WW2 US Paratrooper Helmet
 

Folks,

Looking at the internet there seems to be a wide selection of US WW2 Airborne style helmets. The price seems to range from some at $40 up to $225+. I was wondering where some of you re-enactors might have purchased your helmet to complete your impression.

Given that the WW2 era helmets don't have the fancy helmet strap systems of a modern helmet do you find they fit well on your head given the weight and wobble?

Thanks in advance for your help.

When I refurbished the one I had I got the parts from J Murray 1944 inc.
They make really nice ones

Got my M1 helmet from '' At the front''
Great quality and good fitting but a little pricey.

its a one size fits all....they are easy to adjust. I like mine some what loose, but it does not wobble around.

Its heavier then my hard hat, but that's steel for ya
Anyways, I got my first one from "At The Front".

M1-C Paratrooper Helmets:
https://www.atthefrontshop.com/searc...ts.asp?cat=116
When I started to get my uniform and gear all together I got the eco one. For $159.99

I got a second used one and I think it is all ww2 parts on it...I will have to look closer at it. I payed $175 for this one. (Great Deal)

M-2 Paratrooper Helmets:
https://www.atthefrontshop.com/searc...ts.asp?cat=115


If you come out to “Garrison Night” on March 9th, you will be able to get to look at, and play with them.

http://www.airsoftcanada.com/showthread.php?t=136193

Thank you all for the quick response!

Yes, I was looking at the helmets from At The Front. I'll do some more research as you suggested.

Too bad the US paratroopers didn't wear beret's from time to time like the British airborne did :-)

Depends what you want.

Do you want the I just jumped out of a plane look? If not, you don't need the Airborne chinstrap cup, much cheaper.


IMO, just grab a Postwar shell, and a postwar liner, and just change the chinstrap, add a helmet net and you're good to go. No one will know until you show them inside your helmet.

I use a Korea-era shell with a WW2 era liner I got for 25$.

Total price was below 100$

You can even switch the bales to fixed types or D- types.

Ebay is also a great source... you can sometimes pick up a great deal. As Boyso said it all depends what you are trying to do. If you want be be 100% for living history events then get the best you can and expect to pay over $200. If you are trying to just look the part then pick up a post war M1 helmet at a surplus store... repaint it... get rid of the grey or or modern straps and you should be good to go.

As for the jump chin cup strap... I usually tuck it up into my helmet. The only time I pull it down is for living history displays.

As for fit... I've never used my straps and the helmet has always stayed on.