Team Wendy EXFIL review: the LTP bump helmet, and when to step up to Carbon or Ballistic
Our verdict: 4.4/5. The Team Wendy EXFIL LTP is a light, adjustable bump helmet built to carry gear: a built-in night vision shroud at the front, Rail 3.0 side rails for lights and accessories, and Team Wendy's CAM FIT retention with the BOA Fit System. Team Wendy lists it at 1.59 lb in both sizes. Know three things first. It is not a ballistic helmet: Team Wendy rates it to a whitewater impact standard, not against gunfire. The night vision mount is not in the box; one owner pairs it with a Wilcox G24 mount. And the retailer marks this listing as not eligible for return or exchange, so get your size right. If you need a carbon shell, look at the EXFIL Carbon; if you need ballistic protection, the EXFIL Ballistic.
OpticsPlanet shoppers rate the EXFIL LTP listing 4.7/5 across 9 reviews. The Black Medium/Large row we review (72-R3-21S) sells for around $440, the least expensive of the three EXFIL rows on this page. Check price and availability on OpticsPlanet; confirm the current price on the retailer page.
How we reviewed it: a research-based review built from three EXFIL listings on OpticsPlanet (their specification tables, features and every owner review: nine for the LTP, six for the Ballistic and one for the Carbon) and Team Wendy's own product and warranty pages for each model. For the ballistic rating we also read NIJ's own pages. Where the retailer and Team Wendy disagree, we use Team Wendy and say so. Research leads we could not confirm on a page we could open, including an award and the country of manufacture, were left out. We have not tested these helmets; the score is our editorial opinion and owner ratings are shown attributed to their source. See how we evaluate.
Which EXFIL answers your question
The three EXFIL helmets OpticsPlanet sells look alike but protect against different things. The first question is not comfort or rails, it is whether you need protection from gunfire. Figures below are Team Wendy's, from its product page for each model; ratings and prices are the retailer's.
| Spec | EXFIL LTP (72-R3-21S) | EXFIL Carbon (71-R3-Z22S-B22) | EXFIL Ballistic (73-R3-21S-E21) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Bump, not ballistic | Bump, not ballistic | Ballistic |
| Standard Team Wendy cites | BS EN 1385:2012 (whitewater helmets) | ACH blunt impact per AR/PD 10-02, average below 72G; BS EN 1385:2012 | NIJ Level III-A (according to NIJ STD 0106.01/0108.01); AR/PD 10-02 blunt impact, average below 70G |
| Shell | Polycarbonate | Carbon fiber | Polyethylene and other fibers in a composite matrix |
| Weight, complete (Size 1 / Size 2) | 1.59 lb / 1.59 lb | 1.66 lb / 1.68 lb | 2.6 lb / 2.75 lb |
| NVG shroud | Built-in, machined aluminum insert | Wilcox W shroud, lanyard compatible | Wilcox W shroud, lanyard compatible |
| Comfort pads | Six | Eight | 16, in two thicknesses |
| Warranty | One year | One year | Up to five years ballistic package, up to one year liner, retention, rails, shroud |
| Row we price | Black, Medium/Large | Black, 2XL (Team Wendy calls it XL) | Black, Medium/Large |
| OpticsPlanet rating | 4.7/5 from 9 reviews | 5.0/5 from 1 review | 5.0/5 from 6 reviews |
| Price | around $440 | around $770 | around $1,500 |
What the EXFIL LTP is
Team Wendy expands LTP as Lightweight, Tactical, Polymer, and builds the shell from impact-modified polycarbonate, a Lexan polycarbonate copolymer, and says it meets the impact protection requirements of BS EN 1385:2012, the European standard for whitewater helmets. That is the whole protection claim: there is no ballistic rating, and the retailer's specification table lists the threat level as shock absorption. A bump helmet is built for knocks and impacts while carrying gear; it is not armor.
The rest of the design is about carrying equipment. Team Wendy describes a built-in NVG shroud made with an integrated machined aluminum shroud insert, the EXFIL Rail 3.0 accessory system, which it says is 25% lighter than the previous Rail 2.0, and the CAM FIT retention system with Cam Lock sliders and the BOA Fit System. Inside is the EXFIL Air Fit Liner with ZORBIUM foam and six customizable comfort pads. The retailer adds that two 5-slot Magpul MOE picatinny rails with mounting hardware and a shock cord kit come with the helmet. Team Wendy lists a complete-system weight of 1.59 lb (0.72 kg) for both sizes, and the retailer lists the same 1.59 lb.
