police riot helmet source

[James Sterrett]

I recall some discussion about these a while back, and happened to stumble across a source:

http://www.sciplus.com/category.cfm?subsection=9&category=95

Topmost item, "Bobby Topper".

$30 each, used, British, looks like trhey have faceplates but not throat guards.

[Jaron Bernstein]

I have a police riot helmet for sparring. Great protection. The down side is that with the face plate down you can't breath so well. I guess if you drilled breathing holes in it...

[Lance Chan]

I used to use police riot helmet, thought it was good.

It was, only until I spent some money to get a hockey helmet.

The hockey helmet rules! Protect you even from downward thrust, allows better breathing and no foggy effect. The plastic visor of riot helmet also got scratched up along the time and you can't see clearly through it.

Nowadays if you ask me, I would get hockey helmet always. The one I got also provide better shock absorption on the head so I can save myself from head tramua...

[Aaron Pynenberg]

Lance I agree with the hockey helmet part but would add, that maybe spend a little more and get a goalie hockey helmet. These also give you some added neck and chin protection as well, plus they are easier to take off and put back on. I just would like to add a few more bars in the face guard to keep the sword points from thrusting- Aaron

[Michael Ekelmann]

Escrima helmets could be a viable option
http://www.taosport.co.uk/shop/weapons/index.htm?philippino.htm~mainFrame

[Jared L. Cass]

Michael, I've got one of those and to be honest, I'm not too big a fan of it.

The protection level is very nice-taking a solid hit to the head hurts more than with a hockey helmet, which I like as it's more incentive to not get hit. But as far as weight and fit goes...it sucks IMO. They are only offered in a "one size fit's all" which as most of us are aware of...never does. Plus the weight of them is much too heavy IMO for unarmored weapon fighting and gives me a sore neck and headache in short order.

Just my opinon. Maybe others have had better sucess with them. I'm a convert to my new (actually used <img src="/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" /> ) modified (for neck and throat) hocky helmet. A much better fit, lighter, and a heck of alot more comfortable.

As I said though, just MO.

Jared L. Cass, ARMA Associate, Wisconsin

[Michael Ekelmann]

No problem. I wear a fencing mask for padded weapon sparring and have found it to be more than up to the challenge. I used to wear my SCA bascinet for waster work where there was danger a whack to the melon, but I'm using the mask exclusively now.