Ballistic helmet guide
The essentials for choosing your next helmet.
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Why V50 Matters in Ballistic Helmet Selection
Ballistic helmets
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Feb 23, 2026
Why V50 Matters in Ballistic Helmet Selection
In addition to ballistic protection ratings, another critical performance metric to consider when evaluating ballistic helmets is the V50 value. V50 represents the velocity at which a projectile has a 50% chance of penetrating the helmet shell, signifying the breaking point of armor. This measurement is especially important for understanding a helmet’s resistance to fragmentation threats—such as shrapnel from explosives or secondary projectiles in combat environments.
A higher V50 indicates better performance against these high-speed fragments. For example, many NIJ Level IIIA helmets, including Team Wendy’s EPIC™ line, report V50 values exceeding 2,400 feet per second (731 m/s) when tested with 17-grain fragment-simulating projectiles. These values are typically measured using standardized protocols like STANAG 2920 (NATO) or MIL-STD-662F (U.S.).
For users operating in high-threat environments, rifle-rated helmets like the Team Wendy RIFLETECH™ offer even greater protection. The RIFLETECH is tested to a V50 of over 4,430 feet per second (1,350 m/s) and is validated to stop rifle rounds—including 7.62×39 MSC, 7.62×51 NATO, and 5.56 M193—at muzzle velocity. This level of performance ensures that the helmet maintains its ballistic integrity in real world conditions, making it a top choice for special operations and tactical teams facing rifle threats.
When selecting a helmet, reviewing the V50 rating provides a more complete picture of its protective capabilities. While NIJ ratings focus on specific ballistic threats, V50 helps assess how well a helmet performs against fragmentation and high-velocity impacts and highlights the maximum lifesaving potential of a helmet—an essential consideration for comprehensive head protection.
