Hello Everyone,
I'm not usually the type to post but I promised a friend once I got finished with my evaluation of this helmet I would post it on here for him and all to see. This is going to be on the Team Wendy Exfil Carbon, however it should be very similar to the LTP version as well. I did some previous testing on the pre-production versions of the helmet and have since got a hold of the Gen 2 Rail Adapter kit.
Quality:
Upon initial inspection I am highly impressed with the helmet system. The carbon shell is designed in such a way that the thickness varies in higher impact areas to increase strength while keeping weight at a minimum. The Aluminum machined NVG mount by Wilcox affixes solid to the front of the helmet and is of far better quality than the NVG mount on the Ops-Core helmets I have had access to. The BOA closure and Cam-Fit system is solidly mounted to the helmet and locks your head in firmly from moving around while at the same time providing for a very comfortable fit. During hard use over the summer both climbing and kayaking I never had any issues with it shifting, (even when I may bumped my head a couple times!) The radical padding system I'm sure many of you have seen feels incredible despite looking as though it would be uncomfortable. Team Wendy prides itself on being a leader in preventing Traumatic Brain Injury so that is no surprise.
The Arc Rail system by Team Wendy is in my humble opinion superior in almost every way to others I've seen. In addition to being able to mount Magpul MOE rails, the T-slot system just above it allows you to rig just about anything to the helmet with simple hardware from any hardware store that will accommodate your needs. Also, the ventilation slots are numerous enough to keep your head cool in 100+ degree temperatures while not being so numerous as to take away from the strength of the helmet.
Weight:
On my scale, the Exfil Carbon in size XL weighed in at 1.72lbs with the Wilcox 'W' Shroud installed. The weight of the helmet and comfort of the strap system make it so that after about 5-10 min you forget you are wearing a helmet at all. On one occasion I was halfway home before I realized I still had it on.
Sizing:
My head measures 23.6" around and fits well in the XL. Sizing for the M-L is 21.5-23.5" respectively, with those who's head size is above 23.5" going for the XL. If you are concerned as your head is close to the upper threshold for the M-L, if you go to the XL you will have no problems with fit. I originally tested a M-L and I was still able to fit in it somewhat comfortably although the straps were at maximum extension.
Price:
Alright some of you who are just getting into the carbon helmet market may cringe. As mine was equiped with the 'W' Shroud, and the Multicam pattern it came in at $580. One can be had however in basic form of Black or FDE with no shroud for $450. The LTP version can be had for around $300 but only comes in Black or FDE. Although that does seem steep, keep in mind how it is priced with other helmets of the same ilk as the Team Wendy Exfil. In addition, the wait times for the Exfil family of helmets is FAR lower than helmets like the Ops-Core line. My helmets I've tested and used all shipped within 10 days or less.
Use:
Now some of you may be asking, "What the heck am I going to use this for? It's fricken expensive for a helmet..." and to a point you'd be right. It may not be an option for everyone. I have used mine in the last year during rock climbing, work on Quads in the woods, work at the range where I was very active moving in and out of cars, etc. I plan to use it this up-coming spring during skydiving as well.
Summary:
In all, I'd say this is one of the best helmets I've ever worn, and that's saying a lot as I've worn pretty much everything out there from regular bump helmets, motorcycle full face helmets, and ballistic helmets. With all of the use and duration of life it would appear to have, I would say it is worth every penny. One caviat to this review. I have a pair of MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X ear pro that I have used with the helmet. Both the standard version and Neckband versions of these ear pro work with the helmet unaltered however I would recommend with the standard version of the ear pro to invest in some peltor rail adapters and the clips for your ear pro version.
And now for the product porn:
I'm not usually the type to post but I promised a friend once I got finished with my evaluation of this helmet I would post it on here for him and all to see. This is going to be on the Team Wendy Exfil Carbon, however it should be very similar to the LTP version as well. I did some previous testing on the pre-production versions of the helmet and have since got a hold of the Gen 2 Rail Adapter kit.
Quality:
Upon initial inspection I am highly impressed with the helmet system. The carbon shell is designed in such a way that the thickness varies in higher impact areas to increase strength while keeping weight at a minimum. The Aluminum machined NVG mount by Wilcox affixes solid to the front of the helmet and is of far better quality than the NVG mount on the Ops-Core helmets I have had access to. The BOA closure and Cam-Fit system is solidly mounted to the helmet and locks your head in firmly from moving around while at the same time providing for a very comfortable fit. During hard use over the summer both climbing and kayaking I never had any issues with it shifting, (even when I may bumped my head a couple times!) The radical padding system I'm sure many of you have seen feels incredible despite looking as though it would be uncomfortable. Team Wendy prides itself on being a leader in preventing Traumatic Brain Injury so that is no surprise.
The Arc Rail system by Team Wendy is in my humble opinion superior in almost every way to others I've seen. In addition to being able to mount Magpul MOE rails, the T-slot system just above it allows you to rig just about anything to the helmet with simple hardware from any hardware store that will accommodate your needs. Also, the ventilation slots are numerous enough to keep your head cool in 100+ degree temperatures while not being so numerous as to take away from the strength of the helmet.
Weight:
On my scale, the Exfil Carbon in size XL weighed in at 1.72lbs with the Wilcox 'W' Shroud installed. The weight of the helmet and comfort of the strap system make it so that after about 5-10 min you forget you are wearing a helmet at all. On one occasion I was halfway home before I realized I still had it on.
Sizing:
My head measures 23.6" around and fits well in the XL. Sizing for the M-L is 21.5-23.5" respectively, with those who's head size is above 23.5" going for the XL. If you are concerned as your head is close to the upper threshold for the M-L, if you go to the XL you will have no problems with fit. I originally tested a M-L and I was still able to fit in it somewhat comfortably although the straps were at maximum extension.
Price:
Alright some of you who are just getting into the carbon helmet market may cringe. As mine was equiped with the 'W' Shroud, and the Multicam pattern it came in at $580. One can be had however in basic form of Black or FDE with no shroud for $450. The LTP version can be had for around $300 but only comes in Black or FDE. Although that does seem steep, keep in mind how it is priced with other helmets of the same ilk as the Team Wendy Exfil. In addition, the wait times for the Exfil family of helmets is FAR lower than helmets like the Ops-Core line. My helmets I've tested and used all shipped within 10 days or less.
Use:
Now some of you may be asking, "What the heck am I going to use this for? It's fricken expensive for a helmet..." and to a point you'd be right. It may not be an option for everyone. I have used mine in the last year during rock climbing, work on Quads in the woods, work at the range where I was very active moving in and out of cars, etc. I plan to use it this up-coming spring during skydiving as well.
Summary:
In all, I'd say this is one of the best helmets I've ever worn, and that's saying a lot as I've worn pretty much everything out there from regular bump helmets, motorcycle full face helmets, and ballistic helmets. With all of the use and duration of life it would appear to have, I would say it is worth every penny. One caviat to this review. I have a pair of MSA Sordin Supreme Pro X ear pro that I have used with the helmet. Both the standard version and Neckband versions of these ear pro work with the helmet unaltered however I would recommend with the standard version of the ear pro to invest in some peltor rail adapters and the clips for your ear pro version.
And now for the product porn:
