NIJ standard 0106.01 for Ballistic helmets

NIJ standard 0106.01 is the ballistic standard for bullet proof helmets and has nothing to do with NIJ standard 0101.06, which is the standard for bullet proof vests and hard armor plates. The standard is from 1981, and has become very old, which is why many manufacturers test "beyond" the standard, as the materials today have become much lighter and stronger than they were in 1981.

NIJ standard 0106.01 has focus on 3 different ballistic levels

As said before the standard does not stop the latest threats, which is why many today use the modified version of NIJ standard 0106.01, which tests against the same threats as in NIJ standard 0101.06 for bullet proof vests. Here you test against a .44 magnum, and .357 SIG for level 3a, since the above levels of protection are, in our opinion are old-fashioned and outdated.

NIJ standard 0106.01 (Modified)

This provides a ballistic helmet that will stop the most advanced small arms, and when looking at the test weapons, and the increased velocity on the shoots, one can see a significant difference. For example, the speed of .357 SIG FMJ is increased by 90 m/s versus the 9 mm FMJ.

Always buy a ballistic helmet that has been tested to the modified NIJ standard 0106.01

It is very important that you never buy a ballistic helmet that only has been tested for NIJ level II (2) according to NIJ standard 0106.01.

Your ballistic helmet needs as a minimum, to be tested according to the modified standard, where the ballistic helmet is tested to NIJ IIIA (3a). A helmet tested to the level 3a standard provides a lot more protection. At the same time, the V50 value will be significantly better for a ballistic helmet that can stop a .44 Magnum and .357 SIG.

V50 against fragments

The V50 value describes a ballistic helmets resistance to fragments. The standard was made for ballistic vests but today it is also used for riot equipment and ballistic helmet where it is very important that the helmet can stop fragments, as fragment protection is as needed as bullet protection.

To measure the V50 value, different FSPs (fragments) are used where the most normal size of a fragment is 1.1g. The fragment is fired at a certain velocity, where upon you can measure the strength of the helmet against the fragment.

The most widely used standards for testing the fragment resistance for a ballistic helmet are:

• US Standard - Mill STD 662 E
• UK Standard - UK / SC / 5449
• NATO Standard - STANAG 2920

At Protection Group Danmark our helmets are all tested according to STANAG2920 and MILL STD 662 E, where our ballistic helmets can stop up to 700 m/s, where the highest F6 level for STANAG2920 is 650 m/s. A ballistic helmet must be tested against this!