Rail 3.0 matters if you plan to add face protection later. Team Wendy says its EXFIL Face Shield is only compatible with the EXFIL Rail 3.0 system and lists the Rail 3.0 versions of the LTP, Carbon and Ballistic among the helmets it fits. All three helmets on this page are Rail 3.0 listings.
What is not in the box: the night vision mount
The shroud is part of the helmet, but the mount that holds the night vision device is not. Team Wendy and the retailer both say the NVG mount or interface needed to attach a night vision device to the EXFIL LTP is not included. Budget for a mount. One reviewer lists what they paired it with, and adds a reminder:
“works with Wilcox g24 mount and j arm. Dont forget your counterweight!”
blu (AZ), five-star review, via OpticsPlanet
Another reviewer, who used a Wilcox mount, reports it held steady:
“The Wilcox mount is solid with absolutely no wobble noted.”
Mike (CA), five-star review, via OpticsPlanet
If you still need the device itself, our best night vision monoculars guide covers the single-tube units most often worn on a helmet, and best night vision goggles covers head- and helmet-mountable goggles.
Why owners rate it: a light night vision platform
All nine reviews on the retailer's page could be read: six are five stars and three are four stars, and every review that shows the recommend field says yes. The eight dated reviews run from December 2023 to March 2026. The most common theme is what owners use it with: five of the nine bring it up, in their own words: an "AMG NVG", "NV/Thermals", a Wilcox G24 mount and J arm, a Wilcox mount, or a "NODs platform". Three call it light or lightweight, and four call it comfortable (one of them in their Pros).
“Out of the box I just set it on my head and tightened the straps and it was perfect.”
Most helpful positive review, via OpticsPlanet
The same review has the sizing advice worth reading before you order, since the listing cannot be returned:
“I would recommend you go up the size if you are on the edge.”
Most helpful positive review, via OpticsPlanet
The honest catches: price, chin straps, no returns
The price. Four of the nine reviews raise price as the drawback, including two five-star reviewers who list it as their only con. The four-star review titled "Good product but too expensive" puts it most directly:
“The quality is there but they need to meet people at a reasonable price point.”
kevin (WA), four-star review, via OpticsPlanet
Chin straps. Two reviewers comment on the chin straps: one wanted more adjustment, the other does not care for the double chin strap.
“Chin straps could have a bit more adjustment but other than that I have no complaints.”
Cody (IL), four-star review, via OpticsPlanet
No returns on this listing. The retailer marks the EXFIL LTP as not eligible for return or exchange. Measure your head against Team Wendy's chart (see the FAQ) before you buy.
Trade-offs, plainly
- It is a bump helmet: Team Wendy rates it to a whitewater impact standard, with no protection against gunfire.
- The night vision mount is sold separately, and one owner reminds buyers to add a counterweight.
- Price is the most common complaint, raised in four of the nine reviews.
- Two reviewers note the chin straps: one wanted more adjustment, the other does not care for the double chin strap.
- The retailer does not accept returns or exchanges on this listing, so sizing has to be right the first time.
Which configuration: EXFIL Carbon or EXFIL Ballistic
The other two EXFIL helmets are separate listings with their own part numbers and their own owner records. Each is described only from its own listing and Team Wendy's page for that model.
EXFIL Carbon: the carbon fiber bump helmet
The EXFIL Carbon is still a bump helmet, with a high-strength, lightweight carbon fiber shell. Team Wendy says it exceeds the ACH blunt impact requirement per AR/PD10-02 with an average below 72G across all impacts and temperatures, and meets the shock absorption requirements of BS EN 1385:2012. Instead of the LTP's built-in shroud it carries a Wilcox W shroud for NVG mounts, compatible with a retractable lanyard system, plus Rail 3.0 with two Magpul MOE Picatinny-style rails, mounting hardware and a shock cord kit included. Team Wendy lists eight customizable comfort pads and a complete weight of 1.66 lb (Size 1) and 1.68 lb (Size 2), a little more than the LTP. Its warranty is one year.
