?
Helmets are shot by an independent ballistics laboratory against the threats defined in an NIJ standard, then inspected for penetration. NIJ publishes the standards; it doesn't certify individual helmets. Ask any manufacturer for their lab reports; ours are available on request.
How should a ballistic helmet fit?
A ballistic helmet should fit snugly and securely on the head, without any excessive movement or shifting. The helmet should also be adjusted to the correct size using the sizing pads or adjustment system provided. It is important to note that although the fit should be snug, the padding should not be over-compressed, as the padding exists as a safety feature to protect from backface deformation.
Can a ballistic helmet be used with other protective gear?
Yes, a ballistic helmet can be used with other protective gear, such as body armor, eye protection, and ear protection, to provide a comprehensive level of security.
Who uses ballistic helmets?
Law enforcement officers, tactical teams, military personnel and security professionals who may face handgun threats or fragmentation. Many agencies now issue helmets department-wide, so every officer has one in the patrol car when an active threat call comes in.
Why buy from Ballistic Armor Co.?
We build our helmets in the United States and sell them direct to the agencies that wear them. Every Bastion helmet is independently tested to HG2, backed by a 10-year warranty, and supported by a team in White City, Oregon, that you can call directly. Agencies can request a test and evaluation helmet before they buy. See why agencies choose BAC
What materials are used to make Ballistic Armor Co.'s helmets?
Bastion shells are made from an aramid composite (non-polyethylene), pressed in the United States.
Are ballistic helmets rifle rated?
No. HG1 and HG2 are handgun threat levels, and Bastion helmets are tested to HG2. Helmets that aren't tested against rifle threats shouldn't be relied on to stop rifle rounds, whatever a brand may claim.
How long will my delivery take?
Most orders ship in two to six weeks. Your order confirmation or quote will include a delivery estimate. Shipping information
Where are Ballistic Armor Co. helmets made?
Every Bastion helmet is pressed in the United States and assembled in White City, Oregon. Our discontinued Gen 1 helmet was pressed overseas to our specifications; since February 1, 2026, every helmet we sell is made in the USA.
I'm currently deployed. Can you ship to an APO?
Yes. Please note that shipping to a military base or U.S. embassy overseas is still considered an export, so it is subject to the same ITAR/EAR constraints as a regular export. However, in most cases it is not a problem shipping to deployed military.
If there is any further information needed to ship your product then a customer service representative will reach out to you directly.
Do you offer a military/LEO discount?
We love to support our military (veterans included), police, and first responders. Please click here to get your personalized discount code. This offer does not stack with other discounts.
How can I track my order?
You can log into your account to view orders and tracking information. If you don't have an account or have any trouble, email us at info@ballisticarmorco.com and we will provide you with the most current order information.