Viper FAST Helmet

I understand that many out there may question why an airsoft player might need to wear a military style helmet, but rather than just being part of a wannabe persona a good ‘bump lid’ is actually worth its weight in gold when it comes to playing any form of MilSim scenario. Many of these take place on genuine training areas, often and most popularly of an urban nature, which means that you do have to take into account overhead hazards and the genuine chance of a fall.

Although airsoft replica helmets offer no ballistic-protection they do offer a protective cocoon for your noggin, and when married up with some good quality ballistic eyewear and a comms headset, they not only give you a ‘tacticool’ look but provide you with good head, face, and even partial neck protection.

At an urban game recently this is exactly the set-up I chose; the site was physically brutal in nature so I was very glad when one of the new FAST Helmet replicas from Viper turned up just prior to me leaving. The real Ops-Core FAST helmets offer all the protection you could possibly imagine and have become “The Standard for Special Operations” in the real world, and the replica from Viper mimics the real thing in all but materials. Where the real thing is made from Carbon and UHMWPE the Viper version is just very good-quality plastic; that said, the Viper will cost you £69.95 as opposed to the best part of US$1,000!

On Your Head, Son

The helmet arrived with me in a very eye- catching box which contained not only the lid itself but a number of different internal fitting pads (which allows for different head sizes and whether or not you want to run it with a headset) and very clear, full- colour instructions on how to set it up. It comes pre-fitted with accessory rails on both sides, along with Velcro panels so that you can easily add accessories or team/morale patches. On the front is also a replica VAS Shroud should you wish to add night vision accessories, with retention bungees in place.

The ‘dial in’ system for fine-fitting works very well, making the helmet extremely comfortable to wear, and it stays firmly in place once you have it adjusted so that the helmet never rattles around your head. This is important if you do take a tumble, as a poorly adjusted helmet can lead to injury still being sustained.

Overall I believe that this is a great product at a good price. Helmet covers for FAST models are available from most good tactical gear retailers, so you can even match you helmet to your loadout pattern, although at present the Viper replica comes in just tan or black. Other colours and patterns are available, so I hope that Viper will soon start bringing some more of these into the UK.

PRICE:£69.95
CONTACT: www.viperkit.co.uk