The Ops Core FAST SF helmet is well known for its great performance and reliability. From the light weight to the low profile, this tactical helmet is a great option for military users. To learn more about why this ballistic helmet is a great choice read below to learn about:
- The helmet’s protection (design and testing)
- How it compares to other helmets
- Testimonials
- Where to purchase
- Payment options and return policy
Protection
The Ops Core Fast SF Helmet is a highly rated tactical helmet that provides top-level protection. This helmet has a variety of features that make it desirable and effective.
Design
The Fast SF helmet is made of a “hybrid composite of the most advanced Carbon, Unidirectional Polyethylene and woven Aramid”. These components lead to great ratings for compression and environmental resistance.
The design of the helmet also features a high cut that extends coverage of the rear occipital lobe without extra weight. The weight of the helmet is an 8% reduction from the previously released Fast SF helmet. Moreover, the skeleton rails offer a lower profile with a 30% weight reduction compared to the FAST MT Super High Cut Rails.
With less overall weight and the high cut, the military helmet has optimized weight distribution for stability, integration, balance, and better comfort. The ear cut is higher allowing for room for a larger headset communication device.
The inside of the helmet features a molded liner with a recessed groove so the helmet can be put on and taken off without disturbing a communications headset. Lastly, the interior of the helmet has a polypropylene liner, enhanced impact protection, and molded-in vent holes providing airflow and reduce heat stress.
The design of this tactical helmet is not the only evidence of the protection that the Fast SF Helmet provides. Ops Core performs tests to ensure the tactical gear they produce, checks off safety and reliability markers.
Testing
Ops Core tested the Fast SF helmet for ballistic impact, blunt impact, compression, and environment. Below is the information from the ballistic testing results.
The blunt protection is measured at 150g’s maximum at 10ft/s and a maximum allowable dent 0.023”. Blunt force protection tends to refer to how the energy is dissipated when a round hits the helmet. From Ops Core’s testing, a round should not make more than a 0.023” dent in this bulletproof helmet.
Ops Core also measure the compression levels their tactical gear can handle. The Fast SF helmet can endure a maximum 400-pound compression from top to bottom of the helmet. From side to side, the helmet can withstand a maximum of 300 pounds of compression.
The last test of resilience for this Ops Core helmet is the environmental resistance. The Fast SF can withstand extremely cold temperatures (-60oF) and hot temperatures (+160oF). Not only is this ballistic helmet temperature shock resistant, but it can also be exposed to flames, saltwater, altitude, and field agents and still work effectively.
Competition
Ops-Core is not the only tactical helmet manufacturer in the industry. There are many other manufacturers but only a few who can be considered Ops-Core competitors for several reasons. Ops-Core is a tactical gear maker and designer who produces specifically for military and first responder use.
Team Wendy and Hard Head Veterans are the primary competition for Op-Core military helmets. Both of these companies produce extremely reputable tactical gear but can their tactical helmets stand up to Ops-Core’s designs and production results?
Team Wendy
Ops-Core is not the only tactical helmet manufacturer in the industry. There are many other manufacturers but only a few who can be considered Ops-Core competitors for several reasons. Ops-Core is a tactical gear maker and designer who produces specifically for military and first responder use.
Team Wendy and Hard Head Veterans are the primary competition for Op-Core military helmets. Both of these companies produce extremely reputable tactical gear but can their tactical helmets stand up to Ops-Core’s designs and production results?
Hard Head Veterans
Hard Head Veterans is a trusted small business in Texas that manufactures tactical gear for military workers.
There is a price difference between Hard Head Veterans (HHV) helmets and the Ops-Core SF. The price change though fully depends on the helmet you are looking to purchase from Hard Head Veterans.
The HHV helmets tend to be lighter in weight if buyers are looking to compare the Ops-Core FAST SF and the HHV LITE helmet. The weight difference is a matter of half a pound but that can make a difference when wearing the helmet for over eight hours.
Hard Head Veterans helmets also have a similar amount of sizing options when compared to Ops-Core. The helmets also have great airflow through the helmet pads just like Ops-Core.
Overall, one of the biggest determining factors between the two competitors is experience. Ops-Core is known to be a company that is reliable in customer service and product performance.
Testimonials
First Source Wireless:
“Love these helmets. This is my second one to buy. The quality of these helmets are excellent. I also own a hardhead veterans. I will only be using ops core from here on out. The SF being a higher cut my coms hit better and prefer ops core AMP coms. Works great with the helmet . Definitely would recommend”
RS Tactical
Testimonial 1:
“Amazing helmet I replaced an Ops-Core maritime fast ballistic helmet that was stolen with this helmet. I've never been more happy to replace something through my insurance after I received this helmet. This helmet is amazing. It feels significantly lighter than the previous model, new lux liner and nape padding is extremely comfortable, improved NVG retention system is legit, and the low profile arc rails are an unexpected nice steamlining touch in design.”
Testimonial 2:
“The fit is excellent. The padding has just the right amount of give. Great protection for the back of the head including the occipital lobe. The helmet is much lighter than my previously issued helmet. This will make wearing the helmet long term much easier on my neck…I have no problem recommending this helmet to anyone who wants a high cut ballistic helmet”
The FAST SF is well known and appreciated for the lighter weight yet high performance. Almost every review mentions the high-quality padding and the great coverage even though it is considered high cut.
The Ops-Core FAST SF is clearly well liked and considered a great purchase for those in the military. A prime example of the FAST SF helmet performing well is a 95 million dollar contract between Gentex Ops-Core and USSOCOM. To learn more about this contract, read here.
Where to Purchase
The Ops-Core FAST SF can be purchased through First Source Wireless and other Ops-Core vendors. It can also be bought directly from Gentex Corporation—the manufacturer.
The Ops-Core FAST SF is developed for professional purposes. This ballistic helmet is not meant for shooting range practice or motorcycles. FAST SF is meant for special operations forces and law enforcement organizations like the military.
As a ballistic helmet, the FAST SF is meant for serious situations ranging from gunfire to bombs. This helmet is made for long-term wear from its special-made pads and air vents to prevent heat exhaustion.
Payment Options and Return Policy
At First Source Wireless, there are a few different ways to purchase the Ops-Core FAST SF. First Source Wireless is GSA Approved, allows payment plan contracts, and offers discounts.
GSA contracts or General Services Administration contracts are also known as Federal Supply Schedule or Multiple Award Schedule. GSAs are used as long-term governmentwide contracts with commercial companies; therefore, only government agencies or organizations will qualify.
Other buyers—private groups and businesses or individuals—can inquire about general payment contracts (these are for groups, organizations, or companies) and individuals can explore available discounts.
For example, First Source Wireless offers various discounts for police officers, firefighters, and other first responding personnel. Keep in mind, when using one of these discounts, you will need to provide a code to prove your identity as a first responder.
Another great way to start earning towards First Source Wireless discounts is to join the rewards program so each purchase contributes to a point bank which can be redeemed in the form of gift cards.
In addition to discounts, bulk orders, and GSA contracts, First Source Wireless also has a clear return policy. Returns can be made within 30 days of the purchase of the tactical gear.
Conclusion
The Gentex Ops-Core FAST SF tactical helmet is a large investment. However, it is a long-term and well-worth it investment. According to the testimonials, this military helmet is one that will hold up over time and be a purchase that you will not regret.
From the light weight to the great coverage, the FAST SF helmet will help keep those in the military safe. We hope this article gave you the information necessary to make a final decision on if the Ops-Core FAST SF helmet is right for your team.
Feel free to reach out to First Source Wireless with any further questions you may have.
