Shellback Tactical Level IIIA Ballistic High Cut ACH Helmet

***Fast Delivery: 1-2 weeks!

The Shellback Tactical Level IIIA Ballistic High Cut ACH Helmet delivers NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA ballistic protection, MIL-STD-662F fragmentation resistance, and impact protection in a high-cut shell built from hybridized Kevlar and UHMWPE Spectra fibers. The low-profile design reduces shell weight to as little as 2.6 lbs (Medium), opens access to communication equipment, and minimizes interference with target acquisition. Available in Medium, Large, and XL, this helmet is backed by a 5-year ballistic warranty and manufactured in the United States.

Who this is for

  • SRT and SWAT operators who need certified handgun and fragmentation protection without sacrificing access to comms or optics
  • Special operations and tactical teams requiring a high-cut profile that clears hearing protection, NVG mounts, and rail-mounted accessories
  • First responders and prepared civilians looking for a NIJ-tested ballistic helmet with documented performance data at a price well below mil-spec tier options

Threat rating and standard

The helmet is rated to NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA, defeating 9mm FMJ RN (124 gr at 1,400 fps), .357 Magnum JSP (158 gr at 1,395 fps), and .44 Magnum SJHP (240 gr at 1,400 fps). Back-face deformation on the 9mm test measures less than 25mm at 1,400 fps. All ballistic testing is completed by an NIJ-certified laboratory.

Fragmentation resistance is tested and documented to MIL-STD-662F. The helmet is not rated for rifle-caliber threats. No wearable helmet currently achieves Level IV or RF3 protection — this helmet protects against handgun rounds and fragmentation, not rifle fire.

Independent ballistic test data

Standard Projectile Grain Velocity (ft/s)
NIJ 0106.01 9mm FMJ RN 124 1,400
NIJ 0106.01 .357 MAG JSP 158 1,395
NIJ 0106.01 .44 MAG SJHP 240 1,400

MIL-STD-662F fragmentation test results

Standard Projectile Grain V50 Required (ft/s) V50 Achieved (ft/s)
MIL-STD-662F US MIL-STD Frag RCC 2 4,200 4,415
MIL-STD-662F US MIL-STD Frag RCC 4 3,475 3,211
MIL-STD-662F US MIL-STD Frag RCC 16 2,475 2,346
MIL-STD-662F US MIL-STD Frag FSP 17 2,200 2,221
MIL-STD-662F US MIL-STD Frag RCC 64 1,750 1,755

Shell material and construction

The ballistic shell combines hybridized Kevlar aramid fiber and UHMWPE Spectra fiber in a high-cut ACH profile. The high-cut geometry keeps weight low — shell weight runs 2.6 lbs (Medium), 2.7 lbs (Large), and 2.9 lbs (XL) — while clearing the ears and temples for communication gear and hearing protection. Country of origin is the United States.

Suspension and retention

An adjustable 4-point retention harness secures the helmet to the head. The D3O Trust 7 comfort pad system provides interior cushioning and fit customization. D3O pads absorb impact energy through rate-sensitive molecular behavior, hardening on impact while remaining pliable during normal wear. Reviewers note the 3/4-inch pad set accommodates standard ear protection such as MSA Sordins when pads are adjusted, allowing independent ear pro use when the helmet is not deployed.

Mount compatibility

The high-cut design is built to clear communication equipment and accommodate accessories. Contact us for confirmation on specific NVG shroud patterns, ARC rail kits, or mount compatibility before ordering. Shellback Tactical offers a side rail kit, velcro loop kit, and ratchet retention system as separately purchased accessories for this helmet.

Sizing

Measure head circumference with a tape placed at the middle of the forehead and approximately 1/8 inch above the ear. If a measurement falls on the dividing line between sizes, select the larger size.

Size Hat Size Head Circumference Shell Weight Total Weight
Medium 6 3/4 to 7 1/8 21.9" to 27.7" 2.6 lbs 2.8 lbs
Large 7 1/4 to 7 1/2 22.7" to 24" 2.7 lbs 2.9 lbs
XL 7 1/2 to 7 7/8 24" to 26" 2.9 lbs 3.1 lbs

Specifications

  • Brand: Shellback Tactical
  • Model: Level IIIA Ballistic High Cut ACH Helmet
  • SKU: SBT-501HC
  • Protection level: NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA
  • Fragmentation resistance: MIL-STD-662F
  • Shell material: Hybridized Kevlar and UHMWPE Spectra fibers
  • Helmet cut: High Cut (ACH)
  • Padding system: D3O Trust 7 comfort pad system
  • Retention system: Adjustable 4-point retention harness
  • Sizes available: Medium, Large, XL
  • Total weight: 2.8 lbs (M) / 2.9 lbs (L) / 3.1 lbs (XL)
  • Ballistic warranty: 5 years
  • Country of origin: United States

Frequently asked questions

Can this helmet be shipped to my state?

