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Explaining Ballistic Protection Levels

Ballistic helmets

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Feb 9, 2026

Ballistic Protection Levels Explained: NIJ IIIA (HG2) & III (RF1)

One of the first things to understand is the NIJ rating of a ballistic helmet. The National Institute of Justice sets standards that classify ballistic protection levels which helmet manufacturers test against. For helmets, the most applicable ratings are Level IIIA and Level III. However, new terminology is being introduced that reclassifies these threat levels as handgun (HG) and rifle (RF). In simple terms:

NIJ Level IIIA (HG2): Tested to stop high-velocity handgun rounds, up to .44 Magnum SJHP and .357 SIG pistol rounds (~1,430 ft/s). This is the highest rating commonly found in modern combat and law enforcement helmets, providing robust protection against most handgun threats and shrapnel. Nearly all standard police and military helmets (like the U.S. ACH or Team Wendy’s EPIC® ballistic helmets) are rated IIIA. In practice, a IIIA helmet can defeat the vast majority of pistol rounds an officer or soldier is likely to encounter.
NIJ Level III (RF1): Rated to stop rifle ammunition , such as 7.62×51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) and 5.56×45mm NATO rounds. A Level III helmet is sometimes called “rifle-rated.” Stopping rifle threats requires a much stronger (and usually heavier) shell than stopping handguns, so Level III helmets are relatively new and less common. Team Wendy’s newly launched RIFLETECH™ helmet, for example, meets NIJ Level III and can stop rounds like 7.62x39 AK-47 rounds and 7.62x51 NATO from a rifle at muzzle velocity. This kind of protection was formerly only achievable with body armor plates – having it in a helmet is a recent innovation.

Team Wendy helmet getting set up for a ballistic test. An employee adjusts the stand to align a laser pointer with the top of the helmet.

Most ballistic helmets today are Level IIIA, not Level III, because of the weight and cost trade-offs. A typical Level IIIA helmet weighs around 3 to 3.5 lbs (1.3–1.6 kg), which is manageable for extended wear. In contrast, early rifle-rated helmets could weigh 4 lbs (1.8+ kg) or more, which can cause neck strain. Manufacturers have been pushing boundaries to reduce this burden – for instance, Team Wendy’s RIFLETECH achieves Level III rifle protection at just ~3.0 lbs, making it one of the lightest Level III helmets available. Still, any increase in protection usually means added bulk, so it’s important to choose a level appropriate to the threats you face.

Which level do you need? If you’re law enforcement or security in an environment where handguns and shotgun threats are predominant, a quality Level IIIA helmet is usually the sweet spot – it stops the highest-risk threats (handguns are far more commonly faced than rifles in most urban settings) and offers ample fragment protection, all while staying wearable. Level IIIA is the standard for departments across the U.S. and military units for general combat helmets. On the other hand, if you are expecting rifle fire (e.g. special operations in high-intensity combat, or counter-terror units facing rifle-armed adversaries), a rifle-rated helmet provides an extra margin of safety. Data from military research underscores how critical stopping power is: in an analysis of battle casualties, helmets that completely stopped a round had a 0% fatality rate, whereas penetrations were 75% fatal. In short, preventing penetration is paramount for survival. A Level III helmet can literally mean the difference between a round bouncing off versus punching through. Just keep in mind the trade-off – rifle-rated helmets are heavier and more expensive, so they tend to be used by specialist teams who truly need that protection.

Comparison of NIJ Level IIIA vs Level III for Helmets

NIJ Rating	Stops (Common Threats)	Typical Usage	Weight & Bulk
Level IIIA (HG2)	Handgun rounds up to .44 Magnum; frag shards.	Standard for police & military helmets (ACH, PASGT, etc.) Ideal for general duty where rifle threats are less frequent.	~3–3.5 lbs (1.4–1.6 kg) for full coverage. Comfortable for extended wear, without excessive neck fatigue.
Level III (RF1)	7.62×51mm NATO (.308) ball, 7.62×39mm AK-47, 5.56×45mm NATO (.223) FMJ.	Specialist rifle-rated helmets for high-risk missions (SWAT sharpshooters, special forces). Still rare; only recently offered in commerce.	Heavier/thicker shells (often >3.5 lbs), though new designs like RIFLETECH (~3.0 lbs) push weight down.

Ultimately, choosing the right ballistic helmet comes down to understanding your threat environment and balancing protection with wearability. NIJ ratings provide a clear framework for comparing helmets, but the “best” option isn’t always the highest rating—it’s the one that matches the real-world risks you’re most likely to face. For most law enforcement and military users, a proven Level IIIA/HG2 helmet delivers dependable protection against common threats while remaining comfortable enough for long missions. For specialized units operating where rifle threats are a real concern, emerging Level III/RF1 helmet technologies offer a new layer of survivability. By understanding these ratings and trade-offs, you can make a more informed decision—and ensure your helmet is working as hard as you are when it matters most.