It was great to see the MTEK team in their own booth at SHOT Show. They had their whole line on display. A small company, creating lightweight, innovative designs, what’s not love about these guys?
This dipped version of the Flux Ballistic caught my eye and I thought it worth sharing.
Team Wendy had begun working on a new Combat Vehicle Crewman Helmet for a foreign government when they realized that they could adapt the Bose or RACAL ear protection associated with the DH-132A helmet to their EXFIL ballistic helmet. One advantage to this development is that Vehicle Crewmen will enjoy the same level of protection as ground troops whether mounted or dismounted. This also means they won’t need two helmets.
The secret sauce is the adapter seen above which attaches to their rail and captures the earcups around their circumference. Additionally, the ear cups can be stowed to the rear of the helmet when dismounted from the vehicle to maximize hearing.
The Exfil Gen II offers a 20% weight reduction at Level IIIA protection. Additionally, it retains the same frag and BFD spec as the original helmet.
The helmet also features a new shroud from Wilcox. You can see the new version to the left, compared to the right.
Finally, the Gen II rail, offers a new geometry to both save weight and provide an attachment point for a forthcoming visor. This new rail is also backward compatible to the original message.
To the left is the Gentex TBH-II MC (Mission Configured) and to the right is the Ops-Core FAST MT (Maritime). I wanted to give you a little information to help guide those making helmet purchases.
From any angle, they look the same. Both have the same shape, same suspension system, and same accessories. However, the TBH-II is an aramid ballistic solution and the FAST relies on a Polyethylene solution. The TBH-II offers 9mm protection at 1400 fps and the FAST offers 9mm protection at 1200 fps, so fairly similar balllistics. The real differences are in weight and cost. The TBH-II weighs in at about 2.5 lbs while the FAST helmet is 1.5 lbs, both as configured. Now is the biggest factor for many agencies; the TBH-II is $599 and the FAST is in the $1400-1500 range.
If you’re looking for mission configurability, and the cool guy factor, but are willing to accept higher weight, then you may want to consider the Gentex TBH-II MC.
The M-216™ marks a return to ski helmet production for Team Wendy. The M-216™ is being released in 2017 in honor of Wendy Moore, the company’s namesake. Wendy tragically passed away following a traumatic brain injury suffered while skiing on Mammoth Mountain, CA in 1997.
The M-216™ is the first ever purpose built ski helmet to integrate tactical modularity and scalability. The helmet includes an integrated front shroud compatible with GoPro camera mounts and a variety of headlamps, as well as offering the capability to mount night vision and thermal optics for rescue operations. The side accessory rail was developed in collaboration with Princeton Tec®, for seamless low profile integration of a variety of their task lights (MPLS Point, Switch, and Switch Rail).
Other features include:
-Glass-reinforced polycarbonate shroud for mounting NOD’s, cameras and head lamps
-Hybrid shell design – ABS/PC copolymer hard front shell provides reinforcement for mounted accessories, and an in-mold PC rear shell reduces weight
-14 total vents: 8 crown (adjustable), 2 front (passive open), 4 rear (fixed open) for maximum cooling during high exertion rescues
-8 adjustable crown vents have three positions: full open, half open and full closed for completely on-the-fly user selectable comfort
-Above-goggle vent channels draw air through the helmet to the rear exhaust ports to reduce goggle fogging
Integrated goggle strap retention
-Liner System:
–Lightweight EPS impact liner with a removable and washable comfort liner
Meets ASTM F-2040-11 (Recreational snow sports) and EN 1077:2007 (Alpine skiing and Snowboarding)
–Ear padding was specifically designed to be comfortable while using in-ear communication systems, and includes a pocket for audio device compatibility
-Retention System:
–Customized Boa® Closure System for precise fit adjustment with single handed quick release
–Under the chin strap utilizes Fidlock® magnetic buckle closure for one handed operation even while wearing gloves
-Accessories:
–Attached accessory rails allow for mounting a variety of lights and cameras
–Included Picatinny Quick Release Rail Adapters allow tool free removal and attachment of any standard Picatinny mountable accessories
–Forward mounting position of the rail directly interfaces with Princeton Tec® MPLS Point, Switch, and Switch Rail lights to provide an extremely low profile, fully integrated task light
–Open area on the crown allows for mounting of cameras and beacon lights, including the MOHOC® military-optimized camera, and Core Survival HEL-STAR 6® multi-function light
We invite you to stop by our booth #8311 to see the new M-216™ and all our other new items to include the EXFIL® GEN II Ballistic Helmet, which will be 20% lighter than our current model and the Team Wendy Transit Pack by Mystery Ranch.
First available in early 2015, the Ops-Core Sentry and ACH Mandibles and Visors are now more broadly available through Ops-Core’s ecommerce website. Using a unique system design, the mandible and visor combine to provide full-face protection for Ops-Core Sentry Helmets, and ACH style helmets, including certain Gentex Tactical Ballistic Helmets (TBH) using an Ops-Core Upgrade Kit. Unique features of the mandibles include a front vent that prevents fogging and a folding mechanism for easy storage.
