Why Would You Want A Bump Helmet Over A Ballistic?

Picking between a bump helmet and a ballistic helmet isn’t easy. Many of us have faced this choice before. We’ve put both types to the test and done our research.

The fact of the matter is, not everyone can afford a ballistic helmet that is hundreds of dollars. Not only that, but some people question if it’s something they really need in terms of their kit. Whereas, a bump helmet can be used for different things, while also protecting your noggin from falls. But if you’re into airsoft, the answer is quite simple. But that’s just one example of many that we’re going to discuss.

In this article, we will help you figure out if a bump helmet fits your needs. Here’s a spoiler alert: it weighs less, is ideal for training, and won’t break the bank.

Key Takeaways

• Bump helmets weigh less than ballistic helmets, often under 1.5 pounds.
• They cost less, ranging from $60 to $550, while ballistic helmets cost more.
• Bump helmets work well for training, sports, and rescue work, not combat.
• They offer better comfort, airflow, and situational awareness than ballistic helmets.
• Bump helmets allow easier movement and less neck strain during long wear.

Comparing a Ballistic and Bump Helmet

Ballistic and non-ballistic helmets serve different needs. Ballistic helmets (such as level IIIa) stop bullets, while a bump helmet provides protection only against falls and impacts. We’ll explore their key differences in weight, comfort, and cost.

Both options will tend to have accessory rails (some allow for the attachment of a rail adapter or picatinny rails) on both sides that allow you to add any tactical helmet accessory you wish, such as ear pro, lights, or anything you’d need for your specific mission.

1. Weight and Comfort

We love bump helmets because it’s truly a lightweight helmet option. Ops-Core FAST Bump Helmet shells weigh just 1.02 lbs for size L. That’s much lighter than ballistic options, even with an NVG mount on the front. The ATE Bump helmet tips the scales at only 1.4 lbs.

This makes bump helmets comfy for long wear times. We can keep them on all day without neck strain.

Comfort is key in bump helmets. They’re built for airflow and a snug fit. The Ops-Core FAST SF Carbon bump feels great on our heads. Its design lets heat escape and keeps us cool. We can wear these for hours of training with no issues.

The lightweight and comfortable fit make bump helmets a top pick for many tasks. They even include a chinstrap to help keep the helmet in place without shifting and moving around on your head.

On the other end of the spectrum, ballistic helmets are much heavier, and if you run NVGs on the front, things get even heavier as you’ll tend to require a counterweight (like a battery pack) on the back of the helmet.

2. Cost Differences

Bump helmets cost less than ballistic ones. We’ve seen prices range from $60 to $550. Ballistic helmets often cost more due to their special materials. The price gap can be big, sometimes hundreds of dollars.

Quality, brand, and extras affect the cost. High-end bump helmets with lots of features may cost as much as basic ballistic ones. But overall, bump helmets give you more bang for your buck if you don’t need bullet protection.

They’re great for training or low-risk situations where comfort and light weight matter most.

Optimal Scenarios for a Bump Helmet

Bump helmets shine in non-combat settings. They offer great protection for training, sports, and rescue work.

1. Use in Non-Ballistic Situations

We love these helmets for non-ballistic situations. They’re perfect for rock climbing and white-water rafting. These helmets guard against falls and bumps, not bullets. Made from tough ABS plastic or high-density polyethylene, they’re built to last.

Our team uses them for training and outdoor fun. They’re light, comfy, and give great protection without the weight of combat gear.

Bump helmets shine in many non-combat roles. Search and rescue teams rely on them for safety in rough terrain. We’ve seen them used in tactical training, where full ballistic gear isn’t needed.

They offer solid impact protection while keeping us mobile and aware. For activities with fall risks but no gunfire, bump helmets are our go-to choice.

2. Suitable for Tactical Training and Recreation

Bump helmets shine in training and fun activities. They’re perfect for airsoft games, paintball matches, and tactical drills. These lightweight lids let us move fast and stay alert.

We can wear them for hours without neck strain.

Many bump helmets have rail systems for add-ons. We can attach lights, cameras, or comms gear easily. This makes them great for night games or team exercises. Their versatility suits both serious training and weekend adventures.

3. Increased Mobility

Bump helmets boost our mobility in ways ballistic helmets can’t match. We move faster and easier with these lightweight lids. Their design focuses on non-combat use, letting us zip around freely.

The internal suspension system adds comfort so that we can wear them longer without strain. We love how versatile they are — perfect for training, recreation, or any task where speed counts.

We’ve found bump helmets shine in various settings. They’re great for airsoft games, paintball matches, or even rock climbing. The lighter weight means less neck fatigue during long sessions.

Plus, we can hear and see better, improving our situational awareness. This extra mobility could make all the difference in a tight spot.

4. Better Situational Awareness

We love bump helmets for their superior situational awareness. These lids let us see and hear more clearly than ballistic options. Their open design gives us a wider field of view, which is crucial for spotting threats fast.

Plus, the lighter weight means less neck strain during long ops or training sessions.

Bump helmets also offer great ventilation. This keeps us cool and focused, even in hot conditions. Many models come with Ops-Core ARC rails, adding airflow while still letting us mount gear.

We can easily attach lights, cameras, and night vision devices without compromising our awareness. For non-combat scenarios, bump helmets strike the perfect balance of protection and perception.

Grab a Team Wendy Bump Helmet or Similar Fast Bump Helmet

Bump helmets offer smart choices for many users. They’re lighter, cheaper, and more comfortable than ballistic types. For training or low-risk tasks, these helmets shine. They give better hearing and vision, too.

Pick a bump helmet when you need protection without the weight. A Team Wendy® is always a good choice. Team Wendy’s helmets tend to be on the more expensive side of things, and if it’s out of your price range, something like a Lancer Tactical may do the job.

If you have an NVG, you can add it to the NVG shroud (wilcox mount). If you’re looking for an inexpensive and budget-friendly pair of night vision for your bump helmet, I wrote a full article on the topic that you can read here.

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