Hard Head Veterans has reached out to ask folks to help ’em showcase their Micro Lattice Helmet Pads – something that looks to be an excellent (and affordable) upgrade to your “tactical brain bucket”. The Micro Lattice system was  “…developed in association with Carbon, using their Digital Light Synthesis manufacturing process” and, according to HHV, “…a superb energy-absorbing structure”. This attribute would obviously increase the protective capabilities of a helmet by mitigating and even preventing head trauma. 

That’s pretty badass as tactical helmet accessories go. Not as awesome as a wolf pelt worn in proper Roman Legion Velites style, but probably more practical. 

A fighter in Ukraine (reportedly a member of the pro-Russian PMC Wagner Group) wearing a wolf pelt on his helmet in Roman Velites style.

HHV tells us the Micro Lattice Pads (online here) average “…single digit deformation numbers when tested to 1400 fps with 9mm projectiles on our ATE ballistic helmet. Regardless of whether they are at -60 degrees or 160 degrees they still perform the same.”

This can’t be said for standard foam pads, which is why we think it’s likely a Very Good Thing.

HHV Micro Lattice Pad Assembly Specs

• Up to a 66% decrease in ballistic transient deformation over standard foam pads
• Up to a 21.70% decrease in blunt impact accelerations over standard foam pads
• Lattice construction allows unrestricted airflow keeping helmets an average of 14 degrees cooler
• Pads do not absorb sweat or water making them quick drying, positively buoyant, and easily washable.
• Comfort lattice conforms evenly to the user’s head
• Available in 1” and ¾” sizes

Ballistic Helmet Pad Shock Absorption

The Carbon DLS process enables lattice structures that absorb and dissipate energy through the precise tuning of strut thickness and cell size.

This lattice structure facilitates the absorption and dissipation of energy by aligning internal damping struts against the directions of impact. With over 28,000 individual struts, the lattice is built so each strut is specially tuned at every point on the helmet. Increases or decreases in the stiffness of the lattice structure are enabled through precise adjustments to the thickness of each strut, allowing the lattice to absorb and disperse energy from various impacts.

The Micro Lattice Helmet Pads are compatible with the following helmets, among others: ACH, MICH, LWH, ECH, Crye Precision, Ops-Core, MTEK, Revision/Galvion, Gentex, Team Wendy, United Shield, and most others that utilize Velcro® attachment.

You can find documentation of the ballistic testing online here; read a more in-depth explanation on the Hard Head Blog.

You can find the Micro Lattice Helmet Pad system on the Hard Head Veterans website.

When you’re done reading up on that, check out our history of Tanker Helmets for AFV crews. 

 

The Hard Head Veterans helmet liner system is intended to reduce Traumatic Brain Injury.