In most video games, movies, etc. helmets/body armor don’t appear to be very effective at all, especially helmets, with the protagonist blasting through them with ease. Is it that easy to puncture in real life? If so, why use such poor equipment?

Question

In most video games, movies, etc. helmets/body armor don’t appear to be very effective at all, especially helmets, with the protagonist blasting through them with ease. Is it that easy to puncture in real life? If so, why use such poor equipment?

In: Other

Answer 1

So a knight in full plate armor could be attacked with almost any one handed weapon and be fine even with a clean head shot. Much shy of a pole arm you can’t get through the armor. That said every suit has gaps that daggers can get through. The best way to kill a heavy armored soldier is with a pole ax or a dagger once you get them to the ground. For lighter armor like chain mail slash weapons are not useful but blunt force like a mace or stabbing like spears can break through the links.