When it comes to choosing tactical helmets, two brands stand out from the rest: Hard Head Veterans and Team Wendy. Both companies make high-quality helmets designed for military, law enforcement, and civilian use.
But which one is better?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the key features, pros and cons of Hard Head Veterans and Team Wendy helmets to help you decide which is the right tactical helmet for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
Feature | Hard Head Veterans | Team Wendy |
Cost | $99-$289 | $339-$1,620 |
Weight | 1.3-2.8 lbs | 1.2-1.6 lbs |
Protection Level | Up to ACH Level IIIA | Up to Level IIIA (EXFIL) |
Padding | RPB® impact-absorbing | CoolMax® moisture-wicking |
Adjustability | Limited | BOA dial + CAM FIT system |
Materials | Polyethylene, Carbon Composite | Carbon fiber, Zorbium foam |
Military Use | Yes | Yes, Special Forces |
Law Enforcement Use | Yes | Yes |
Colors | Limited options | Mostly black |
Customization | Moderate | Extremely high |
Key Takeaways
- Hard Head Veterans helmets are economical military-spec models weighing 1.3-2.8 lbs.
- Team Wendy helmets are premium-priced high-tech helmets weighing 1.2-1.6 lbs.
- Hard Head Veterans offers good protection starting at $99. Team Wendy excels in high-end features at $339+.
- Both manufacturers make exceptional tactical helmets loved by military and law enforcement.
Overview of Hard Head Veterans and Team Wendy
First, let’s take a quick look at each company and their helmets:
Hard Head Veterans
Founded by a former Force Recon Marine, Hard Head Veterans makes lightweight tactical helmets focused on comfort and protection.
Their helmets feature patented technology like their RPB® pads which are designed to absorb impact and provide a custom fit.
Some of their most popular models include:
- ACH Helmet: An advanced combat helmet meeting military ballistic standards. Similar design to the helmets used by the U.S. Army.
- Minimalist Helmet: Lightweight polyethylene shell. Designed for law enforcement and civilian use.
- Carbon Composite Helmet: Made from ultra-strong carbon fiber composite. Offers enhanced protection.
Team Wendy
Team Wendy is a leading manufacturer of tactical helmets and head protection systems. They pride themselves on rigorous testing and research to create exceptionally protective and comfortable helmets. Some of their top helmets include:
- EXFIL® Ballistic: Their flagship carbon fiber helmet meeting military standards. Feature-packed and customizable.
- Zorbium Action Helmet: Innovative foam helmet made from impact-absorbing Zorbium. Ultra lightweight.
- CAM FIT Retention System: Patented cam-lock chinstrap provides customized fit and stability.
Now that we’ve introduced both brands, let’s dig into the details and compare their key features.
Key Feature Comparison of Hard Head Veterans And Team Wendy Helmets
When evaluating tactical helmets, some of the most important factors are weight, comfort, protection level, and cost. Here’s how Hard Head Veterans and Team Wendy stack up in these key categories:
Weight
One of the main advantages of both Hard Head Veterans and Team Wendy helmets is their light weight.
This improves comfort and prevents neck fatigue, especially during prolonged use.
- Hard Head Veterans helmets weigh 1.3 lbs to 2.8 lbs depending on the model. Their Minimalist helmet is one of the lightest at just 1.3 lbs.
- Team Wendy helmets range from 1.6 lbs to 3.3 lbs. The EXFIL Ballistic strips down to 1.6 lbs by using carbon fiber composite. The Zorbium Action Helmet is incredibly lightweight at just 1.22 lbs.
Winner: Team Wendy edges out Hard Head for lighter weight options on average.
But Hard Head’s Minimalist is the lightest of all helmets compared.
Comfort and Padding
Comfort is critical for tactical helmets to be worn safely and effectively. Proper padding ensures a secure fit while absorbing impacts.
- Hard Head Veterans uses their patented RPB® padding system made with impact-absorbing silicone rubber. Provides a custom fit.
- Team Wendy focuses heavily on comfort technologies like their CAM FIT retention and BOA dial-adjust system. Uses moisture-wicking CoolMax® pads.
Winner: Both offer excellent comfort options, but Team Wendy’s range of adjustable fits gives them a slight advantage.
Protection Level
The level of protection against ballistic threats and blunt impacts determines how suitable a helmet is for military/law enforcement versus civilian use.