The row we price is Black in the size the retailer calls 2XL (71-R3-Z22S-B22); Team Wendy calls the larger size XL. The listing also sells Black Medium/Large, Coyote Brown and MultiCam rows. Like the LTP, the retailer marks it as not eligible for return or exchange. OpticsPlanet shoppers rate it 5.0/5, but from a single review, so treat that as one buyer's report rather than a track record:
“Will buy another one when I can afford it.”
Steven (AL), five-star review, via OpticsPlanet
Trade-off: it costs well more than the LTP and is still a bump helmet with no ballistic rating, and its owner record on this listing is one review.
EXFIL Ballistic: the one for gunfire and fragments
The EXFIL Ballistic is the only helmet on this page rated against gunfire. Team Wendy states: ballistic performance meets NIJ Level III-A (according to NIJ STD 0106.01/0108.01), fragment performance of 17gr V50 of at least 2400 ft/s (731 m/s), backface deformation under 25.4 mm at all locations against 9mm FMJ RN at 1400 ft/s, and blunt impact that exceeds the ACH requirement per AR/PD 10-02 with an average below 70G. Team Wendy describes the shell as polyethylene and other fibers in a proprietary composite matrix and lists the cut as High-Cut. The retailer lists the material as composite and the compliance as NIJ Compliant.
On that word: NIJ's own site lists Standard-0106.01 (Ballistic Helmets, 1981) and Standard-0108.01 (Ballistic Resistant Protective Materials, 1985) as active standards, and its compliance-testing page describes testing body armor without mentioning helmets. We found no NIJ listing for this helmet, so we treat the rating as Team Wendy's stated performance and do not call it NIJ certified.
The protection costs weight. Team Wendy lists 2.6 lb complete for Size 1 and 2.75 lb for Size 2, against 1.59 lb for the LTP. It carries a 3-hole, lanyard-compatible Wilcox W shroud, Rail 3.0, 16 customizable comfort pads in two thicknesses with a removable center pad for overhead comms, and a Left Eye Dominant (LED) retention option. The warranty is split: up to five years on the ballistic package, up to one year on the liner, retention, accessory rails and shroud. The row we price is Black Medium/Large (73-R3-21S-E21); the listing also sells Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam rows, larger sizes and LED versions.
OpticsPlanet shoppers rate it 5.0/5 across six reviews, all five stars, and all six praise comfort or fit. Two bring up the price: one lists it as the con, and another mentions the cost in their text while listing no cons. Only one dated review is from the last twelve months, and no reviewer reports the ballistic protection being put to the test:
“I haven't quite yet tested its ballistic capabilities. Hopefully I never have to.”
mmp (MD), five-star review, via OpticsPlanet
One reviewer describes the same bump-or-ballistic choice this page is about:
“Was thinking of just buying a bump helmet to run nods.”
Ghost Ops (CA), five-star review, via OpticsPlanet
That reviewer chose the ballistic helmet in the end and lists price as the con. Trade-off: it is the heaviest and most expensive helmet here, and the owner record speaks to comfort, not to protection.
Key specifications: EXFIL LTP
| Row we price | Black, Medium/Large (72-R3-21S) |
|---|---|
| Protection class | Bump helmet, no ballistic rating; meets impact protection requirements of BS EN 1385:2012 for whitewater helmets (Team Wendy) |
| Shell | Impact-modified polycarbonate, Lexan polycarbonate copolymer (Team Wendy) |
| Weight | 1.59 lb (0.72 kg) complete system, both sizes (Team Wendy; retailer lists 1.59 lb) |
| Sizes | Size 1 (M/L) 21.5 to 23.5 in, 55 to 60 cm, hat 6 7/8 to 7 1/2; Size 2 (XL) up to 24.75 in, up to 63 cm, hat up to 7 7/8 (Team Wendy) |
| NVG shroud | Built in, integrated machined aluminum shroud insert; NVG mount not included (Team Wendy and retailer) |
| Rails | EXFIL Rail 3.0, which Team Wendy says is 25% lighter than Rail 2.0; two 5-slot Magpul MOE picatinny rails with hardware and a shock cord kit included (retailer) |
| Retention | CAM FIT with Cam Lock sliders and BOA Fit System (Team Wendy) |
| Liner | EXFIL Air Fit Liner with ZORBIUM foam, six customizable comfort pads (Team Wendy) |
| Colors | Black, Coyote Brown (Team Wendy) |
| Warranty | One year from date of delivery against defects in materials or workmanship (Team Wendy) |
| Returns | Not eligible for return or exchange (retailer listing policy) |
Figures marked Team Wendy are from its EXFIL LTP product page; figures marked retailer are from OpticsPlanet's specification table, features and listing notes for the 72-R3-21S row. On awards: OpticsPlanet's "Best Rated Product in Helmets" label is a store rating, not an editorial award, so we claim none.