This helmet cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. It is subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.

What does NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA mean?

NIJ 0106.01 is the NIJ standard governing ballistic helmets. Level IIIA is the highest handgun protection level in that standard, requiring the helmet to stop rounds including 9mm FMJ at 1,400 fps and .44 Magnum SJHP at 1,400 fps. It does not protect against rifle-caliber threats.

Will this helmet stop rifle rounds?

No. This helmet is rated to NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA, which covers handgun threats and fragmentation. No currently available wearable ballistic helmet achieves Level IV or RF3 rifle protection. For rifle-rated fragmentation resistance, look to MIL-SPEC PASGT or ECH standards — and note that even those do not stop direct rifle fire.

How heavy is this helmet and will it be comfortable for extended wear?

Total weight runs 2.8 lbs (Medium), 2.9 lbs (Large), and 3.1 lbs (XL). The D3O Trust 7 pad system handles interior comfort. Verified buyers note the harness may benefit from an aftermarket upgrade for prolonged wear, and that the 3/4-inch pads fit MSA Sordins for combined use with hearing protection.

What size do I need and how do I measure?

Wrap a tape measure around your head at mid-forehead, about 1/8 inch above the ear. Match that circumference to the size chart: Medium covers 21.9–27.7 inches, Large covers 22.7–24 inches, and XL covers 24–26 inches. When your measurement falls on the border between two sizes, select the larger size. Contact us if you need help choosing between sizes.

What is the ballistic warranty on this helmet?

Yes, this helmet carries a 5-year ballistic warranty. The warranty applies when the helmet is used as intended and does not cover everyday wear and tear, modifications, alterations, or improper use.

 

Bulletproof Zone will ship orders as soon as possible. For example, if you purchase three items, they will be shipped to you based on lead time and availability. This way you get as much of your order as soon as possible, which means that your order may come in separate packages, especially if you order products from different manufacturers.

We will bear the shipping cost for products returned because of product defect, misrepresentation, or false description. Afterward, we will initiate a full reimbursement should you decline an offer to replace the item with the same item of equal value and assured quality.

Order Confirmation:

As soon as you place your order with Bulletproof Zone, you will receive an order confirmation e-mail. This means that your order has been logged in our system and your credit card has been pre-authorized for the purchase. Afterward, we contact our suppliers to confirm the availability of the product you are ordering for immediate shipment. If your item is on backorder or unavailable, we will cancel the pre-authorization and duly inform you via e-mail.

Order Shipment:

Orders are shipped within five business days from the date of your order unless specified otherwise on the product page. The product page will contain the most accurate estimate on shipping and lead times. Shipping and lead times provided on the product page are our best estimates based various factors including order volume, information from our manufacturer, raw material fluctuations, etc., and may vary due to these factors. 

You will receive an email containing the tracking information of your order after the order has been shipped to your location. If you do not receive tracking information from us within seven business days of the lead time specified on the product page, feel free to follow up with us at orders@bulletproofzone.com.

 

Bulletproof Zone is not responsible for lost or stolen packages. A tracking number will be provided when the package is shipped. It is the buyer’s responsibility to provide a safe place to receive mail. Once an item has been marked as delivered by the carrier, the seller is not responsible should that item go missing. 

Some of our products are carried by manufacturers in various countries. Due to the nature and cost of the products that Bulletproof Zone sells, you may be charged additional import duties upon delivery. Our support team can help in investigating abnormally high import duty charges but we are unable to cover the cost of any import duties.

Damages:

We take full responsibility for any obvious damage to your product caused by wrong packaging or delivering an already defective product. Please inspect the packaging of your item(s) when they arrive, if you notice any damage, you should document it when signing for delivery. If the item(s) contained in the package arrives damaged, please send photos to support@bulletproofzone.com, and we will process an insurance claim on your behalf. 

Returns and Cancellation Policy:

We back all our products with a customer satisfaction guarantee, so we created a fair return and cancellation policy.

