Tony Grist
Does anyone remember the old M1 “Steel Pot” helmets from WWII/Korea/Vietnam? They were a visual representation of the American fighting man, as seen on marketing and recruiting materials the world over and even in the comic strip Beetle Bailey. They were the best and only protection for your head until a Kevlar version became the standard issue in the mid-1980’s.
In todays era of “what was old is now new again”, the NovaSteel helmet is a metal helmet similar to the M1 but with some significant upgrades.
The M1 was made of Hadfield Steel, not the best steel available but it was widely available and was used in many countries military helmets. Time and technology though have given us advances in steel processing and have allowed Adept Armor to turn the tables by creating the NovaSteel™ helmet, which is made of a vastly stronger alloy built to withstand all of today’s threats. The helmet itself is more comfortable, more modular, and more adaptable. It is a thoroughly modern ACH ballistic helmet, with the pedigree of steel, and performance that is in many respects the best available anywhere.
Recently Adept Armor conducted a test to prove just how strong the helmet is and how it compares to it’s predecessors.
THE PARTICIPANTS
Czech M53: The video reveals the rapid penetration of the Czech M53 helmet, exposing the vulnerabilities inherent in 20th-century steel helmets.
Police Surplus Helmets (rated IIIA): Despite its purported rating, the police surplus helmet exhibited severe degradation and extreme localized deformation under the impact of the .357 Magnum rounds.
NovaSteel ACH-style Helmet (rated VPAM-3 + special threats): The NovaSteel helmet emerged as the undisputed champion, enduring more than two dozen shots with remarkable fortitude. Despite relentless assault, the NovaSteel helmet resisted penetration, exhibited minimal shell deformation, and maintained its padding integrity. The test was only halted when the retention system reached its limit, a testament to the helmet’s exceptional durability.
THE TEST
The NovaSteel™ Helmet is the M1, evolved, and it’s time for steel to retake its position as the helmet material of choice. A broad array of accessories are available or currently in development including:
• NVG shroud
• M-Lok side rails
• Ballistic mandible
• Ballistic visor
• Blast liner set
• Rifle-rated ballistic applique
IN CONCLUSION
The NovaSteel™ Helmet steel helmet boasts some very strong traits, incomparable toughness, near-zero shell deformation upon impact, excellent performance against high-velocity special threats, a top-tier padding system and, a pedigree back to previous generations of the American fighting man. All at a price affordable for large-scale procurement or personal use.
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