Should you buy it, and what else to consider
- Buy the EXFIL LTP if you want a light bump helmet to carry night vision and rail accessories for training, hunting or night navigation, and you will buy the mount separately.
- Buy the EXFIL Carbon if you want a carbon fiber bump shell with a Wilcox W shroud and Team Wendy's AR/PD 10-02 blunt impact figure, and can live with a one-review owner record.
- Buy the EXFIL Ballistic only if your use calls for protection from gunfire and fragments, and accept roughly a pound more on your head than the LTP.
- Pairing hearing protection? Our PELTOR ComTac review covers electronic headsets owners wear under a helmet.
FAQ
Is the Team Wendy EXFIL LTP bulletproof?
No. The EXFIL LTP is a bump helmet. Team Wendy rates it against the impact protection requirements of BS EN 1385:2012, the standard for whitewater helmets, and lists no ballistic rating for it. The retailer lists its threat level as shock absorption. If you need ballistic protection, the model in this line is the EXFIL Ballistic.
EXFIL LTP vs Carbon vs Ballistic: which should I buy?
Buy the LTP if you want a light bump helmet to carry night vision and lights for training, hunting or night navigation: it is the least expensive and, at 1.59 lb per Team Wendy, the lightest of the three. Buy the Carbon if you want a carbon fiber bump shell with a Wilcox W shroud and the ACH blunt impact figure Team Wendy lists (AR/PD 10-02), and can accept a thin owner record. Buy the Ballistic only if you need protection from gunfire and fragments: Team Wendy states NIJ Level III-A performance, and it is the heaviest and most expensive of the three.
Does the EXFIL LTP come with a night vision mount?
No. The shroud is built into the helmet, but Team Wendy and the retailer both say the NVG mount or interface needed to attach a night vision device is not included. Owners report adding their own mounts; one names a Wilcox G24 mount and J arm and reminds buyers to add a counterweight.
Is the Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic NIJ certified?
Team Wendy states that its ballistic performance meets NIJ Level III-A according to NIJ STD 0106.01/0108.01, and the retailer lists it as NIJ Compliant. NIJ's own site lists Standard-0106.01 (Ballistic Helmets, 1981) and Standard-0108.01 (Ballistic Resistant Protective Materials, 1985) as active standards, and NIJ's compliance-testing page describes testing body armor without mentioning helmets. We found no NIJ listing for this helmet, so we report the claim as Team Wendy's stated performance and do not call it certified. Ask Team Wendy for test documentation if your agency needs it.
What size Team Wendy EXFIL should I get?
Measure your head and use Team Wendy's chart for your exact model, because the ranges differ. The LTP Size 1 (M/L) fits 21.5 to 23.5 in (55 to 60 cm) and Size 2 (XL) up to 24.75 in (63 cm). The Ballistic Size 1 fits 20.5 to 23.5 in and Size 2 23 to 24.75 in; the Carbon Size 1 fits 20.75 to 23.0 in and Size 2 up to 24.75 in. The retailer calls the larger Ballistic and Carbon size 2XL where Team Wendy says XL. The most helpful LTP review advises going up a size if you are on the edge.
What warranty does the EXFIL have?
Team Wendy gives the EXFIL LTP and Carbon one year from date of delivery against defects in materials or workmanship. For the EXFIL Ballistic it lists up to five years on the ballistic package and up to one year on the liner, retention, accessory rails and shroud. Team Wendy says altering the helmet or its components in any way it has not authorized voids the warranty, and its Ballistic warranty does not cover damage from replacing the EXFIL rails with non-Team Wendy accessory rails. Separately, the retailer marks the LTP and Carbon listings as not eligible for return or exchange.
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