What Actually
Matters in a
Ballistic Helmet
Insights from 500+ agency procurement interviews
Criteria for Evaluating Ballistic Helmets
These aren't marketing talking points. They're the factors that chiefs, deputies, and quartermasters told us, repeatedly, determine whether a helmet passes muster.
It Has to Work — Every Time
Departments don't care about marketing claims. They care that the helmet issued this year performs identically to the one ordered next year. One failure erases everything else.
Pricing Decides Who Gets Protected
Most agencies aren't choosing between cheap and premium — they're choosing between protecting everyone or protecting a few. Budget-appropriate pricing is a mission-critical spec.
Brand Accountability Over Brand Name
Agencies told us directly: they want a company they can call, a warranty they can use, and a supply chain that won't disappear after the PO is paid.
Post-Sale Support Is Non-Negotiable
Departments repeatedly cited vendors who were responsive during quoting, then unreachable after delivery. On life-safety equipment, that's not a minor issue.
Lead Times Kill Purchases
Grant deadlines, fiscal year windows, post-incident emergency buys — timing is as determinative as price. If helmets don't ship when needed, the purchase doesn't happen.
Uncomfortable Helmets Stay in Lockers
This was universal. A helmet that doesn't get worn provides zero protection. Comfort isn't secondary — it's the difference between protection and none.
Compatibility With Existing Loadouts
Departments already own ear protection, lights, and comms. They don't want to rebuild a loadout — and need to know future kit will integrate seamlessly.
Ready to Equip Your Department?
Get departmental pricing, lead time estimates, and a direct contact — no obligation, no pressure sales cycle.
Request a Departmental Quote →What Happens After You Submit
Tell us your department size, timeline, and any specific requirements. Takes under 2 minutes.
A real person responds within one business day with departmental pricing and lead time estimates.
No pressure. Ask questions, request documentation, or run it through your procurement process at your pace.
Once ready, we fulfill with full documentation, traceability, and 10-year warranty support from day one.
Request Departmental Pricing
Submit your department's information and we'll respond within one business day with tailored pricing and lead time estimates — whether you need 5 helmets or 500.
- ✓ Response from a real person within hours
- ✓ Volume pricing based on your department size
- ✓ Lead time estimates aligned to your budget cycle or grant deadline
- ✓ Full documentation available for your procurement file
- ✓ No sales pressure — quote is yours to evaluate at your timeline
- Original NIJ lab reports and chain of custody records will be provided during the procurement evaluation process.
UEI: MPKAW7ZSDM31
DUNS: 08-110-4758
DLA Registered Manufacturer
- To request official NIJ lab reports and chain of custody records, indicate your request using the form above.
UEI: MPKAW7ZSDM31
DUNS: 08-110-4758
All Ballistic Armor Co. helmets are manufactured in White City, OR. Domestic production means stable supply chains, predictable lead times, and procurement confidence.
Every helmet carries a decade of manufacturer support. Issues with mounting, sizing, or replacement are handled by people who know the product — not a rotating ticket queue.
Batch traceability and serialized units for every order. Full documentation available to support your department's procurement file and chain-of-custody requirements.
A quote is a quote. We respond with pricing and lead times. You evaluate at your pace, on your timeline, through your department's procurement process.