Editing Mechcommander helmet

{{Biotech}}
{{Infobox main
| name = Mechcommander helmet
| image = MechcommanderHelmet.png
| description = A plasteel-weave combat helmet designed for battle mechanitors. It is embedded with computers and signal enhancers that moderately increase the wearer's maximum control bandwidth. This allows the mechanitor to control more mechs.
| type = Gear
| type2 = Armor
| tech level = Spacer
| hp = 150
| mass base = 1
| marketvalue = 
| production facility 1 = Machining table
| research = Standard mechtech
| skill 1 = Crafting
| skill 1 level = 6
| work to make = 15750
| resource 1 = Plasteel
| resource 1 amount = 60
| resource 2 = Component
| resource 2 amount = 6
| resource 3 = Signal chip
| resource 3 amount = 1
| armorsharp = 69
| armorblunt = 30
| armorheat = 34.5
| insulationcold = 3
| insulationheat = 1.5
| lifestage = Adult
| coverage = Head, Left eye, Right eye, Left ear, Right ear, Nose, Jaw
| layer = Headgear
| has quality = true
| thingCategories = ArmorHeadgear
| tags = 
| defaultOutfitTags = 
| page verified for version = 1.4.3542
}}
The '''mechcommander helmet''' is a piece of [[apparel]] added by the [[Biotech DLC]]. 

== Acquisition ==
Mechcommander helmets can be crafted at a [[{{P|Production Facility 1}}]] once the [[Research#{{P|Required Research}}|{{P|Required Research}}]] research project has been completed. They require {{Required Resources}}, {{Ticks|{{P|Work To Make}}}} of work, and a [[{{P|Skill 1}}]] skill of {{P|Skill 1 Level}}.

== Summary ==
In addition to its protective stats, wearing a mechcommander helmet gives {{+|6}} [[bandwidth]].

== Analysis ==
The mechcommander helmet offers armor ratings roughly equivalent to a [[steel]] [[flak helmet]] of the same quality, but covers the full face, gives additional bandwidth, and is significantly more expensive. 

If the only goal is to gain bandwidth, then the [[array headset]] gives the same {{+|6}} bandwidth, is also unlocked at [[Research#{{P|Required Research}}|{{P|Required Research}}]], and doesn't require a signal chip to make. The benefit of the mechcommander helmet is that it offers head protection. If the mechanitor isn't expected to see combat, then the headset is generally a better choice. 

However, even if head protection is wanted, the signal chip used is still generally better spent as one of the two required for a [[bandwidth pack]]. The pack can be worn with a protective helmet, but also gives {{+|3}} additional bandwidth, doesn't degrade over time or in combat, and never becomes obsolete. Once the pack is built, then mechcommander helmets can be built to achieve maximum bandwidth. 

Once [[mechlord helmet]]s become available, the mechcommander helmet is essentially outmoded. Mechlord helmets provide better protection and {{+|6}} additional bandwidth. While these improvements do come at the cost of [[Shooting Accuracy]] and [[Melee Hit Chance]], if that is a relevant consideration then the additional bandwidth can be spent on combat mechs to more than make up for the difference in combat capability while still being more protective. This also means that depending on the colony's rate of progress through both mech commanders and research, it may be unnecessary to ever make a mechcommander helmet. 

{{Apparel Quality Table}}

== Version history ==
* [[Biotech DLC]] Release - Added.

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[[Category:Armor]]