FMA "EXF" EXFIL Bump Helmet
Dec 25, 2016 2:42:16 GMT -5
Post by triggs (SABR) on Dec 25, 2016 2:42:16 GMT -5
Full Album Review – FMA “EXF” Bump Helmet
FMA “EXF Bump Helmet” Team Wendy EXFIL Bump Helmet
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
The Team Wendy EXFIL™ Tactical Bump Helmet is the first carbon fiber helmet made with next generation helmet liner technology.
Leveraging from expertise in helmet liner development and a long-standing partnership with the U.S. Military, the EXFIL™ Tactical Bump Helmet is our first complete solution for head protection in the tactical market.
Using technology largely developed under an Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center program, the EXFIL™ features a hybrid sling/polymer structure impact management system that offers improved multi-impact performance. The liner also allows for superior air flow and ventilation by creating standoff between the wearer’s head and the helmet shell. Made of durable TPU, the liner is resistant to wear and environmental extremes.
Designed with functionality in mind, the EXFIL™ is made of lightweight carbon fiber and is compatible with tactical communication headsets. Picatinny rails provide a wide range of attachment and positioning options, and webbing slots offer cable management. The EXFIL™ includes a Wilcox 3-hole NVG shrouds and is compatible with most modern mounting systems. The helmet also comes equipped with Team Wendy’s newest retention system made with cam-lock sliders for easy and secure adjustment and a Boa® Closure System for optimized stability and fit.
Overview
WARNING! THIS IS A REPLICA HELMET FOR AIRSOFT ONLY! This helmet should NEVER be worn in place of a rated helmet. USING THIS PRODUCT AS OTHER THAN INTENDED PUTS YOU AT RISK FOR SERIOUS OR EVEN FATAL INJURY!
After reviewing the recent TMC CPC I purchased, I realized I didn’t want to strip down my FMA replica OPSCORE Maritime for every green side event, and depending on the event I may need a green based helmet altogether. Since I’ve owned a replica Crye Airframe before, and I already had a replica FMA Maritime, I was at a bit of a loss, almost ready to settle for a FMA OPSCORE Carbon Bump Helmet. Then I remembered a release by FMA a few years ago of a replica Team Wendy EXFIL Tactical Carbon Bump helmet. I checked a number of Hong Kong websites before finding this one in “Foliage Green” from shop.specwarfare.com/en . It took about a week to track down anyone that had them in stock, so I’m uncertain if they are still in production.
Before we get too far, many readers are probably wondering what exactly is a “bump” helmet, or a “ballistic” helmet?
- A ballistic helmet is designed to take fragmentation, or small caliber rounds, and deflect or absorb the energy, thus protecting the wearer. There are ballistic rated replica helmets available through overseas sources, but I would never trust my life to something from a replica company. The FMA Maritime used in this review is a plastic replica of an OPSCORE ballistic rated helmet. As a replica however, it serves no more function than a bump helmet and something to mount accessories to.
- A bump helmet is just that. It is designed to take basic bumps and keep the wearer from minor injuries. For example, a common bump helmet is the type used for biking or skateboarding. Skateboarding helmets have even seen use by the military, such as Delta Force in the 1990’s, in place of the ballistic helmets of the time (think of the movie Blackhawk Down). The FMA EXF and Maritime used in this review are bump helmets that are intended for airsoft only, I cannot stress, if you need an actual helmet, do not use a cheap airsoft imitation because it looks cool, or it was the cheaper option.
Accessories
In terms of separate accessories the helmet had nothing. Everything came attached to the helmet ready to go.
Like the real Team Wendy helmet, the replica comes with a WILCOX “W” style 3-hole NVG mount. The hybrid design features a plastic shroud and metal plate that minimizes weight, while maintaining strength in high stress areas. The plate has full WILCOX trademarks with crisp laser cut etchings. The front also has a retention bungee system for holding any night vision goggles if you have them attached.
The sides of the helmet have a unique T-slot style rail adapter. These are not compatible with the ARC rails commonly found on OPSCORE or MICH/ACH style helmets. They do however, have two Magpul MOE type RIS pieces securely screwed onto each side for mounting MIL-STD-1913 picatinny accessories.
The back of the helmet also comes with a bungee so the user can tie down NVG counterweights.
The Velcro came neatly applied from the factory and gives space for IFF strobes, battery packs, patches, or anything else you might need. My only complaint is the Velcro on the sides is too far back on the helmet, the U-shaped cutouts sit around the rear vent holes of the helmet from the factory. I moved the patches forward for the review and daily use.
