The Standard Others Are Measured Against

The Ops-Core FAST SF Next Generation is the pinnacle of modern ballistic helmet design and one of the highest-performing ballistic helmet systems available today.

Trusted by many of the world’s most elite Special Operations units, it combines industry-leading ballistic protection with exceptional comfort and one of the lightest ballistic helmet systems ever developed.

Every detail has been engineered with a zero-compromise approach to performance, reducing weight and fatigue while delivering the stability, protection, and equipment integration demanded by modern Special Operations.

Built for the world’s most elite military and law-enforcement units, the FAST SF Next Generation sets the benchmark for modern ballistic helmets.

Best Helmet Choice For:

Military Special Operations
Extremely high level of protection
Extremely lightweight ballistic protection

Details

Ops-Core’s lightest ballistic helmet system ever developed
Maximum ballistic protection with significantly reduced weight to help minimize fatigue
Size Large ballistic shell weighs just 1.23 lbs (557 g)
Exceptional comfort for extended wear in demanding environments
Stable platform for night vision, communications, and other mission-critical equipment
Purpose-built to integrate seamlessly with modern tactical accessories
Secure, customizable fit that remains comfortable under heavy equipment loads
Designed to reduce snag hazards and improve equipment retention
Trusted by elite Special Operations forces around the world

Manufactured by Ops-Core, a Gentex Corporation brand.

Helmet Sizing

Correct helmet sizing is essential for stability, comfort, ballistic coverage, and proper integration with communications and night-vision equipment.

Measure around the widest part of the head using a flexible measuring tape. Keep the tape level and position it approximately one inch above the eyebrows.

Helmet Size	Head Circumference
Medium	20-7/8 to 22 in 53 to 56 cm
Large	22 to 23-1/4 in 56 to 59 cm
Extra Large	23-1/4 to 24-3/8 in 59 to 62 cm
XXL	24-3/8 to 25-3/8 in 62 to 64.5 cm

How the Helmet Should Fit

The helmet should sit level on the head.
The front edge should sit approximately one inch above the eyebrows.
The shell should not move excessively when the head is turned.
The retention system should feel secure without causing pressure points.
Night-vision equipment should remain stable after the liner and retention system are adjusted.

After selecting the correct shell size, use the LockDown Fit Shims, comfort pads, Cable Occ-Dial®, nape pad, and Head-Loc® FLEX retention system to create a secure and personalized fit.

Product Type	Ballistic Headborne System
Manufacturer	Ops-Core / Gentex Corporation
Product Generation	FAST SF Next Generation
Ballistic Shell	Next-generation FAST SF ballistic shell
Manufacturer Ballistic Performance Statement	Ballistic protection from 9mm rounds at 1,200 ft/s
NIJ Testing Reference	NIJ 0106.01 with NIJ 0108.01 Level IIIA threats, including 9mm FMJ at 1,400 ft/s
Additional Performance Specification	Modified and Abbreviated Family of Tactical Headborne Systems, dated June 30, 2017; Ops-Core FAST SF Performance Specification PS-1608
Shell Weight	1.23 lbs (557 g), Size Large
System Weight Reduction	Approximately 10% lighter than the preceding FAST SF system
Suspension System	LockDown™ Liner System with customizable comfort pads, LockDown Fit Shims, Cable Occ-Dial®, and conformable nape pad
Liner Construction	Moisture-wicking fabric with adaptable reticulated foam
Retention System	Head-Loc® FLEX retention system with convertible chin cup
Chin-Cup Positions	Convertible for under-the-chin or over-the-chin wear
Accessory Rails	PowerPath™ ARC Rail system
Cable Management	Behind-the-rail channel for protected night-vision cable routing
Night-Vision Shroud	Lightweight Modular Bungee Shroud with carabiner-style retention clips
External Attachment	External VELCRO® Brand loop kit
Communications Compatibility	LockDown cable architecture is designed to reduce interference with compatible headband communications systems
Available Sizes	Medium, Large, Extra Large, and XXL
Available Colors	Black, Tan 499, MultiCam®, and Ranger Green

LockDown™ Liner System

The LockDown™ Liner System is a universal suspension solution developed to improve comfort, airflow, and stability when supporting heavy night-vision and visual augmentation systems.

LockDown Fit Shims and the Cable Occ-Dial® allow the fit to be adjusted for different head shapes. The conformable nape pad increases the contact area at the rear of the head, improving system stability compared with more rigid retention designs.

Head-Loc® FLEX Retention

The Head-Loc® FLEX retention system uses an adjustable convertible chin cup. It can be worn under the chin for comfort or positioned over the chin for increased stability, depending on the user’s mission and equipment.

PowerPath™ ARC Rails

PowerPath™ ARC rails provide a lightweight accessory mounting solution and include a protected channel behind the rail for routing night-vision cables.

Modular Bungee Shroud

The Modular Bungee Shroud is designed to reduce snag hazards while increasing night-vision-device retention and stability. Its carabiner-style clips help reduce interference with accessories mounted to the ARC rails.

Ballistic performance depends on the exact projectile, velocity, test protocol, helmet size, environmental conditioning, and other test variables. Refer to the current official Ops-Core product documentation and FAST SF Performance Specification PS-1608 for complete testing data.

Free US Shipping on this product and the rest of your order.

All ballistic helmet sales are final, except in the event of a confirmed factory defect. This policy helps ensure that every customer receives a helmet that has not been previously worn, altered, damaged, or subjected to conditions that could affect its protective performance.

Do not drill, cut, paint, sand, reshape, or otherwise modify the ballistic shell. Unauthorized modification may affect the helmet’s protective performance and may void the manufacturer warranty.

Ballistic helmets and related components may be subject to United States export-control laws and shipping restrictions. They cannot be exported or shipped internationally where prohibited.

International orders, military APO/FPO/DPO addresses, government procurement, and agency purchases may require additional review before fulfillment.

Ballistic Helmets

Ops-Core FAST SF - Next Gen Ballistic Helmet