DSEI is the official introduction of the new Ops-Core FAST SF (for Special Operations Forces) ballistic and non-ballistic (carbon) helmets as well as accessories by Gentex.
While they look similar to the Maritime (MT) helmet you’re already familiar with, the only component which is the same is the chin strap.
First off, the new Vented Lux Liner offers 360 deg impact protection. It integrates Vent Holes and a channel for headborne comms which is accessible when you remove the comfort pads. Each helmet comes with three different thicknesses of pads (1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″) to allow the wearer to customize the fit.
The new fit band conforms to inner edge of the impact liner allowing the wearer to remove his helmet and still wear comms, unlike the old configuration which required the comms headband to fit between the helmet’s fit band and Lux Liner.
Ops-Core has also introduced a new Universal Nape Pad, referred to as the “whale tail”. The more surface area in a liner, the more comfortable and stable the fit, because it contacts the head in more places. Additionally, it eliminates hot spots. My experience trying the helmet on is that you don’t rely as much on the chin strap for stability.
The new Ballistic Shell reduces helmet weight by 12% over the FAST MT, yet with the same ballistic performance (SOCOM Maritime standard which is Frag resistance plus 9mm at 1200fps). The Appliqué also offers SOCOM-level protection.
Both the carbon and ballistic FAST SF helmets are available with the super high cut which gives you about 1/2″ more space around the ears for comms.
There’s also a new Velcro pattern for both helmets and the vent hole shapes are new on the carbon helmet. This new Velcro pattern is one-size-fits-all. These shapes also offer a low-signature on thermal cameras compared to the old, block shapes. One interesting feature is that the rear Velcro is designed specifically for use with the MOHOC camera.
There’s a new Modular Bungee Shroud which features bungees which come off of the bracket. The new machined Aluminum insert can be removed from the front which allows use of different NVGs without replacing the entire shroud.
You’ll also notice entirely new rails called Super High Cut Skeleton ARC rails. Not only are they lighter, but also more useful. They’ve integrated zip tie holes for cable management along with a slot for counterweights and battery packs. Underneath the rail is the ARC Shim which offers room to attach accessories without taking up rail space. Now, accessories integrate into the ARC, rather than in the slot.
The Low-Profile Mandible snaps into the shim and features fore/aft adjustment as well as a pivoting, vented mouth guard. Additionally, although not shown, there’s a two-piece ballistic appliqué for the Carbon helmet. This design is to leave room for a battery pack, when needed.
The Step In Visor offers a mid point between spectacle and goggle. It leverages the edge of the helmet and can be worn night and day, including with NVGs. The Step In Visor will fit all helmet sizes thanks to the attachment adjustment. Also, the edge gasket can be pulled away when not needed. The replaceable lens is also coated for anti-scratch and anti-fog. Initially, they are offering a clear lens but will soon introduce transition and high contrast lenses.
Although there is a helmet cover available, they did not have one to show at DSEI.
One final point, Ops-Core plans to integrate these upgraded accessories into the other lines but all of the components are backward compatible with all FAST MT, XP and LE as well as the Lightweight Ballistic Helmet.
The FAST SF helmets are available now and accessories will be rolled over the coming months for those of you who want to upgrade your current helmet.
Shut up and take my money.
Holy crap, no kidding! Looks like there is plenty of room to comfortably fit the ear pro headband, whereas most others fit the band but actual comfort is seriously lacking.
Great job Ops Core, can’t wait to try one of these babies out!
So I reckon like most tech stuff, buying a helmet, a high end type such as described here, is likely to be outdone by an upgraded better option filled helmet in 6 to 8 months, eh?
I have a 6 year old phone cause I can’t decide what new one to get, seems every 3 months they launch a newer and greater phone!
One step closer to Stormtrooper helmets.
I was thinking more along the lines of the Cylons from the original “Battlestar Galactica”….
I see we’ve finally hit the point where there’s more velcro surface than exposed helmet surface!
Next invention…ballistic velcro!
Perfect for interacting with the indig and winning hearts and minds.
#opscore, you need to be thinking Mandalorian!!!
I think this high-cut fad is the wrong approach. There’s no need to sacrifice protection when you have something like like the Clarus Pro
Or the electronic ear plugs that are becoming more popular
I think that’s correct. Eventually we will see a return to fuller coverage. The ear pro is getting smaller and lighter. As with most things, it’ll probably happen later than it should of course.
In ear comms start to bother me after some time in a way that over the ear headsets do not. Having the high cut at least gives you the flexibility to wear both, where low or mid-cut doesn’t. Personal preference, I suppose, but I don’t know that many guys that took frag or a round to the ear where a non high cut helmet would have made the difference between life or death.
Perhaps, but the head is where a lot of heat dissipates from how the body regulates temperature. Think the high cut could be an evolution for the helmet as plate carrier has been to the IOTV or even BALCS carrier. Speed & Mobility over protection.
I take it the mandible is not ballistic?
A whole lot of velcro, where’s the ballistic add on pieces? AKA the answer to the Revision Caiman?
Not yet full velcro, never go full velcro…
Good stuff, looks awesome, no one will wear it in the field unless command directed or on O2 at 10k+ ASL, but innovation like this drives technology. Can’t wait to see the version that doesn’t fog or cause extreme discomfort during extended, unsupported, jungle operations, in a monsoon… gauntlet, fucking, cast…
Good luck with that. It would have to look like a unicorn and fart rainbow clouds!
When are they going to stop screwing around with these attachment armor pieces and just go straight to one fullying integrated system? You know, like Spartans from Halo, or Starship troopers (book not movie).
Because having a modular system is more adaptable.