When you hear the name “Team Wendy” alongside things like “tactical, ballistic helmets, military operators, law enforcement, etc.” you might be wondering how in the world they all go together.

Founded in honor of the founder’s daughter, Wendy Moore, who passed away from TBI following a ski accident, Team Wendy has been constructing the most innovative and purpose-built impact-mitigation helmets since 1997.

Fast forward in time, and Team Wendy has managed to supply over 5 million Zorbium Action Pad helmet pad systems to the US Military. Of course, they’ve also managed to develop the EXFIL, a complete helmet platform for law enforcement and military operators, back in 2012.

While this guide covers my review of their latest and greatest, EXFIL Ballistic SL helmet, you can find the full story behind Team Wendy in my M-216 ski search and rescue helmet review here. Speaking of the M-216 helmet, I was absolutely amazed at the level of construction quality and brilliant functionality.

When I first came across their EXFIL Ballistic SL helmet in person, I immediately got a sense of the same stunning attention to detail. Instantly, I knew I had to own one.

Below, you’ll find my Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic SL helmet review, alongside more details on how the Cleveland-based Team Wendy, works every day to further their mission of saving lives.

Quick Highlights:

• Available in black, coyote brown, MultiCam and Ranger Green variations
• New lightweight hybrid composite shell offers a 15% weight reduction (Compared to original EXFIl Ballistic)
• Same unique EXFIL shell geometry for optimal fit, balance and strength
• EXFIL Rail 3.0 accessory mounting system compatible. (Works with all EXFIL accessories)
• Low-profile EXFIL 3.0 Rail is 25% lighter than previous EXFIL 2.0 Rail System
• Compatible with all-new EXFIL Ballistic Visor and Wilcox SL Shroud
• Machined aluminum Wilcox SL Shroud provides 35% weight reduction from previous version
• Boltless CAM Fit retention offer one-handed adjustment with individual head shape fit (high-strength hook/loop attachment meets ACH pull strength requirements)
• Exceptional stability and secure, personalized fit with BOA Fit System
• BOA Fit System includes Micro-adjustable dial, coasted stainless steel cable and low fiction guides
• MIL-DTL-32067 leather chin cup
• 5/8” nylon webbing
• Acetal buckles and cams
• 500D Cordura nape pad with Zobriun foam
• Antimicrobial wicking headband sleeves
• Three-piece Zorbium foam liner with 16 customizable individual comfort pads in 2 thicknesses for comfort and blunt impact protection (Berry compliant materials)
• Removable center pad accommodates overhead comms easily
• Available replacement comfort pads offer ease of maintenance.
• (2) Magpul MOE picatinny style rails with mounting hardware included
• Shock cord kit for NVG stabilization included
• NIJ Level III-A (according to NIJ STD 0106.01/0108.01) Ballistic performance
• 17gr V50 ≥ 2400 ft/s (731 m/s) Fragment Performance
• 9mm FMJ RN @ 1195 ft/s (365 m/s); BFD < 25.4 mm all locations Backface Deformation
• Exceeds ACH Blunt Impact requirement per AR/PD10-02, 16Dec’13 (below 70G across all locations and conditions, less than half the allowable 150G maximum.)
• Third-Party NIJ accredited labratory ballistics certification
• Size M-L 2.22lbs Complete system weight, 1.41 lbs. shell only
• Size XL 2.31lbs Complete system weight, 1.59 lbs. shell only
• Sizes M-L 20.5-23.5 in (52-50cm) head circumference, 6 5/8-7 ½ hat size
• Size XL 23-24.75 in (58-63cm) head circumference, 7 3/8 – 7 7/8 hat size
• Polyethylene and other fibers in a proprietary composite matrix shell material construction
• Loop 110, military loop VELCRO USA
• Zobium proprietary polyurethane impact and comfort foam also used in standard issue U.S. Army and Marine Corps 7-Pad system
• Proprietary water-resistant film and loop fabric covering for impact liner
• Proprietary water-resistant film and antimicrobial wicking fabric covering for comfort pads
• Available accessories: EXFIL ballistic ear covers, ballistic helmet covers, ballistic visor, Oxygen Mask strap kit, Peltor Quick Release Adapter -Kit, and Quick Release Rail Adapter.
• Left Eye Dominant (LED) option available