An appropriately fitting tactical bulletproof helmet not only offers maximum protection, but makes wearing it much more comfortable as well. Adjusting your helmet properly before its first use and every subsequent one is crucial - we suggest doing it prior to each new use too - all this information can be found in your FAST manual, however here we also include this list for easy reference.
Choose the right size
A helmet that is too small will sit too far above on your head while one that is too big may shift around and not sit securely on it.
All models of our tactical bulletproof helmets come in sizes (M-XXXL). Be sure to choose one that best matches the shape and size of your head!
How to Wear Your FAST Helmet
Here is the right way to wear your FAST Helmet for the best functionality, protection, and performance.
Adjust top pads
Place the helmet on your head. This helmet comes pre-installed with ½" pads. Turn the OCC dial and loosen the fit band and make sure the weight of the helmet is resting on top of your head. The forehead pads should be above and not resting on the ridge of your eyebrows.
The distance on the bottom of the helmet to the top of your eyebrow should be 0.5" – 1". Make sure there is enough room around your eyes for hearing protection headsets. If its too low, swap out the ½" top pads for the ¾" pads. If the helmet is still too uncomfortable, you can use a combination of the ½" and ¾" top pads until it's the right fit.
Adjust the Rear Pads
After installing the appropriate top pads, install 3/4" rear pads into your helmet. Wear the helmet on your head, if there is too much pressure; take them out and switch with 1/2" pads instead; otherwise if they provide equal comfort keep the 3/4" pads installed.
Adjust the fit band
Tactical bulletproof helmets come with an OCC dial to adjust the fit of your helmet. Put the helmet on your head and turn the OCC dial to tighten the fit band until secure. Look up to the sky, if the dial touches the back of your neck, it's too low.
Adjust the height of the OCC dial by sliding the fit band liner tabs inside the shell up and down.
Preload the fit band
Set the shape of your fit band to match the shape of your head. Push or pull the rear fit band liner tabs to adjust the tension of the fit band from a round shape to more oval shape.
Hold the rear fit band liner tabs in your hand and when you found the optimal shape, tighten the back screws to lock it in place.
Tighten the back screws
Tighten the back screws to lock the rear fit band liner tabs, chinstrap, and side rails in place. If you don't do this, all your adjustments that were just made will come undone.
Install the side pads
Install the side pads on the inside of your helmet. These pads make the helmet more stable and help offer more protect from side impacts. If its too tight, move them around until you find the optimal fit.
Adjusting the Chinstrap
1. Wear your helmet and fasten the chinstrap buckle securely, turning the OCC dial knob until your fit band feels snug.
2.Using both hands, pull the two rear headlock plastic sliders (found resting on your jaw) towards your chin until snug.
3.Using both hands, pull the front headlock plastic sliders located on your temple towards your chin until they fit snugly.
Are Ballistic Helmets / Tactical Helmets Worth It?
Consideration of whether investing in a helmet is worthwhile depends heavily upon your expected situations. Although more costly, helmets tend to be much bulkier and harder to conceal than bullet proof vests - which explains why they're less commonly seen and only typically employed by military, law enforcement, and security professionals.
Trauma to the head is almost always more immediately life-threatening than injury to any other part of the body, including cardiac boxes. Any contact between trauma to skull/brain and injury to central nervous system (CNS) can quickly lead to loss of consciousness, severe brain injury and irreversible neurological damage; for civilians concerned with their personal safety in such circumstances a body armor helmet could prove invaluable in times of danger.
Blunt force trauma remains a significant risk, even when wearing protective gear such as ballistic or tactical helmets. Bullets or blunt forces may still impact upon the skull and brain, leading to concussions, TBIs or even fatal outcomes.
Even when dispersed by a helmet, impacts from these impacts can still result in internal bleeding, brain swelling and/or bruising that can be permanent or irreparable. While helmets will protect you against bullet penetration into your skull, they cannot prevent all types of head or brain injuries.
A quality helmet should feature multi-layered composite materials and designs to diffuse impact energy more effectively, and to reduce rotational forces which could otherwise cause brain injuries. Some include MIPS technology which allows for slight rotation upon impact to help dissipate energy more evenly while other use specialized foam or gel liners that absorb shockwaves more evenly, decreasing risk of localized trauma.
How Should I Clean and Store My Ballistic Helmet?
Maintaining the integrity of your helmet is just as essential to its initial setup, if not more so.
Cleaning- Mild soap and water is the ideal combination to keep surfaces looking their best, without damaging materials such as wood. A soft cloth should be used to gently wipe away dirt without scratching surfaces.
Storage- Place your helmet in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight which may weaken its structure over time. A helmet bag or padded box may offer additional protection in case of accidental drops or bumps.
