The HighCom ACH (Advanced Combat Helmet) is HighCom's flagship standard-cut ballistic helmet, protecting against Level IIIA threats — including fragmentation — and independently tested at an NVLAP-accredited, NIJ-approved laboratory to meet or exceed the ballistic resistance requirements of NIJ Standard 0106.01. The shell combines hybridized Kevlar fibers with UHMWPE Spectra fibers, ships standard with the D3O TRUST Stealth 7 pad system, and is available in four sizes (S through XL) ranging from 1.9 lbs to 2.4 lbs. Multiple harness configurations are available, with a 4-point harness included as standard.

Who this is for

• Law enforcement and security professionals who need a certified standard-cut ACH profile that accommodates common accessory rails and NVG shroud systems
• Civilian preparedness buyers seeking a duty-grade Level IIIA ballistic helmet with a documented test pedigree and a five-year ballistic warranty
• Agencies and departments sourcing a scalable helmet platform with documented MIL-STD-662F fragmentation resistance alongside NIJ 0106.01 handgun-threat compliance

Threat rating and standard

The ACH carries a Level IIIA protection rating and has been independently tested at an NVLAP-accredited, NIJ-approved laboratory against the threat parameters defined in NIJ Standard 0106.01. That standard specifies three handgun test rounds: a 158-grain .357 Magnum JSP at 1,395 fps, a 124-grain 9mm FMJ RN at 1,400 fps, and a 240-grain .44 Magnum SJHP at 1,400 fps. The helmet meets or exceeds those requirements at each velocity.

Fragmentation resistance is independently validated to MIL-STD-662F using US Military Standard Right Circular Cylinder (RCC) and Fragment Simulating Projectile (FSP) fragments ranging from 2 grains to 64 grains. Like all wearable ballistic helmets at this protection class, the ACH does not provide protection against rifle-caliber threats.

Ballistic test data

Shell material and construction

The ACH shell is constructed from hybridized Kevlar fibers and UHMWPE Spectra fibers — a composite architecture that distributes ballistic energy across two distinct fiber systems. Kevlar provides high tensile strength and heat resistance; Spectra contributes low density and high impact absorption. Ballistic coverage extends to the front, back, crown, and top of the head in the standard ACH cut profile. Weight tolerance across all size variants is ± 0.15 lbs (± 0.068 kg).

Suspension and retention

Every ACH ships with a 4-point harness as standard equipment. Multiple harness configurations are available for units or agencies with specific retention requirements. The D3O TRUST Stealth 7 pad system is included as the standard interior pad set — D3O's rate-stiffening material stiffens on impact to manage behind-helmet blunt trauma while returning to a flexible state during normal wear, contributing to both comfort and energy management during an impact event.

Mount compatibility

The ACH uses standard Advanced Combat Helmet geometry, which is compatible with common NVG shroud systems including the Wilcox L4 One-Hole Shroud (ACH/MICH). ARC-style rail compatibility should be confirmed against specific accessory configurations prior to purchase — contact us if you need fitment guidance on a particular mount or rail system.

Sizing

Head circumference is measured around the head, similar to hat sizing, with all measurements in inches. If a measurement falls on the dividing line between two sizes, select the larger size for maximum ballistic coverage.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

Can this helmet be shipped to my state?

It cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions. Those exceptions do not apply to civilian purchasers — law enforcement officers and agencies in those states may have separate purchase channels. Under 18 U.S.C. § 931, any individual with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. The ACH is subject to US export regulations and may not be exported from the United States without an approved export license.

What does NIJ Standard 0106.01 Level IIIA mean?

NIJ 0106.01 is the NIJ standard specifically written for ballistic helmets, testing against handgun-caliber threats at defined velocities. Level IIIA is the highest handgun-threat tier in that standard and requires the helmet to defeat .357 Magnum JSP, 9mm FMJ RN, and .44 Magnum SJHP rounds at the velocities listed in the ballistic test table above. It does not cover rifle-caliber threats.

Will this helmet stop rifle rounds?

No. The ACH is rated for Level IIIA handgun threats and MIL-STD-662F fragmentation. No commercially available wearable ballistic helmet currently achieves rifle-caliber (RF3 / Level IV equivalent) protection at a wearable weight. For rifle-threat environments, hard armor plates in a plate carrier address torso protection separately.

How heavy is this helmet and is the weight manageable for extended wear?

Weight runs from 1.9 lbs for size S to 2.4 lbs for size XL, with a production tolerance of ± 0.15 lbs per unit. These figures are consistent with standard ACH-class helmets intended for duty and extended field use. The D3O TRUST Stealth 7 pad system distributes load across the crown and contact points to reduce hot-spot pressure during prolonged wear.

What size do I need and how do I measure?

Measure the circumference of your head at the widest point, similar to hat sizing. Match your measurement in inches to the size chart: S covers 21.1"–21.9", M covers 21.9"–22.7", L covers 22.7"–24.0", and XL covers 24.0"–26.0". If your measurement falls exactly on a dividing line between sizes, select the larger size to ensure maximum ballistic coverage. Contact us if you need additional fitment guidance.

What is the warranty on ballistic material?

The ballistic shell carries a 5-year warranty. The exterior cover material and workmanship are covered for 1 year. All sales are final — returns require prior written authorization from HighCom Armor Direct at their sole discretion.