SCHUBERTH M100 – the combat helmet

Protect your head, the best way to do this is with a helmet. The SCHUBERTH M100 is a modern combat helmet offering high wearing comfort and excellent ballistic protection. With its rail system and adjustable interior, it provides outstanding performance. We have extensively tested two variants of this combat helmet.

The challenges for a modern combat helmet have fundamentally changed in the last 30 years. In addition to the classic requirements from the employer, such as a wide range of applications, ease of repair, and cost efficiency, issues like protection, wearing comfort, and compatibility with a variety of existing and future devices (night vision devices, etc.) have come to the forefront. A lot of work has been done at SCHUBERTH to address these issues.

The interior concept of the SCHUBERTH M100 follows a new approach compared to other helmet manufacturers. In addition to a wide range of sizes and a variety of head shapes, long-term use with a combined hearing protection/headset must also be considered today. SCHUBERTH has found a very good solution for this, but more on that later.

Very positive for all supply personnel and equipment managers: an above-average share of interchangeable parts across all sizes, as well as optimized maintainability, result in low lifecycle costs and reduced logistics effort. This is of course not as important for individual end users, but if someone has to maintain hundreds of helmets, it's a very important point.

The Helmet Shell

The helmet shell is made of an aramid composite material and provides a solid base. The current version already offers the high shatter protection of an HPPE helmet without its disadvantages, such as reduced trauma protection and temperature sensitivity, short lifespan, as well as high costs and complicated repairs. Additionally, the M100 features fully ballistic screws, allowing for the integration of a rail system. "Fully ballistic" is important for screws on the helmet; it means that if a bullet hits the screw, the inner part does not become a secondary projectile. 

The M100 is available in High, Mid, and Full Cut versions. We have worn the High Cut and the Full Cut versions. The weight of the full shell, including the interior, NVG shroud, and rails, is 1585 g for shell size II (XL).

The M100 from SCHUBERTH naturally offers ballistic protection according to NIJ IIIA and VPAM 2 and also provides fragment protection according to STANAG 2920 V50: 690 m/s. Thus, it is certified according to several different standards. But that’s not all the certifications.

The M100 also offers shock absorption according to the following standards:

• Mountaineering helmet EN 12492
• Whitewater helmet EN 1385
• Occupational safety EN 397 (< 6000 N)

At first glance, this may seem like not much, but it means that it is a ballistic helmet that can be worn at all times. Whether as a pioneer in bridge construction, as a mountain soldier on steep, rugged mountains, or on a ship. An OPC-CORE helmet is not certified for this and would need to be swapped out in peacetime, e.g., for a conventional construction helmet during bridge construction.

The Interior

All these certifications are only partly the merit of the helmet shell. The interior has a significant influence on this. A layer based on EPP offers a high level of shock absorption, combined with reducing dynamic deformation in the event of an impact. The long durability and high temperature resistance contribute significantly to cost reduction and simplifying logistics. The integrated net ensures good ventilation.

The ergonomic concept of the interior is based on one of the largest studies ever conducted to determine various head sizes and relevant parameters to ensure an optimal fit. The specially designed split head ring is designed to be compatible with all communication solutions without the need to remove the padding from the helmet. 

You can wear the hearing protection or headset without pressure points under the helmet. Headset on, helmet over it. This is super practical. 

This has the advantage that your hearing protection remains in place when you take off the helmet. 

An advantage in contrast to solutions where the hearing protection cups are attached to the outside of the helmet. It also allows for much more space on the side rail.

The new adaptable padding system always stays in the helmet shell, thus reducing the likelihood of loss. It simply rotates away when not needed.

The harness has been designed so that the hearing protection cups are enveloped by the harness and do not slip, regardless of any movements. This works really well.

The Rail System

The modular rail system of the SCHUBERTH M100 consists of two side rails, a rear rail, and the night vision mount. The lightweight rails are identical for all shell sizes, allowing for easy repairs and spare parts logistics.

During the development of the rail system, special emphasis was placed on compatibility with commercially available accessories, so that already procured equipment can continue to be used. Whether original OPS-CORE, helmet lights, or Chinese clones of various attachment components, everything fits perfectly. Even with original OPS-CORE products, it can happen that not everything fits together optimally.

Furthermore, new SCHUBERTH Enhanced Connection Devices (ECD) have been created to connect additional accessories and to optimally utilize the few available ports. These interfaces serve as flat, snap-on cable management and can be equipped with camouflage covers or rubber bands to attach or secure additional devices. 

With the development of the SCHUBERTH ECD, an open and royalty-free connector is available for future projects.

At SCHUBERTH, consideration has been given, as the number of connectors for goggles and oxygen masks has been doubled. Now both can be used simultaneously, as there are two overlapping ports available.

The power supply in the form of battery packs, counterweights, or other devices can be quickly mounted on the rear rail. Unfortunately, there aren’t many attachments on the market yet, but we are optimistic.

The Wearing Comfort

The M100 from SCHUBERTH is very comfortable to wear, especially in combination with an earmuff. No protruding attachment components on the outside, no pressure points inside, no annoying fiddling with the inner padding to get the earmuff underneath. 

Once the helmet is on and the head ring is tightened well, there is hardly any wobbling or slipping. The wearing comfort is particularly good in combination with a night vision device. Here, only the chin straps need to be tightened a little more, and everything holds in place. Even after hours, the SCHUBERTH M100 remains comfortable.

Conclusion

The SCHUBERTH M100 is a top-notch helmet that does not need to hide at all from its overseas competitors; on the contrary, we find it clearly better resolved in many details. Any accessory on the market fits perfectly to the side rails. Thanks to its many certifications, the helmet can be used by authorities without hesitation. The wearing comfort is excellent, and the workmanship is first-class. A truly successful operational helmet.

The SCHUBERTH M100 is available at ARMAMAT starting from €849 only for government customers or directly from the manufacturer for units.