All sales are final. No Refunds, No Cancellations. In most cases, once the order is processed, it is final and not cancellable. We may allow exceptions due to an order error or wish to return your order after delivery for any reason other than a product defect or misrepresentation. Any cancellation request is subject to an administration and cancellation fee equal to 10% of your order with a minimum of $35, whether order shipment is successful or not. 

 

All sales are final on all closeout items and for custom manufactured bulletproof clothing once the manufacturing process has begun or not returnable unless there is a product defect or misrepresentation. Applicable to brands such as MC Armor, Israel Catalog, BulletBlocker, Tacticon Armament, Wonder Hoodie, and others. 

Before returning any product, you MUST obtain a return authorization from our customer service representative. We can only process AUTHORIZED returns for items.

To make a Return or Exchange: 

  • Obtain authorization for return or exchange by emailing us at support@bulletproofzone.com explaining the reason for the return or exchange.
  • Please use or indicate your order number as attention

Return or exchanges request submission must be within 14 calendar days upon receipt of shipment unless noted otherwise on the product description page.  Your return must be in original packaging and unused.

We encourage using USPS flat-rate shipping in returning products to receive a shipping expense refund. Buyers must ensure all returned parcels delivery receipt AND signature confirmation. We highly recommend insuring your parcel as we cannot issue a refund for an item that we do not receive back should it get lost/damaged during transit.

Refunds:

Should an item be returned because it was defective, misrepresented, not as described, etc., Bulletproof Zone will issue a full refund and will reimburse the customer for all shipping expenses associated with the return.

Please allow 5-10 business days from the time the item is received to process a refund. Refunds will only be issued to the original credit card that you use when placing your order.

We stand behind our products 100%!

By purchasing any of our items, the buyer certifies they have read and agree to our shipping, return, and privacy policies.

The Bulletproof Zone Promise

When you buy body armor, you're buying your safety. We don't take that lightly. Here's what every order from Bulletproof Zone includes.

1. Authorized dealer of every brand we carry

Every plate, vest, and carrier we ship comes from the manufacturer directly to our warehouse. We don't sell gray-market product, surplus, or returns. That means factory-fresh stock, the full manufacturer warranty, and real after-sale support — the kind only an authorized dealer can offer.

We maintain authorized-dealer relationships with America's leading body armor brands, including Spartan Armor Systems, AR500 Armor, RMA Defense, Shellback Tactical, Caliber Armor, DFNDR Armor, Protection Group Denmark, BulletSafe, BulletBlocker, and over 40 more.

2. Best price, guaranteed

If you find a lower price at another authorized dealer of the same product within six months of your purchase, we'll refund the difference.

Why the "authorized dealer" requirement? Because gray-market and surplus armor may not be genuine, may have a compromised supply chain, and almost never comes with a manufacturer warranty. We won't price-match against products that may not actually protect you.

3. Free fitment consultation

Body armor only protects you if it fits. Email us a photo and your measurements before you order, and one of our specialists will help you size your carrier and plates correctly — at no charge, no obligation.

4. Trusted by thousands of customers

Bulletproof Zone has been a trusted authorized dealer of America's leading body armor manufacturers for over five years. We have over 4,000 verified Trustpilot reviews from real customers across all 50 states.

Price Match Guarantee — Terms

  • You must have purchased the item from our website before requesting the price match.
  • Discounted items and "free with purchase" items are not eligible.
  • The item must be in stock on the competitor's website at the time of your request.
  • The price match is valid for six months from the date of your purchase.
  • The competitor must be an authorized dealer of the product. Auction sites (eBay, Overstock), discounters, and gray-market resellers do not qualify.
  • The competitor must operate an online store. Brick-and-mortar-only retailers do not qualify.
  • Price match applies to the item price plus shipping. Sales tax is excluded.

To request a price match, email us a link to the product on our site and the same product on the competitor's site within six months of purchase. We'll process the refund.

Why Bulletproof Zone?

At Bulletproof Zone, we are passionate about protecting lives. Every piece from our catalog is designed and rigorously tested to provide the highest quality of protection you need from firearms, explosives or even close quarters combat.

We’ve partnered with various manufacturers that operate within the United States under a strict set of guidelines both on a national and corporate level so that when you shop with us, you will be able to select from the highest quality body armor, ballistic plates and tactical gear available on the market.

Whether you are a military service member looking to find your own gear, a professional that operates in the security field, or an avid firearms enthusiast that capitalizes the importance of safety when shooting, our tactical gear will provide you the level of protection you need.

Any questions or concerns? Please call us at (408)-909-4938 or email us at support@bulletproofzone.com and a member of our professional support team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Customer Reviews

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