At this point, products by Ops-Core and Team Wendy are pretty much the gold standard in bump helmets. But not everyone can afford to drop $450-$600 on one of those systems (even more for the carbon versions). So what can someone looking for a budget option, or looking to build a helmet over time, do? One possible answer is the PT Helmets PT-A Bravo bump helmet (mine is the Half Shell version).
A bump helmet is an extremely useful piece of kit for preparedness. Aside from the obvious benefit of protecting your head, it also provides a solid mounting platform. Night vision is becoming more prevalent for both preparedness and hunting and now multiple manufacturers (including Beez, Night Heron, Cold Harbour, and Quad Tac) make adapters to mount FPV drone goggles to your helmet.
I came across the PT-A Bravo years ago, but never really took it terribly seriously, mostly because I just didn’t need it at the time. However, with a static-line parachute course coming up, I require a helmet and the PT-A Bravo is on the approved list. Since the budget is a bit tight, the base model helmet coming in at $79 is quite attractive. Now, before you scream “Airsoft!” at me, the PT A-Bravo has an NSN and is made in the USA. This is a legitimate helmet, albeit a bit dated. Think ACH versus Ops-Core/Team Wendy. You can also opt to add an NVG shroud and side rails for an additional $45.
I will say that from my observation, while the helmet is legit, the rails are a bit suspect. They are styled like ARC rails, but they only add $30 to the price of the helmet. There seems to be a lot of extra left-behind flashing, so there’s a chance the rails are airsoft. If you choose not to add the ARC rails, the standard helmet does come pre-drilled for a section of bolt-on Picatinny rail on each side. These sections are provided in the base cost of the helmet. The NVG shroud seems to be in spec and while it’s certainly no Wilcox, for $15, it will probably do what I need (mount a camera) until I can get a better option.
The two biggest things you’ll find that are clearly dated are the suspension system and the liner. The liner is basic foam and is waterproof. It does fill the interior fully, so if you are the type that likes to run comms gear under your helmet, you will need to cut the foam to make your ear pro fit. The chin strap/suspension system is definitely old-school. It has 6 points of adjustment via standard pull tabs. Effective, but there’s a lot of extra webbing hanging loose, much like with the older helmet systems.
On the positive side, PT Helmets advertises that the PT-A Bravo will accept ACH suspension systems. To test this, I installed a Team Wendy H-Back Retention System in my helmet, and it fits. The Team Wendy system comes with 3 mounting holes on the rear straps and 2 mounting holes on the side straps to allow the greatest flexibility in noggin size. For me, I used the middle holes on the rear straps and the holes closest to the loop on the sides for my XL PT-A Bravo.
One slight change I did make was the addition of washers to the retention system mounting hardware. The holes in the retention system are sized for the much larger ACH-style bolts, which are approximately twice the diameter of the PT-A Bravo mounting hardware. I was a little worried that the head of the PT-A hardware might slip through the hole under tension and the washer provides me with a little extra reassurance.
As it stands, my helmet is ready to go for propelling myself out the side door of an aircraft. I’ve got about $250 in the helmet right now between the helmet and the retention system. I do intend to take a look at the liner system after the class and see about retrofitting the helmet with the Team Wendy ZAP SOF Liner and Airborne Pad. But for now, I’m not going to let perfection be the enemy of good enough. Out the door I go!
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