Long Tactical Operations Make Lightweight Gear a Must

It’s no secret that standoff situations can last a long time, often requiring tactical police to stay on scene for several hours. We routinely see headlines like this one out of Arkansas or this one in Kansas. Both stories detail long SWAT situations that make for intense days.
 
These situations occur year after year. In 2019, a SWAT callout in Georgia topped 15 hours. Then a callout in Kentucky endured for four hours. The year before a callout in Wisconsin made headlines when it lasted six hours. In 2017, a 27-year-old man kept officers at bay in Toledo, OH more than six hours.
 
It can happen anywhere.
 
Tactical officers increasingly favor a tactical helmet light enough that they can stay mobile. It reduces stress on the body, especially in the neck, when on scene for hours at a time. Lightweight, yet protective. That’s the combination that enables SWAT teams to stay safe and do their best work.


 
There are a lot of tactical helmets for sale, but Team Wendy is changing the game. Our engineers are constantly pushing the envelope to develop ultra-lightweight tactical ballistic helmets. The effort is paying off. Alaska State Troopers and Anaheim SWAT ordered 55 EXFIL^® Ballistic SL helmets apiece last year.
 
At only 2.2. pounds, the helmet features a lightweight composite shell providing a 15 percent weight reduction over the already-light EXFIL^® Ballistic at 2.6 pounds. And these are the complete system weights, including the helmet shell, accessory rails, impact liner and retention system.
 
It is a premier lightweight ballistic helmet, and positioned to meet growing demand. Team Wendy’s EXFIL^® Ballistic SL debuted in Nov. 2018. The U.S. Marshals, LAPD SWAT, LASD SEB, DEA, FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team, ATF’s Special Response Team, Anaheim SWAT and Orange County SWAT are among the groups who wear the EXFIL^® Ballistic SL.
 
What’s behind the popularity?
 
It comes down to sizing and comfort. Other manufacturers offer standard sizes – small, medium, large or extra-large. They expect operators to fall into one of their predetermined sizes. It’s like they’re saying they know your head better than you do.
 
We offer two sizes to make procurement and sizing easier. Then you customize the helmet padding inserts to your exact preference. It all comes down to comfort – your way.
 
Lightweight tactical helmets are part of a growing push for lighter gear. Years ago, tactical vests weighed upwards of 65 lbs. Some officers called them “turtle vests” because if you fell wearing one you couldn’t get up without help.
 
These days you have plenty of lightweight helmet options and accessories in front of you. Check them out here.
 
By Joe Nagy
Law Enforcement and SAR Market Manager