FMA also sells two types of helmet liner add-on kits. The one pictured above modifies the stock padding by adding extra layers that are not covered on the stock pads.
The second set of pads offered, which I did not purchase, are a replica of the Team Wendy “Zorbium Foam Liner” set, and replaces the entire stock pad system. They are similar to normal helmet liner sets like those seen in a MICH or OPSCORE helmet.
Externals Review
If you consider all of the things added to the shell as accessories, then as far as externals go, it‘s basically the helmet shell. Which in short, is thin plastic, it has a great texture to it and feels very nice, but the plastic is thin and flexes easily. As a bump helmet this might be intentional and better for impact absorption. As a known brand name for airsoft helmets however, it’s a bit disappointing, especially compared to the FMA Maritime.
The vent holes are a unique shape which adds to the aggressive look that I was going for. The front of the shell also has a narrow brim to deflect water.
Coloring wise, when paired with my TMC Ranger Green CPC, is about what I was looking for. I will probably add some paint to help break up the flat color, but it looks nice, even from the factory.
Internals Review
If the shell is the externals, the head straps and cushioning might be the internals; which are very unique.
The FMA EXF (left), and the FMA Maritime (right) share a similar trait. The OPSCORE system, known as the OCC-Dial uses a dial at the base of the skull to tighten the inner headband to the user, providing retention even if you don’t have the chin strap on, it can also be loosened at will. The Team Wendy system known as the CAM FIT retention system ratchets down in a similar fashion, but it does not have fine control to loosen, by popping the dial outward, it releases all tension. Both systems work, though I personally preferred the OCC-Dial so I can slightly loosen the helmet without completely undoing it.
The FMA EXF helmet replicates the Team Wendy EXFIL TPU Hybrid liner, which is similar to a construction hard hat. Basically suspending the external shell above the wearer’s head adds a cushion space to absorb any impact energy, as well as creating an air cushion to keep the user cool in hot weather. I’m not sure I’m a huge fan of the suspension design, but it is extremely comfortable none the less.
It’s worth noting that Emerson also sells an EXF helmet with an integrated flip down visor. While the helmet may look similar, the padding system is more like a bike helmet with dense foam, and not the FMA EXF with the replica CAM FIT system.
The one thing I am not a fan of is the FMA chin strap buckle, or the design by Team Wendy. The buckle sits very strangely on the chin portion, and as a result, sits somewhat uncomfortably on the chin itself. I found myself preferring the FMA Maritime, and the MICH/ACH strap in the photo. In comparing the two it’s almost as if the buckles was sewn on wrong at the factory, which is entirely possible.
Performance
In short, it only should be used for looks, or holding accessories. But it does take minor bumps ok. It’s hard to tell if the TPU system takes bumps better than the Opscore style, but this is only airsoft, and I’m not willing to risk a concussion to find out.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
As mentioned previously, with all of the T-slot rails, MOE RIS, Velcro, and bungees, you can add just about everything you want to it. The only downside is that it does take a different standard than the ARC rails for accessories like COMTAC’s or SORDIN’s. So it will be easier to also get a dedicated headset for the helmet.
Also while preparing to write the review, I discovered Team Wendy no longer makes the EXFIL Tactical that FMA based their replica on. The new EXFIL Carbon is very similar, with what appears to be only slight revisions to the shape and accessories.
Just for experimentation sake, I tried to mount a MICH/ACH type strap assembly, as well as removing the stock padding system. In their place I installed a set of Team Wendy Zorbium Action Pad (ZAP) SOF System padding from an old MICH2000 I had awhile back. I prefer a modular padding system since it allows me to run a MSA Sordin or Peltor COMTAC setup underneath without having to disassemble the helmet every time.
Externals Score: 8/10
Compared to my other FMA helmets, I’m a bit disappointed in the thin feeling shell. I was honestly expecting a lot more. That said, it works, it isn’t fragile, and will hopefully last for a long time.
Internals Score: 9/10
The stock FMA EXF suspension is more comfortable the longer I wear it. If I purchase the T-rail adapters, the stock suspension with or without a coms headset is still very easy to get on and off, without the adapters though it requires disassembling the helmet liner to separate the two, because the headband of the headset is trapped between the helmet shell and TPU liner. The chin strap also bothers me the longer I wear the helmet. It feels like it’s twisting the strap around, which in turn offsets the helmet. It’s definitely a subconscious thing, but it’s still distracting.
Overall score: 9/10
I went looking for something unique, and I certainly got that with the EXF(IL) helmet. I wish it was a bit thicker of a shell, but it’s for airsoft so it will serve me fine.