- Hard Head Veterans helmets meet military standards like the ACH. Their carbon composite helmet stops 9mm rounds.
- Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic is certified to Level IIIA protection against handgun rounds. Zorbium Action Helmet offers impact protection.
Winner: For the highest ballistic protection, Team Wendy’s EXFIL takes the lead. But both brands offer helmets suitable for military, law enforcement, and civilian applications.
Cost/Value
When considering price, you want the most protection and performance you can get for the money.
- Hard Head Veterans helmets range from $99-$289 depending on the model. Their military-spec ACH offers good value.
- Team Wendy helmets are premium-priced from $339 for the Zorbium up to $1,620 for the carbon EXFIL. Justified by advanced technology.
Winner: Hard Head Veterans wins on price for those on a budget. But Team Wendy provides technology and features that justify the higher cost.
Hard Head Veterans Helmet Pros and Cons
Now let’s break down the detailed pros and cons of Hard Head Veterans tactical helmets:
Hard Head Veterans Pros
- Excellent lightweight comfort from 1.3 – 2.8 lbs depending on model
- Meets military standards like the ballistic ACH helmet
- Reasonably priced from $99-$289
- RPB impact-absorbing padding provides secure custom fit
- High-cut design allows use with headphones, comms, ear pro
- Durable polyethylene and carbon composite shell options
- Multiple accessories available like rails, NVG shroud, visor
Hard Head Veterans Cons
- Not as lightweight or adjustable as Team Wendy helmets
- Limited color and graphic options currently available
- Doesn’t use moisture-wicking pads like Team Wendy
- Only ACH model meets Level IIIA protection rating
- Not able to fully customize and modify like Team Wendy
Team Wendy Helmet Pros and Cons
Next let’s examine the in-depth pros and cons of Team Wendy tactical helmets:
Team Wendy Pros
- Industry-leading lightweight from 1.22 lbs to 1.6 lbs for carbon models
- EXFIL Ballistic helmet meets Level IIIA protection rating
- Zorbium foam helmet offers excellent blunt impact protection
- CAM FIT retention and BOA dial-adjust provides customized secure fit
- CoolMax® moisture-wicking pads keep you cool and dry
- Leading-edge materials like carbon fiber composite and Zorbium foam
- Fully customizable with rails, shrouds, and accessories
- Unparalleled research and testing ensure maximum protection
- Used by US military special forces and law enforcement
Team Wendy Cons
- Much more expensive than Hard Head Veterans, from $339-$1620
- Limited style options currently, mostly just black
- Carbon and Zorbium models offer less ballistic protection than ACH
- Not able to try on in stores before buying
- Exclusive features like CAM FIT add cost
As you can see, both Hard Head Veterans and Team Wendy have excellent advantages, along with a few limitations. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your budget, protection needs, and desired features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Also Read: Comparison of Ballistic And Bump Helmets.
Yes, Team Wendy helmets are currently used by U.S. military special forces, including units from SOCOM, Army Special Forces, MARSOC, and Air Force Pararescue. Their EXFIL Ballistic helmet is popular for its lightweight protection.
In addition to U.S. special forces, Team Wendy helmets are also used by tactical law enforcement teams like SWAT, first responders, and civilian shooters and outdoor enthusiasts. Their combination of protection, comfort, and customization appeals to many users.
Some Team Wendy helmet models are available with an NSN or NATO stock number, which allows easier procurement through military supply chains. Team Wendy has secured NSNs for helmets like the EXFIL Ballistic and CAM FIT retention system.
Team Wendy is named in honor of Wendy, the daughter of the company’s founder. Wendy died in a skiing accident, and making helmets safe enough to prevent similar tragedies became his mission. The name represents the company’s unwavering commitment to research and saving lives.
Final Thoughts
In the choice between Hard Head Veterans and Team Wendy, both manufacturers produce excellent tactical helmets. Hard Head Veterans provides more affordable military-spec helmets that give you great protection for the money.
Team Wendy justifies a higher price tag by pushing the boundaries of technology and customization to create exceptionally high-performing yet lightweight helmets. Depending on your budget and needs, either brand would serve you well as reliable head protection.
Carefully examine all the pros, cons and features before choosing which of these industry-leading helmets is the best fit for you.