Ops-Core Sentry Visor and Mandible shown separately as well as on an Ops-Core Sentry Helmet.
Development of the Ops-Core Sentry Mandible and Visor started as a response to a U.S. government solicitation in 2013. The Program Office was looking for a Maxillofacial System (MFS) that could be worn in conjunction with a visor for complete eye and face protection. The Ops-Core Design Team learned from user feedback trials that dismounted infantry would resist adopting a rigid mandible due to the impediment it created to rifle sighting. This drove the Design Team to pursue two MFS paths: a flexible mandible for dismounted infantry that allowed for rifle sighting (the Ops-Core Gunsight Mandible) and a rigid mandible for mounted infantry manning turret guns (the Ops-Core Sentry Mandible and Visor).
While there wasn’t an Ops-Core MFS product at that time, the Ops-Core Design Team did obtain user input on competitors’ MFS products, which revealed tremendous frustration with existing solutions. Rigid mandibles were typically a one-piece static design that did not allow for exhaled breath to be vented out of the system. This consistently caused fogging on the visor and therefore rendered the product ineffective. In addition, these one piece static designs were typically as wide as a helmet and difficult to stow in a ruck sack.
Unique patented hinge front system on the Ops-Core Sentry Mandible provides natural ventilation, which greatly reduces lens fogging, while increasing user comfort.
The Ops-Core Design Team responded to these issues by creating a hinged MFS system that provided two benefits: 1) the hinge at the front of the mandible provided a critical exit for exhaled breath and a critical intake for inhaled breath so that the visor would not fog up; 2) the hinge allowed the mandible to fold up so that it could be easily stowed in a ruck sack and take up as little storage space as possible. The Design Team took MFS thinking one step further by creating a visor that attaches edge to edge on the mandible to create a sealed system, protecting the user from dust and debris.
Ops-Core Sentry Mandible is ideal for exposed vehicle crewmen. Shown here in use on a HMMWV turret.
From its inception, the use of the Ops-Core Sentry Mandible has matured and expanded beyond what the Ops-Core Design Team had originally intended. Designed for defense and law enforcement use, the Sentry Mandible is ideal for exposed vehicle crewmen. When used in conjunction with the Ops-Core Sentry Helmet, the Sentry Mandible creates a full-face ballistic helmet. The Sentry Mandible meets RTP 9mm protection requirements at 1400 FPS and the 17grain V50 requirement at 1800 FPS.
The Sentry Mandible is also a great choice for crowd and riot control. In 2016, the Sentry Mandible was chosen from a broad field of competitors to protect law enforcement at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio. The design quickly gained confidence and traction with the user community, so a second version was produced that fits ACH style helmets, once an Ops-Core Upgrade Kit is added. The Upgrade Kit includes Ops-Core Accessory Rail Connectors (ARCs), which allow for the addition of components such as mandibles and visors. Ops-Core offers almost identical mandible and visor configurations for ACH style helmets, the key difference being the different geometry between Ops-Core Sentry Helmets and the ACH.
SIG Sauer Rifle Stock with Ops-Core Sentry Mandible allows rifle sighting with a rigid mandible.
Mandibles and visors continue to gain popularity with users based on their mission requirements. Not every user will want a rigid mandible because of the rifle-sighting impediment, but innovative solutions like the rifle stock that Sig Sauer has created to work with the Ops-Core Sentry Mandible strives to address this deficiency. The geometry of the rifle stock is shaped to go around the front of the mandible so that the rifle can be correctly sighted.
Given the success of the Ops-Core Sentry Mandible and Visor, different variations of them are currently in development, such as the mandible for the Ops-Core FAST Carbon Helmet, which is expected to be available in early 2017.
The TNVC Mohawk Mk1 is a full spectrum counterweight / storage system for the modern combat helmet. Incorporating operator feedback as well as their staff’s own battlefield experience, TNVC designed the Mohawk Mk1 to be a highly functional, modular accessory for all modern warriors. It provides useful storage and retention of mission-essential gear and will attach to any currently-fielded ballistic or bump helmet with Velcro.
The Mohawk Mk1 is packed full of useful features for Armed Professionals and Civilian Hunters alike. No other helmet accessory system offers this level of versatility. Designed by TNVC staff, they tapped their good friends at Explosive Ops Gear (EOG) to produce it for them right here in the U.S.A.
Features:
Signal Strobe Attachment & Retention A vertically-oriented Mohawk strip is the centerpiece of the design. It features a Velcro pile surface that accepts attachment of all currently issued / fielded signal strobe devices. The continuous pile strip allows for precise placement of the device on the rear or top of the helmet. It also provides enough room for attaching a blast sensor device. An adjustable shock cord net provides secondary retention for the devices while not limiting access to their controls. This is important when performing high stress activities such as airborne operations and high angle work. Don’t wear a strobe light? No problem. The shock cord net provides excellent storage for a tourniquet – Easily accessible and always handy.
