You asked, we answered. Team Wendy helmets are designed for mission-specific needs.
It’s a question we’re asked often.
You’re debating between two Team Wendy helmets. The question is whether you should buy the EXFIL® SAR Tactical or the EXFIL® LTP. They’re both the same weight, run many of the same picatinny-based accessories and are roughly the same price. So how do you decide?
The answer is that it depends on how you’ll be using the helmet. Each tactical helmet is rated to meet different safety standards.
The SAR Tactical meets the following safety standards:
- BS EN 12492:2012 (Mountaineering)
- BS EN 1385:2012 (Whitewater)
- ACH Blunt Impact per AR/PD10-02, 16Dec’13
- Meets additional off-crown impact requirements of BS EN 14052:2012 (European standard for high performance industrial helmets)
The LTP, with its slightly sleeker design, meets the performance requirements of only BS EN 1385:2012 (Whitewater).
Here’s how it all breaks down in the real world.
The SAR Tactical is really the first search and rescue helmet of its kind. Never before had one helmet met so many of the standards that SAR professionals require, eliminating the need for them to purchase and carry multiple helmets on every mission. So, if you’ll be going from one environment to the next and don’t have the capacity to carry multiple helmets, the SAR Tactical may be the better choice.
The EXFIL® SAR Tactical is on the FEMA cache list and is used by 100% of the federal FEMA teams, which include some of the largest departments in the country, such as LAFD, NYPD, FDNY and Boston FD. They choose the SAR Tactical in part because they have to be prepared to respond to any situation, from rushing flood waters to scaling bridges.
If you plan to do any climbing – or if you’re in a position where debris may fall from above – then the SAR helmet is ideal. The back of the helmet extends downward to cover a larger portion of the neck. The top of the helmet is unique in that it boasts a subtle – yet still significant – arc. That raised arc on top of the helmet gives you greater protection should something fall on your head.
So when should you go with the LTP?
The EXFIL® LTP is perhaps our most widely used bump helmet. It’s an excellent option for law enforcement or military because it can be paired with other accessories like our EXFIL® Ballistic Visor, EXFIL® Face Shield or EXFIL® All-Terrain Mandible to offer full face coverage. It also comes in two different sizes – size 1 (M/L) and size 2 (XL) with customizable comfort pads in various shapes.
It’s also a perfect model for military training or law enforcement drills as it allows you to run all the same equipment, such as lights, cameras, night vision and thermal optics devices that you would on your ballistic helmet – but without the added weight.
U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers also use the EXFIL® LTP on water rescue missions as it is slightly less buoyant than the SAR, making it easier to swim.
The SAR is one-size-fits-all and comes with a set of both thick and thin comfort pads to ensure proper fit for varying head sizes. The EXFIL® SAR Rail System allows for installation of the EXFIL® SAR Visor and still affords you the option to run our EXFIL® Peltor Quick Release Adapters, as well as any Picatinny-based accessories.
Finally, there may be occasions when either helmet will suit you.
If NVGs are your primary concern, either one will work because they each have a machined aluminum Wilcox® shroud insert. Either one will work if you’re working in unpredictable water-based environments. Both offer the same MIL-DTL-32067 leather chin cup and integrated BOA® Fit System with Cam Lock sliders for one-handed adjustment and secure fit.
Ask yourself what you need from your helmet. Where will you be using it? The EXFIL® LTP and EXFIL® SAR Tactical boast specialties to ensure optimal protection depending on your environment.
Posted August 11, 2020
