The Fortis Ballistic Helmet is a cutting-edge piece of gear designed for those who demand a reasonable price and a high standard for safety and performance.
With advancements in ballistic technology, the Fortis helmet promises enhanced protection, comfort, and versatility.
In this review, I'll examine its design, features, and real-world performance to determine whether it lives up to its reputation.
Our EDC Backpack features a dedicated pocket that accepts a ballistic armor insert for discreet everyday protection.
Design and Build Quality
The Fortis helmet is built with quality ballistic fibers, allowing it to be as lightweight as possible while providing good protection.
I was extremely surprised by how balanced this helmet was when I put it on.
It was comfortable even when adding nightvision to the mount.
It didn't need a counterweight to balance the helmet.
As of this review, the Fortis ballistic helmet is only available in black, but more colors could be added in the future.
Ballistic Protection
The NIJ is the organization that certifies ballistic protection.
NIJ does not certify ballistic helmets, so any rating is based on NIJ standards.
Helmets, like the Fortis, have a level rating.
The levels of protection determine what calibers the armor will protect against.
For example, the Fortis helmet is rated Level IIIA.
That means it's rated to NIJ standards and tested independently to those standards.
As of this writing, never before has the NIJ ever certified a ballistic helmet.
Helmet manufacturers often conduct their own testing in accordance with NIJ standards or other international standards, and they may state that their helmets meet or exceed specific NIJ performance criteria.
However, this does not equate to an official NIJ certification.
The lack of a formal certification means buyers should carefully consider test results and the reputation of the manufacturer when evaluating ballistic helmets.
Look for independent testing. Fortis' ballistic helmet was independently tested by SMS testing.
Backface Deformation
Backface deformation in ballistic helmets refers to the amount of inward denting or bulging that occurs on the inside surface of the helmet when it is struck by a projectile.
While the helmet may stop the bullet from penetrating, the force of the impact can still cause the inner surface to deform, potentially leading to blunt force trauma to the wearer's head.
Testing for backface deformation is crucial because it helps assess not only the helmet's ability to stop bullets but also how well it protects against the secondary effects of impact, such as concussions or other head injuries.
Comfort and Fit
The Fortis helmet has a decent amount of padding and is lined with a hook and loop system, so the padding can be customized.
The included foam is comfortable, but my favorite helmet padding is still the Hard Head Veterns lattice.
Included Foam (left) vs HHV Lattice System (right)
I usually switch it out and make the helmet a bit more comfortable, but the foam included isn't bad.
The chin strap and dial system for tightening the rear strap are extremely user-friendly.
Adjusting the chin strap is easy, with four easily accessible tri-glides to get your perfect fit.
The tightening dial makes for a quick and easy tightening if you notice it's getting loose during use.
Fitting the helmet is easy, and finding what size you need is simple.
Use the simple guide or watch the video provided by Premier.
Versatility and Features
The Fortis helmet comes with a 7075 aluminum-based night vision mounting system.
I use a Wilcox L4 mount, which works perfectly on the built-in mount.
It's easy to remove and reinstall, so I don't have to carry extra weight around on my helmet whenever I don't need night vision.
The helmet's exterior has Velcro loops in various places, so accessories like IR lights, weights, or batteries can be attached.
The included ARC rails work perfectly, and since ARC is the gold standard for helmets, this means you have a lot of accessory options.
I have the Princeton Tec Charge X on the right rail of my helmet, which provides a fantastic administrative light in multiple color options.
This is great when you need to see directly in front of you and allows you to use your hands to interact with other more critical items.
Value for Money
This helmet is an extreme value not just because of the reasonable price point but because of the features and company policies.
The helmet comes with a five-year warranty and an incident replacement guarantee.
The incident replacement guarantee states the following:
Premier Body Armor stands behind our products and your personal protection 100%. In the event that your Premier Body Armor vest or panel saves your life, we will replace it at no cost as long as an official police report of the incident is provided.
The ballistic rating, warranty, and replacement policy make the cost extremely reasonable.
If you need a level IIIA helmet, I'd highly recommend considering the Fortis ballistic helmet.
Conclusion
The Fortis helmet makes our list of best ballistic helmets on the market for several reasons.
This helmet's great value and low weight proved that this is a top-tier option.
If you are looking for a solid host for your NVGs or want a ballistic helmet ready to go, the Fortis is an affordable option with decent protection.
If you have any questions about this helmet, leave a comment below, and I'll try to help!
