+1 for the Protec skateboarding helmet. Light, cheap, snug fitting, and guaranteed to protect against bumps. Find a matt black or take some fine grain sandpaper to a gloss version.

Sure you may get shot through the vent holes now and again, but its worth it to keep your head cool.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...15.28%20PM.png]

I wouldn't go to an indoor game without one. Apart from the protection against bumps / falls getting shot in the head on a regular basis at close range is not too enjoyable.

Where did you find them for less than $50?

LOL...love that guy's new tag and avatar pic :)

I've seen too many really nasty head smashes, and nasty head smashes avoided, to say anything but...a properly fitted helmet in CQB is a "must have" IMO. .....Ask Mr. Shiney how it feels to fall on concrete with his bare head.

Field/forest stuff...not necessary IMO...unless you're running some gear or doing something that necessitates them.

Head shots in field games hurt...in CQB they hurt a lot more...but neither are going to lay you out.

If you're just dressing up...then get repro stuff. If you want to protect your head in the event of an impact that's going to mess with your brain...then get a real helmet that fits you properly. Beware of expecting repro stuff...it may look the part, it may even feel/fit like a helment should...but they're not made the same. (a great example were those repro "ballistic" eye pro....that didn't stop BBs...funny, but not for the guy who gets shot)

There's not too much more to it than that.

Protect helmets will do the trick...A-Alphas are just fine. The real ops core base jump helmets fit really nicely.

My first helmet was an IBH. I think a bed pan would be more comfortable. I then went to the Protec and it was comfy but felt rather large on my head. I switched to the Emerson Base Jump and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love it.

42$

This is the FMA one. It's practically the same. Apextac ships fast and is awesome..

FMA Base Jump

http://i579.photobucket.com/albums/s...ac/OCH-G-1.jpg

While it's true they aren't made the same, some repros are actually pretty solid (the heavy fiberglass MICH replicas, for example): they're not ballistic and they're no substitute for a proper helmet when one is required (bike, hockey, mountain climbing, job site, etc) but for the type of bumps your noggin' is likely to take playing airsoft they will protect your head (they're actually probably more solid than the average $15 hard hat). You do need to replace the crappy foam pads with proper MICH pads (issue or gel); even without reference to concussions, the stock foam is utter crap. The overall set will still set you back about $100+, but it's half the price (or better) off a real MICH and fits the "look" if that's what you're after.

I have one of those repro CRYE AirFrames too; its lighter than the MICH but still would protect against a nasty bump. Had to replace the pads on that too (to get it to fit, for comfort, etc); used MICH pads (except the crown pad).

The bottom line is if you're gonna whack your head on a concrete corner or metal beam or something, even those crappy $20 plastic PASGT helmets is gonna be better than nothing.

Even I will wear a Helmet from time to time - more so in CQB

6mm Headaches can ruin the day.

MICH2000 repro's are worth the $50 - 60

+1 this. (even if i've said it earlier in thread.)

Mich2000 repro + replacement higher grade webbing, + interior padding from a time-expired motorcycle helmet == damn sure better than nothing.

not only are helmets important so are jockstraps.

I was next to cookedham when he got shot in the balls.

Fair points taken...

I wrote my post targeted to the OP (and the like) who seemed like a "new" guy and asking a decent question. My point being...don't go repro (or homebrew) if you're looking for head protection.

Fair enough, and quite true, SOME of the repro stuff is quite sturdy...and would help to shake off the "run into a low doorway" type of stuff. And they can be made to be more comfortable and serviceable by replacing padding, straps, etc... But I didn't feel like offering up that as an option was prudent IF a new guy is looking to protect their head/brain from concussive injuries.

If they are looking at real options they can be had really cheaply. My first Protec was $30, my A-Alpha was $50, repro MICH was $20, ballistic MICH (didn't fit...too small) was under $100...etc...

Ballistic this or that is obviously not needed for airsoft...I wouldn't bother.

I have both the real Ops Core Basejump and the FMA Basejump. For the difference in price, the FMA is the way to go. There are a few small details that could be better, but they are definitely not worth the $180 cost difference in what I paid between the two.

Exactly what I was trying to say.

I have put my Emerson side by side with ViR's real Op's core. Nothing noticeable in difference besides a marking in the shroud. Padding in the real is alot better but the knock off isn't bad at all.

1 thing I like a lot better is the real ops core dial doesn't loosen up.

And again, I totally agree; repro is no substitute for real protection.

But (in response to some people who totally don't want to wear em) even the crappiest helmet can make the difference between seeing stars and maybe a concussion, and leaving on a stretcher with your head split open.

Reminds me this video of the guy falling off a rooftop: http://youtu.be/V9yVjhY3mNM

Ouuuuch.

Looks like the guy got lucky and didn't broke anything.

This debate can go on forever. Helmets are mandatory in all kinds of sports and industrial use. Designed to protect your one brain you have.

But for airsoft, goggles and face protection are part of my head protection requirements.

I have friends that wear only eye protection, and a few have missing front teeth, also commented that they hate wearing eye protection because it always fog up. If the field did not make eye wear mandatory, people would not wear it either.

I came from paintball, and by standard paintball you need a full mask.

When I started airsoft I didn't wear a helmet, same day I played in CQB I got shot in the head. Man did that cause a huge bump with blood, threw me off for quite some time, hurt like a mofo.

So then, I went and got a helmet.