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BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat offers protection with a low-key design

BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat offers protection with a low-key design
The BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat offers frontal protection in a low-key design
The BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat offers frontal protection in a low-key design
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A polymer mock-up of the panel, a paper pattern, and a shooting sample made from a helmet section
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A polymer mock-up of the panel, a paper pattern, and a shooting sample made from a helmet section
Impact areas on the prototype
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Impact areas on the prototype
The back of the BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat
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The back of the BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat
The BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat offers frontal protection in a low-key design
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The BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat offers frontal protection in a low-key design
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For law enforcement, or any job in which there's a real possibility of being shot at, bulletproof gear is incredibly important. A new product called the BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat aims to bring that sort of protection to the head, in a subtle fashion.

The hat is intended for situations where protection is needed but one doesn't want to look threatening. For example, an undercover police officer is not going to want to walk into an event in full body armor, and a low-profile hat that looks like any other baseball cap can offer a basic level of protection while still maintaining cover.

We've seen bulletproof protection in less obvious forms before, with a bulletproof polo shirt and a US$3.2 million suit.

Of course, the impact from a round is still going to do some damage, and comes well within the range of force that can cause a serious concussion. When compared to the damage caused by an unimpeded bullet, however, it could prove to be a worthwhile investment.

The hat starts with a base model in three different sizes. From there, the team modifies it to include a BulletSafe ballistic pad in the front two panels of the six-panel hat. The team expects that it can stop frontal impacts from handguns that use 9-mm, .40 and .38 caliber rounds.

This is not the first bulletproof device from BulletSafe, as the company has been making and selling bulletproof vests since 2013.

BulletSafe is seeking funding to bring its Bulletproof Hat to market on Kickstarter. It started with a modest goal of $3,500, and it has already surpassed that with almost a month left in its funding period. Backers interested in preordering a hat can do so for a minimum pledge of $99, with an expected delivery date in November 2015.

The Kickstarter pitch video below provides more information on the BulletSafe Bulletproof Hat.

Sources: BulletSafe, Kickstarter

View gallery - 4 images
7 comments
7 comments
BT
I'd hate to be the guy to demonstrate this gem. Unlike the chest where a rib can bruise or break, this'll be a skull fracture. The skull has no 'give' like the chest or legs, impact will due damage, perhaps lessened. A decent idea for a president at a ballgame or a hitman, impractical for nearly all else.
oldguy
Maybe it would be a bit more subtle if the words Bullet Safe were spelled out in pink neon.
Bill Bennett
@ BT no kidding, I shoot 180 gr .41 cal the impact without penetrating the hat would be devastating to the skull. Have a great new year.
Bob
I'm a little puzzled why it doesn't cover the sides more and only the forehead? I'm sure anything is better than nothing but I think this could cover a little more area.
toolman65
There i was, watching the video , waiting for someone to be shot in the head. Why make a video that about a baseball cap, then show guys wearing proper helmets?
The product is useless and creates a false sense of security. It may stop the bullet, but it won't dissipate the energy of the bullet. You are still dead. All this product will do is make you a better looking corpse.
As Robin Williams said "it is like putting gauze in front of a semi and saying 'come on through'".
Neil Underwood
Gel insole type material would make a good liner, over a layer of that soft material that hardens momentarily on impact, then kevlar......Tuck a kevlar face mask up inside, and it's worth testing on a monkey you don't like........
Gary Richardson
LOL, not a good idea to advertise bullet safe on the side of the hat when someone aiming to kill you would change their angle of attack and target to compensate.