© Copyright triggs 2017
FMA “EXF Bump Helmet” Team Wendy EXFIL Bump Helmet
- Real Steel History
- Overview
- Accessories
- Externals review
- Internals review
- Performance
- Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
Real Steel History
The Team Wendy EXFIL™ Tactical Bump Helmet is the first carbon fiber helmet made with next generation helmet liner technology.
Leveraging from expertise in helmet liner development and a long-standing partnership with the U.S. Military, the EXFIL™ Tactical Bump Helmet is our first complete solution for head protection in the tactical market.
Using technology largely developed under an Army Natick Soldier RD&E Center program, the EXFIL™ features a hybrid sling/polymer structure impact management system that offers improved multi-impact performance. The liner also allows for superior air flow and ventilation by creating standoff between the wearer’s head and the helmet shell. Made of durable TPU, the liner is resistant to wear and environmental extremes.
Designed with functionality in mind, the EXFIL™ is made of lightweight carbon fiber and is compatible with tactical communication headsets. Picatinny rails provide a wide range of attachment and positioning options, and webbing slots offer cable management. The EXFIL™ includes a Wilcox 3-hole NVG shrouds and is compatible with most modern mounting systems. The helmet also comes equipped with Team Wendy’s newest retention system made with cam-lock sliders for easy and secure adjustment and a Boa® Closure System for optimized stability and fit.
Overview
WARNING! THIS IS A REPLICA HELMET FOR AIRSOFT ONLY! This helmet should NEVER be worn in place of a rated helmet. USING THIS PRODUCT AS OTHER THAN INTENDED PUTS YOU AT RISK FOR SERIOUS OR EVEN FATAL INJURY!
After reviewing the recent TMC CPC I purchased, I realized I didn’t want to strip down my FMA replica OPSCORE Maritime for every green side event, and depending on the event I may need a green based helmet altogether. Since I’ve owned a replica Crye Airframe before, and I already had a replica FMA Maritime, I was at a bit of a loss, almost ready to settle for a FMA OPSCORE Carbon Bump Helmet. Then I remembered a release by FMA a few years ago of a replica Team Wendy EXFIL Tactical Carbon Bump helmet. I checked a number of Hong Kong websites before finding this one in “Foliage Green” from shop.specwarfare.com/en . It took about a week to track down anyone that had them in stock, so I’m uncertain if they are still in production.
Before we get too far, many readers are probably wondering what exactly is a “bump” helmet, or a “ballistic” helmet?
- A ballistic helmet is designed to take fragmentation, or small caliber rounds, and deflect or absorb the energy, thus protecting the wearer. There are ballistic rated replica helmets available through overseas sources, but I would never trust my life to something from a replica company. The FMA Maritime used in this review is a plastic replica of an OPSCORE ballistic rated helmet. As a replica however, it serves no more function than a bump helmet and something to mount accessories to.
- A bump helmet is just that. It is designed to take basic bumps and keep the wearer from minor injuries. For example, a common bump helmet is the type used for biking or skateboarding. Skateboarding helmets have even seen use by the military, such as Delta Force in the 1990’s, in place of the ballistic helmets of the time (think of the movie Blackhawk Down). The FMA EXF and Maritime used in this review are bump helmets that are intended for airsoft only, I cannot stress, if you need an actual helmet, do not use a cheap airsoft imitation because it looks cool, or it was the cheaper option.
Accessories
In terms of separate accessories the helmet had nothing. Everything came attached to the helmet ready to go.
Like the real Team Wendy helmet, the replica comes with a WILCOX “W” style 3-hole NVG mount. The hybrid design features a plastic shroud and metal plate that minimizes weight, while maintaining strength in high stress areas. The plate has full WILCOX trademarks with crisp laser cut etchings. The front also has a retention bungee system for holding any night vision goggles if you have them attached.
The sides of the helmet have a unique T-slot style rail adapter. These are not compatible with the ARC rails commonly found on OPSCORE or MICH/ACH style helmets. They do however, have two Magpul MOE type RIS pieces securely screwed onto each side for mounting MIL-STD-1913 picatinny accessories.
The back of the helmet also comes with a bungee so the user can tie down NVG counterweights.
The Velcro came neatly applied from the factory and gives space for IFF strobes, battery packs, patches, or anything else you might need. My only complaint is the Velcro on the sides is too far back on the helmet, the U-shaped cutouts sit around the rear vent holes of the helmet from the factory. I moved the patches forward for the review and daily use.
FMA also sells two types of helmet liner add-on kits. The one pictured above modifies the stock padding by adding extra layers that are not covered on the stock pads.