Versatile Storage Compartment (Mk1) An ambidextrous access, low profile storage compartment helps solve the classic counterweight argument. Some argue that any added weight should be comprised of useful mission essential gear. Others argue that once operators begin using said mission essential gear, they end up losing the counterweight and defeating the purpose. Counterweights have historically been designed for one side or the other. But, why can’t the operator have both? Now they can. The main storage compartment features two elastic pockets that hold removable, flexible lead weight strips (4 strips are included) for 1 pound of counterweight. The rest of the compartment is occupied by a removable battery organizer tray that holds up to 6 cells. Operators can choose to run just the weights, just the batteries, or both. But that’s not all! when the weights and battery tray are removed, the Mohawk storage compartment will perfectly fit the low profile “summer” battery box for the GPNVG-18.
Battery Box Storage Compartment (Mk2) This is the main difference between the Mohawk Mk1 and Mk2. The Mk2 features a purpose-built pouch for holding remote battery boxes for NVG’s. The pouch is perfectly sized to hold the standard issue ANVIS Box, Adams Industries Ground Warrior Battery Pack, or the AN/PVS-31 BNVD “winter” Battery Box (also used for the GPNVG-18 and AN/PSQ-36). Dual top straps secure over the battery box lids, providing added security and protection, while leaving the center open for easy access to the power switch. What if you don’t use a remote battery pack? Well, the compartment can be used to hold all sorts of things such as an extra MBITR Battery or a can of dip.
Ready Access Batteries Two elastic loops sit atop the main compartment, providing immediate access battery storage. These loops allow operators to grab two batteries without ripping Velcro. They also provide secondary functionality by holding a chemlight for nighttime airborne operations or field ID while hunting.
Headset Cable Management The Mohawk Mk1 has two bottom-located Velcro strips for bundling and storing communication headset cable. This extremely useful feature solves one of the most annoying issues facing operators. The headset cable that plugs into your body-mounted PTT is often left dangling to snag on everything during training or storage of the helmet. Or if you have dual comms (one for team radio and one to plug into the vehicle radio), one of the cables will be left to dangle when you dismount the vehicle. The Mohawk Mk1 cable storage straps will stow those pesky cables, protecting them and giving you freedom of head movement.
Secondary Retention The Mohawk Mk1 features two loops for routing 550 or shock cord on either side. This is for secondary retention of the entire system during high intensity activities. Velcro does not provide 100% retention on a helmet. The Mohawk Mk1 provides the opportunity for the operator to run cord from the system to the rear helmet bolts or rail. Doing so will keep your Mohawk Mk1 securely in place regardless of battlefield conditions.
The TNVC Mohawk Mk1 is the most feature-rich helmet accessory system available. But, if you run an NVG with a traditional remote battery box, we got you covered. Check out the Mohawk Mk2.
Offered in a variety of colors and patterns. Visit www.TNVC.com for availability.
Carbondale, PA, November 16, 2016. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel has partnered with The Red Devils, the official parachute display team of both The Parachute Regiment (The Paras) and the British Army to promote soldier safety. As part of the agreement, Gentex Corporation will provide its Ops-Core FAST Carbon High Cut Helmet to each of the 12 members of The Red Devils to use during their promotional water jumps and for team training.
“Gentex is proud to have the opportunity to support The Red Devils in their mission to promote The Paras and the British Army, both long time customers of Gentex Corporation,” said Tom Short, vice president ground systems, Gentex Corporation. “Through this partnership we’ll also have the opportunity to help promote our common goal of advancing parachuting and skydiving safety.”
Corporal Nathan Connolly, Red Devils Team Leader, commented, “As a team we always seek to push the boundaries of display parachuting to ensure that we continuously showcase original and exciting displays. Our new partnership with Gentex Corporation equips our team with the advanced Ops-Core helmet, allowing us to train and practice new canopy formations with a helmet that provides outstanding protection. In addition to its safety features, the Ops-Core helmet also enables us to maintain perfect all round observation and clear voice communication; key components when practicing Canopy Relative Work.”
The streamlined design and durable, lightweight carbon construction of the Ops-Core FAST Carbon High Cut Helmet provide parachutists an unobstructed field of view, comfort, and industry leading blunt trauma protection. Other key performance and safety features of the FAST Carbon Helmet include Accessory Rail Connectors (ARCs) that allow the helmet to be easily, and fully customized with situational awareness and other performance enhancing accessories, plus a 4-Point Chinstrap that provides comfort and stability, and allows for the convenient donning and doffing of communication headsets with internal headbands.
With its unique system design and rail technology for mounting helmet accessories, Ops-Core is today’s leading brand of modular, scalable, open-architecture helmet systems for elite defense and security forces. Ops-Core helmet platforms and components are designed to seamlessly work together to provide true system level performance for the modern soldier.
