Gone are the days when you just throw a helmet on your head. Most are wearing accessories with/on their helmet such as NODs, earpro or a light (or two), some are using HEADS, others strobes, fewer still O2 masks, and so on. Nothing probably illustrates the concept more than this photo from Smith Optics Elite Division. We’ve had readers claim that this is ridiculous and that guys aren’t wearing this much on their helmets, but they are, and more.
We’ve also had some specific questions about what is mounted on this helmet. The Regulator Boogie Goggles from Smith integrate directly with the Ops-Core helmet’s Accessory Rail Connector. They’ll be available from Smith once the glasses are released.
For the cover, we went to Orion Design Group, the originator of the photo for some backstory and this is what they sent us…
Once again we were tapped on the shoulder by our industry affiliates, who have been getting inundated with info requests on our helmet cover, so we decided to step away from the range and the drawing board for a few minutes to update everyone out there in cyber space. We are proud to announce one of many collaboration design projects with FirstSpear, our version of First Spear’s “Hybrid Cover”. Now you might ask yourself WTF is a hybrid anyway? Well simply put, a hybrid is any piece of gear made out of two or more different textiles (fabrics) to support the functionality of the design. In this case 520E (tweave) and mesh. First Spear’s design team which is top shelf and is stacked with years of Industry and end user experience recognized that helmet covers made of NyCo just plain suck. They fit the helmet sloppy and wear out quickly, so FirstSpear built theirs from a 520E tweave which accomplishes a few things. First being that it’s a four way stretch it hugs the helmet and fits great. Second tweave is way more abrasion resistant than NyCo so it’ll last longer. Thirdly, because it’s DWR treated it will shed precipitation and dry out way faster if you spend some nights in the rain and snow. Since we work hand in hand with SOF units and we design our “Man Prey” line specifically for them we approached First Spear and added some end user features, specific printed Quiet Loop placement for IFF and flat elastic tie down points for cable routing along with an ANVS 6/9 NOD counter weight/battery pack pouch. These covers will be available for the Ops-Core FAST and Maritime cut helmets, in a variety of patterns including our own. To pre-order, or for any questions please send an email to brian@odg-usa.com. To all those who go in harms way thank you for service, and to our fans thanks for your patronage and patience the website will be up late spring……”CHOOSE YOUR PREY!”
