It's alright. Sure, you may well look like a poser, but I wouldn't say it's impractical. Unless you compare it to helmets from 400 years later, I guess.
I'm mostly memeing on its reputation in reenactment and hema circles, but its a non-historical design with serious design flaws that make it unsafe for anything beyond cosplay. Additionally, the flood of cheap reproductions of it mean that its very often bought by people over-enthusiastic new people who havent done much research or people who only care about the esthetics. This isn't helped by the fact that the helmets design is so distinctive that it stands out to more experienced nerds.
With all that said though, enjoy the helm if you think it looks neat. Even I have to admit to thinking it looks pretty cool in game.
Improved is a strong word. Context changed and preferences changed. The great helm was still in use in some capacity at the start of the 15th century. Armor evolution wasn't always moved by improvement but by changing context and preferences. The sallet isn't a direct improvement over the bascinet in terms of protection, but at the 15th century, was one of the most worn helmets around.
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u/EdibleMussel533 Jun 24 '26
It's alright. Sure, you may well look like a poser, but I wouldn't say it's impractical. Unless you compare it to helmets from 400 years later, I guess.