Is the US Army's IHPS Helmet Better Than the ECH?

TL;DR

The IHPS helmet is designed to be lighter and more comfortable than the ECH while providing improved ballistic protection. It addresses past complaints regarding communication compatibility and features fewer bolts for structural integrity. Testing indicates that the IHPS successfully stops similar calibers while offering better performance against higher impacts.

Transcript

today in Grantham we're going to be talking about a very interesting topic right here we have the old helmet the ech which was an excellent combat helmet right here we have the Army's new combat helmet the eye hips uh there's been a lot of talk the eye hips is a lighter helmet the IHOPs also is a ballistically improved helmet from the ech now the e... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔩 The IHPS offers improvements in compatibility with communication systems and reduced bolts for added protection.
• 💬 Both the ECH and IHPS performed similarly against smaller caliber rounds, such as 22 and 9mm.
• ⬜ The helmets showed signs of back face deformation when hit with larger caliber rounds like the 44 Magnum.
• 🧡 Rifle rounds can be stopped by the helmets at longer ranges, but deformation and potential penetration are still possible.
• 👷 Fitness and training are crucial, regardless of the quality of the helmet, in order to be prepared for combat situations.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main improvements in the IHPS compared to the ECH?

The IHPS offers better compatibility with communication systems and has fewer bolts through the helmet. It is also lighter and claims to provide the same or better ballistic protection than the ECH.

Q: How do the ECH and IHPS helmets perform against smaller caliber rounds like 22 and 9mm?

Both helmets successfully stopped 22 caliber rounds, with the IHPS showing less back face deformation. In the case of 9mm rounds, they performed similarly in terms of both entry and back face deformation.

Q: What about the performance of the helmets against larger caliber rounds like the 44 Magnum?

The ECH and IHPS both showed signs of back face deformation when hit with a 44 Magnum round. While they may catch the round, the deformation could potentially be lethal.

Q: How did the helmets fare against rifle rounds?

Both helmets showed the ability to stop rifle rounds at longer ranges, although deformation and potential penetration were still observed. The helmets performed better against rounds with less penetration, and longer-range shots had a higher chance of catching or deflecting the rounds.

Key Insights:

• The IHPS offers improvements in compatibility with communication systems and reduced bolts for added protection.
• Both the ECH and IHPS performed similarly against smaller caliber rounds, such as 22 and 9mm.
• The helmets showed signs of back face deformation when hit with larger caliber rounds like the 44 Magnum.
• Rifle rounds can be stopped by the helmets at longer ranges, but deformation and potential penetration are still possible.
• Fitness and training are crucial, regardless of the quality of the helmet, in order to be prepared for combat situations.
• Reputable manufacturers like Ceradine are recommended for helmets, while Chinese-made helmets are discouraged due to quality control issues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The ECH is a proven combat helmet with good saves in theater, while the IHPS is a newer and lighter helmet with improved ballistic protection.

• The IHPS addresses previous complaints about compatibility with communication systems, and it has fewer bolts through the helmet for added protection.

• Both helmets are made by Ceradine and have the potential to provide reliable head protection.