The Protection Group Denmark ARCH GEN3 is a high-cut Level IIIA ballistic helmet built for military, law enforcement, and civilian users who need handgun and fragmentation protection without excess weight. Independently lab tested to NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA threat parameters, the ARCH stops .44 Magnum and .357 SIG, and the complete helmet system weighs between 1.3 kg and 1.4 kg depending on size. The shell is pressed from DuPont Kevlar aramid and finished entirely in the EU. It ships in M, L, and XL sizes; in Black, OD Green, Multicam, Multicam Black, or Coyote Brown; with a PGD or Unity SUMMIT shroud option.

Who this is for

• Military and special forces personnel: teams working in over 30 countries who need a high-cut shell that clears headsets and night vision mounts.
• Law enforcement and tactical units: officers who want handgun-rated head protection at 1.3 to 1.4 kg for prolonged wear.
• Prepared civilians: shooters and home-defense buyers seeking a Level IIIA helmet with EU-sourced aramid construction.

Threat rating and standard

The ARCH GEN3 carries an NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA rating and is independently lab tested against the IIIA threat sets from NIJ standards 0101.06 and 0108.01. Against 9 mm FMJ it delivers a 50 percent reduction in back face deformation under HPW-TP-0401.01B IIIA, which lowers the blunt-trauma risk behind a stopped round. Like all Level IIIA helmets, the ARCH covers handgun rounds and fragmentation, not rifle threats; it does not defeat rifle calibers such as 5.56x45 or 7.62x39, and no wearable aramid helmet at this level is rated to do so.

PGD states its solutions are tested at laboratories including Element Defense in the USA and Aitex in Spain. The published test results for the ARCH shell are below.

Shell material and construction

The ARCH shell begins as raw DuPont Kevlar fibers from Switzerland, converted to aramid layers by the Italian textiles lab Saati S.p.A., then pressed using PGD's proprietary pre-preg lamination process. PGD describes the result as a multi-hit shell that holds performance in wet, hot, cold, and humid conditions, with ballistic properties that "will not fade over time." The high-cut geometry clears over-ear hearing protection and communications headsets. Every stage, from raw fiber to finished helmet, is sourced and completed in the EU.

Suspension and retention

The ARCH ships with the PGD retention system and a low-profile PGD dial at the rear, paired with Duraflex buckles for a fast, secure fit. The PGD 10-pad memory foam liner shapes to the head in 2 to 3 seconds and, per PGD, reduces blunt-force trauma while delivering an "aircrew" helmet feel. Pads attach with velcro and replace easily for cleaning or swap-out.

Mount compatibility

The front shroud accepts Wilcox, Norotos, Cadex, and similar night vision mounts. The side rails fit common headset adapters including 3M Peltor, Sordin, Ops-Core AMP arms, and Earmor. The shroud and rails use a polymer with 50 percent glass-fiber and a tensile strength of 230 MPa, which PGD rates higher and lighter than die-cast aluminum, magnesium, or zinc. Additional accessories attach through the rails or the color-matched laser-cut velcro pattern.

Sizing

The ARCH comes in three sizes: M fits 52 to 55 cm, L fits 56 to 59 cm, and XL fits 60 to 64 cm. Complete system weight runs 1.3 kg in M, 1.35 kg in L, and 1.4 kg in XL. Measure around the widest part of your head, just above the eyebrows and ears, then match the range; PGD also publishes a helmet size guide for buyers between sizes.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What does NIJ 0106.01 Level IIIA mean?

Level IIIA is the highest handgun-protection tier in the NIJ 0106.01 helmet standard. It means the shell is rated to stop common handgun threats up to .44 Magnum and .357 SIG. The ARCH was independently lab tested against the 0101.06 and 0108.01 IIIA threat sets, plus two additional special threats. Level IIIA does not cover rifle rounds.

Will this helmet stop rifle rounds?

No. The ARCH GEN3 is a Level IIIA helmet, rated for handgun rounds and fragmentation only. It does not defeat rifle calibers such as 5.56x45, 7.62x39, or 7.62x51. No wearable aramid helmet at Level IIIA is built to stop rifle threats; rifle-rated head protection is not currently achievable in a helmet of this weight and construction.

How heavy is the helmet and is the weight tolerable for prolonged wear?

The complete ARCH system weighs 1.3 kg in M, 1.35 kg in L, and 1.4 kg in XL, which PGD lists among the lightest aramid helmets in its class. The 10-pad memory foam liner spreads load across the head and shapes to fit in 2 to 3 seconds, supporting longer wear during training or duty use.

Does this fit NVG mounts and headsets?

Yes. The front shroud accepts Wilcox, Norotos, Cadex, and similar night vision mounts. The side rails fit common headset adapters including 3M Peltor, Sordin, Ops-Core AMP arms, and Earmor. The high-cut shell clears over-ear hearing protection, and extra accessories attach through the rails or the color-matched laser-cut velcro pattern.

What size do I need and how do I measure?

It depends on your head circumference. M fits 52 to 55 cm, L fits 56 to 59 cm, and XL fits 60 to 64 cm. Measure around the widest part of your head, just above the eyebrows and ears, then match the range. PGD also publishes a helmet size guide if you fall between sizes.

Can this helmet be shipped to my state?

Yes, with limits. This helmet cannot be shipped to New York or Connecticut due to state body armor restrictions, and it is subject to US export regulations. Under 18 U.S.C. 931, anyone with a federal felony conviction for a crime of violence is prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor. Check your local rules before ordering.