The second set of pads offered, which I did not purchase, are a replica of the Team Wendy “Zorbium Foam Liner” set, and replaces the entire stock pad system. They are similar to normal helmet liner sets like those seen in a MICH or OPSCORE helmet.
Externals Review
If you consider all of the things added to the shell as accessories, then as far as externals go, it‘s basically the helmet shell. Which in short, is thin plastic, it has a great texture to it and feels very nice, but the plastic is thin and flexes easily. As a bump helmet this might be intentional and better for impact absorption. As a known brand name for airsoft helmets however, it’s a bit disappointing, especially compared to the FMA Maritime.
The vent holes are a unique shape which adds to the aggressive look that I was going for. The front of the shell also has a narrow brim to deflect water.
Coloring wise, when paired with my TMC Ranger Green CPC, is about what I was looking for. I will probably add some paint to help break up the flat color, but it looks nice, even from the factory.
Internals Review
If the shell is the externals, the head straps and cushioning might be the internals; which are very unique.
The FMA EXF (left), and the FMA Maritime (right) share a similar trait. The OPSCORE system, known as the OCC-Dial uses a dial at the base of the skull to tighten the inner headband to the user, providing retention even if you don’t have the chin strap on, it can also be loosened at will. The Team Wendy system known as the CAM FIT retention system ratchets down in a similar fashion, but it does not have fine control to loosen, by popping the dial outward, it releases all tension. Both systems work, though I personally preferred the OCC-Dial so I can slightly loosen the helmet without completely undoing it.
The FMA EXF helmet replicates the Team Wendy EXFIL TPU Hybrid liner, which is similar to a construction hard hat. Basically suspending the external shell above the wearer’s head adds a cushion space to absorb any impact energy, as well as creating an air cushion to keep the user cool in hot weather. I’m not sure I’m a huge fan of the suspension design, but it is extremely comfortable none the less.
It’s worth noting that Emerson also sells an EXF helmet with an integrated flip down visor. While the helmet may look similar, the padding system is more like a bike helmet with dense foam, and not the FMA EXF with the replica CAM FIT system.
The one thing I am not a fan of is the FMA chin strap buckle, or the design by Team Wendy. The buckle sits very strangely on the chin portion, and as a result, sits somewhat uncomfortably on the chin itself. I found myself preferring the FMA Maritime, and the MICH/ACH strap in the photo. In comparing the two it’s almost as if the buckles was sewn on wrong at the factory, which is entirely possible.
Performance
In short, it only should be used for looks, or holding accessories. But it does take minor bumps ok. It’s hard to tell if the TPU system takes bumps better than the Opscore style, but this is only airsoft, and I’m not willing to risk a concussion to find out.
Final Thoughts and Upgradeability
As mentioned previously, with all of the T-slot rails, MOE RIS, Velcro, and bungees, you can add just about everything you want to it. The only downside is that it does take a different standard than the ARC rails for accessories like COMTAC’s or SORDIN’s. So it will be easier to also get a dedicated headset for the helmet.
Also while preparing to write the review, I discovered Team Wendy no longer makes the EXFIL Tactical that FMA based their replica on. The new EXFIL Carbon is very similar, with what appears to be only slight revisions to the shape and accessories.
Just for experimentation sake, I tried to mount a MICH/ACH type strap assembly, as well as removing the stock padding system. In their place I installed a set of Team Wendy Zorbium Action Pad (ZAP) SOF System padding from an old MICH2000 I had awhile back. I prefer a modular padding system since it allows me to run a MSA Sordin or Peltor COMTAC setup underneath without having to disassemble the helmet every time.
Externals Score: 8/10
Compared to my other FMA helmets, I’m a bit disappointed in the thin feeling shell. I was honestly expecting a lot more. That said, it works, it isn’t fragile, and will hopefully last for a long time.
Internals Score: 9/10
The stock FMA EXF suspension is more comfortable the longer I wear it. If I purchase the T-rail adapters, the stock suspension with or without a coms headset is still very easy to get on and off, without the adapters though it requires disassembling the helmet liner to separate the two, because the headband of the headset is trapped between the helmet shell and TPU liner. The chin strap also bothers me the longer I wear the helmet. It feels like it’s twisting the strap around, which in turn offsets the helmet. It’s definitely a subconscious thing, but it’s still distracting.
Overall score: 9/10
I went looking for something unique, and I certainly got that with the EXF(IL) helmet. I wish it was a bit thicker of a shell, but it’s for airsoft so it will serve me fine.
© Copyright triggs 2017