Can anyone identify this PASGT helmet?

[Crunchmeister]

I saw this helmet at our local surplus store the other day for $25 and it seemed to be a good deal to me so I picked it up.

As can be seen, the exterior has some metallic silver paint streaks, but is in good condition for the most part. What got my attention is that the helmet is not plastic, but appears to be made of fibreglass or some other fibre material.




It has a pretty good 3-point harness system. Unlike my old ABS PASGT replica with the 2-point harness, this one stays firmly in position when strapped down, it's very comfortable to wear, and the harness allows easier use of my Cavalvy headset which didn't seem to fit under my ABS helmet well.



The clip to secure the helmet is also quite good and much better than the 'snap tie' closure on my ABS helmet. The clip is plastic (unlike all the other loops and fasteners which are metal), but seems quite strong. You can see on these last 2 pics that the interior is fibre material with some nice padding in the top of the helmet should an impact crash it on the wearer's head.



So I'm just wondering if anyone knows who makes this particular replica (I assume it's a replica of some sort). It's nice and lightweight, but seems pretty rigid and strong for such a thin fibre shell. I asked the surplus store guys, but they couldn't tell me anything about it (typical at our local surplus). I've seen many PASGT replicas to date with various quality harnesses, but they all seem to be made of ABS. This is the first fibre one I've seen.

Any input would be appreciated.

BTW, I ordered a new multicam cover and band for it, so the silver paint on it isn't an issue.

[Eeyore]

Looks like an M88 Crunch

[Crunchmeister]

Isn't M88 / PASGT the same thing? I know that's the model of helmet. I'm just trying to find info on a potential manufacturer because I haven't seen any of these replicas made from anything but ABS so far. I can't find any replicas made of fibre on the regular suspect airsoft sites.

[Deadpool]

Seeing the fiberlike material inside, I would be incline to say that it looks genuine. It looks like real kevlar from what I see. If this is a replica, then someone has got the details right.

[Crunchmeister]

I don't know if it's kevlar. The material is sturdy, but it's thin and has some flex to it unlike my CF helmet that's thick kevlar and really doesn't flex at all. The real CF helmet is heavier too.

But that's why I'm confused about this helmet. It almost looks like it's real, but doesn't seem to me like it's thick and sturdy enough to provide any ballistic protection.

[Deadpool]

Maybe a civilian version?

[Lerch]

Chances are you have a cheaper third-world copy of a PASGT, like the ones from Iran or Pakistan.

[Crunchmeister]

I really have no clue what it could be, hence this thread. I'm sure there have to be some gearheads around here that might at least have a clue what it may be.

Either way though, I'm quite happy with my purchase. I only wore my old ABS model once, and it wobbled so bad I took it off shortly after starting the game. This one is a much better fit all around and the 3-point harness is awesome. It was worth every penny of the $25, considering that's how much I paid (plus shipping) for my ASB model.

Originally Posted by Lerch

Chances are you have a cheaper third-world copy of a PASGT, like the ones from Iran or Pakistan.

Hmmmm... Never thought of that. But again, I don't know if this thing offers and real ballistic protection. I would think that these 3rd world models would at least provide that...

[FlyGuy]

Last year I picked up the exact same one as you from ArmyIssue. Haven't seen anything like it since but it is definitely NOT kevlar, but rather 7 layers of fibreglass and supposedly 2000 fps rated protection. Yes, it's certainly way above average for airsoft but I absolutely don't believe their ballistic protection claims one bit. IMHO, even a lowly .22LR would most definitely ventillate it.

East-Canada-Airsoft shows them on their eBay store as the HELMET - M88/PASGT - Army/Special Forces - V2 - BLACK, and they claim it's a made in USA product of "very high quality". While I can vouch for the quality aspects as I've worn it, I can also say that it is a bit cooler on the head than a helmet with foam inserts. The webbing allows greater airflow throughout the brain bucket, but it also allows the helmet to shift around a bit and that can disrupt the seal of your ESS NVGs or Bollés around the eyes so you do have to cinch the helmet down to prevent that. Sadly though, I have been unable to find the manufacturer as well. Perhaps ECA would divulge the info if you asked nicely??

Otherwise, it's a pretty decent piece of kit.


'Fly

[Crunchmeister]

Thanks Flyguy. That looks very much like it. The one at the link you provided seems to be it. Mine is missing that little leather centre piece inside and I used some para cord to bring that parts together. But otherwise, that seems to be the one.

Well, that's good enough for me. I was curious about the origins of this helmet, and now I know at least something. And seems like for $25, I got a damn good deal on it.